8th Grade
The 8th Grade Fine Arts scholars are using a variety of arts materials to express a theme of "Preserving our Local Waterway."
In preparation for a 6' square mural, we are creating a portfolio of artwork through observational drawing skills using charcoal and graphite, printmaking and paint.
Exploring how artists use math to create a sense of Harmony is an important element in our learning activities. We reviewed use of the Golden Section as a classic understructure for works of art. In the process, we have also addressed standards for math (using a compass to create intersecting lines).
Artists we studied who use math to design their works of art:
In preparation for a 6' square mural, we are creating a portfolio of artwork through observational drawing skills using charcoal and graphite, printmaking and paint.
Exploring how artists use math to create a sense of Harmony is an important element in our learning activities. We reviewed use of the Golden Section as a classic understructure for works of art. In the process, we have also addressed standards for math (using a compass to create intersecting lines).
Artists we studied who use math to design their works of art:
- Leonardo Da Vinci
- Edgar Degas
- Joseph Mallord William Turner
- Giorgio Morandi
- Central Valley Steelhead
- Chinook Salmon
- Pallid Bat
- Western Pond Turtle
- Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle
- White-tailed Kite
- Swainson's Hawk
Scholars Create 6 ft X 6 ft Mural
The mural, created using colored pencil on board, is designed to highlight the theme for the work of art: Preserving Our Natural Waterways--Dry Creek. Scholars voted to focus attention on endangered species native to the area.
Dry Creek has been designated as a protected waterway for a specific species, the Central Valley Steelhead trout, which is featured as the largest element of the mural. Additional endangered species appear on the borders of the mural.
The Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly is also included as a large element because essential habitats for individual colonies in this region are rapidly disappearing. The caterpillars of these beautiful insects feed only on the Pipevine plant, which only grows along waterways and is considered a weed. Mature Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies are poisonous and they get their poison as caterpillars from Pipevine plants. Individual colonies prefer specific oak trees, which are also disappearing in this area. The gear on the mural is a reminder that technology can also be used to preserve and protect our fragile environment.
Dry Creek has been designated as a protected waterway for a specific species, the Central Valley Steelhead trout, which is featured as the largest element of the mural. Additional endangered species appear on the borders of the mural.
The Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly is also included as a large element because essential habitats for individual colonies in this region are rapidly disappearing. The caterpillars of these beautiful insects feed only on the Pipevine plant, which only grows along waterways and is considered a weed. Mature Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies are poisonous and they get their poison as caterpillars from Pipevine plants. Individual colonies prefer specific oak trees, which are also disappearing in this area. The gear on the mural is a reminder that technology can also be used to preserve and protect our fragile environment.
Mural Construction
Scholars submitted designs for the mural and elements from several submissions were combined for the final mural design. The scholars also voted to extend several of the panels to create a sense of variety and mimic the distortion effects of stream water.
The artwork was created using colored pencils on 1-foot square masonite panels. The panels were then glued to three separate frameworks The frameworks were then installed on a stairway wall in the school. The three frameworks are separated somewhat to enhance the impression of distortion and create the sense of motion as a trout swims through a stream.
Plants and images from a stream bed as well as an ocean beach are reminders that steelhead trouts make their way from Dry Creek all the way to the ocean and back again to their origin waterway.
Response to the mural has been overwhelmingly positive and scholars expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to a wonderful work of public art.
The mural was a very engaging and informative project that addressed several key Visual and Performing Arts Standards for 8th Grade.
The mural was designed and drawn entirely by student artists in JAA's 8th grade class.
Check out the videos below as well as additional photos about the mural.
The artwork was created using colored pencils on 1-foot square masonite panels. The panels were then glued to three separate frameworks The frameworks were then installed on a stairway wall in the school. The three frameworks are separated somewhat to enhance the impression of distortion and create the sense of motion as a trout swims through a stream.
Plants and images from a stream bed as well as an ocean beach are reminders that steelhead trouts make their way from Dry Creek all the way to the ocean and back again to their origin waterway.
Response to the mural has been overwhelmingly positive and scholars expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to a wonderful work of public art.
The mural was a very engaging and informative project that addressed several key Visual and Performing Arts Standards for 8th Grade.
The mural was designed and drawn entirely by student artists in JAA's 8th grade class.
Check out the videos below as well as additional photos about the mural.
Endangered Species: Swainson's Hawk
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Additional photos of the Mural
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Skeleton Art After Georgia O'Keefe
8th Grade scholars are gaining a greater appreciation for the animals that inhabit Dry Creek. Tiny rodent skeletons typical to this area (bats, mice, etc.) from owl pellets were carefully (and respectfully) examined.
The life and paintings of Georgia O'Keefe were reviewed as she frequently painted skeletons of much larger animals. Our students examined O'Keefe's sensitive treatment of cow skulls as they completed drawings and watercolors of miniature skeletons. These wonderful works of art will soon be exhibited in our hallways!
The life and paintings of Georgia O'Keefe were reviewed as she frequently painted skeletons of much larger animals. Our students examined O'Keefe's sensitive treatment of cow skulls as they completed drawings and watercolors of miniature skeletons. These wonderful works of art will soon be exhibited in our hallways!
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Elderberry Plant
Preserving the plants along Dry Creek provides a healthy environment for a wide variety of animals, birds and insects.
Chinook Salmon need a safe environment
Dry Creek is a protected breeding area for Chinook Salmon and has been specially designated for Central Valley Steelhead trout.
These two species begin life in Dry Creek and then travel many miles to the ocean. They return to Dry Creek to spawn. Central Valley Steelhead make the trip several times throughout their life.
These two species begin life in Dry Creek and then travel many miles to the ocean. They return to Dry Creek to spawn. Central Valley Steelhead make the trip several times throughout their life.
Several species of bat are also endangered
Swainson's Hawks are very large predators
Environments that serve as habitat for Swainson's Hawks need special protection because the birds are large and required large trees for their nests
Check out more 8th Grade Artwork
The main page for Arts Activities includes collages created by 8th Grade artists. Click on the Arts Activities page or this link:/inaugural-year.html