Cool quote

So true :-)

Zentangles

8th grade is working on a 2 part assignment dealing with LINE.  The first part of the assignment is to create 4 Zentangles.  They are working on a 6X6 inch paper to create their work and will eventually find their best piece and add color to it.  We will then work with 1 point perspective to create an interesting background space to mount the finished product.  They are doing such an amazing job, I had to share the work in progress.  

I must say, for my 8th graders they are really getting into their work and it does seem to be a "zen-like" experience for some :-)  The classes are a bit quieter while Zentangles are being created.  

Monochromatic Paintings-8th grade-COLOR

8th graders worked with paintings for the assignment below.  They could choose an image of anything they wanted.  Once they did this, I put the image on my computer and used a computer program called Photoshop to alter the image--to create almost a paint by number look.  The main intention of the assignment was color mixing.  Students were to choose a color they liked, and by mixing that color with either black or white they created a monochromatic painting.  Some chose to do a faded look with the paints in the background--modeled after the painter Mark Rothko (while others didn't--which was OK too).  I am so proud of the results!

Line Portraits-8th Grade

For the month of October in both my 7th and 8th grade classes we are focusing on the art element LINE.  Each student chose an image of their choosing.  It had to be of a face, but it could be of any person they liked--Most chose singers, actors, etc...The goal of the assignment was to break up the face by adding "flowing" lines from the different breaks.  Once they created the "flows" they were to use line as their focus (many got their line design inspiration here), eventually adding sharpie to really make the lines pop.  The images below are still works in progress, but beautiful none the less.  I can't wait to see the finished results!

When students complete any of their assignments early in the month of October they are to be working on Zentangles.

They work on a 6X6 piece of white drawing paper and are to only use sharpie (no pencils).  The goal is they aren't to worry about the final result, but the process (to sort of create a "zen-like" experience).  

inspired by the process: http://www.zentangle.com/gallery.php