3rd Grade Illustration pt1

Thumbnails

The third graders will be doing a watercolor illustration of Hansel and Gretel. This is a 3 part project. 

The first step was for them to come up with ideas/thumbnail sketches.

 I read the original story to them and while I read, they sketched. This student did the best so far in making interesting thumbnails that use the space well.

 I really liked the one of Gretel pointing at the house in the first photo where only half of Hansel is showing. It's a mature composition for someone her age, and I didn't even have to suggest it. 

I'm emphasizing that their picture should be of something happening, about to happen or something that has happened; not just a portrait or something static. I'm also emphasizing that they should not waste their space and that whatever is important in the picture should be the biggest (Background details shouldn't be equal or more prominent than what's happening.)

The next stage will be a sketch of their best idea. 

If they don't use the space well the first time, 

I will come by and "crop" it by folding their paper or drawing a box around the necessary part of the picture. The final stage will be a watercolor of that idea. 

I will keep you posted. (No pun intended.)  ;)