REMINDERS and UPDATES for 2012-2013 :)

Hello all! It has been soooooo nice meeting everyone and getting to know my new group of students over the past few days! I am SUPER excited about every single class and have already seen some amazing talent in the small activities we have been working on for the past two days! :) I couldn't be happier.

Here are some reminders...

1. First of all, I look forward to meeting some of the parents on Tuesday Sept. 4th at WKMS's back to school night. At that time I will be reviewing the course outline, showing off some artwork, and reviewing required materials. I'll even have a little art activity for parents!

2. Students have received their syllabus and should therefore have it signed and turned back in to me by the beginning of next week. If a syllabus is lost, you can print out a copy at home by visiting my website http://Neelsartroom.weebly.com. Every document handed out in the class will be available through this website.

3. Sketchbooks are also needed by the beginning of next week. Spiral bound sketchbooks can be found at Wal Mart, A.C. Moore, Ollies, Office Depot, etc. If there are any issues finding or buying sketchbooks please do not hesitate to email me.

***Last, but certainly not least, PARENTS AND/OR STUDENTS (7th and 8th Grade only) can sign up for text message reminders about homework, project dates, etc. through Remind101. Students have received directions on how to sign up. No phone numbers are exchanged, and students (or parents) are not able to respond to the messages sent. FAQ's are on the back of the handout students received on the first day of class.

Have a wonderful 3 day weekend!!!

StARTing a NEW school year! :) 2012-2013

I have just a few announcements to start the new school year off right! First of all, I have a new website with TONS of information about Visual Art. www.NeelsArtroom.weebly.com. You can link to this blog and find information about our classes, resources, printouts of assignments, rubrics, websites, and more.

1. To my surprise, I walked into my art classroom last Friday to THIS.....

Just look at my beautifully sanded and shiny tables!!!!! I'm so excited to start getting messy! JUST KIDDING! We will do our very best to keep them looking like brand new. :) 

2. The Frederick Fair is coming up. I would like to encourage my artist friends and students to submit pieces of artwork. I will have information about submission dates and guidelines posted soon. Not only can you win a ribbon, *whisper, you get into the Frederick Fair for FREE!  It's worth it. 

3. Start brainstorming! There is a Frederick County Fire and Rescue poster contest coming up! The theme is "Have two ways out." Come to school with some ideas!

Wacky MAC...becoming better artists one VALUE at a time.

From NOODLES to ART! Students began by creating an interesting sculpture using a variety of pasta noodles, and were then asked to draw their sculptures using graphite shading techniques to create the illusion of 3-dimensional forms. Drawing from life is a challenging art form. My 8th grade students have shown me over the last few weeks that they are up for the challenge. Enjoy!

FINISHED Chinese Dragons (or almost)...

Finished! Onto Islamic "REdesigns"...(photos soon to come).

Artist of the Month (above) :)

VALUE! My favorite! :)

My 6th graders began their VALUE unit this week. It's the simplest, purest form of Art in my opinion and quite a challenge for young artists. For the next few weeks, we will be drawing from life (crumbled paper, shoes, hands, and a still life). Last year, my 6th graders had mixed feelings about this project at the beginning but ended up surprised and VERY proud of themselves at the end. I look forward to posting finished products and possibly some student testimonials!

I know! You're probably asking yourself..."Are these really 6th graders?"

2012 The Year of the Dragon

After exploring the importance of the Dragon during the Chinese New Year, 7th graders are designing their own Chinese Dragon puppets. Bright colors, intriquite patterns, and shiny embellishments are being used to create these functional pieces of artwork.