Quarter 4!

Mini-Murals

Clay Sculptures

Optical Illusion Art

Quarter 3!

Charcoal

Illuminated Letters
These artists learned how intricately artistic letters were used in medieval texts to begin writings and illustrate what would be written about. They looked through books of different fonts to sketch and plan out their designs. It was my job to keep pushing them to challenge themselves and keep adding designs, patterns, and imagery to empty/unfinished space.

Optical Illusion Art
These artists learned about optical illusions and how to use highlights and shadows to create their own 2D versions. They needed to create two different illusions with color pencils, learning how the pressure put on the pencils can control it's value. When the two were completed, they mounted them on thick black paper with double sided tape.

Finished Work:

Mini Murals
Feb 2019
​15 Days

Quarters 2/3

​Days 1 & 2: Intro and Sketches
Questions were answered as a class: What are murals? Where do you see them? Who paints murals? Why do towns have murals? How do you come up with an original design?
We looked at Murals from around the Hudson Valley and NYC.
Mini-Murals Sketching
  • Draw different sized rectangular buildings. Design some having doors, windows, fire escapes, etc.
  • Come up with 3 original mural designs
  • Designs can be about, hobbies, song lyrics, books, stories, historical events, another country, pre-teen lives, environmental issues, religious pride, cultural pride, feminine pride, ocean, jungle, etc.
  • ​Do not copy another mural, or characters from a game/show.
Take your time sketching. Remember, your building has 4 sides. Your design must continue on at least 3 of the 4 sides.
Day 3: Gesso & Color
Students will Gesso a shoe box to block off the text and color of the box. This will allow them to have a nice, blank base for sketching their idea when it dries. What they are finished gessoing, they add color to the sketch of their choice.

Quarter 2!

Mini-Murals
​Jan 2019

Cardboard Sculptures:

We will be creating our own, original cardboard sculptures.
Step one: Sketch THREE DIFFERENT sculpture ideas in your sketchbook. Do not rush and do not copy someone else’s idea.
Step two: Talk to me (Ms. Hollick) about the one you’re choosing. Solidify the size and style of your sculpture. Sculpture cannot be huge because we need to store them in the classroom. Cannot be taller that 14in. Cannot be longer than 16in. Styles: Hanging, Mounted, or Free-Standing
Step three: Use scissors to cut out pieces. Use glue gun to assemble. Wear protective gloves while gluing. Remember connecting techniques
Step four: Have the option to add acrylic paint or glue on other materials (fabric, stones, buttons, paper, etc.)
Step five: Photograph in photo-booth Area
​Step six: Self assess and hand in.
When sculptures are painted, neat, and dry, these 7th Grade artists photograph them with a digital camera in a class photo area. The photo area is a clean black sheet, pinned to a wall and draping over a table. We discussed documentation, getting the whole sculpture in the frame, and other angles/detail shots.

Final Work and Artist Statements!

Display Case:

Optical Illusion Art
These artists learned about optical illusions and how to use highlights and shadows to create their own 2D versions. They needed to create four different illusions with color pencils. When the four were completed, they mounted them on thick black paper with double sided tape.