This quarter, Atoka artists are learning about local talent. Painter,
David Lynch is a Memphis artist who creates colorful and exciting images of downtown Memphis and historical landmarks. As we viewed Lynch's work, I heard comments such as; "The buildings look like they are dancing," and "Ooh, the colors are fun!"
Visit the website of artist David Lynch to see more of his amazing work!
We also are learning that artists often create from what they know and have experienced. This is called the context.
Before looking at Lynch's paintings, students went on a virtual field trip via Google Earth. We named all the important landmarks we could think of and then found them in Google Earth. The kids had a blast and I encouraged them to talk to their parents about exploring the earth more from a home or library computer. We learned about Geography, Memphis history and technology ...and the kids thought we were just having fun :)
Click on the globe to see an example of our
field trip to Memphis!
Are you a parent interested in helping your child explore more of the earth's wonders?
Download Google Earth here. For the best touring experience, be sure to check 3D buildings and Street view in the menu bar.
Young artists used their knowledge of color theory to create wonderful collages inspired by the art of Romare Bearden. Check out the student gallery for more amazing art!
Students in the art room, started working on a VoiceThread today. My artists, viewed images of Romare Bearden's art and then left comments via a classroom microphone. Day 4, 4th graders have done a great job getting us started. Be sure to check back throughout the next week to listen to updates and assess how well our Atoka artist are communicating their thoughts and ideas about visual art.
If you see an "x" just click it to make it go away. Click the play arrow to begin play. Click on icons to hear from specific students and click on the arrow at the bottom right to skip to the next image.
Our featured artist this quarter is a man with Southern roots. Romare Bearden, an African American artist, was born in 1911 in North Carolina. His family moved to Harlem, New York when he was four years old but he spent many vacations with family in the south.
Bearden was lucky to live and work in Harlem during a time of change known as the Harlem Renaissance. Music, art and poetry were changing all around him. Jazz music had a big influence on Romare Bearden's art. He loved the way the musicians used improvisation!
Bearden is well known for his collage; art made by gluing papers together to make a new image.
Check out this great web page by
The Metropolitan Museum of Art ! Take a tour of Romare Bearden's famous work "The Block," listen to music and narration and zoom in for close ups.
Memphis Zoo Art Entries
Teachers and staff cast their vote today for select art to be entered in the Memphis Zoo "Teton Trek" art contest. Area schools are allowed one entry per grade level.
All of the artwork submitted was fabulous. I am so proud of our hard working students! The selected artists' names will be announced tomorrow at school.
The new exhibit is schedule to open in October. 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be announced soon. 1st place winners will have their art work enlarged and displayed as a banner outside the new exhibit.
Congratulations Atoka Artists!
1st grade entry
2nd grade entry
3rd grade entry
4th grade entry
5th grade entry
Matisse on PBS!
PBS offers an interactive online activity using Matisse like shapes and collage. Click the picture on the left to go directly to the website.
What do you think the little boy in this painting is feeling?
The boy's father, Henri Matisse is the artist who created this painting. What do you think Matisse what thinking about when he painted this?
Click on the arrow in the bottom left corner of the painting to hear more about this painting.
Modern Kids: Henri Matisse. The Piano Lesson. 1916
Oil on canvas, 8' 1/2" x 6' 11 3/4" (245.1 x 212.7 cm). Mrs. Simon Guggenheim Fund. © 2008 Succession H. Matisse, Paris / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Welcome back artists!
We are going to have an exciting year in the Art Room at Atoka Elementary. Please check the Art Room website regularly for information about our featured artist, upcoming art projects and fun online activities.
This quarter, we will be learning about a famous artist; Henri Matisse. We will also learn about using line and shape in our art work.
Take a look at some of these great websites to learn more about the featured artist:
ArtSmart 4 Kids will give you background information about the artist and a few examples of his paintings.
Matisse for Kids: is a super fun interactive website.
Later this year, we will be studying the graffiti artist Keith Haring. This little game lets you create your own design with Keith Harring shapes. Begin by clicking on the box at the bottom left; drag colors and shapes to the blank "paper". Have fun!
Want more Haring? Check out
Haring Kids for fun games & interactives.