An inspiring article in a craft magazine spurred the author to attempt a dimensional collage project with high-schoolers. The magazine piece concerned the embellishing of a vintage handbag. Artists have been altering objects for countless years; art teachers can find many fine examples with which to motivate their students. One example is to use a…

This article describes an art project designed for middle- and high-school students to (1) understand the meaning of the terms composite and photomontage, and be able to use them correctly; (2) select and evaluate a range of subject matter; (3) combine three different photographs to create an attention-grabbing, entertaining work; and (4) mount…

The author and her class used chalk pastels before, in the typical manner with much blending and mixing of color. She felt her high-school class needed to try another technique with no smudging with tissues, no using tortillons (blending stumps), no soft color merging. All too often, young artists blend too many colors together and lose the…

Seventh graders reacted enthusiastically to this watercolor art activity. A blank piece of white drawing paper was soaked in water and then removed to a newspaper-covered table. Students held a brush full of watercolor above the paper and squeezed the bristles. When the droplets hit the surface, they spread beautifully. (RM)

Describes a printmaking activity where the students draw in printing ink on plexiglass slabs in order to create a mirror image called a monoprint. Explains that the students should not write words on their monoprints for two reasons: (1) it takes too long to write backwards; and (2) the ink dries quickly. (CMK)

Describes in detail an art assignment influenced by the book, "Collage Techniques: A Guide for Artists and Illustrators" (Gerald Broomer). Explains that students created mini-collages out of various types of paper, but focused on only three colors. (CMK)

Describes a project in which ninth grade students sculpt gargoyles as part of a Gothic unit. Discusses the construction of the gargoyles from the initial sketches to sculpting methods and effects to finishes. Offers tips on what to avoid. (CMK)

Describes a game that focuses on the color wheel and other topics that can be used with upper-elementary or middle school students as a test review. Includes lists of the game rules, what is needed for the game, and suggested questions for the game. (CMK)

Provides ideas for using throwaways and substitutions, such as homemade objects and everyday items, as art supplies and other resources in the art classroom. Throwaways and substitutions are a way to be environmentally caring, to extend meager supplies, and to supplement art budgets. (CMK)

Discusses a short art assignment that stresses basic design principles for students in elementary through secondary education. States that students receive four pieces of paper, use one for background, and the others are cut or torn into different shapes. Explains that the students create compositions using asymmetrical balance. (CMK)

Describes an art activity in which students create "chemigrams" using exposed photo paper to create designs. Explains that this activity can be used with middle and high school students as an introduction to photography or use of chemicals. (CMK)

Describes an art project for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students, in which plastic drinking straws serve as a weaving loom. Discusses the process. (CMK)

Describes an art unit called "Archi-Painting" where high school students in a beginning art class learned about landscapes and some of the world's most important buildings. Explains that the students placed a well-known building into a new environment in their paintings. (CMK)

Presents an art activity where students learn about Cubism and color mixing. Explains that the students create camouflaged animals after learning about the work, "Female Torso" (Pablo Picasso). Includes directions for how to create the pictures and states that the assignment can be used with students of all ages. (CMK)

Describes an art project for high school students that combines a still-life drawing with 12 colors of tempera paint colors to teach students about the color wheel. Discusses the process of creating the paintings and the assessment of students. Includes a list of the materials needed. (CMK)