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Friday, May 22nd, 2020
Posted by Lisa Magnarelli on 5/20/2020 12:00:00 PMHello Friday Art People,
I hope you had a wonderful week and got outside in the sun and warm-ish weather.
Get out there this weekend as well, it's gonna be great!!
On to art...scroll down and find your grade and get going!
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3rd grade-shadow drawing
Posted by Lisa Magnarelli on 5/20/2020 11:55:00 AMHello Third Graders,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and got out in the sun!
Your art project this week is also all about the sun. You are going to make shadow drawings using toys, your body, blocks, trees, fabric, your family members......and the sun!!
Check it out!!!
Tracing your animals....
and more animals.....
tracing your superheros...
.
or finding the cool design in a colander and tracing that! Notice the use of the light instead of the sun....a good idea if it is cloudy.
or tracing the shadow of a tree...
or the shadow from a curtain or fabric
or make something from tinfoil to trace.......
maybe create a background then trace....
or trace your own body parts or someone in your houses body......
So many ideas, let's break it down into steps...
1. Think of an idea, what do you want to trace, toys, trees, your hand, kitchen tools....
2. Gather materials that you might need, paper, pencil, eraser, whatever you are choosing to trace (and a lamp if the sun is not shining).
3. Whatever you have decided to trace, set it up on or near the paper in such a way that the sun (or light) cast a shadow on your paper to your liking. If you are using the sun you will probably have to work on the floor near a window.
4. Trace the objects you have decided to trace. Go slowly, take your time.
5. When you are finished tracing draw a background.
6. Color in the tracing and the background.
7. Have fun and send me pictures of your amazing work!!!
Fantastic...have a wonderful week and see you soon!
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6th grade-sand design
Posted by Lisa Magnarelli on 5/20/2020 11:30:00 AMHello 6th graders,
I hope you had a wonderful week. In art today I am asking you to get out of the house and get to the beach and make some art.
abstract designs work really well!
words or messages are cool too!
So.....let's get started
All you need is:
* a design,draw something, go online nd find something you love...
* a rake, ask a parent or guardian about the rake
* time...we all got that
* the beach....plenty to choose from, think of one with a lot of sand before the waters edge
* low tide check the tide chart here
This project is super open ended, just get out there and create a design of your choice in sand.
Send me pictures if you can.
I gotta say, I love this project and am going to the beach this weekend to made some sand art myself!!
Have a ball, y'all.
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Thursday, May 21st, 2020
Posted by Lisa Magnarelli on 5/19/2020 10:15:00 AMHello Thursday Art People,
I do hope you are having a wonderful week and able to get outside in this amazing weather!
We are gonna jump right in so scroll down and find your grade and make art!!
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7th grade-photography
Posted by Lisa Magnarelli on 5/19/2020 10:00:00 AMHello 7th graders,
**Just a $100 dollar reminder...click here for art contest flyer
O.K., According to AccuWeather, the next couple of days look good so this week in art you will be taking photographs outside.
The Digital “Photo-bet”
You must locate the twenty-six letters of the alphabet in your surroundings. This can be inside your home or outside in nature. This Digital Photo-bet project will require you to slow down and really pay attention as you move through your world.
The parameters of the project are simple:
- You must look for objects and shapes that resemble letters. You may not take photos of actual letters.
- You cannot stage your photos or retouch their findings. You must capture the “letters” as-is.
- The letters do not have to be captured in order. However, you should keep track of which letters you’ve captured as you go along.
- You may work in virtual "groups" and share letters.
- You must form your letters into a positive or uplifting work or phrase.
- When finished, send me your word/words of hope of inspiration by making collage on your chromebooks and sending it to me, similar to what you did for your yearbook page.
Get out there, have fun and send me your collage!!
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4th grade-sand castles
Posted by Lisa Magnarelli on 5/19/2020 10:00:00 AMHello 4th graders,
I hope you are all well and healthy. This week in art I am asking you to get outside and get to the beach or a sand box. All the island beaches are still open and we need to build some amazing sand castles all over our island!!!
**If you can not get to a beach (or a sand box) this week, that's fine.
This week your job is to design an amazing sand castle and when you can get to the beach (or sand box) you will be prepared and ready to build it then. Planning is a huge part of a successful sand castle, and the more you plan the better the castle will be so get planning (but keep reading and watch the videos, they are very informative!).
Everyone loves to build sandcastles and whether you are at the beach or in the backyard sand box, this activity is awesome. Grab a bucket, some sand and some water and get building an eye-catching sandcastle today. Maybe get your family involved as well!!!!
Why Build a Sand Castle?
There’s no better beach project than to build a sand castle. It’s practically a summer rite of passage. On the list of things you must do when you head to the beach: splash around in the water, look for seashells and build a sand castle.
A sand castle is exactly what it sounds like: a structure built with sand. Competitive sand building come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And it’s not the only type of sand art. People paint with sand and draw massive designs in the sand.
Sand castle building may have started as early as the 14th century in India. Others believe sand sculpture began with sand models for pyramid-building in Egypt, though there’s no documentation.
In the late 19th century more “modern” sculptures started to appear on the beach in New Jersey. And then sand-building contests started to gain popularity in the 1970s in California.
Whether you build a castle for fun or have aspirations of taking your family on the competitive circuit, there’s no reason you can’t build an awesome structure!
You Will Need
- Paper and pencil for castle design
- Spades and/or shovels
- Buckets
- Carving tools from your kitchen (straws, spatula)
- Castle decorations
- Sand
- Water
- Camera
Preparation Time
30+ minutes to discuss designs and gather tools and accessories
Activity Time
1-2 hours
Location
A beach or similar location with sand and water
Ready for your sand castle adventure? Let’s get started!
#1: Design Your Sand Castle
To make the best structure possible, start with a design session at home before you head to the beach.
Think about sand castles and castles in general. What books or movies have the coolest castles? What attributes should your castle have? Will you build a moat? A drawbridge? A tower? All of the above?
Design your ideal sand castle. Draw a picture of what you envision your sand castle will look like.
This design will be your blueprint for when you step onto the beach. Also consider the time you’ll spend at the beach, maybe ask your adults how long you will have to build.
Keep in mind, simple doesn’t mean small. Don’t be afraid to go large with your design. It’s much easier to sculpt and carve large amounts of sand.
#2: Gather the Right Tools
Before you head to the beach, select the right tools. It can make your life so much easier once you start to build your sand castle.
The most important tool is a lightweight shovel. Shovels with wooden handles are great, because they are less likely to crack under the strain. If family members are going to help, it is a good idea to bring a shovel for each of your sand castle builders.
In addition, you’ll need at least two buckets: one to carry water and another to mix the sand and water.
*A word of warning: filling a bucket with sand and turning it over will not necessarily make the best sand castle. The reason for this is that the water in a bucket full of wet sand is not able to drain away. The sand then forms a vacuum inside the bucket and will not come out no matter how hard you pat!
It’s much easier to mix the sand and water in the bucket, scoop out large amounts of sand with your hands and sculpt from there.
To shape and detail your sand castle, you’ll need some tools. Most of these can be found in your kitchen cupboards. Take a pastry knife, a trowel and similar carving tools in a variety of sizes to shape your sand castle.
Grab a plastic spatula and a soft-bristled paintbrush to smooth the sand castle’s edges.
Also, pack a few plastic drinking straws. These will enable you to blow unwanted sand from your design without damaging your creation.
Finally, bring a camera or camera phone. Taking a picture of your building will help when it is time to say goodbye to your sand castle.
Take a series of snaps as the castle is being built. Once you are home, create a collage of images or a slide show.
#3: Create Your Sand Castle Decorations
This part of the building process is an adventure in itself! Start gathering decorations before you leave home and continue once you’re at the beach.
Make a list. For example, if you want a flag for the castle, what materials do you need to construct it? Do you need seashells or rocks to decorate your archways and bridges? Let your imaginations run wild as you explore your home and then the beach for hardware and décor.
Remember, if you bring lots of accessories to decorate your sand castle to the beach, take them home with you when you leave.
#4: Build Your Sand Castle
Once you have your design, tools and decorations, it’s time to build your sand castle, so head out to the beach or other sand-filled location.
When you get there, scout out the perfect location. Ideally, build your sand castle in a place that has easy access to water, but is far enough away from any encroaching tide.
Once you choose your location, build a large, flat base, so your castle will be stable and secure. A full-sized garden spade is useful for this step.)
Mix your sand with lots and lots of water for the best composition. Pour the water into the sand, stir until it’s fully saturated, then let it drain and pat and mold the sand into the shape you want.
Water is the key to successful sand castle building. Most sand castle experts recommend you use one part water to one part sand. Always keep your sand wet and allow it to drain before compressing and sculpting.
After you have your base, build your towers.
Finally, connect the towers with walls, doorways and arches.
Once you have your basic structure, bring out your carving tools and start carving out the details for your castle.
Here are some carving basics:
- Start at the top so that any loose sand doesn’t spoil carving you’ve already done.
- Use a paintbrush or straw to brush or blow away unwanted sand.
- Go slowly as you carve, since it’s not that easy to replace the sand if you make a mistake.
Carving allows you to create the design touches that’ll really make your sand castle detailed and unique.
Smooth out the exterior of the castle and carve out brick designs or tunnels. Also add doors, windows and staircases. Carve your names into the castle and/or decorate the walls with drawings.
If you want, carve out a smooth slide around your castle. Then drop a small ball into it and watch it roll down and around your creation!
When your castle shape is to your liking, add the decorations. Then admire your masterpiece.
The most important thing to remember when you construct your castle is that perfection is overrated.
Just have fun!
Some Final Thoughts…
The perfect sand castle lies not in how grand it looks or how expertly you carve the exterior walls, it’s in the fun you had throughout the building process.
Below is a link to a fantastic video on how to make a sand castle.
Great video on how to make a sand castle
And here is another Great video about making sand castles
What do you think? Ready to head out to the beach? When was the last time you made a sand castle? What was the best sand castle you ever made? Do you have any tips and tricks to share? Please let me know via email. And, while you’re at it, share any pics.
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1st grade-shadow drawing
Posted by Lisa Magnarelli on 5/19/2020 9:55:00 AMHello First Graders,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and got out in the sun!
Your art project this week is also all about the sun. You are going to make shadow drawings using toys, your body, blocks, trees, fabric, your family members......and the sun!!
Check it out!!!
Tracing your animals....
and more animals.....
tracing your superheros...
.
or finding the cool design in a colander and tracing that! Notice the use of the light instead of the sun....a good idea if it is cloudy.
or tracing the shadow of a tree...
or the shadow from a curtain or fabric
or make something from tinfoil to trace.......
maybe create a background then trace....
or trace your own body parts or someone in your houses body......
So many ideas, let's break it down into steps...
1. Think of an idea, what do you want to trace, toys, trees, your hand, kitchen tools....
2. Gather materials that you might need, paper, pencil, eraser, whatever you are choosing to trace (and a lamp if the sun is not shining).
3. Whatever you have decided to trace, set it up on or near the paper in such a way that the sun (or light) cast a shadow on your paper to your liking. If you are using the sun you will probably have to work on the floor near a window.
4. Trace the objects you have decided to trace. Go slowly, take your time.
5. When you are finished tracing draw a background.
6. Color in the tracing and the background.
7. Have fun and send me pictures of your amazing work!!!
Fantastic...have a wonderful week and see you soon!
-
Wednesday, May 20th, 2020
Posted by Lisa Magnarelli on 5/19/2020 9:15:00 AMHello wednesday Art Paople,
I hope you are allenjoyig a wonderful sunny, week and are able to get outside.
Today in art is all about the sun and getting outside so scroll down and find your grade and get going!!!
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2nd grade- shadow drawing
Posted by Lisa Magnarelli on 5/19/2020 9:00:00 AMHello Second Graders,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and got out in the sun!
Your art project this week is also all about the sun. You are going to make shadow drawings using toys, your body, blocks, trees, fabric, your family members......and the sun!!
Check it out!!!
Tracing your animals....
and more animals.....
tracing your superheros...
.
or finding the cool design in a colander and tracing that! Notice the use of the light instead of the sun....a good idea if it is cloudy.
or tracing the shadow of a tree...
or the shadow from a curtain or fabric
or make something from tinfoil to trace.......
maybe create a background then trace....
or trace your own body parts or someone in your houses body......
So many ideas, let's break it down into steps...
1. Think of an idea, what do you want to trace, toys, trees, your hand, kitchen tools....
2. Gather materials that you might need, paper, pencil, eraser, whatever you are choosing to trace (and a lamp if the sun is not shining).
3. Whatever you have decided to trace, set it up on or near the paper in such a way that the sun (or light) cast a shadow on your paper to your liking. If you are using the sun you will probably have to work on the floor near a window.
4. Trace the objects you have decided to trace. Go slowly, take your time.
5. When you are finished tracing draw a background.
6. Color in the tracing and the background.
7. Have fun and send me pictures of your amazing work!!!
Fantastic...have a wonderful week and see you soon!
-
4th grade-sand castles
Posted by Lisa Magnarelli on 5/19/2020 9:00:00 AMHello 4th graders,
I hope you are all well and healthy. This week in art I am asking you to get outside and get to the beach or a sand box. All the island beaches are still open and we need to build some amazing sand castles all over our island!!!
**If you can not get to a beach (or a sand box) this week, that's fine.
This week your job is to design an amazing sand castle and when you can get to the beach (or sand box) you will be prepared and ready to build it then. Planning is a huge part of a successful sand castle, and the more you plan the better the castle will be so get planning (but keep reading and watch the videos, they are very informative!).
Everyone loves to build sandcastles and whether you are at the beach or in the backyard sand box, this activity is awesome. Grab a bucket, some sand and some water and get building an eye-catching sandcastle today. Maybe get your family involved as well!!!!
Why Build a Sand Castle?
There’s no better beach project than to build a sand castle. It’s practically a summer rite of passage. On the list of things you must do when you head to the beach: splash around in the water, look for seashells and build a sand castle.
A sand castle is exactly what it sounds like: a structure built with sand. Competitive sand building come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And it’s not the only type of sand art. People paint with sand and draw massive designs in the sand.
Sand castle building may have started as early as the 14th century in India. Others believe sand sculpture began with sand models for pyramid-building in Egypt, though there’s no documentation.
In the late 19th century more “modern” sculptures started to appear on the beach in New Jersey. And then sand-building contests started to gain popularity in the 1970s in California.
Whether you build a castle for fun or have aspirations of taking your family on the competitive circuit, there’s no reason you can’t build an awesome structure!
You Will Need
- Paper and pencil for castle design
- Spades and/or shovels
- Buckets
- Carving tools from your kitchen (straws, spatula)
- Castle decorations
- Sand
- Water
- Camera
Preparation Time
30+ minutes to discuss designs and gather tools and accessories
Activity Time
1-2 hours
Location
A beach or similar location with sand and water
Ready for your sand castle adventure? Let’s get started!
#1: Design Your Sand Castle
To make the best structure possible, start with a design session at home before you head to the beach.
Think about sand castles and castles in general. What books or movies have the coolest castles? What attributes should your castle have? Will you build a moat? A drawbridge? A tower? All of the above?
Design your ideal sand castle. Draw a picture of what you envision your sand castle will look like.
This design will be your blueprint for when you step onto the beach. Also consider the time you’ll spend at the beach, maybe ask your adults how long you will have to build.
Keep in mind, simple doesn’t mean small. Don’t be afraid to go large with your design. It’s much easier to sculpt and carve large amounts of sand.
#2: Gather the Right Tools
Before you head to the beach, select the right tools. It can make your life so much easier once you start to build your sand castle.
The most important tool is a lightweight shovel. Shovels with wooden handles are great, because they are less likely to crack under the strain. If family members are going to help, it is a good idea to bring a shovel for each of your sand castle builders.
In addition, you’ll need at least two buckets: one to carry water and another to mix the sand and water.
*A word of warning: filling a bucket with sand and turning it over will not necessarily make the best sand castle. The reason for this is that the water in a bucket full of wet sand is not able to drain away. The sand then forms a vacuum inside the bucket and will not come out no matter how hard you pat!
It’s much easier to mix the sand and water in the bucket, scoop out large amounts of sand with your hands and sculpt from there.
To shape and detail your sand castle, you’ll need some tools. Most of these can be found in your kitchen cupboards. Take a pastry knife, a trowel and similar carving tools in a variety of sizes to shape your sand castle.
Grab a plastic spatula and a soft-bristled paintbrush to smooth the sand castle’s edges.
Also, pack a few plastic drinking straws. These will enable you to blow unwanted sand from your design without damaging your creation.
Finally, bring a camera or camera phone. Taking a picture of your building will help when it is time to say goodbye to your sand castle.
Take a series of snaps as the castle is being built. Once you are home, create a collage of images or a slide show.
#3: Create Your Sand Castle Decorations
This part of the building process is an adventure in itself! Start gathering decorations before you leave home and continue once you’re at the beach.
Make a list. For example, if you want a flag for the castle, what materials do you need to construct it? Do you need seashells or rocks to decorate your archways and bridges? Let your imaginations run wild as you explore your home and then the beach for hardware and décor.
Remember, if you bring lots of accessories to decorate your sand castle to the beach, take them home with you when you leave.
#4: Build Your Sand Castle
Once you have your design, tools and decorations, it’s time to build your sand castle, so head out to the beach or other sand-filled location.
When you get there, scout out the perfect location. Ideally, build your sand castle in a place that has easy access to water, but is far enough away from any encroaching tide.
Once you choose your location, build a large, flat base, so your castle will be stable and secure. A full-sized garden spade is useful for this step.)
Mix your sand with lots and lots of water for the best composition. Pour the water into the sand, stir until it’s fully saturated, then let it drain and pat and mold the sand into the shape you want.
Water is the key to successful sand castle building. Most sand castle experts recommend you use one part water to one part sand. Always keep your sand wet and allow it to drain before compressing and sculpting.
After you have your base, build your towers.
Finally, connect the towers with walls, doorways and arches.
Once you have your basic structure, bring out your carving tools and start carving out the details for your castle.
Here are some carving basics:
- Start at the top so that any loose sand doesn’t spoil carving you’ve already done.
- Use a paintbrush or straw to brush or blow away unwanted sand.
- Go slowly as you carve, since it’s not that easy to replace the sand if you make a mistake.
Carving allows you to create the design touches that’ll really make your sand castle detailed and unique.
Smooth out the exterior of the castle and carve out brick designs or tunnels. Also add doors, windows and staircases. Carve your names into the castle and/or decorate the walls with drawings.
If you want, carve out a smooth slide around your castle. Then drop a small ball into it and watch it roll down and around your creation!
When your castle shape is to your liking, add the decorations. Then admire your masterpiece.
The most important thing to remember when you construct your castle is that perfection is overrated.
Just have fun!
Some Final Thoughts…
The perfect sand castle lies not in how grand it looks or how expertly you carve the exterior walls, it’s in the fun you had throughout the building process.
Below is a link to a fantastic video on how to make a sand castle.
Great video on how to make a sand castle
And here is another Great video about making sand castles
What do you think? Ready to head out to the beach? When was the last time you made a sand castle? What was the best sand castle you ever made? Do you have any tips and tricks to share? Please let me know via email. And, while you’re at it, share any pics.