First week .....

As we all relax this long labor day weekend.. here are just a few of the latest happenings in art class.......


In Drawing II class we started construction of a paper sculpture. Yes, sculpture in drawing class! It is actually cut strips of paper (black or white) that students bend, twist and shape and then glue (black or white) on a separate piece of paper as a base. The shaping of the strips creates visual rhythm. Students will then be drawing select areas of their sculpture using Conte Crayon applying shading & modeling. Students were reintroduced to our friend "the viewfinder" as we discussed how it helps to focus our eye and create a more dynamic composition by being selective on what we draw- the content.

3D Design class we viewed a slide show that depicted a sampling of sculpture ranging from the lion man to Greek statues and ending with work by Christo. It was interesting to hear students share their thoughts and views on the artwork itself and on the purpose behind sculpture then and now.

In Digital Photography class we began with a discussion on the difference between a "snapshot" and a "photograph" as we looked at examples of both types of photos. Students will also spend time throughout the year responding to photographs in writing. Their first assignment was to view Dorothea Lange's, The Migrant Mother photograph. The FSA, the Farm Security Administration, a US government program during the Great Depression; was the first time that photographs were used to depict actual working and living conditions of rural farming communities. Unlike current media bombardment, back in the day so to speak, there was only news radio. Photographs provided the visual evidence of poverty conditions to those all across our country. I also chose this photograph because it is very relatable to my students, a mom and her kids.

We have added a new class this year, 2D Design and I am just getting started with the class and students. Our first project will be using pattern and repetition to create movement and emphasis. More details to follow.....