Romare Bearden

Let's Walk the Block is a very interesting website. I like how he incorporates different aspects of Harlem into his page such as the artwork and jazz. Romare Bearden's artwork is very unique. The colors are bright and bring you in. I also like how he uses the same types of geometric shapes throughout but still makes every building different. He uses a real place but then uses his imagination to shape it. He puts his feelings and thoughts into his work. When one first sees his work they may think that the events in the picture really happened, but after browsing the website I found out that it was his imagination. When I was reading about his artwork I couldn't believe it was almost the size of a bus! I would love to see it in person. The website incorperates Bearden's life, inspirations, and how he creates his work. I liked the guided tour which explored the website. I also like how he has an educational tool on his website for young kids and older kids which parents and teachers can use. Works of art like his can be fun in a classroom- maybe have students draw their street and use their imagination to add to it.

comics in the classroom

I don't think any of my teachers ever used comics in the classroom. I wish they did after reading this article. I understand how great they are for the classroom and how they would entice the class and help with learning. They have visual appeal which draws the students in. Like the graphic novel we read; it states that these graphic novels help because they are read at the speed the child can read and doesn't go faster than they can understand. The pictures are permanent and words and characters won't just disappear when the child takes a little longer to understand. Students will enjoy subjects better with these graphic novels because they are fun and remind them of comic strips.


I also like how these graphic novels can be used for other subjects than just reading. Like how the teacher used them to teach math and lessons when he was absent and the students had a sub. What a great idea! Not much gets done in classrooms when there is a sub and this is a great way to keep the students learning.

Islamic Art & Geometric Design

Islamic art and geometric designs can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used to teach the history of Islam and all aspects of Islam. It can tell stories of Islam and Islamic art. It can be used for science, math, and art in schools. These designs can be used to teach students in math about grids and shapes. I liked how the article gave activities and step by step instructions to do these works of art in the classroom. They are beautiful pieces of art work but at the same time they are so much more. They have history and culture behind them. Teachers can use these in basically any subject to teach their ideas and the students can have fun while doing it! They might not even realize they are learning!

I remember when I was younger printing out designs on my computer that were black and white to color just thinking they were cool designs and patterns. After reading these articles I now know that they were Islamic art. I never thought of actually designing one of these my self either.

reflection 6

What I got out of Thomas A. Oakley's article was that we should think more about the way we think. In school students are thinking, but they aren't usually asking their selves why the think that or try to rationalize problems out a different way. Drawing is one way to rationalize problems to find how we are really thinking or feeling. In a an art classroom, art is obviously created. But, how often does one stop to think how art is actually created? And then put that into a picture.

Oakley also stated that art is something that is learned. I have never thought of it this way; I just always assumed that art is something you are born with.. like a gift. I think that this is important that he taught his students that because not all students in an art class may have the same passion for art or view themselves as artistic.

The Rube Goldberg website is very entertaining. I like how he thought out crazy inventions and put them into a cartoon. They can be used as artwork and humor.