Texture

Second graders have been learning about texture in art.  Students learned the two kinds of texture; visual texture, and actual texture (tactile texture.) We practiced finding texture around the art room.

 the walls, erasers, shoes

 Step stool

We also read the book "Where the Wild Things Are," and learned about different kinds of visual texture and practiced making textures on a monster creation of our own. Each monster had to have geometric shaped eyes, organic shaped mouth, and an organic shaped body.

 After drawing monsters, textures and details; students outlined with sharpie, then painted with primary colors and even practiced mixing secondary colors with a new medium, watercolor

 Students cut their monsters and prepared to make an abstract background.  To learn about abstract art, we studied the artist Kandinsky and his use of organic and geometric shapes.

 Students cut organic shapes they had previously painted with secondary colors to use as the background for this monster.

 Here are a few of the in-progress examples

Starting over

Welcome to Art! 

My name is Michael Kantor, this is my 4th year as an elementary art specialist. I am excited to be starting the art program at Cedar Creek Community School! I like painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and drawing. I love all sports, and local sports teams, especially the Wild.  I enjoy going to valleyfair and being outside. I spend my summers working at Hazeltine National Golf Club, in Chaska, MN.

Summer is long gone and the school year is here! This school year will be different than any I have ever experienced before.  I have the privilege of STARTING the elementary art program at my school. (That's right, a district who is ADDING art! Woohoo!) The classroom had been a random assortment of other classes in the 6 years since our district has had elementary art, and let me tell you, cleaning the random tools, books, and supplies was a daunting task!  As the clutter turned into an organized mess, I started to see how my classroom would look.  This will be my 4th year teaching and my first time really having a feel for how I want my class to look.

We have our own display case (great for square1 display)

My rules turned from paragraphs into a simple acronym.

I am more visual with the elements and principles of art.

The paints and brushes are sorted (Rainbow order)

Table bins are sorted and labeled by color.

Drawing books are at a good elementary height.

aaaaaaand finally my drawing mannequins and Vinny found a new home.

Will my classroom look like this at year's end? Who knows, but I am confident these students will be set up for success based on my experiences!