Second Grade Artwork

Kandinsky Color Theory

In this lesson, 2nd Grade Students observed the piece, Circles, by Wassily Kandinsky. We discussed how this famous art piece is made up of multiple, overlapping circles of different colors. Students also talked about how the circles that Kandinsky painted were not perfect, and that some appeared more like an oval or square.

Using the three Primary Colors, Students cut out three Large, Medium, and Small circles, and overlapped the three different sizes. 2nd Grade Students then created the same project a second time, using the secondary colors.

O’Keeffe Abstract Calico Corn

In this lesson 2nd grade students observed and reflected upon famous works of art created by Georgia O’Keeffe. Students noticed that although they were looking at the same works of art, their interpretations of each were different. After observing multiple works by Georgia O’Keeffe, 2nd grade students were introduced to the subject matter of their paintings, Calico Corn. We began by discussing the shape of the kernels. We then practiced drawing the kernels enlarged to fill the picture plane. Next, students painted over their pencil drawing of their kernels with India Ink, creating a dark outline. Finally, Students used water colors to breathe life into their Calico Corn. Students learned that by using more water, water colors become more opaque, and when less water is used the water colors appear darker.

Modern Day Mondrian

In this lesson, students learned about the Three Primary Colors, Piet Mondrian, Shape, as well as Horizontal and Vertical lines, as they worked to create their own Modern Day Mondrian!

Henri Matisse Paper Cut-Out

In this lesson, second grade students observed the piece titled, Polynesia, The Sea, by artist Henri Matisse. Students discussed how Matisse's organic paper-cut-out shapes appeared unique, interesting, and told a story. In this lesson, students created their own work of art based off of Matisse's, Polynesia. By turning the paper while slowly using their scissors to cut, students were able to cut unique organic shapes. When creating their final work of art, students focused on craftsmanship when arranging and finally gluing their organic shapes. Once complete, students wrote creatively about their art piece. through observing their own work of art, students discussed process, what they learned, and even included stories describing their own unique work of art.