This week, first grade will be starting a Charley Harper inspired artwork! He was an American artist who simplified nature into basic shapes, in a style which he called "Minimal Realism". You can learn more about Mr. Harper and view more of his works at his gallery website.
After looking at examples of Mr. Harper's work, we will start on our own!
We used blue Tru-Ray construction paper for the background
90lb Sax Multimedia paper for the birch trees
Red Tru-ray paper
Black tempera paint
Cardboard
Pencils, & Sharpie makers
First we'll create the look of bark for our birch trees, by adding black paint to our white paper. We will use cardboard lightly dipped in black paint and drag it across the paper to achieve this effect.
After the black paint had dried some, we can cut out the trees and place them on the background. I think while we're waiting for the black to dry, I'll have the children use Q-tips to paint white dots in the background for snow.
Next, we'll add the cardinals! We'll use simple shapes like teardrops, half of an oval, crescents, and triangles to create the body parts of the birds.
They do not have to create the same exact birds I did. Some of these shapes could be quite the challenge for some. If they just want to do teardrops and triangles, then they can do just that!
After we have our birds glued on, we'll create their iconic black masks, and add their beaks. I used black and yellow orange Tru-Ray paper to do so. I notice that when the birds are looking straight at you, Mr. Harper used a "U" shape for the beak, and the mask. So, that's what I used too! If they just want to cut out triangles, they can just do triangles! I added eyes with a Sharpie marker, after I glued the mask, and beak on.
Can't wait to see what 1st grade will do with theirs!
Stay tuned for some awesome art!
I am a pre-k teacher and I love art! Not carbon copy, everyone's look the same art, but true creative art. I have been teaching 38 years and still get excited about going to school. I teach in a small, Title 1 school in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I am so glad that I found your wonderful blog! I am starting my favorite unit- World of Color and we will be doing lots of different art activities. I can't wait to paint snowy owls, and the Charlie Harper cardinals. I also have 2 antique booths filled with lovely art pieces. We have a signed Charlie Harper book, and 2 bark art pieces. We are off from school today and of course I'm searching pinterest for ideas and I found you. Have a great week and thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas!
ReplyDeleteMrs C, you just made my day!!! I'm so glad you found us, said hello, and enjoy the art!! & 38 years?! You are a role model for me ma'am! I'm so excited you're trying out our projects too! Isn't it amazing how people across the state, even world can share ideas?! Love it!
ReplyDelete& may I add that I'm so jealous you have a signed Charley Harper book, and two bark art pieces!! I can only show them examples online. That's awesome that you can show them the real thing.
Again, so glad you found us and so glad you are creating and sharing your talents with a new generation of art lovers! Keep us posted on how the projects go! Hope you have a great week too!