sixth grade color investigation paintings

I love these free form color investigations! I first saw this project here created by Olivia Gude (love all of her work).

The directions are simple (download the complete project details here):
1. Choose a shape and make it your mark in your painting.
2. Choose a hue. Make many variations of your color without it becoming a different color. Push green until someone calls it blue!
3. Vary the color in hue, value, and chroma.
4. Now choose another hue and use variations as an accent.

The sixth graders did a beautiful job with their color investigations. I certainly enjoyed hearing the excitement and joy of new discoveries being shared along the way. Not wanting to waste any of their color combinations at the end of class, some of them even made abstract monoprints from their color mixing palettes!

second grade clouds

The second grade artists have their heads in the clouds!


We finished working on this project which required lots of up close intense observation so it was time to look up in the sky for a change. We have been working on the cloud theme for a couple of months now and started our exploration using Clouds in Art, an interactive website. Partners worked together to identify cloud types in over 20 landscape paintings. Great practice using the interpersonal intelligence!


These felted cloudscapes were made using wool roving and the wet felting process. We used plastic bags, warm/cold soapy water, and lots of energy to work the fibers into fabric in this very bodily-kinesthetic activity. We had some tired arms and very clean art tables by the end of the hour!



The second graders embellished their final textile piece using beads, needle, and thread. They made such beautiful choices! I am also very proud of their perseverance in learning a new skill.

new city softies

Happy New Year!


These soft sculptures were made during a winter break art class at New City School and are sure to bring you a smile. They were so much fun to make and will look great hanging in the gallery for the Sew Loved art show!

sew loved

The Sew Loved art show is here!


Where: New City School's Delano Gallery, Saint Louis, Missouri.
When: 2012 Winter-Spring show
Why: Sew Loved will feature artists from around the world who love to make softies. These artists will inspire the New City School children and community to create their own softies in a collaborative way. Create, Inspire, Love!



What are softies? Softies are huggable art! Also called soft sculpture, plush, or textile art, this kind of art is soft to the touch and made from any kind of fabric.



How does it work? Each of the softie artists have created a special little package just for you to help you get started making your own softie. You should have already picked up your package when you signed up for the show before Winter Break, but if not, you are welcome to still participate! Bring your softie to the art room by January 6th and it will by hung in the gallery to complete the art show. I can't wait to see what you create!

I'll also be introducing you to some of the artists featured here in the coming months. More from Sew Loved soon!