2nd Grade Butterflies with Mirror Symmetry

Artwork by Sadie W.

 

While third graders are studying the lifecycle of butterflies in science, I'm using butterflies to teach them about symmetry, a type of balance employed in many artworks.  We discuss the symmetry of butterflies and of some important artworks (like O'Keefe's Cow Skull: Red, White, and Blue and Da Vinci's The Last Supper). Students begin their work by folding a sheet of drawing paper to create a line of symmetry.  Then they must make their butterfly as symmetrical as possible, including the patterns they add to its wings and even the background.  We use sharpies to outline the drawing, oil pastels to color the smaller details, and watercolor paint to finish the work.

 

Artwork by Evan C.

Artwork by Maya C.

Artwork by Samiya B.

 

HES Student's Art Now on Permanent Display at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

HES 2nd Grader Grace Allred and her family at the

 North Carolina Department of Public Instruction with

 Grace's work, Starry Night in the Pumpkin Patch.

 

An artwork by Grace Allred, an HES 2nd grader, was recently placed on permanent display at the headquarters of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh.  Grace's work, Starry Night in the Pumpkin Patch, was one of just over one hundred works chosen for the display, which features one work from each of the state's school districts.  Grace and the other featured North Carolina artists were honored this week at a NCDPI reception.  Congratulations, Grace!