P S Art 2016 Exhibition Schedule www.nyc.gov/schools/artseducation

Maori Koru Design in Primary and Secondary Colors
Willyne Michel
Grade: 2
School: PS 235, Brooklyn
Art Teacher: Kathlyn Wilson
Tempera on paper
STUDENT: When you look at this painting I
want you to think about what was going
on in my mind at that moment. I also
want you to appreciate my work. Art
is my talent. Ever since I was younger
I loved to draw. When I grow up I want
to be an artist. My artwork is part of
me and every piece of my artwork that
I made has a story behind it.
TEACHER: Student artists began this
four-week process by discussing
pictures of the spiraling koru plant.
They also looked at Maori paintings of
the plant for inspiration. Artists began
with pencil drawings, organizing
and creating a balanced composition
of large and small spirals, leaves
and vines. They used two different
sized brushes, palettes, and primary
color tempera paints. Artists spent
two class periods painting with
primary colors and secondary colors,
which they mixed themselves. They
focused on using thick and thin,
and long and short brushstrokes,
stopping periodically to reassess their
compositions. We were amazed by
Willyne’s painting. The balance and
movement of her work drew all of
us in. Watching Willyne’s focus and
artistic process is inspiring and it
makes me a better teacher.
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