8th Grade Field Trip

Here at Lincoln Middle School, we took the 8th grade art class on a field trip. A week before the field trip, students were given a 4" x 6" piece of plexiglass. We spent a whole week using various tools to scratch designs into the plexiglass, and the students learned about the drypoint method of intaglio printing. This is another great exercise that shows the importance of contrast and value in art. It was also an opportunity to practice hatching and cross-hatching methods.

We walked from school to a local art studio - the Vitamin Art Studio (http://www.artvitamin.blogspot.com/). There were 3 artists there to help out and instruct the students. This was a good experience for the students because they got to walk around and make artwork in a working artists' studio. It was good for them to see how a professional artist works. This studio had 3 workstations set up, and I divided the students into 3 different groups. The students all got a chance to work at every station.

One station had still life objects set on a display with lights shining on it. Students were able to sit at drawing tables and practice observational drawing.

One station had a table covered in canvas. The giant canvas was divided into rectangles - 1 for each student. We were curious to see how one person's painting would influence the next groups.

The final station included a printing press - the real reason we wanted to visit the studio. The students learned how to apply and wipe ink from the printing plates they had previously made. They then watched as the studio worker placed their prints on the electric press and ran them through. It was a surprise every time if the print turned out or not!

Messy!