Nature and the Renaissance

Sixth grade students learned that Renaissance means “Rebirth" and that this period in art history started in Florence, Italy between 1400 and 1500.  



Self-Portrait, Albrecht Durer

 They also learned that Albrecht Durer was one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance.  He studied nature to make his drawings and paintings as realistic as possible.  



Beetle, Albrecht Durer

 After viewing several examples of his work, students observed a model of a spider and drew it, then traced it onto metal tooling foil.  This type of art is called "repousse" which means "to push back" in French.  After engraving the metal with their drawings, black shoe polish was added for the final effect

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Illuminated Letters

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Eight graders learned about the history of combining letters with images.  During the Middle Ages, the first letter of a page or  paragraph was enlarged and in color with gold applied in areas.  These letters contained tiny representations of biblical scenes, animals, plants, people or mythological creatures.  When read by candlelight, the light would reflect off of the gold and the page would appear to be illuminated.

 

 

Narrative Tiles

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After studying Egyptian art, eighth grade students were asked to think of a personal story, situation or time period that was meaningful to them.   Then they were asked to recreate it with clay using visual images and symbols.

My Favorite Animal

After viewing and discussing African art - including animal sculptures - seventh grade students sculpted their favorite animal out of clay.

Scarab Beetles

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Sixth graders studied Egyptian art and learned that the scarab beetle was believed to have special powers to protect or bring good fortune.  Therefore, the Egyptians made amulets - good luck charms - that looked like beetles.  These amulets were often placed upon the breasts of mummies in the position of the heart as a symbol of new life. 

Students made their own scarab beetles out of clay.

From Icons to Logo Designs

Byzantine Art

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 Eighth graders learned that Byzantine art focused on religious subjects with domed churches, decorative mosaics and icons, and that an icon is an image or picture that has some well-known significance or embodies certain qualities.  This led to a discussion of some modern icons which we know as logos.

After discussing how graphic designers design logos for companies,  students were assigned the task of designing a new logo for the Georgia Tranportation Department.