Fauvist Portraits

van Gogh, Self Portrait 1989 Impressionism

Matisse, Woman with a Hat 1905 Post-Impressionism

The second graders began the year discovering the world of Post-Impressionism through the eyes of Henri Mattise. Students learned about the French painter and his association with the foundation of the Fauvist or “Wild Beast” Movement by analyzing characteristics of his style, comparing and contrasting them with the qualities of Van Gogh’s Impressionist paintings. After a thorough review of facial proportions as studied through self-portraits, the students drew stylized sketches of themselves, filling their drawings in with colors suggestive of Fauvism, as well as displaying Matisse-inspired patterns and black outlines. In this project, the students worked to refine their painting skills, by choosing appropriate sized brushes, mixing their own original colors, as well as discovering tips on paint application.

Fourth Grade Art

The fourth graders are having a fabulous time in art while they make collages of mandalas. After learning about the origin, history and universal application of this radial image, they developed their own intricate abstract designs using just paper!


In celebration of Dia de los Muertos, the fourth graders took a break from their mandalas to design detailed calaveras using colored pencils and sharpies. They did a stunning job enlivening the festive skulls with amazingly intricate details and colors.

Abstract Elements and Principles

The seventh grade students initiated the year learning about the building blocks of visual arts: the Elements and Principles of Design. As can be viewed in the slide show in belows post, the Elements (Texture, Line, Space, Shape, Value, Color, and Form) are combined and applied to the Principles (Balance, Pattern and Rhythm, Harmony, Emphasis, Proportion, Movement and Unity)to create the masterpieces that we have admired throughout history. The seventh graders randomly chose one Element card and one Principle card which they visually represented in an abstract work of art. While creating these, the students had the joy of exploring new drawing tools including vine and compressed charcoal sticks, and soft, hard and white charcoal pencils. After the abstract works were completed the students talked about their approach to the abstract works and their different experiences with the charcoal, in addition to having fun attempting to match the E &P cards with the correct drawing.

The Elements and Principles of Art and Design

Elements And Principles of Art

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Welcome back to the 2011-2012 School Year!

After what seems to have been just a brief glimpse of summer, the students returned to a newly transformed school. Over the past few months a large wing has been added to Robinson Hall to accommodate the growing Vista program, a fabulous turf field has been installed, as well as gorgeous new landscaping, garden spaces and a gaga pit.

To top off the amazing changes in our school, the art room received a brand new kiln! This latest addition will allow our students to discover the joys of exploring clay/ceramics as an art medium- a phenomenal experience for our blooming artists.

In addition to all of the exciting new changes around campus, I am ecstatic to announce that a weekly Art Class will be extended to all Vista students this year. It is an honor to be able to work with all of our gifted students and witness how their high achievements carry far beyond the intellectual realms and into creative and artistic domains!

Stay posted for project updates in the upcoming weeks.

-Ms. Leggitt

Insect Block Prints

The Fourth Grade students explored the art of printmaking by creating these incredible block prints. They began by designing interesting compositions of insects honing in on the Elements of Art and Design. In doing so they learned how scale, space and texture can be combined to make an eye catching drawing. Next, they transferred their drawings to soft rubber blocks using a graphite rubbing technique and carved out the negative space using linoleum cutting tools. Lastly, they learned how to pull a successful print by coating the block in ink using a brayer (ink roller), and ultimately cropped and mounted them on colored paper. Most students were able to pull two successful prints which they mounted as a diptych work of art.