The project I like to begin every Art class with is the making of a personal sketchbook. The sketchbooks will be used throughout the rest of the class to plan out art projects, take notes about artists, write reflections, and practice artistic techniques and skills. This time the assignment was to create a mandala design on the front cover that included symbols that represented something about the artist. I also asked that they find a way to creatively integrate their name into the radial design.
My current classes are a mix of 7th and 8th graders who come with varying artistic experience and abilities. The results of this 1st assignment were impressive and inspired high expectations for what is to come! I have a good feeling that this group is ready to take on some challenging art adventures!
Not only can Kapaa Middle School Art students create beautiful masterpieces, but they can articulate their thoughts on the process and explain their intentions through written artist statements! Click here to read a sample Artist Statement by 8th grader, Kahi Davis.
These are all so good! It is apparent that each artist was really engaged in the process and put a lot of thought into their work. And that is a good thing if they are going to be using these sketchbooks for the rest of the class! You are off to a great start!
Thank you for being such a great teacher for our son Jayson Hawthorne. He loves your class and is always excited to show us what new creations you have taught them to make.