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.