Spray Paint Stencils

My art students have been creating some amazing projects in the last two months since school began. We're doing projects I've never even tried, but have been having so much fun exploring.

My lovely 2D (Drawing/Painting) students created some great spray paint art. We don't get to use spray paint very much, but I figured it'd be fun, and it was! They had to create art on the back of some drawing boards using multi-layered stencils and spray paint. I've got a pretty talented class.

We did most of it outside so it didn't stink up the place. Good thing this is the last class of the day because the room still smelled of spray paint fumes.

Mariam's album cover inspired stencils

Jake's space and planets #1

Jake's space and planets #2

Chuck's crazy all seeing eye 

Natasha's love-ly t-shirt designs

Nail Art

Sometimes I like to teach things that I've never done before. It keeps me on my toes and makes me learn a new skill as well. In the Mixed Media class we learned the practical skill of hammering nails into wood. I had all the students start by doing small 2x4 Minnesota art. Then they made their lager project on 12x12" panels. The theme was "Responsibility" or "What makes you feel 'tied down' in your life." I thought it was kind of punny. Tied down... string... you get it? Now you do. 

Small practices of Minnesota

Aerhais F.

Josie M. 

Kaleigh L.

Stormy B. (The end result was amazing!)

Coffee Painting

In the mixed media class we explore different art media that may or may not be traditional. Here the students tried out their painting skills using coffee. The theme for this project was "What do you wake up for in the morning?"

**Tip - Use instant coffee that dissolves in the water. Last year the paintings had coffee grounds all over them.

Ashton O.

Kaleigh L.

Montana B.

Josie M.

Value Portraits

I've seen this project done before, so I finally gave it a try with my Mixed Media class and it was awesome! Everyone came away with a successfully painted portrait whether it was of their friend, a celebrity, or themselves. It's been very amazing to see them displayed in the school. 

Montana B. - Self Portrait

Josie M. - Jonny Depp

Ramana F. - Portrait of Lita

Alex B. - Morgan Freeman

Compiled Animation Projects

My animation class this semester created amazing videos. I put them all together for your viewing pleasure.
ERATS Animation Class 2016 from Alisha Hagen on Vimeo.

Phenakistoscopes

Check out these awesome animation wheels the students made!

Fractured Drawing

I started this semester's drawing/painting class with some basic shading. They had to do a "fractured drawing." The goal was to use the entire value scale from dark to light using only a regular pencil and to add contrast in the shaded shapes. There also had to be some kind of hidden image within the drawing. I am really proud of the assignments that were completed. I have some great artists in my class this semester!

My example for the students included an adorable pikachu. I always have so much fun making the art with them.