OLG Newsletter – May 28th

Parent Org Chair

Art News: Debbie Bellia

Pre-K – 8th grade

As the school year draws to a close, I am happy to say it has been a very productive one in art. The students are completing the last of their art pieces in preparation for a fun summer close at hand.

The Pre-K and kindergarten have been working on painting spring trees using brown tempera paint. They are learning how to control their brushes and paint varied lines to make a tree. Then they are using green and yellow tempera paint to create the illusion of grass, blending the two colors into small strokes to create grass texture. In the next class they are going to be using green glue to paint leaves and adding bits of crinkled colored tissue paper to make flower blossoms. They have created beautiful work so far and will be finished in the next class.

The first grade just completed their 3D cut-out salmon as part of their study of the life cycle of salmon. They drew all the details on each of their fish and added watercolor to show how they change color as they swim upstream to spawn. Their beautifully completed works are hanging from the ceiling in their classroom.

The second grade is currently working on Monet impressionistic paintings as part of their upcoming studies on Europe. They learned how to create a simple pencil sketch of a landscape and used tiny brushes to paint in the French impressionist style, using color as light. They are doing a great job picking up different bits of paint and laying them on the canvas in little strokes. They will add the final touches of color in the next class.

The third grade just completed a chalk and paint outer space piece as part of their study of space. They painted a white splattered background on black paper to create stars in outer space. Next they colored a series of circles in blended chalk to make the planets. When they were done they cut the planets out and glued them to the background. In the final step they added a crater-like foreground to give the feeling of standing on the moon. Their final work is amazing.

The 4th, 5th and 8th grades just completed op art pieces. The students began their work with one simple shape and then continued to trace the shape larger each time to the borders. Then they drew lines over that to make a wavy grid. The work was then colored in alternating black white patterns. Color was then added in the final steps. The students did a great job inventing different ways to create their work, making each one very unique.

The 6th grade grade completed their watercolor sea turtle studies and are working on another watercolor for their endangered species project in science. The 7th grade just completed their SW Native American pottery design drawings, using a variety of markers to give their work lots of bright color. They will begin a fruit still life pastel drawing this week, using chalk pastels showing light and shadow.

As you all get ready for summer, I want to thank you for sharing your beautiful children. I am in awe of what they are able to accomplish and enjoy their great joy and energy while they create each of their works. I hope you all have a safe, fun-filled summer with lots of great memories and adventures. I look forward to another great year with all of you in the fall.