Virtual School Day

K-5 Art Choices for Virtual School Days

****ALL Art that was in the art room in March has been distributed to your classrooms and will be distributed with your other classroom items this week- Make sure to sign up and gather your work!*****

The last week of Art Zooms are for grade K, 1 and 2. Hope to see you there! Please Bring a piece of art work to share!

We will meet as a whole grade level. See the schedule below.

For live links to the meetings check your email!

Kindergarten: Wednesday June 17th @ 10:30 am

Grade 1: Wednesday June 17th @ 10 am

Grade 2: Wednesday June 17th @ 9:30 am

Please keep looking below for fresh lesson ideas every week.... keep checking in and stay creative!

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6/15/2020

This week we celebrate the HEART!

The Thoreau Specialist share our love for Thoreau and all of you in this video of the THOREAU school song

The Heart is a symbol of love and caring.....We celebrate this last week of school by thinking about all of those people who have helped us during this difficult few months. Create some Heart Art and send it along to a friend, a parent, a sibling, a teacher, a grandparent, anyone who has helped you or who may be in need of a little extra love.

Here are some ideas for how you can decorate your heart:

PRINTED HEARTS
Paint some paper with large colorful brushstrokes.
Let it dry!
Use some heart shaped cookie cutters or make your own stamp by cutting out a sponge. Dip it in paint and press it on top of your colorful paper!

OP-ART HEART
Draw a heart on your page.
Use a ruler and draw straight lines OUTSIDE of the heart.
Curve the lines INSIDE the heart
Watch it POP!

MANY HEART ART
Use a ruler to divide your paper into squares
Draw a heart in each square or cut out a template to trace that will fit inside your square
color each heart with a different combo of colors
try similar colors, opposite colors, warm or cool colors

COLLAGE HEART
Cut out Paper into the shape of a heart.
Use colorful paper or other materials to decorate your heart.
You can cut the papers or tear them into interesting strips!
play around with the materials before you glue them down to find your favorite result!

The Sky is the limit: You can decorate or design you heart using any technique. Maybe try something we did earlier in the year like fill a heart with zentangles, use texture rubbings or patterns.....Make a bunch of hearts and pass them on!

Please continue to send in your work to @khiltz@concordps.org and I will include it in the Thoreau Virtual Gallery

Happy SUMMER!

-Mrs. Hiltz

6/8/2020

This week we will look at point of view!

A point of view in drawing is simply what position an observer is in relation to the objects in a picture. The point of view is determined by where a viewer is stationed in relation to everything else he sees. For example, if one has a birds-eye view, one will see objects beneath him. If one has a front view, objects will appear how he is use to seeing them. What if this week we think about different points of view!

Choose an interesting object around your home and draw it from 3 different points of view. (draw it from the front, the back, and above. What do you see from the different points of view? what can you NOT see? How does your point of view change what the object looks like?)
Draw a landscape or your back yard....What objects are close to you? What objects are far away? What objects will be BIG and what objects will be small?.....Now imagine you walk to a different part of your landscape or actually walk to a different part of your yard.....What Objects are close and BIG now? What objects are far away and small? How does your point of view change the landscape?
Watch 2 Bad Ants, Imagine you are something tiny, like an ant.....Or Huge like a skyscraper....what would the world look like to you.
Think of a situation....like a rainy day, a super hot day, a Thunderstorm, a snowstorm....Draw a comic of 3 different perspectives someone or something could have about that day.

Please continue to send in your work to @khiltz@concordps.org and I will include it in the Thoreau Virtual Gallery or bring it to our Art Zoom and we can talk about it face to face!

Miss you all!

Mrs. Hiltz

6/1/2020

This week we will explore SHADOWS!

Shadows are created when light is blocked from passing through an object!

If the source of light changes so does the shadow!

This week our projects will use and explore shadows in different ways....

Want to learn more about the science of shadows....watch this Mr. Binocular video!

Here are some fun projects to help you explore shadows:

Collect some objects that have an interesting shape (toys, plants, action figures) and set them on a white piece of paper. If it is a sunny day go outside, or you can use a flashlight or desk lamp if indoors. Trace the outline of the shadow on the paper. If using a light indoors, see what happens to the size and shape of the shadow if you move the light around.

Once you have drawn your outline or silhouette add details and color.

OR you can move the object and paper and trace it again....over and over to create an abstract outline drawing. Explore how you can change the shapes of the shadow by changing where the object is and where your light is.

OR If you want to go even further.....once you have a bunch of shapes overlapping, fill the abstract shapes in with different colors or patterns!

Create an abstract sculpture with various materials around your house....choose items that have interesting patterns or shadows like, netting, bubble wrap, wire/pipe cleaner or translucent objects that will filter light. Place them in a dark space and shine a light on them to see the shadow that is created. If you move the light source around how does that change the appearance of the objects in your sculpture? Make the Sculpture move by blowing on it or using a fan....how does that change the shadow?

Use shadows to create a puppet show! First, use black or dark paper, draw the outline of your characters or objects you want to make then cut them out. If you want to cut out inside shapes, just pinch your paper to cut a slit then cut out the inside shape! Tape a stick, straw or twig to the object to create a shadow puppet. Use a flashlight or lamp in a dark room to put on your own puppet show. you can simply project it on a bare wall OR If you want to create your own stage, use a box and cut out a large screen (ask a parent for help) cover the screen with a thin paper and light it from behind....you can even add scenery to your stage by creating more silhouettes (or outlines) with dark paper....Write a script for your show or just make it up as you go along!

Please continue to send in your work to @khiltz@concordps.org and I will include it in the Thoreau Virtual Gallery or bring it to our Art Zoom and we can talk about it face to face!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Hiltz

5/25/2020

Hello everyone,

I hope you had a great long weekend!

Our theme this week is patterns!

Our first fresh idea this week is the art of Zentangles. Zentangles are very popular because they have been shown to help you relax and live in the moment. The Zentangle Method is a relaxing and fun way to create images by drawing patterns. These patterns are called tangles. You create tangles with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. Zentangle art is unplanned so you can focus on each stroke and not worry about the result. Try to free your mind and do not have a plan! Even if your marks aren't initially what you might have intended you can use them as inspirations to go in directions that you may not have otherwise explored. Instead of looking at them as "mistakes", we think of them as "opportunities." Watch this short Zentangles video then take a deep breath, find a quiet spot and maybe even play some relaxing music and get started on your own Zentangle!

Weaving is all about patterns too. Over, Under, Over, Under.... repeat this pattern with yarn, fabric strips, natural materials and see how the pieces lock together! In this video, I will show you the basics of making your own loom at home with a piece of cardboard. Happy weaving!

Patterns in Nature: As humans, we tend to look for similarities amongst the things in our world. Perhaps it is a way to help us make sense of such diversity. Helps us understand how everything is connected and where we fit in. We love to find patterns, don’t we? Patterns are everywhere in nature. Find the different patterns in nature listed on this scavenger hunt. Take a piece of paper and a pencil with you and draw some of the patterns you observe. You may also like to bring your camera along to capture the specific examples you find. Your photos can then serve as inspiration for further exploration, art projects, or an entry in a nature journal. Just be warned, once you start noticing patterns it’s hard to stop!

want to learn more about patterns in nature check out this read aloud of Bees, Snails, and Peacock Tails by Betsy Franco

Please continue to send in your work to @khiltz@concordps.org and I will include it in the Thoreau Virtual Gallery or bring it to our Art Zoom and we can talk about it face to face!

Have a great week!

Mrs. Hiltz

5/18/2020

Our theme this week is Circles!

The first is the Circle game: Draw as many circular designs as you can think of in 20 minutes. What objects are circles? A pizza, A flower, a sun, a wheel.....What other objects can you think of that are circles? You can trace a circular object in your home or print this template. Let the Circle games begin.....

Mandalas- The word “mandala” itself means “circle” and, often, that’s what a mandala looks like. A circle. Native cultures across the world, including Native American tribes and Tibetan Buddhist monks have used mandalas in their spiritual practices for centuries. Mandalas are always circular, but they can have limitless variations in their patterns and designs.

The simplest mandala pattern features a central image, typically in a circle, that radiates outward with symmetrical designs, such as the rays of the sun or the petals of a flower stretching to the outer circle. They may also include repeating scrolls or interlocking knots.

Coloring Mandalas: Mandala art can be beautiful and interesting but it is also very therapeutic. Mandala design and coloring mandala art relieves stress, encourages deep reflection and helps you heal emotionally. Click on this link for free Madala Coloring Pages. Choose a Mandala to color or just look at the page for some ideas....What colors will you use to fill your Mandala? Will you use Cool Colors (Blue, Green and Purple) to create a calming Mandala? Will you choose Hot Colors (Red, Orange, and Yellow) to create a bright and energetic mandala? Maybe you will Use complementary colors like blue and orange to make different parts POP off the page.....Or will you use color symbolically, use these symbols below or decide on your own what different colors will represent?

White: Openness

Red: Power, the life force

Yellow: Humility

Blue: Infinity, Purity, and Life

Black: Darkness

Found Object Mandala- Look outside for materials to create your own mandala. Start in the middle and work your way out. See how big you can make it...

Want to make your own Mandala... click on this How to draw a mandala guide for step by step instructions. (recommended for upper grades)

Please continue to send in your work to @khiltz@concordps.org and I will include it in the Thoreau Virtual Gallery or bring it to our Art Zoom and we can talk about it face to face!

All the best,

Mrs. Hiltz

5/11/2020

Hi all, I hope to see you soon in our first Art Zooms! In the meantime we have a lot of cool lessons for the week:

the First one is a bit steamy! Watch this video then try to make your own sculpture that balances....learn about gravity, balance and stability along the way.

Texture is how something feels on it's surface. Every object has a texture. Some words that describe the texture of an object are smooth, rough, scratchy, bumpy.....Let's explore different textures by creating rubbings of things in our home or yard....To make a rubbing just use a piece of copy paper and place it on top of the object. Hold the paper still and rub a crayon or pencil over the top. What do you see? Things to try: the bottom of shoes, tree bark, rugs or a large rock.

Create a page or 2 of cool textures. (picture 1)
Draw a picture and rub textures onto the picture to create different textures in different parts of your picture (picture 2)
Create textured papers....then use them to make a collage (picture 3)

Javier Perez is an artist from Ecuador who creates illustrations by placing everyday objects on paper and drawing around them. Create your own found object illustration! Think outside the box and be creative.

Please continue to send in your work to @khiltz@concordps.org and I will include it in the Thoreau Virtual Gallery or bring it to our Art Zoom and we can talk about it face to face!

Can't wait to see you!

Mrs. Hiltz

5/4/2020-

Hello Thoreau Students! I want to start off by thanking all of you for emailing your fabulous art work. I hope you have had a chance to check out everyone's creative art pieces at the Thoreau Virtual Gallery. Please continue to send in your work to @khiltz@concordps.org and I will include it in the Gallery.

Draw a picture of a butterfly. What parts does a butterfly have? How can you draw the parts of a butterfly one shape at a time? What shapes and lines can you draw to decorate the butterfly’s wings?
Draw a picture of a garden. Will you draw flowers and plants? Vegetables? Will you draw any insects or animals in your garden?
Draw a picture of a castle. What parts, shapes and lines will you draw? Will your castle have doors, windows or towers? Make it look real or imaginary.
Draw an imaginary city or town. What will you include in your town? What shapes and sizes of buildings will you draw? What season will it be in your picture?

As always you can continue to find inspiration from the previous weeks art ideas if you prefer....

Keep up the good work!

Mrs. Hiltz

4/27/2020-

Welcome Back! I hope you had a great vacation!

This week are theme is LOOKING!

look at a piece of furniture in your house and draw it!
look through the Thoreau Virtual Gallery and find some inspiration from your friends!
look through an old magazine or newspaper (ask your parent's permission before cutting up anything!) look for cool and interesting pictures. Once you have collected a bunch think about how you can use parts from all the images to make a whole new picture! Glue or tape them together.

use your artist eye to look at objects in a new way...try to find all the letters in your name or spell an inspirational word using parts of objects you find around the house. Ask your parents permission to use a phone, camera or tablet to take pictures of the letters you find, just like these artists did. Can you tell what words these are?

Do a scavenger hunt: look for different colored objects. Arrange them into a color wheel, take a photo.

Remember you can always choose an idea from the previous weeks, revise or finish something you started earlier or even redo something you have already done with a twist! If you send me a photo @khiltz@concordps.org I will add it to the Thoreau Virtual Gallery.

Happy Looking!

Mrs. Hiltz

4/13/2020-

Hello Everyone,

Here are some fresh ideas for the week. I hope they inspire you to stay creative!

If you can go outside, watch this video by artist Pontus Jansson then create your own rock balancing land art.
Look at and draw a picture of your favorite shoes, think about the outside lines, the inside shapes and how you can draw the different textures you see.
Imagination: We all know the nursery rhyme, "There was an old woman who lived in a shoe...." How would you illustrate this nursery rhyme? Or what other odd place might someone live?
Art can bring joy and inspire. Find a smooth rock in your yard, Use sharpies, paint pens or even nail polish (with parent permission!) to create a bright, cheery and inspiring rock. Next time you go for a family walk place it somewhere along your route for others to see, you may just change someone's day for the better!

Remember you can always choose an idea from the previous weeks, or even redo something you have already done with a twist! If you send me a photo @khiltz@concordps.org I will add it to the Thoreau Virtual Gallery.

Keep smiling,

Mrs. Hiltz

4/6/2020-

Hello Everyone,

This week the birds are chirping and Spring is in the air! So let's celebrate nature.....

If you can go outside where you live: choose a tree or a plant or a branch. Draw or photograph it every day. See what changes you begin to notice. Save your drawings or photos for a week. Make your drawings into a book, or make your photos into a digital book, slide show, or movie.
If you can go outside, build a Fairy House! Take a photo or draw a picture of it.
Build a bird feeder out of an old milk jug to attract the birds. Place it outside near a window if possible. When birds come take photos and draw a picture of the different birds.
Watch this video of work by nature artist Andy Goldsworthy for inspiration. Rearrange or change natural elements like stones, twigs or leaves into something new. Take a photo of it!

Hope you have a great week!

Mrs. Hiltz

3/30/2020-

Hello Everyone,

The weather for this week looks pretty dreary, so maybe we can make some colorful art to cheer us up! Remember you can choose from any of the previous ideas listed below but here are some fresh ideas for the week:

Having trouble coming up with an idea watch this You Tube read aloud of The Dot by Peter Reynolds, then you can follow along with Peter Reynolds himself at Ready, Set, Draw-ish!
If observation is your thing.....try drawing a kitchen appliance, like a mixer, coffee maker, juicer or another house hold tool like a vacuum cleaner.
If imagination is more your thing.....after you draw your appliance or tool....make it come alive -give it some human features! Is it friendly? Angry? Happy? Sad? How might it be interacting with other appliances or objects in your house? for example: Is the vacuum chasing dust "bunnies" around the house? Maybe you can make a whole book of the adventure....Here is a way to make a simple book from 1 piece of paper!
If building is more your thing.....use those empty toilet paper tubes you have been collecting to make a marble run! How can you get the marble (or any sphere) to stay on the track and move through your sculpture....

Don't forget, you can send a picture or video of your work to me @ khiltz@concordps.org and I will upload it to the Thoreau virtual Gallery

Hope you have a great week!

Mrs. Hiltz

3/24/2020- A note from Mrs. Hiltz

Hello everyone!

I miss you all so much and hope you are finding ways to be creative! I have really enjoyed seeing some of the art you have been making and have put it together for you in the Thoreau Virtual Gallery please check it out! If you would like to submit work for the gallery just send a picture or video to me @ khiltz@concordps.org

While most of the art options listed below say "draw" please don't let that limit you, feel free to create work with any material you have access to. Although ALWAYS check with a parent first! Sometimes the best ideas come when we are limited in our resources! you can use the ideas listed below or if you have a really great idea on your own...go for it! Just let me know what your inspiration was and what you want people to notice.

Some ideas for materials you may have at home: play-dough, modeling clay, beads, ribbon, fabric scraps, recyclables, pencils, markers, paints, oil pastels, old wood scraps, ribbons or sewing notions, old magazines, toothpicks, straws, natural materials collected from your yard, even SNOW can be an art material!

Now for the inspiration:

Continue to use the grade level list below OR here are some fresh ideas for this week 3/23....for any grade level...choose 1

observe and draw a plant(s) in your house
set up a group of favorite objects or toys and draw what you see. (for younger students only 1 or 2 objects, older students could manange more)
build a sculpture out of snow (while it lasts)- or draw something you did out in the snow.
Draw yourself in your snow gear
Create a collage that represents your favorite meal from last week. (be creative....use old magazines, food labels, recyclables along with drawing materials and any other items you have around the house....ask your parents for permission!)
Watch If I built a House on You Tube : Use your imagination to design a house (or room) of the future (draw plans or even use recyclables and build it)

I will be back next week with more fresh ideas and I look forward to seeing all the great things you create!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Hiltz

A Sculpture made out of snow! What can you build out of snow???

K: Draw a picture of:

your family
you playing inside or outside
what you see when you look out the window

1: Draw a picture of:

your family
you playing inside or outside
what you see when you look out the window
make an observation drawing of your favorite toy

2: Draw a picture of:

your family
you playing inside or outside
what you see when you look out the window
make an observation drawing of your favorite toy
something else at home
build something with Legos or blocks, etc., draw a picture of what you built

3: Draw a picture of:

your family
you playing inside or outside
what you see when you look out the window
make an observation drawing of your favorite toy, or something else at home
build something with Legos or blocks, etc., draw a picture or what you built
fold paper to make a book, draw the story of your day.

4: Draw a picture of:

your family
you playing inside or outside
what you see when you look out the window
make an observation drawing of your favorite toy, or something else at home
build something with Legos or blocks, etc., draw a picture or what you built
fold paper to make a book, draw the story of your day
create a comic strip
invent a superhero, make a comic strip about your superhero
draw a self-portrait
draw a self-portrait, making a funny face in the mirror

5: Draw a picture of:

your family
you playing inside or outside
what you see when you look out the window
make an observation drawing of your favorite toy something else at home
build something with Legos or blocks, etc., draw a picture or what you built
fold paper to make a book, draw the story of your day
create a comic strip
invent a superhero, make a comic strip about your superhero
draw a self-portrait
draw a self-portrait, making a funny face in the mirror
do an observation drawing of someone else in your family
do an observation drawing of your pet.

All Grades:

If you have modeling clay at home, build a sculpture, then draw a picture of it.
If you have a recycle bin/storage at home, use empty egg cartons, tubes, boxes, etc., and masking tape to build a sculpture. Draw a picture of it.
Use an empty box to build a place, scene, home, story...like we did for our Community Boxes at Thoreau. You can draw on any kind of paper, cut out the shapes and parts, and use any kind of tape or glue to build the parts and put it together.
Make hats, masks, costumes out of paper, paper bags, dress-up clothes...draw self-portraits in your costume.
Make paper finger puppets, by wrapping a strip of paper around your finger, and attaching paper parts to it. Use tape. Do a finger-puppet show for your family.
Use a phone, iPad, or laptop to make a video of a finger -puppet show.
make a mixed up animal: take 2 animals and imagine what type of creature you might get if they were merged together. Would a crocodile + flamingo give you a crocodingo? Draw a picture of your mixed up "animal" and (for older grades) write about what this new creature would eat and where it would live.