Whewww!!

Wow!    The school year is in full swing and I haven't yet updated my blog. Time to do that now.

Wonder what we have been doing??

Drawing II class: students spent time learning about content and composition by first making a paper sculpture and then creating a pencil drawing illustrating their previous knowledge of shading and modeling. Pictures will be forthcoming, but right now the majority of their work is on display near the main office.

Digital Photography: Beginning with identifying the difference between a "snapshot" and a  "photograph" we moved on to review the Elements of Art. Mother nature cooperated and allowed us to venture outdoors to apply and solidify our working definitions of the Elements of Art. Photographs will be shared soon. Students also began using Google+ on their cell phones to allow easy uploading of photographs. As this class is attempting to use the best available technology, it is a work in-progress.

Studio Art: The first cycle, they were offered "hands-on" application of different drawing mediums. As we move through the year, their ability to create themed works of art will be enriched because of the time we are spending trying out art materials.

Elements of Art: Throughout the year each cycle will focus on a different Element of Art. This first cycle we have been working on the Element of Art~ Line. After spending time in class studying petroglyphs, students started creating their own using oil pastel resist. What is that? Students created a "scene" much like early civilizations did in their petroglyphs, of their everyday life using oil pastel. After finishing with oil pastel, they applied the "resist" part, which was a mixture of india ink and dish detergent. Why dish detergent? Not sure, but chemically it helps the black india ink adhere to the areas of their paper that was not covered in oil pastel. Although the india ink when applied completely covered their artwork, the next step was to take it to the sink and gingerly wash the ink off. What was left was the finished artwork, which was left to dry. Once dried, they will be ready for hanging. I plan on having one of the display cases filled with them for our upcoming Parent's Night.

Drawing I: Students began the cycle by trying out different shading techniques. Although we will predominately use shading and modeling for our artwork. After being introduced to vocabulary terms and our friend the view finder, students spent time drawing plastic fruit and other still-life materials. This first drawing project lets me evaluate students on their past knowledge and helps me modify lessons so that all students can reach their creative potential.

3-Dimensional Design: After studying the art work of Henry Moore, we spent several days sketching draped figures (student models). Students then began crafting armatures for their own sculptures using found and fabricated materials. The next step will be to apply plaster-of-paris gauze strips and for the larger pieces, paper mache.

Please stay tuned for more information and art work photographs!

All students should be getting a sketchbook and if they haven't done so, turn in that Art Contract.

Question and/or concerns: email me at paula.roswell@ct.gov