Artist Inspiration: Romero Britto

Artists are often inspired by other artists, either contemporary or from the past.  Our third and fourth graders drew inspiration for a multi-media project from artist Romero Britto (http://www.britto.com/), a self-taught artist from Brazil.  Mr. Britto's artwork was inspired by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.  His work combines cubism and pop art creating images that have "warmth, optimism and love."
Students noticed that Mr. Britto divided his background into shapes, similar to broken glass.  Patterns were found in each section of his work.  Students were asked to use these basic elements, fractured plane and pattern, to create a multi-media artwork.
Using the same printing objects they used in Framed!, students divided their 12X12 white paper into at least four sections and printed a pattern in each one with tempera paint.  When the paint dried, students used markers to add color to the patterns.  The collage for this artwork was inspired by fall.  Pumpkins!  Students were reminded of how to fold and cut a symmetrical shape out of orange paper.  Then, they sliced up their pumpkins and glued them back down as a puzzle on black paper, letting black lines show in between.  Since Halloween is near, some students chose to create jack-o-lantern faces on their pumpkins. They used green paper to create grass and a stem.  The final touch was cutting out the pumpkin, leaving a black outline around it, and gluing it to their patterned background.  Voila!  Striking, colorful, inspired multi-media art!

Framed!

At the beginning of the school year, Mrs. Benn asked me if I could have the students make frames to hang their photos in in the classroom.  Thanks to the recycling center, I had small mat board frames that would work perfectly for this project. 

Third and fourth graders used found objects to print patterns and designs around the frames.  We used old small and large marker caps, receipt rolls, toothpicks, q-tips and small pieces of cardboard to make our prints.  Students started the lesson by tracing the frames and practicing their patterns on paper.  Once they had decided on a design they liked, they used black and white paint to print patterns on their frames.  We let them dry until the following week when bright colors were used to embellish their designs.  The results are fantastic!  Look for them in your third or fourth graders' classroom!