P.S. 116 MARY LINDLEY MURRAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
NEW YORK, NY

As an educator for Scribble Art Workshop I teach children from Pre-K though 5th grade. Below you’ll find six lessons I led: Abstract Sculptures, Abstract Grid Paintings, Self-Portraits, Abstract Geometric and Organic Shapes Paintings, Found Object Prints, and Abstract Paintings.

Abstract Sculptures — K & 1st Grade (Three sessions)

The images featured here are abstract sculptures created by students in Kindergarten and First Grade. Over three weeks the students first assembled and glued the various wooden pieces, secondly they added warm colors, and for the third session they added cool colors. During the mini lesson, we talked about how to apply paint to their sculpture using a variety of brush strokes, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, swirls, and dabbing motions.

Abstract Grid Paintings — 4th Grade (four sessions)

Students drew vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines to create a complex grid of geometric shapes. Using liquid watercolor students practiced mixing colors using primary colors for their painting. In the second week they focused on warm colors and subsequently cool colors. In the final week they added texture to select shapes considering patterns and various types of lines.

Self-Portraits

Students observed themselves in the mirror making sure to include any special details, noticing the various shapes that define their facial features. Using liquid watercolors students practiced mixing colors using the primary colors for their self-portrait, for the first week focusing on warm colors and subsequently cool colors. Lastly they added color to match their skin tone.

1st Grade (four sessions)

4th Grade (four sessions)

Abstract Geometric and Organic Shapes Paintings — 1 st Grade (four sessions)

For this lesson we discussed what are the characteristics of organic and geometric shapes. By overlapping shapes and drawing shapes within shapes they created abstract drawings. Students practiced mixing colors using the primary colors, each week focusing on warm colors and subsequently cool colors. In the last week they added additional details by using oil pastels over the watercolor, either blending colors or drawing an array of lines.

Found Object Prints — K & 1 st Grade (five sessions)

Using a variety of three-dimensional objects (i.e. bottle caps, craft sticks, bubble wrap, corks, blocks) and black acrylic paint students explored printing/stamping multiple sides of their objects to create a composition. As a second step, they painted watercolor details and for a final step they added additional stamps in white acrylic paint.

Abstract Painting — 5th Grade (four sessions)

Students created a composition combining organic and geometric shapes while overlapping or placing shapes within shapes. They explored mixing multiple secondary and tertiary colors and emphasized the contrast between warm and cool colors.