David Hockney Beach Umbrella

I wanted the final summer school project to be well--summery.  I don't know what feels more like summer than the beach.  Students learned about artist David Hockney. We looked at the evolution of his artwork from 1950 until now.  I've always loved Hockney's Beach Umbrella painting, the simplicity with the color is quite pleasant.  After looking at some of his landscapes we decided to combine that style with his beach/swimming pool paintings.  We drew the umbrella together, using colored pencils students colored the umbrella however they chose.  Then using crayon students used lines and patterns in a "Hockney-esque" manner to fill in the sand and water.  Using liquid watercolor students filled in the remaining white spaces.  For a final finishing touch students were able to put down a clear gloss coat and sprinkle sand over the beach area.  

2nd Grade Complement Color Giraffes

I did this lesson last year, but switched it up a little.  Instead of using tempera paint, I went with liquid watercolors.  Students were also to choose one set of complement colors for the giraffe and another for the background.  Every class did something a little different, I just couldn't decide what I liked best.