Flowers!

Art in the Garden

With the garden in full bloom, how could we not take our art class outside?

First and second grade artists worked on drawing sunflowers from observation. We remind each other to Draw what you see, not what you know! 

Third and fourth grade artists were asked to imagine that they had shrunken down to the size of a bug.  What would the world look like from this point of view? Has anyone from this generation seen   "Honey I Shrunk the Kids?"

#waitsfieldschool is a pretty nice place to be! #sunflowers #playground

A photo posted by Nora (@artclass_allday) on Sep 4, 2016 at 9:36am PDT

Clay Planters in the Garden

I finally finished the last project from our Clay Artist Residence.  While some children went on various site visits, a small group stayed with me in the art room and made these beautiful ceramic planters. They now have a variety of succulents planted in them are are hung on the garden shed and the playground living structure. These will be a permanent art installment in our school garden

Nature Mandalas, Mindfulness and Process vs. Product

Our fifth and sixth grade Morning Mindfulness group took advantage of this beautiful late-fall weather and took our practice outside.  We took a 5 Senses walk around the school, trying to notice at least one thing for each sense.  We didn't think we would find anything for taste, but we came across some parsley left over in the garden.

Before heading outside, we looked at the work of Andy Goldsworthy.  We talked about how he creates art using entirely natural materials, then watches as nature takes its course. Goldsworthy spends hours creating meticulous works in nature, then watches as the tide comes in to wash away his work, or the sun melts the ice, or wind blows the leaves.  Focus on the process of creating, rather than the product, is an important part of mindfulness.  Mindfulness helps us be 'in the moment' as we work, rather than focused exclusively on the outcome. Here are some of Andy Goldsworthy's creations:

Click here to learn more about Andy Goldworthy and see more of his artwork.
Click here to see more student work inspired by Andy Goldsworthy.

Here is our Morning Mindfulness group's Nature Mandala:

Sunflowers in the garden

Despite this morning's frost, today was the most beautiful fall day.  Our wonderful school garden is in full bloom, especially the many varieties of sunflowers.  Kindergarten artists took advantage of these simple joys by making our art class outdoors.  We brought oil pastels and clip boards into the garden to work on drawing sunflowers from observations. 

Sunflowers in the garden

Despite this morning's frost, 9or perhaps because of it,) today was the most beautiful fall day.  Our wonderful school garden is in full bloom, especially the many varieties of sunflowers.  Kindergarten artists took advantage of these simple joys by taking our art class outdoors.  We brought oil pastels and clip boards into the garden to work on drawing sunflowers from observation.