Observational Contour Line Drawing

Introduction to Visual Arts students learned about the concept of drawing from the right side of the brain.  Students were encouraged to ignore what they already new of drawing a hand and focus in on what they were actually seeing in their hands.  The class composed to different hand gestures for their drawings and then explored value through line by creating patterns to suggest different ranges in value.  Their final drawings were then inked with natural bamboo ink pens.

Exploring Graphic Design in Three Dimensions

The Introduction to Graphic Design class explored the work of the iconic graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister.  Sagmeister has blurred the line between fine art and graphic art, creating a body of work that serves a deeper cause outside of marketing and consumerism.  The students responded to his work by creating word sculptures focused on conveying an inspiring and somewhat humanitarian message.  The students were encouraged to draw connections from their message to the materials used, the typography and the place they chose to install their sculpture at Black River. 

Introduction to Art: Surreal Clay Sculptures

Students in Introduction to Visual Arts learned basic clay techniques and properties while exploring the artists and work of the Surrealist movement.  The students created hollow forms using white earthenware clay.  The forms were finished with acrylic paint and then spray lacquered.  The class did an exceptional job planning and executing their ideas. 

Introduction to Graphic Design: Using Text to Explore Elements and Principles

The Introduction to Graphic Design class began the year learning about the elements and principles of design and completed a geometric composition exploring these design elements using text as texture.  The students did an outstanding job creating really dynamic compositions that show a strong amount of depth and movement. 

Late to Post...... Two Dimensional Design Transformation Paintings and Final Multi Media Projects

The second semester of the Two Dimensional Design Course offered a lot more freedom in idea development and approach.  The following paintings are a mixture of pieces from a unit exploring concepts in "transformation" and also the final projects which required that the students explored at least three different mediums in their paintings.  Both paintings forced students to think critically and engage in individual idea development.  During the final projects the students spent a lot of time exploring the effects of mixing mediums which resulted in extremely expressive and innovative works. 

Clockwise from top left: DeMarcus (10th grade), Joey (12th grade), Zoe (10th grade), Lisa (12th grade).

Above Left to Right: Ashley (12th grade), Matt (9th grade), Kristina (10th grade).

Above Left to Right: DeMarcus (10th grade), Kristina (10th grade), Bri (10th grade).

Above Left to Right: Stephanie (11th grade), Emma (12th grade).

Above left: Hannah (10th grade), Emily (12th grade), Jessica (12th grade).

Late to Post..... 4th/5th Grade Watercolor Ship Paintings

The Fourth and Fifth grade art classes spent the last part of the year working on watercolor ship paintings that reflected their personalities. Students considered the structure of their ship, the surrounding scenery of ship and also the time of day in relation to their own personalities.  Additionally, the students learned about points of views, mixing colors and working with wax resist with their watercolor paintings.  Beautiful work!

Late to Post..... Outstanding Life Drawing Work - G Block

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer.  Due to the Rainy weather today, I have been organizing files on my computer and realized I had some images of some gorgeous work done by last year's life drawing G Block Course.  I am so proud of the work the students in this course did.

Above Left to Right: Jessica (12th grade), Shelby (10th grade), Zoe (10th grade).

Above Left to Right: Bri (10th grade), Dylan (10th grade), Ilana (10th grade).

Above Left to Right: Zoe (10th grade), Jessica (12th grade), Tallon (12th grade).

Above Left to Right: Emma (10th grade), Shelby (10th grade), Bri (10th grade).