Realistic vs. Abstract Self-Portraits : 4th Grade

 

 This project was from the beginning of our 1st 9 weeks together and I just haven't gotten around to posting these. So here they are!

 

We discussed the steps of drawing a realistic self-portrait.

 

 

 

They outlined their pencil drawings with oil pastels....

 

They painted with tempera cakes...we talked about "arbitrary colors" that aren't realistic.

 

Finally, the next class I taught them about mixing skin tones using acrylic paint. (won't do that again!) And they painted over their arbitrary color with realistic colors....turned out pretty fun for an experimental project. :)

 

 

Henna Hands

 

Oh the school auction projects are starting. This year our auction is in November, but I like to get a head start so that I'm not super stressed the week of!

 

This year my 2nd graders are making "Mehndi" inspired hand designs. I'm going to put them into a radial design on a framed wooden board. The "hands" were a big hit last year, but I realized tying this into a historical and cultural standard would be fabulous.

 

Day One: We talked about "Mehndi", the application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. We looked at several photos of henna tattoos and talked about how Hindu brides decorate their hands and feet with henna for special celebrations like weddings.

 

First they traced their hand, outlined with black sharpie and added their henna tattoos.

2nd grade!!

 

Next we will paint with a watercolor wash and then they'll cut them out and place on the board. I'll attach more photos as the project develops.

 

 

 

And here's the completed auction projects!