Hundertwasser Fantasy Landscapes

Beautifully intricate work by a kindergarten artist!

Ella

 Franziska, 3rd

 Alexandra, 5th

 Pia, 4th

 Jenna, 5th

Scott, 3rd

My Mini Modern Artists looked at the work of Friedensreich Hundertwasser. I have 2 students who speak fluent German and were hysterical at my pronunciation of this Austrian artist's name. "Ms. Mary, you just said Dog Water!!" Once we all recovered from laughter we focused on certain elements of his art: repetition, concentric circles, and bold colors. I talked about him being an environmentalist before that was even a popular term. Originally I had planned on creating environmental posters using slogans from ones he created in the 80's and 90's. (My favorite is "You Are A Guest of Nature Behave.")

But once they had completed their art, we all agreed they were beautiful on their own. These were created with glue line and chalk pastel on black paper. It is certainly nothing new, but I think it worked well with Hundertwasser's style. The children had the option of being a part of their fantasy landscape and placed a cut photo where they wished (an idea I have seen on several blogs with Hundertwasser inspired art). This was a great project for a wide age range.

Picasso Inspired Portraits

Cubist Portraits with Watercolor

Contour Line Portraits with "Bleeding" Tissue

When I was a student at SCAD, my favorite professor went around the room asking us each to name 3 of our favorite artists. One student said Picasso. Mr. Morris threw his hands in the air, saying, "Of course, Picasso has something for everyone!" My Mini Modern Artist class looked at the cubist portraits of Picasso as well as his minimal line portraits. The cubist portrait lesson is an old favorite seen in my old blog header. The line drawing was inspired by this piece from Picasso. After their drawings were completed with permanent marker, the children laid down strips of bleeding tissue paper applied with water. I love the magical effect left behind, and each so unique.

Mixed Bag

Here is a bit of what's been going on with my "MaryMakers" lately.

1.) "Olaf" (from the movie "Frozen" ) and Birch Tree Collages
I'm so glad I convinced my middle school daughter that she was not too old to check out this gem of a Disney animated movie. How beautiful! And a wonderful soundtrack headed up by the wickedly talented Adele Dazim. (Sorry, I couldn't resist)  : D         (hint for those of you lost...this years' Oscar blunder)

2.) Keith Haring Characters with Zentangle Designs
Up until now, I scratched my head at the Zentangle craze. What's up with the crazy doodling? But I saw quite a few tutorials on Pinterest and thought it would be a fun juxtaposition against Keith Haring's graphic figures. I gave the kids free reign in terms of how simple or complicated they wanted to take their designs as well as the media that they would like to use. Fun tween project!

3.) Kindergarten Watercolor Tigers
Big, bold, fun and ever-popular with my young students