Posts

Posted on

Week 5: Hands and minds are hard at work in the Art Studio

Hello – Welcome back to the classroom space. It has been a rewarding year so far with only technology getting in the way of greatness. We’ve gotten a grant from Wal*Mart for a flat screen smart TV to share the works (more-so the digital work that can’t be hung up) with everyone and it has found a small glitch in that the wi-fi isn’t staying connected all the time.

We are working around that problem this week. The top of a cabinet was pulled off to make it easier for the wi-fi to pass through but that didn’t seem to do it. We are still working through some issues.

The rest of the classes have been great and are making wonderful works. I need to make more photos of the hands at work so… that’s a goal for this week! How are things going in YOUR classroom studio space?

We are going to leave the posts below as they are (for the most part) and we will update more as the projects develop along. Thanks.

Here are all of our Studio EXPECTATION

6th Grade: One Point Perspective – looking up!

Here are the 6th-grade semester Lesson Plans to show you what our day will look like.

One point perspective is used and seen everywhere you find a single vanishing point with all diagonal lines receding to that point. Below is my example from last year. WE are going to work collaboratively with our other art teacher in the 6th grade classes to learn how to draw using this renaissance invented technique.

This is not one of my kids works but this is the direction we are going – or looking up. One point perspective is a great use of a lot of the art vocabulary – this is another goal this year. VOCABULARY!

Here is the assignment for One Point Perspective

7th Grade: Neurographic Portraits and Color Schemes

Here are the 7th-grade semester Lesson Plans to show you what our day will look like.

What do you look like? How do you see yourself? What are your favorite colors? What is a line exactly? Are all lines the same? What about watercolors? Is it as simple as putting water in the tray and taking the color out? Are there more things that can be done with the paints? YOU BET!

This artwork is going to help you explore ALL of those ideas AND it is going to give you the option of making your final artwork be as bright and colorful as you are! Below is my final work of art from last year and BIRK has never looked more colorful!

This portrait is using the watercolors and Caran-Dache crayons in the face and body and then the Stadtler Pencils in the background. HERE is a link to the midway rubric that the kids can work through all while they are working on the artwork.

Here is the Neurographic Assignment.

AGAIN – HERE is a link to the midway rubric that the kids can work through all while they are working on the artwork.

8th Grade Sculpture: Claymation and Collaboration

Here are the 8th Grade Sculpture semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

Kids hands at work are a real example of what working through challenges and then onto actual collaboration looks like. I sent home 4 postcards that day to express how happy my heart felt.

We are moving from making photographs to the digital lab this week and exploring iMovie to begin the film making. This is a LOT to work on and the 8th graders are absolutely up to the challenge. STAY TUNED!

Stop Motion Film Making has been around for a long time. Collaboration has too. We are going to be taking some time to work on this assignment and we are going to also work through some new challenges that are going to be really open to you as you make decisions in how you plan it out. What MIGHT your ideas be? How are you going to work on the ideas together? This might be challenging in how you choose your groups and the stories and the set design and the approach and ALL SORTS of other ideas.

HERE is the Claymation Assignment!

Posted on

Week 4: Now the work begins…

As we move forward in the art of the middle school, the hands are getting busy and the final products are starting to come forward. Continue to follow along with us – I’ve a feeling I am going to be making modifications to the posts but… not just yet. ALSO – the second season of Our Studio with Frank Korb will begin shooting again next week. I hope you follow along. Below is the end of last season.

We are going to leave the posts below as they are (for the most part) and we will update more as the projects develop along. Thanks.

Here are all of our Studio EXPECTATION

6th Grade: One Point Perspective – looking up!

Here are the 6th-grade semester Lesson Plans to show you what our day will look like.

One point perspective is used and seen everywhere you find a single vanishing point with all diagonal lines receding to that point. Below is my example from last year. WE are going to work collaboratively with our other art teacher in the 6th grade classes to learn how to draw using this renaissance invented technique.

Here is the assignment for One Point Perspective

7th Grade: Neurographic Portraits and Color Schemes

Here are the 7th-grade semester Lesson Plans to show you what our day will look like.

What do you look like? How do you see yourself? What are your favorite colors? What is a line exactly? Are all lines the same? What about watercolors? Is it as simple as putting water in the tray and taking the color out? Are there more things that can be done with the paints? YOU BET!

This artwork is going to help you explore ALL of those ideas AND it is going to give you the option of making your final artwork be as bright and colorful as you are! Below is my final work of art from last year and BIRK has never looked more colorful!

Here is the Neurographic Assignment.

8th Grade Sculpture: Claymation and Collaboration

Here are the 8th Grade Sculpture semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

Stop Motion Film Making has been around for a long time. Collaboration has too. We are going to be taking some time to work on this assignment and we are going to also work through some new challenges that are going to be really open to you as you make decisions in how you plan it out. What MIGHT your ideas be? How are you going to work on the ideas together? This might be challenging in how you choose your groups and the stories and the set design and the approach and ALL SORTS of other ideas.

HERE is the Claymation Assignment!

AND… This is an 18 minute video with Adam Savage and Laika’s Stop Motion photography in the science and patience of Stop Motion Photography and CORALINE specifically.

Posted on

Week 3: Sets are being built and watercolor media are being opened! New approaches all around!

Week 3 is beginning and the artists are really working! Collaboration and story development is happening in the 8th grade with their stop motion films. 7th graders have had their photographs made and they have found all sorts of values and shapes and highlights and shadows in themselves (and a bunny). 6th graders have gathered together into one classroom and have been learning through co-teaching about the ideas of one point perspective. The artists are moving fast and the work is moving forward! Thanks!

We are going to leave the posts below as they are (for the most part) and we will update more as the projects develop along. Thanks.

Here are all of our Studio EXPECTATION

6th Grade: One Point Perspective – looking up!

Here are the 6th-grade semester Lesson Plans to show you what our day will look like.

One point perspective is used and seen everywhere you find a single vanishing point with all diagonal lines receding to that point. Below is my example from last year. WE are going to work collaboratively with our other art teacher in the 6th grade classes to learn how to draw using this renaissance invented technique.

Here is the assignment for One Point Perspective

7th Grade: Neurographic Portraits and Color Schemes

Here are the 7th-grade semester Lesson Plans to show you what our day will look like.

What do you look like? How do you see yourself? What are your favorite colors? What is a line exactly? Are all lines the same? What about watercolors? Is it as simple as putting water in the tray and taking the color out? Are there more things that can be done with the paints? YOU BET!

This artwork is going to help you explore ALL of those ideas AND it is going to give you the option of making your final artwork be as bright and colorful as you are! Below is my final work of art from last year and BIRK has never looked more colorful!

Here is the Neurographic Assignment.

8th Grade Sculpture: Claymation and Collaboration

Here are the 8th Grade Sculpture semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

Stop Motion Film Making has been around for a long time. Collaboration has too. We are going to be taking some time to work on this assignment and we are going to also work through some new challenges that are going to be really open to you as you make decisions in how you plan it out. What MIGHT your ideas be? How are you going to work on the ideas together? This might be challenging in how you choose your groups and the stories and the set design and the approach and ALL SORTS of other ideas.

HERE is the Claymation Assignment!

AND… This is an 18 minute video with Adam Savage and Laika’s Stop Motion photography in the science and patience of Stop Motion Photography and CORALINE specifically.

Posted on

Week 2: Perspective on the Self-Portrait through Claymation Movies

Welcome back. Setting up the weekly post has taken a bit of getting back to and I appreciate your following us and your understanding in the first week not getting out in a timely fashion. We are now finding our stride as we begin our first major works of art. We have got two full days of art making in with the artists and mandalas about ourselves and small clay sculptures (pairs) about ourselves are in the books. What do we have in store for this week? Let’s find out.

Here are all of our Studio EXPECTATION

6th Grade: One Point Perspective – looking up!

Here are the 6th-grade semester Lesson Plans to show you what our day will look like.

One point perspective is used and seen everywhere you find a single vanishing point with all diagonal lines receding to that point. Below is my example from last year. WE are going to work collaboratively with our other art teacher in the 6th grade classes to learn how to draw using this renaissance invented technique.

Here is the assignment for One Point Perspective

7th Grade: Neurographic Portraits and Color Schemes

Here are the 7th-grade semester Lesson Plans to show you what our day will look like.

What do you look like? How do you see yourself? What are your favorite colors? What is a line exactly? Are all lines the same? What about watercolors? Is it as simple as putting water in the tray and taking the color out? Are there more things that can be done with the paints? YOU BET!

This artwork is going to help you explore ALL of those ideas AND it is going to give you the option of making your final artwork be as bright and colorful as you are! Below is my final work of art from last year and BIRK has never looked more colorful!

Here is the Neurographic Assignment.

8th Grade Sculpture: Claymation and Collaboration

Here are the 8th Grade Sculpture semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

Stop Motion Film Making has been around for a long time. Collaboration has too. We are going to be taking some time to work on this assignment and we are going to also work through some new challenges that are going to be really open to you as you make decisions in how you plan it out. What MIGHT your ideas be? How are you going to work on the ideas together? This might be challenging in how you choose your groups and the stories and the set design and the approach and ALL SORTS of other ideas.

HERE is the Claymation Assignment!

AND… This is an 18 minute video with Adam Savage and Laika’s Stop Motion photography in the science and patience of Stop Motion Photography and CORALINE specifically.

Posted on

Week 1: WELCOME BACK TO THE SCHOOL’S ART STUDIO and Art With Korb

I am Mr. Korb and have been an art teacher for 31 years and more importantly an artist for maybe a few more years than that. Join me every week to see what we are doing in the individual classes. If you have any thoughts or ideas to share – drop me a note! I should be publishing every Sunday so stay tuned. Videos and Ideas coming VERY SOON!

Here are all of our Studio EXPECTATION

6th Grade: Mandalas and You!

Here are the 6th-grade semesterย Lesson Plansย to show you what our day will look like.

A MANDALA can be used for many different things. We are using them to learn about ourselves a little bit and practice our thinking, reflecting, and drawing skills. Take a look at the lesson and make one for yourself!

1. Teaching Mandala
Teaching mandalas are symbolic, and each shape, line, and color represents a different aspect of a philosophical or religious system. The student creates his or her own mandala based on principles of design and construction, projecting a visual symbolization of everything they have learned. Teaching mandalas serve as colorful, mental maps for their creators.

https://www.invaluable.com/blog/what-is-a-mandala/?srsltid=AfmBOortUDdzKvd2jbE2wz23JTgtxzudjlExcniwpoLyhRshRFi-GBBB

7th Grade: Mandalas and You (also)

Here are the 7th-grade semesterย Lesson Plansย to show you what our day will look like.

We’re doing the same thing as the 6th graders… it is a warm up week to get aquainted with the room and the space.

8th Grade Sculpture: Small CLAY Sculptures and YOU!

Here are the 8th Grade Sculpture semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

Assignment on Fruits, Veggies, and Animals in Clay: We are going to spend TWO DAYS making small pairs of clay sculptures to the best of our abilities! Fruit, Veggies, or Animals! What kind of fruit are you? What is your spirit animal?

Posted on

Our Studio with Frank Korb: Artworks

What do you think about when you see other artists works? What inspires you? What do you struggle with? Take a look at Our Studio and have some thoughts.

Visit the entire series in YouTube

Thanks for following. Please share this out and check out more videos on YouTube/FrankKorb Our Studio playlist.

Posted on

Week 19: That’s a Wrap! Here are some student thoughts about the year. See you soon! Enjoy your summer.

First – a little music: Teach Your Children Well by the Staffers Lounging

  • Christopher Dunmire – Percussion
  • Charles Kuban – Clarinet
  • Rebekah Stege – Bass
  • Emily Knutson – Vocals
  • Nate Jenkins – Vocals and Lead Guitar
  • Frank Korb – Vocals and Rhythm Guitar

Our Studio with Frank Korb: Discipline

Be Self-Disciplined. That is rule #5.

https://www.corita.org/about/corita to learn more about Sister Mary Corita Kent and her art. Thanks!

Let’s talk about that – Come on over.

The full series of episodes can be found HERE! Come on over.

Here are all of our Studio EXPECTATION

End of the year survey. My kiddos gave a few minutes at the end to give some feedback. These were all anonymous and no names were attached to them so… I trust they were all honest about the writings. This was a GREAT year (all around) and I thank my artists and fellow staff members for the wonderful year.

What was your favorite artwork or project that you created this year, and why did you enjoy it so much?

  • The landscape painting was fun because I was able to research someone and learn new ways to paint instead of just painting how I would normally do. Mixing the colors was also a very fun part because it helped me learn how to add different amounts to make a specific color I wanted.
  • The still life was also one of my favorite units because it was the unit that was the reason I took art 2d design. It helped me learn a LOT about ways to shade, and the different types of pencils to use from darkest to lightest. Although this one took a lot of time, it was worth it!
  • I liked the boxes because because they are cool to make and are accually things unlike little kid thing and people can buy them
  • I liked taking pictures, I have never been able to go around the school and take pictures. In elementary school we never got to do anything like that.
  • Photography. I enjoyed this because I participate in photography outside of school. I often go to theme parks, sports events, or just outside and take photos. In my outside of school photography I enjoy going outside with legos and making scenes from “A man in a huge world” to “plane crashes”. Photography relaxes me and helps me see the world differently.
  • I think that my One-Point Perspective was my favorite unit because I always overlooked those beauties. Before, I almost always made a straight, humanlike view. I never thought about looking from below or above.

What was your least favorite artwork or project that we did this year, and what made it your least favorite?

  • My least favorite unit was probably printmaking. It wasn’t that bad, but carving the linoleum took quite some time. Also it was very difficult to get the same amount of ink to press onto the paper each time. It was still a fun unit though.
  • Doing the printing and ghost prints. It’s not that it was my least favorite it just felt more of a rushed project and not as fun as the other projects. I would like to do it again but maybe with a bigger print or a print that I more enjoy.
  • clay because it felt to stressful
  • i really didn’t like the camera portion because when we had to edit them it was really challenging getting it to load
  • the one point perspective thing because it was kinda hard and like i didn’t get to put a lot of detail into it because i’m not that good at drawing and i didn’t really get to see because i was in the back of the room
  • I think that the keepsake box was my least favorite unit because so many things could and went wrong. The occasional losing clay and it might dry out. One simple touch could ruin a slab. I also am not a huge fan of slipping and scoring, especially small pieces.

Looking back at the projects you disliked or struggled with, what is one thing that could have made that project better or more enjoyable for you?

  • Maybe making a group art project. It could open up a lot more creativity and originality. It would show social skills and things like that.
  • For the printmaking, I probably could’ve taken more time and attention when trying to evenly spread ink on the linoleum and try to maintain consistency.
  • I could’ve made my cardboard piece more realistic to what I like. I didn’t realize that while we were making our cardboard project it was supposed to be a landscape. So I just put some random stuff on it.
  • For the printmaking unit, I do not know what would make it better, but I might have had more fun if I knew about how to use the height of different objects better.
  • I think I could have paid more attention on the pantings for the first project.

In your opinion, what was the absolute best part of being in this art class this year?

  • The best part of art class was having really fun projects and having a teacher and peers that are capable of respecting others learning
  • The whole semester was pretty amazing the whole time, but the drawing and painting units were a very great part of art as well
  • Being able to move arround and sit with friends because it makes it more fun and a better experieence
  • I think that the best part was having fun doing the artworks, like the clay boxes.
  • mr.korbs jokes
  • going outside and drawing.

What is something you would have liked to do differently this year if you had the chance? (e.g., more time on certain projects, different media, different themes, etc.)

  • I would have planned out my kiln guardian better because near the end I was rushing trying to figure out what to do
  • i would have payed more attention
  • I would have taken my time more in the building protect because i hurried to get it done.
  • I think I would like to focus more on how much I like rather than how it would affect my grade.

What suggestions do you have for next year’s class? Are there any specific art projects, materials, or techniques you think I should add?

  • I wish we had the white charcoal pencils for still life, and it would be cool to have different ink colors for printing
  • Once again I think they should go into this class with a positive attidute and enjoy what they get to do new in art class.
  • Maybe we could have a free day with clay where you get to make whatever you want and you get to glaze and fire it.
  • probabky camp snaps again because it was fun (6th grade photography)
  • I think they should make a giant clay lizzard and they can learn how to paint it how they want.
  • be sure to make sure you slip and score correctly or else
  • Techniques. I think you should introduce the idea that when you watercolor, if you want to show light, first put the background color around it and then put the yellow for the light (wet on wet). It is really beautiful when I experimented with it on my makeshift canvas!

What is one piece of advice you would give to a student entering this art class next year?

  • enjoy it you can be with your friendds doing amaxing things
  • Try and have fun with whatever project you are doing because if you don’t have fun then you won’t enjoy it.
  • just do your best, and even if you fail mr Korb will help you
  • on the clay unit use the slip then score then slip again
  • dont mess around with paint and colors and throw stuff around
  • Don’t give up on something even if its hard and always trust your gut because it could always turn out nice.
  • I think they should listen very well and have fun and meet new people but you have to pay attention in art when he wants you to.
  • do your best and just try it, it does not have to be perfect.
  • Don’t rush and enjoy all of it. Also don’t talk to your friends very loudly because we all know how that’s going to go (2026 5A S2 reference :).)
Posted on

Week 18: 2 weeks – 3 classes left, and some only 2. Art making continues.

Our Studio with Frank Korb: Discipline

Be Self-Disciplined. That is rule #5.

https://www.corita.org/about/corita to learn more about Sister Mary Corita Kent and her art. Thanks!

Let’s talk about that – Come on over.

The full series of episodes can be found HERE! Come on over.

Here are all of our Studio EXPECTATION

6th Grade: Printmaking – Cardboard and Found Objects and FROTTAGE

Here are the 6th-grade semester Lesson Plans to show you what our day will look like.

Lesson Plans for Found Object Printing

AND FROTTAGE!

Max Ernst and Frottage – 101-year-old process! This is a lot of fun!

Max ?Er7th Grade: DIGITAL ART – Portraits in Photoshop

Here are the 7th-grade semester Lesson Plans to show you what our day will look like.

We have found this to be a REALLY challenging unit – and that is OK! Keep learning how to make art and use as many of the various approaches as possible – even the challenging ones.

New assignment, and it has yet to be built in Google about the use of portrait and digital art – layer masks. This will be CLEARLY EXPLAINED in the assignment.

8th Grade 2D: Still Life in Pencil Drawing

Here are the 8th Grade 2D Design semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

The still Life is an important part of art history (as is drawing). We are exploring the variety of pencils and marks that they can make, as well as the variety of values that are capable of being produced. Slow down and make a great still Life.

Here is the Drawing assignment.

8th Grade Sculpture: Plaster Sculpture – One more run at plaster and cardboard. Here we come Alexander Calder!

Here are the 8th Grade Sculpture semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

Korb Monumental Maquette 2026

Alexander Calder’s Maquette for a large sculpture – read the NYT Article to learn more.

We are going to try to approach an Alexander Calder-inspired construction that failed last semester. We are going to remove the idea of sculpting around our bodies and try the cardboard approach one more time. I believe it will work, and we just need more time.

Alexander Calder Sculpture – Lessons

Posted on

Week 17: 2 weeks – 5 classes Each – STILL WORK (and cleaning) to do.

Our Studio with Frank Korb: Discipline

Be Self-Disciplined. That is rule #5.

https://www.corita.org/about/corita to learn more about Sister Mary Corita Kent and her art. Thanks!

Let’s talk about that – Come on over.

The full series of episodes can be found HERE! Come on over.

Here are all of our Studio EXPECTATION

6th Grade: Printmaking – Cardboard and Found Objects

Here are the 6th grade semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

We are working on the lesson plans for this… but It will be set for the future.

7th Grade: DIGITAL ART – Portraits in Photoshop

Here are the 7th grade semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

We have found this to be a REALLY challenging unit – and that is OK! Keep learning how to make art and use as many of the various approaches as possible – even the challenging ones.

New assignment and it has still yet to be built in Google about the use of the portrait and digital art – layer masks. This will be CLEARLY EXPLAINED in the assignment.

8th Grade 2D: Still Life in Pencil Drawing

Here are the 8th Grade 2D Design semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

The still Life is an important part of art history (as is drawing). We are exploring the variety of pencils and marks that they can make as well as the variety of values that are capable of being produced. Slow down and make a great still Life.

Here is the Drawing assignment.

8th Grade Sculpture: Plaster Sculpture – One more run at plaster and cardboard. Here we come Alexander Calder!

Here are the 8th Grade Sculpture semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

Alexander Calder’s Maquette for a large sculpture – read the NYT Article to learn more.

We are going to try to approach an Alexander Calder inspired construction that failed last semester. We are going to remove the idea of sculpting around our bodies and try the cardboard approach one more time. I believe it will work and we just need more time.

Alexander Calder Sculpture – Lessons

Posted on

Week 16: 19 Days – 9 with one group 10 with another

Our Studio with Frank Korb: Experiment

Consider Everything An Experiment. That is rule #4 – what are you doing to always think about the works as experiments? Hmmm.

https://www.corita.org/about/corita to learn more about Sister Mary Corita Kent and her art. Thanks!

Let’s talk about that – Come on over.

The full series of episodes can be found HERE! Come on over.

How do you see yourself in Sister Mary Corita Kent’s Studio Rule?

Here are all of our Studio EXPECTATIONS.

6th Grade: Keepsake Boxes Assessments

Here are the 6th grade semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

We are all done with the Keepsake Boxes and we are now assessing them. These will be in the display case for a bit (I will add a ink to all the photos soon too). These artists did an outstanding job. Congratulations on the hard and dedicated work.

We are wrapping up CLAY! Boo Hoo!

Lesson Plans for the Keepsake Box.

7th Grade: DIGITAL ART – Portraits in Photoshop

Here are the 7th grade semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

New assignment and it has still yet to be built in Google about the use of the portrait and digital art – layer masks. This will be CLEARLY EXPLAINED in the assignment.

8th Grade 2D: Still Life in Pencil Drawing

Here are the 8th Grade 2D Design semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

The still Life is an important part of art history (as is drawing). We are exploring the variety of pencils and marks that they can make as well as the variety of values that are capable of being produced. Slow down and make a great still Life.

Here is the Drawing assignment.

8th Grade Sculpture: Wheel Throwing and Hand Building AND TEST TILES and GLAZING – this week is ALL ASSESSMENTS – UGH on my part too.

Here are the 8th Grade Sculpture semester Lesson Plans for you to see what our day will look like.

As we end this week we are going to be doing some test tiles. This is an example and HERE is the worksheets we are going to be using. What are your predictions? Here is Florian Gatsby and his dog Ciro in the studio with his test tiles. I made them for you.

Welcome to the pottery studio. The next 4 or 5 weeks we are going to be switching between two different summative assignments. Wheel Throwing (which will be more about the experience) and a new project (I am excited about this) Bas-Relief Architectural Works.

Milwaukee Artist Heather Eiden and her Bas-Relief Sculptures of local homes and spaces. What are you thinking about as you begin to plan your ideas?

The Wheel Thrown Assignment is HERE.

The Bas-Relief Architecture Assignment is HERE

Involving more than 120 artists, craftspeople and self-taught makers from across Japan, Hyakkล is a celebration of contemporary Japanese craft aesthetics.

Virtual Exhibition of the Hyakko Show at Japan House – London. Artists – here is a great place to start for inspiration towards a lifetime of making. One could wander through this virtual exhibition for hours. Imagine what the real space would be like?

This exhibition presents works in clay, glass, wood, leather, metal and bamboo โ€“ from ceramic matcha bowls to metal teapots and urushi lacquerware trays. Each item bears traces of its makerโ€™s surroundings and nods to tradition while quietly incorporating both innovation and self-expression.

Discover the people and processes behind the craft of Japanโ€™s every day, where form and function exist in harmony.

https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/hyakko-100-makers-from-japan/