Zoom in on Pinecones

I am constantly encouraging students to "draw what you see, not what you know."  This lesson was an exercise in drawing from observation.  We got up close with our pinecones and looked for patterns and repeating shapes. We tried to capture interesting views of the pinecones as we made the smallest details the focal points of our drawings. Third and fourth graders worked carefully in pencil and Sharpie marker before painting their works using value scales with liquid watercolors. 

Sign Language Hands

Fifth and Sixth grade artists are practicing drawing from life skills by drawing their hands.  In order to make this project more interesting, students are drawing their hands as they form the letters of their first names using American Sign Language.