bessmontgomeryart: Grade 6 Still Life

"Abstract" Still Life, Zichen.

I have not been a huge fan of traditional Still Life as a subject matter in Art for younger students, so I decided to create a Still Life unit that would both challenge and keep the students engaged. We started out with various life drawing exercises- using students as models, pose-able wooden mannequins and hands, and a few other miscellaneous objects. I timed the drawings in intervals, so we would do 5 minutes, then 1 minute, then 30 seconds. This is supposed to help train the brain and eyes to notice different elements- such as detail and form. Then I set up a table with some simple objects and had the students do a traditional Still Life pencil drawing. Next, we looked at Still Life from many different eras in Art history, and multiple styles. To coordinate the objectives, Assessment, and Lines of Inquiry, I chose 4 different styles for students to choose from for their Summative Assessment task: Pointillism, Abstract, Pop Art or Traditional. When they had decided on a style, they were asked to do a few simple drawings in their chosen style in their sketchbooks. To differentiate, students were allowed to use any medium available; including soft or oil pastels, colored pencil, acrylic on canvas or paper, pen on paper, or watercolor. They were also allowed to choose what objects they wanted to draw or paint. Most chose some or all of the already set up objects, but some got more creative or changed perspectives. Here are some snapshots of the process and finished artworks. They are quite amazing for Grade 6!