Friday, February 10, 2012


Missouri Institute of Natural Science's photo
A picture is worth a thousand words!


Monday, February 6, 2012


WooHoo and way to go!!!  Three of my best and brightest have art works going to the state art show this year and one student won Best Graphic Design at the regional show!!  I am so proud of all of them!!!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Who doesn't love Eric Carle!  My first graders sure did enjoy creating their "Very Grouchy Ladybugs".  We started with the story and a good look at Carle's amazing illustrations.  Then the kids took flight making construction paper ladybugs with wings split for flight and a vibrant tissue paper collage for the background. As a finishing touch we added some google eyes for a touch of whimsy.

Saturday, February 4, 2012


Inspired by Picasso's "Petite Fleurs", my kindergarten students made these pictures using a combination of oil pastel, silky crayon, tempra paint and construction paper. First we talked a bit about Picasso's life and art and looked at examples of his work including "Petite Fleurs". We then practiced drawing some simple flower shapes and talked about what would be a good size for the flowers we would put on the paper for our project. The kids then made about three flowers using oil pastel. Next I demonstrated the use of one of my all time favorite materials, silky crayons, and the kids added several more flowers with these. We added stems, leaves, vines and grass with green tempra. After tracing and cutting out the students arms and hands, they were given an opportunity to trade one with a friend. The project was finished by attaching the hands to the page so that it looks like one hand is picking a flower to give to the other. Check out more of our finished pieces at Artsonia.