Expressionism was the name of the game for this unit. It was an exciting week, because it was time to paint bold bright colorful paintings. Below are some of our experiments with expressionistic themes. First we looked at Kandinsky: We then moved on to August Macke, my favorite German expressionist. Then, we were on to... Continue Reading →
Here are some photos from my summer classes recent trip to the Smithsonian Museum of American Art and National Portrait Gallery. It is currently my favorite museum in Washington, DC. I think, no I know, my students had an amazing time and not just because we stopped at a Starbucks beforehand while we waited for... Continue Reading →
As I've mentioned we are moving back in time through the modern movements. In addition to keeping a living timeline in our sketchbooks we are also looking for connections in the philosophies of each movement and their techniques. It has been incredibly rewarding to hear them making connections from pop art to surrealism. This week... Continue Reading →
As we continue to examine Pop Art, we look at Andy Warhol's fascination with pop icons and his beautiful and well known Marilyn Monroe Series. “What's great about this country is that America started the tradition where the richest consumers buy essentially the same things as the poorest. You can be watching TV and see... Continue Reading →
I am taking on a summer course at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. It is called Multi-Dimensional Studio. My explanation of the course for our school website goes as follows: "An exploration in the decorative and fine art, Multi-Dimensional Studio will challenge students to find new meaning in art through studio work and... Continue Reading →
So as the end of the year approaches, my students have become deeply involved in their "final exam" for my class. They have signed contracts, which can be found here, and now spent almost 5 days working on these. Their contracts are a signed agreements between me and them that state their intentions for this... Continue Reading →
Continued from last week: After we created our concept maps last week students begin sketches of their own Frank Stella inspired piece. They were asked first to answer the following questions after looking at Frank Stella's artwork: 1. What kind of shapes represent you title? 2. What kind of textures represent you title? 3.What kind of colors represent... Continue Reading →
My hope this semester is that I will expose my 9th grade students to as many new art materials as possible, while making connections to real careers in the art world. I also want them to find their own strengths and interests as young artists. As I told all of my parents recently at back... Continue Reading →
I have now almost completed my first month at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, in Bethesda Maryland. I must report that I could not be happier with my new work environment. It has been a big change for me, coming to this new school. It is a world away from my public, alternative,... Continue Reading →
