Peter Max inspired paintings

Welcome back from Spring Break!

Prior to break our talented 8th graders learned about the popular artist, Peter Max.  Peter Max was made famous by his work with the legendary Beatles.  His artwork is characterized by bright, vivid colors and lots of repeated symbols.  Middle school students seem to "get" his artwork and like the use of hearts, stars, and peace signs.  I challenged the students to create a Peter Max-like artwork using their hands (either traced or to challenge themselves by drawing from life) and to use symbols to create a personal theme in their work.  We experimented with different water-color techniques (wet into wet, dry brush, gradations, salt etc..), but some students found watercolor a very challenging medium to control.  Overall, I think the results turned out stunning.

7th grade Dream Houses

Mrs. Styza worked with our 7th grade students to create these Dream Houses.  The students looked at a variety of real and imagined fantasy houses.  They were challenged to draw from an interesting perspective (birds-eye, x-ray, blueprint).  They then used watercolor and permenant markers to complete their creations.  It's obvious to see our Panther artists are very imaginative and creative.