The first month of our Middle School Mixed Media class has flown by, and it’s been an exciting journey watching the students grow as artists. We started with the basics, focusing on fundamental drawing techniques using charcoal. Beginning with simple shapes, like spheres, allowed us to practice shading and gain a deeper understanding of light and shadow. This groundwork prepared the students for a bigger challenge: drawing hands. By breaking down the complex form of the hand into simple shapes, everyone made impressive strides in capturing detail and proportion.
From there, we transitioned to still life, further honing our ability to observe and translate objects realistically. Each student demonstrated growth in their ability to create depth and depict value, gaining confidence with each new piece.
The final project of the month was a true highlight: chalk pastel, fauvist-inspired self-portraits. After weeks of practicing realistic value, the students embraced abstract colors to bring a fresh, dynamic twist to their work. The self-portraits were bold and expressive, combining realistic shading with vibrant hues in the spirit of Fauvism. The results were nothing short of beautiful—each portrait was a reflection of individuality and creativity, making it a fantastic conclusion to our first month together.
I’m excited to see what we will create in the months ahead!
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