The Fourth Quarter Begins!

The beginning of our final quarter finds our 4th graders finishing their Chinese ink wash painting project. Our 5th graders will begin a new project this week. They will be refreshing their knowledge of color theory and reviewing the art element texture as we look at the works of Albrecht Durer.

Traditional Chinese Ink Wash Painting

Our fourth graders are currently learning about the art of traditional Chinese painting. This painting method uses different concentrations of soot-based ink to create different tones. Calligraphic lines are used to create meditative and ephemeral works, often representing nature. While there are many beautiful examples of colored inks being used as well, our studies are centered on monochromatic bamboo paintings. Bamboo symbolizes the ideal Chinese gentleman, who like bamboo, bends under adversity but does not break.

4th Grade: Quilled "Persian Carpet" Patterns

Here is a sampling of our fourth grader's completed quilled patterns. These patterns were contstructed using the abstract natural and geometric images found in Islamic art, with particular attention given to the incredible Persian carpets. The method of quilling was used to give the patterns depth and texture. The elements of pattern, texture, and color were focused on in this project.

4th Grade: Islamic Art

Our fourth graders have been learning about Islamic art and it's common themes. We have studied how geometric and abstract natural images in pattern are used to direct one towards thoughts of Paradise.
We looked at the decorative nature of Islamic art and how it is used, from it's presence in mosques to it's presence in textiles that can be found in the home.

Tapestry: The Unicorn in Captivity

Our fifth graders are studying The Unicorn in Captivity tapestry series. They are learning about the different uses of this textile, commont themes represented in it, and methods of commisioning and producing it. As we continue this project, we will also employ the method of quilling, popularized during the Renaissance, to make tapestries of our own.

David Profiles

Here is a sampling of the fifth graders completed David projects. In this project they focused on the art elements of line and value.

Michelangelo and Sculpture

Our fifth graders are currently studying the Italian Renaissance with a focus on Michelangelo. We have been talking about sculpture and how Italian sculptors championed the use of contrapposto to create the illusion of motion in their marble figures. Below is an example of contrapposto, or the shifting of weight in a figure, exhibited by Donatello's Saint Mark, ca.1411-1413.

We also reviewed the use of chiaroscuro, or the treatment of light and shadow in a composition, as well as disegno, or drawing used as design for completed works.  Below left, Caravaggio's Calling of St. Matthew exhibits dramatic use of chiaroscuro, while below right, Da Vinci's drawing for Madonna and Child exhibits the use of disegno.

Finally, we introduced our next project, a "disegno" like, full value drawing of a profile of the head of Michelangelo's David. Our fifth graders are so excited for this project!