Famous Artwork of the Month: Louis Comfort Tiffany

I chose Louis Comfort Tiffany as our Famous Artist for October because he loves to use peacocks in his artwork. This month we learned how to draw peacocks, along with the other four "core value birds". Also, I am going to dress up as a peacock this Halloween. I always make my own costume and this year I found peacock feathers at the craft store and they have been my inspiration. Are any of you making your own costume?

Louise Comfort Tiffany is the son of the founder of the famous "Tiffany" jewelry. He lived from 1848-1933 in the United States. He went to school in Chester, Pennsylvania, which is right near where I grew up! He is most famous for the stained glass lamps. You might recognize this style of lamp. They sell them at Ikea and other furniture stores. They are called "Tiffany style lamps" in honor of Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Our Personal Core Value Birds

5th-8th graders were given the very difficult task or combining features from two different birds to create a make-believe bird. I asked them to choose the birds the represent the two core values that are their greatest strengths. (see previous posts)

Artwork by Malachi: He combined the head of a parrot with the wings of an eagle to make this colorful creature. Which two core values are his strengths? Refer to previous postings for the answer.
Artwork by Justin: He combined the features of a dove and an eagle to make this beautiful hybrid. I especially like how he incorporated eyes and a heart in his design.
Artwork by Rashaye: She chose family and integrity has her two strengths. She used the head of the peacock with the body of parrot. I loved how she added peacock feathers in her border.
Artwork by Kaelah: Kaelah chose Respect and Integrity as her two strengths. Using the feathers from parrots and peacocks, she made this wonderful "Dovecock". Bonus points for the very creative name!

Artwork by Brian: Brian also made up a creative name for his bird. The "Thundagle" combining features of the thunderbird and eagle.

Birds in stories and symbols

In art, we learned to draw a Thunderbird. We learned that it is make-believe bird created by Native Americans to explain thunder storms. The thunder was from the flapping of the bird's wings and the lightning were bolts coming from the bird's eyes. The symbol of the thunderbird can be seen in many Native American artworks. It often closely resembles an eagle.

The firebird, also known as a phoenix" is also a make-believe bird celebrated in many folk tales and myths. We looks at illustrations of a phoenix and talking about which different types of birds it looks like. You can see it's tail is similar to a peacock's tail. It's big wings or similar to an eagle's. It's head is very swan-like.
Birds are often mascots for sports times, such as the Blackhawks.

Birds are also mascots for cereal brands. Do you recognize Toucan Sam from the box of Fruit Loops? There is also the cuckoo bird for Cocoa Puffs.

Parrots for Family (Friendship and Teamwork)

We drew parrots in honor of "Family". Parrots are often a symbol of being social since they are the only bird that can talk. We will become a close Schmid family by talking. Each person has something to offer that no one else can. We talking to each other, we will discover each other's strengths. We can all help and support each other in various ways. People come and go from our lives quickly, so do not waste the time with petty disagreements. Instead, we can celebrate our differences.

Artwork by Corey

Artwork by Jason

Eagle for Persistence (Strength and Determination)

We drew eagles in honor of "Persistence". Eagles are a common bird to appear on emblems, flags, and coins. It is the USA's national bird and they represent power and strength. Persistence is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th time. When you persist, you do not give up. Just like Rome was not built in a day, and you will not be able to do know every mathematical equation or every word in the dictionary overnight. Just like a seed needs time to sprout, we are like a sprout that needs to keep pushing up the dirt and reaching for the sun. We are growing everyday.

Artwork by Jamari
Artwork by Iyonah
Artwork by Elijah
Artwork by Kirstien
Artwork by Lecharles
Artwork by Darrion
Artwork by Marcella

Dove for Respect (Polite and Peaceful)

A dove is to symbolize "Respect". Doves are usually a sign of peace, and if everyone is respectful, we will have peace.

Artwork by Pablo Picasso

Artwork by Malyn: The two core values that she chose for her strengths were respect(dove) and integrity(peacock)
Artwork by Shontrell. Shontrell chose respect (dove) and eagle (persistence) for her two strengths.

Owls for Accountiblity (Responsible and Wise)

The K/1st grade made owls in honor of "Accountability". Owls are presented as very wise and responsive animals. It is always the smart to do what you know needs to do done. We are learning to be responsibility and try our best in everything we do. Doing the best you can is victory in itself.

Artwork by Shaquanna
Artwork by Sydni
Owls by Donnie and Ava

Peacocks for Integrity (Good Principles and Morals)

The 2nd and 3rd graders made peacock collages in honor of "Integrity". Everyday, our morals are being challenged. At Schmid, we are learning to become good decision-makers. We want to make the right decisions, that will make us proud of ourselves. Peacock's are known for their beautiful feathers and being very proud animals.

Artwork by Shamiya


Artwork by Charlesa

Artwork by Linda
Artwork by Donye


Artwork by Deshaun

We got it Covered!

For the covers of our sketchbooks, 3rd and 4th graders chose a "Fun Font" to write their name and could surround it with anything they wanted.
Artwork by Michael
Artwork by Cody
Artwork by Xavier
Artwork by Nijah

We love our Grandparents!

**Reminder: to see details of the photos simply click on them for larger view**
For our Grandparent Celebration last month, we decorated the lunchroom with a clothesline. Our clothesline is very special because the details of the clothes are drawings of our grandparents and stories about why we love them so much. It was a team effort. Some classes cut the clothes, some decorated them, and others pasted on the details. Each class helped making the paper chains, streamers, and paper flowers. Together we made the lunchroom very colorful.

The Kindergarten and 1st graders helped by coloring in our sign that said "We love our Grandmommy and Granddaddy!"

"R" by Lynell, "A" by Caris, "D" by Rashad, "M" by Jalaya
"A" by Olivia

Pants by Allen
Dress by Erin Jackson
Drawings by Malik and Shamaria
Stories by Tynia and Justin
Drawing by Jadore
Bear by Shaquanna and story by Malyn