5 “Must See” Websites for the Art Room

Technology integration is definitely a buzz word right now as it should be (said the writer and online instructor…I get it, I’m biased!).  Still, it is a major piece is 21st Century Skills and a part of everyday life for most of us.  That said, not everyone embraces technology and not every district can afford it.  Well, we are here to help!

Here are 5 of my favorite FREE websites.  Some would be great for large group presentations, while others might work best at the individual student level.  Feel free to explore, play, use and/or link to your classroom website or blog.

5 “Must See” Websites for the Art Room

1. Artnatomy 

If you teach lessons about expression or facial features, even skeletons or facial musculature, you need to check this out.  Click on Application, Naturalistic Model and then Level II to see the model my students endearingly named “Bob.”  Then, watch Bob display his heart on his sleeve.  It is fun to try this application large group and let students identify facial cues for different emotions.

2. NGA Kids 

This site has a TON to offer.  My favorites are NGA Kids Jungle (a Henri Rousseau-inspired digital collage maker) and the NGA Kid Still Life, but there are many, many different applications.  I use a small bank of computers in my classroom and student rotate through.  They complete a digital piece in addition to their regular artwork.  If you have an electronic portfolio, all it takes is a quick screen shot to capture and upload digital pieces.  Hint: this site does require the latest Adobe Shockwave Player to perform correctly.

3. Jackson Pollock

This site allows the user to create digital Jackson-esque drip paintings.  Is just too fun and better yet, mess free!  It could be fun in the classroom, again as an extension activity, or linked to a classroom blog to enjoy from home.  Even my kindergarteners love it.

4. Haring Kids

Keith Haring’s artwork is appealing to young students, but sometimes the subject matter isn’t appropriate.  Enter Haring Kids.  This site is designed with younger students in mind.  It is interactive (often with children’s voices) and encourages students to look and think about Haring’s artwork through story prompts and games.  There are lesson plans for teachers too.

5. Wix

This (again FREE!) website designing site is amazing! Secondary students could easily use it to develop electronic portfolios complete with artist statements, images, videos and even resumes. I have seen finished student e-Portfolios and they are amazing!  If you are looking for a more personalized way for students to process and reflect on their collection, this is it!

Do you have a website to add to the list? There are so many.

 Please share how you use it.