Today a couple of my first grade classes finished off their Bebo-inspired birds and the kids were so pleased with themselves. Each masterpiece was as colorful, unique and fun as the wee artist who created it. If y'all recall, I had the opportunity to visit the folk artist Bebo, watch him create and film him doing so. I have been calling these filmed clips of visits to art's studios Field Trip! Here is what our Field Trip! to Bebo's home studio looked like:
After watching the video, we stood, stretched and moved around the room pretending to be some of the animals that Bebo created (this helped get our wiggles out...and was a fun review!). From there, we watched the first half of this video to learn about creating our textured paper for the background of our masterpiece.
That was our first day! The following art class, we got to do the fun part: paint our birds!
We chatted about making just one bird or two. We discussed having our paper go vertical or horizontal. The elements of art like line and shape were our big focus in this lesson. Finally, we talked about creating a pattern for a "frame" around our birds and in the background.
The kids were so thrilled with their results. Each was so eager to share their work with their friends...but with 30 minutes in art, we didn't have time. So we placed them on the drying rack with the promise that I'd show them on the Big Screen T.V. (by placing them under the Elmo) tomorrow.
Gotta love it when an artist requests a small brush "so I can do some detailed hearts"...well, okay then!
This artist was certain his would be going off to an art museum, it's just that good, y'all.
What I loved about this project was that it only took two art classes, which, in my world equals two thirty minute classes. Most of my lessons take much longer...I loved how short and sweet this one was. And the kids loved learning about Bebo. In fact, they want to create more animals inspired by him. How can I say no to that?!
I would love to paper the halls with these happy dudes.
Earlier this week I shared with y'all a new video series I'm creating for my students called Field Trip! Our first 'trip was to hang out with folk artist and musician Bebo. Some of my classes took that virtual field trip this week and really enjoyed it. I am in the process of creating videos to accompany the field trip...and today, I'm excited to share with you the first one: Bebo Birds!
This project is geared toward my first grade artists. I really want them to explore textured mark-making. That will be our focus for the first day of this lesson. On the second day, we'll learn the difference between organic and geometric shapes. My goal is to teach the children that you can create anything with shapes. Keeping it simple will insure confidence and success for the kids...at least that's the plan. Of course, I'll keep you posted and share their masterpieces with you. In case you missed out on our field trip adventure, here's our 'trip to meet and create with the artist Bebo!
Such a fun guy and so giving with his time. I felt very lucky to have that opportunity to meet him and share his awesomeness with my kids.
One piece of his that really struck me were these birds. I loved how fun they were. I also really loved the texture, the pattern and the use of shapes. I knew my first grade kids would not only enjoy looking at Bebo's work but also creating their own version of these Bebo birds. Here's our lesson:
I'm excited to work on more Bebo-inspired lessons in the future. I've got a lovely week off for Thanksgiving break and I'm thrilled to say we aren't going anywhere! I'll be traveling to Texas this week for their conference, which I'm stoked about (!!) however, I am a complete homebody so staying put for a while and working on my pile o' projects sounds like my kind of break.
Y'all. I am so excited to share a new project I've been working on...a little series for both my blog and my YouTube channel called Field Trip! In this series, I'll be visiting the studios of working creatives and filming them in action. My goal is to introduce my students to contemporary creatives (I'm not limiting these trips to working artists alone) who use their artistry in their careers everyday. In conjunction with these videos, I'll be creating video'ed art lessons inspired by these 'trips. So subscribe here and stay tuned, projects inspired by Bebo to come!
But first, let's go to Kingston Springs, Tennessee to the home, recording studio and art makerin' space of John Paul Daniel, aka, Bebo!
My good buddy and fellow Art Scout Troop LeaderJennifer Alvarado arranged for us to visit Bebo after we both discovered that we loved his work. He was so kind to let us invade his space and spend time watching him create that the two of us could hardly believe our luck. Thanks again, Bebo! I have a feeling my students (and yours!) are going to love this field trip adventure. Let's take a look around his studio...
These Mojo Men or Bluesmen as he calls them are my favorites. I can see the kids creating selfies in this style all while rockin' out to Bebo's tunes. By the way, you can purchase Bebo's music, featured in the video, in iTunes under John Paul Daniel.
Jen and I scooped up so much art while we were there as well. My principal and I now both own a sign that reads "My Job is to Love You". Mine hangs in the art room, hers in her office. I like to read it each time I'm in the hot seat and pretend it's directed at me.
The temperature is pretty mild in Tennessee and Bebo spends most of his time outside when creating. What a great idea to keep the mess outdoors. I'm pretty sure my hubs would love it if I did that. Oh! Fun fact: Bebo's paint brush washing water is rain water. He's the ultimate recycler!
I love the bold and bright primary color palette of his pieces.
Everything is art for Bebo like these old paint brushes getting a new life...
And these paint cans! These were my personal fave. I so want a stack of these for my art room.
The 8' gator that Bebo was finishing up in the video. He uses these large scale pieces outside of his craft show booth to draw attention but they almost always sell.
Big shout out to Bebo for being the ultimate host.
Jen and I had the most terrific time! I know my students will as well.
Stay tuned for more Field Trip! episodes...I can't wait to share with y'all just who I visit next, eep! Until then...
