Happy Hundertwasser

First Graders have been studying the amazingly intricate and imaginative work of Viennese artist, Friedensreich Hundertwaasser.

Born in 1928, Hundertwasser was a character who lived and breathed his artistic style in everything he did. From designing and sewing his own clothes to creating brightly colored, boldly patterned buildings, Hundertwasser is inspiring for his dedication to living an artful life and for the joy he brought to the art making process. This may be one reason he is often known as, "Happy Hundertwasser."

First graders at Club connected with Hundertwasser through stories about his life, photographs of him, and of course, through his amazing artwork. Together, we enjoyed critically analyzing many examples of his artwork. First grade artists formulated many interesting thoughts and impressiosn based on their smart observations of his work. They were so inspired by his style and approach, that they were eager to use some of his techniques in their own mixed-media paintings.

Where Club's Wild Things Are

One of my all-time favorite projects for younger grades is a lesson built around Maurice Sendak's classic picture book, "Where the Wild Things Are."

This lesson is a perfect way to start the year as we focus on imagination and the idea that through our imaginations we are able to create interesting characters, fascinating stories and intriguing worlds. Just as Sendak's imaginative Max is able to conjure up a world so complex and fanciful that the line between reality and fiction is difficult to distinguish (Did it really happen? Was it a dream?), so artists are able to bring their ideas, thoughts or emotions to life by expressing them through their art. Club's very youngest artists flexed their significant imaginative muscles to create their own wild beasts. After drawing their initial sketches, these amazing artists developed their images by applying black permanent marker to enhance the lines and crayon and watercolor paint to create a beautiful wax resist. The results are stunning, and with all due respect to Mr. Sendak, might just give his Wild Things a run for their money. Enjoy a few examples here and see all of them displayed throughout the school. (Double click on the images to see them enlarged.)

Just the Beginning

It's a new school year, but also a new state, school district, school, and classroom for Mrs. Amago. I am thrilled and excited to be teaching at Club Boulevard! I can already tell that this is a very special place. The start of any school year holds a great deal of promise but this one feels even more significant as it is the beginning of my relationship with an amazing community of parents, teachers and artists. I am blown away by the creativity and imagination oozing from the students with whom I've already met. Next week, I see a whole batch of new homerooms and I am excited to meet more of Club's talented students. Thank you to all the lovely Manatees who have helped me feel right at home. Here's to a great year of art making at Club!