First 6th Grade Art Unit of the Year

6th grade tool drawings (in-progress critique). Master artist: Jim Dine

Hi There!

This is a photo of an end of class critique with 6th graders on Monday.  We have been learning about the work of American artist Jim Dine, specifically his tool drawings.  We learned a bit about his childhood and the time he spent helping out at his grandfather’s hardware store, where tools became “like relatives” to him (nga.org).  Using Dine as a master artist, students drew a tool of their choice from observation.  They used line first, then moved into using a full value range (art pencils and charcoal).  They were required to fill the page and pay close attention to accurate proportion, positive space, and negative space.  So far, I think they are really doing a great job.  Student handled the critique with respect, making insightful, constructive comments that reflected their acquired knowledge.  I was very proud of them!  We are very close to being finished, which means I get to hang the first hallway gallery show of the year very soon!