tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89674294854389817182024-03-13T01:35:04.691-07:00lghsartInformation, happenings, and events related to the Art classes of Los Gatos High School.Mr. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06183687766808525014noreply@blogger.comBlogger590125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-87727315158672244562020-11-04T09:28:00.002-08:002020-11-04T09:28:23.464-08:00A Couple Of Interesting Bits<p> Been a long time coming, but I ran into a couple of videos recently that I thought would be interesting.</p><p>First this one with a reminder that what you make doesn't have to be awesome, <a href="https://youtu.be/SxA69uUGEUI" target="_blank">it just needs to exist</a>.</p><p>Second, and a bit longer, but totally worth it is this one about <a href="https://vimeo.com/343057067" target="_blank">allowing yourself to be bored</a>.</p><p>Yes, both of these would take half an hour of your time, but I think it's worth it for students to see them - even if it isn't directly about drawing and painting. In the end I would suggest it's pretty good life advice.<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-45748072499287902372019-12-02T11:10:00.000-08:002019-12-02T11:10:07.017-08:00Art 2 SketchbookIt is December. There are just two weeks before finals week. Does that mean six class times together?<br />
Yikes.<br />
Obviously your painting is your priority. This should be enough time to finish it, so look at the rubric online, and plan to turn it in during finals.<br />
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Regarding your sketchbook, though, I still want you to be working in it with an eye towards quantity between now and the end of the semester. Even just a few minutes each day is amazing. I will view them while you work on your paintings (likely) more than once before the semester is over.<br />
For now, if you want some inspo, consider the below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkSZnTrrRZ-Ct0ITBLK3DFKB4wcV6bt1Y_f4jdGRdwW3dRm__3Ja2ee6LK0vWttTMVKyWPkjCqJfZxBt21ig9Qy7NZRZDXgTR0kL3WxaQkdTo96gyhfvZM9tP6XcBudsbOPyZ3rpHDQ/s1600/IMG_3751.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkSZnTrrRZ-Ct0ITBLK3DFKB4wcV6bt1Y_f4jdGRdwW3dRm__3Ja2ee6LK0vWttTMVKyWPkjCqJfZxBt21ig9Qy7NZRZDXgTR0kL3WxaQkdTo96gyhfvZM9tP6XcBudsbOPyZ3rpHDQ/s200/IMG_3751.PNG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fvsMBogt3LNIXkbQ5caYbAhKpxpazoAZkC0brWqPN96thPaNAPmI7t3axCCTKHp9CvnKuwIzk5oLSfqP0cFZgawYVC_bj_rNfSFNRvEu1CKeJAFEuQmDC4vFTyE4wX0rqKOnGH558w/s1600/IMG_3743.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="750" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfP-Aaob25AJ4iOcDuAr29f3dI6K235A0wZm7hjKNf5i5YKgjZRS520BBycpJ2ZvskaMXwfHkQYUQrVS7yke45B5xD0XjpuJiWEM3LOXw-JFB1mE3pBRt0Ykn4p_sPBMPANHcX72qLmw/s200/IMG_3746.PNG" width="200" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fvsMBogt3LNIXkbQ5caYbAhKpxpazoAZkC0brWqPN96thPaNAPmI7t3axCCTKHp9CvnKuwIzk5oLSfqP0cFZgawYVC_bj_rNfSFNRvEu1CKeJAFEuQmDC4vFTyE4wX0rqKOnGH558w/s1600/IMG_3743.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fvsMBogt3LNIXkbQ5caYbAhKpxpazoAZkC0brWqPN96thPaNAPmI7t3axCCTKHp9CvnKuwIzk5oLSfqP0cFZgawYVC_bj_rNfSFNRvEu1CKeJAFEuQmDC4vFTyE4wX0rqKOnGH558w/s200/IMG_3743.PNG" width="198" /></a></div>
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It is very likely that you will see at least one of these in the future, but for now I wanted to throw out a few different views of animal images. Not because I want you to copy these, but because they are very different ways of looking at the same topic/prompt/idea.<br />
If you are stumped as to what to do, you might use one of these ideas as a jumping off point.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-49082761171216802242019-11-21T12:06:00.003-08:002019-11-21T12:06:32.489-08:00Ch. 3 Sketchbook and BeyondHi all,<br />
A few things as we work towards the end of the semester.<br />
First, I have set and published the due date for Ch. 3. As it says in the assignment (yes, please read the text of the assignment), since this is due so late in the semester, you will not have the opportunity to have a re-do after the feedback is submitted to "up" your assessment. There just isn't the time for that.<br />
With regards to Ch. 3, there will not be a "sketchbook check" assignment due date. I will be quite busy helping each of you with your upcoming paintings, and plan to come around and see what you have done (and offer feedback), but there will not be a set date for you to have two complete.<br />
I cannot stress enough that you should work ahead and NOT WAIT until the last minute to begin these four (or five) pieces.<br />
<br />
With regards to your sketchbook...<br />
while I always want you to knock it out of the park, have fun, work hard, etc., please really do that here.<br />
Next semester you will see a drastic change in the way we use our sketchbook is used and assessed. The full details won't really matter until January, but the "chapters" that we have been doing each grading period will be gone and it will become more of a working document and place of obvious practice. Stay tuned!<br />
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Also, we will be getting in to working with the apple pencil and drawing digitally on the ipad. I love doing this, so I hope it is something you look forward to!<br />
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We have a lot to do to make super significant progress on the "large"/cultural tempera painting, so let's use our time well and have fun for these last few weeks this semester.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-11439551685490623232019-11-11T11:08:00.001-08:002019-11-11T11:08:18.500-08:00End of G.P. NotesWe technically ended a grading period last week.<br />
This means I have to put in comments and make sure your marks are as updated as possible within the next few day.<br />
This is what happened this morning:<br />
<ul>
<li>Art 1: if you had a "complete" sketchbook check but have not yet turned in ch. 2 I put in the minimum pts possible</li>
<li>Art 1: if you had an "incomplete" sketchbook check and have not yet turned in ch. 2 I put in a zero; please get me your sketchbook this week!</li>
<li>Art 1: if you have not turned in your pen and ink you likely got a minimum number of points (I know everyone has at least started this project so everyone got at least some points). I can reassess when you turn in the drawings to me (this week!). </li>
<li>Art 2: I put in a zero or a minimum number of points for pieces where necessary; if there is something that needs to be updated please come see me in person about that</li>
<li>Art 2: there is a new I.P. assignment regarding your sketchbook, so please read that (remember, these are not finished pieces)</li>
</ul>
Some of your grades dropped because of these changes, but since there is only one g.p. left before the end of the semester I don't want to wait until December to get scores in the gradebook. I'm happy to reassess and make changes as necessary, but come see me in person with the required work to address where I have made any mistakes.<br />
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Smile and enjoy your day off :)<br />
I didn't do any school work this weekend so that's what I'm spending my Monday doing.<br />
Sigh. But I did it to myself. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-61993159227729268052019-11-02T12:52:00.004-07:002019-11-02T12:52:47.418-07:00Art 2 AddendumPlease watch these five min.<br />
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As a review it will allow you to draw out your image on newsprint before transferring to your canvas when I return.<br />
Email me your ideas and please don't wait until the last minute.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/C9ZJLIs2usw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C9ZJLIs2usw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
I know, it's a terrible image for the screen, but the video will be over before you know it, and I'll delete it when I return.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-89990927511638795452019-11-01T07:58:00.000-07:002019-11-01T07:58:26.697-07:00A Few More Oil CommentsSometimes coming up with the content can be a challenge.<br />
I know the more straight forward path is to find an image online and just go with that.<br />
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Remember, you can always take your own photograph and have your own personal dynamic composition. Referencing the foreshortening images that I sent out last weekend is a great place to start, and I'll put a few other ideas at the end of this message*.<br />
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I have tried to throw out a lot of ideas and options, and sometimes we have to just humor ourselves and go through the motions of drawing many different versions out in our sketchbooks to see what <i>might</i> work. As you heard me say many times as you came up with thumbnails in Art 1, your first idea is rarely your best.<br />
You also do not want to have a totally blank or boring background. One immediate thing you can do to help this is to create a foreground and background by putting something in front of your focal point and behind your focal point.<br />
Another fun thing you can think of is to figure out a way that you can play with the perception of proportion by making one object visually appear much larger or much smaller than we would expect them to be compared to something else.<br />
For example: a small bird next to a large donut (that's like 10 times bigger than the bird).<br />
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I have to admit that I am pretty uncomfortable with the idea of you drawing your image out on your canvas before I have had the chance to work with you individually. Ideally you would come show me some ideas at tutorial today if I didn't see a workable concept from you yesterday.<br />
If that isn't possible, I'm asking that you email me your idea/sketch/collage/etc. <i>before beginning to draw on your canvas.</i>Not that I have all of the answers, but a few times yesterday I definitely had to say something to the effect of "that won't work". Too often students want to do what they think is the easy thing, but that ends up not being the best option...or easy. Or they think something is funny, but that doesn't always translate into a good painting.<br />
Not everything that works in one media will work in another. I have experience with this, and I'm asking for your trust.<br />
If you have already gotten the "OK" from me, great. I know at least four or five of you have, but everyone else, please let me discuss with you in tutorial or via email. <br />
<br />
tsmith@lgsuhsd.org<br />
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<b>Once you know what you are doing...</b><br />
You need to draw your image out on your canvas. Include shapes for light and dark areas just like you were asked to do in the still life drawing...and in the grid drawing from Art 1. Be specific, but actually, not quite as specific as in the grid drawing. The concept is the same but because it will be a painting you don't have to be quite so detailed.<br />
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There is a portion of the module that will walk you through how to get a 2" grid on your 16x20" canvas if you need it. If you have a photo or digital collage on the ipad, use the "grid" app to get a grid of squares so that you have 8 and 10 in your columns/rows.<br />
If you can't figure out how to use the app, try doing a google search. That usually clears things up pretty quick.<br />
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You do not have to grid the image, but most do.<br />
Now, you can approximate a grid by simplifying it.<br />
To do this I would draw a diagonal through the corners of my canvas (and my image), and then follow that with vertical and horizontal lines and then use those pie shapes to get my proportions more accurate. It's just a simplified version of a grid, and you can see kind of what I mean below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_1m6MLmfH0dHQRKA229YGJl2DONYy0iztxd_3tkIqLyJWJ237pQJPK9UxtkfQFEh7mhQXxoZNKDGX-5MbXcx8ypk-5IX1ZAWSpWegLXlJ_tBCClGUWHp65FYDqud8y2y5vUff-hE_A/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_1m6MLmfH0dHQRKA229YGJl2DONYy0iztxd_3tkIqLyJWJ237pQJPK9UxtkfQFEh7mhQXxoZNKDGX-5MbXcx8ypk-5IX1ZAWSpWegLXlJ_tBCClGUWHp65FYDqud8y2y5vUff-hE_A/s320/IMG_0311.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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*student created images that could give you ideas of what to create for yourself;<br />
remember to pay attention to composition and use of light and dark<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNV4a3CN6CNQCR4pdbtbeyt7Yvx3CU2KCfZkNjrNRZjGOoiNs70oPOMr3kmxhhy3Wqz9N6ium4cu7ryU3WjJ_KjFAopes_dmTr3YHzEoN4ChRIM-H8vr3VjzrYLeWdiryJd2gVWhFEyg/s1600/IMG_0297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNV4a3CN6CNQCR4pdbtbeyt7Yvx3CU2KCfZkNjrNRZjGOoiNs70oPOMr3kmxhhy3Wqz9N6ium4cu7ryU3WjJ_KjFAopes_dmTr3YHzEoN4ChRIM-H8vr3VjzrYLeWdiryJd2gVWhFEyg/s320/IMG_0297.jpg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VpRpcb2LatYbLo73pLqmFvW74GZMAqLENWOETaalSm3OR_Hm5VT0EV11GDw413doNxkhYm_h6lB2xZAaTCXZNwQKQDgtU2wp620B6mzgKrZiJ7XePXTI3GXdJNNhQ4RB_fc9uDdWZg/s1600/IMG_0302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VpRpcb2LatYbLo73pLqmFvW74GZMAqLENWOETaalSm3OR_Hm5VT0EV11GDw413doNxkhYm_h6lB2xZAaTCXZNwQKQDgtU2wp620B6mzgKrZiJ7XePXTI3GXdJNNhQ4RB_fc9uDdWZg/s320/IMG_0302.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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I know this seems like a lot, but honestly, as I was thinking about this project, and the ones that you were all able to create in Art 1, I know you have it in you to go far. Your ability and ideas are superior, and the only thing I wish there was more of is time to work as a small group and also one-on-one to make your initial drawing/idea as great as possible.<br />
I'll do my best to be available via email though! Did I mention that yet ;)<br />
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But remember back to how you set up your first tempera painting last year, and think about how this is pretty much like that, but it's in oil, and you are using photo references for pretty much everything.<br />
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Also remember that if you take your own photo, or have a family photo as Annelise did in class...this works.<br />
Yes, I still want you to show it to me so we can make sure the composition and values will translate, but that route is completely doable for this project!<br />
I've had many students use photos of their own pets - and you can see this in the folder of examples via Canvas. Have a photo shoot with your dog/cat. Have fun!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-91694736219660287942019-10-27T14:00:00.001-07:002019-10-27T14:00:55.238-07:00A2 Oil Intro Info 2019As I have said in class, for many years the main oil painting the Art 2 students have completed is a <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kEc2rSG2IQwEHH0_KeAMs5-DcQIa06iw" target="_blank">monochromatic piece from a b/w photograph</a>.<br />
This allows you to get stronger at some skills worked on in your past (recognizing value and using the grid method for enlarging an image) while at the same time getting better and more familiar with painting with oils without dealing with color mixing.<br />
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I am totally fine with you doing this for your project. I will always prefer if it is an image you (or someone you know) have taken yourself, but finding a b/w image online also works.<br />
One thing to remember is that painting from the photograph you find online without altering it in a decently significant way isn't ideal for a future portfolio you may want to create.<br />
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It is with this in mind that I want to put the following together.<br />
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First option: as stated above, you find a b/w image and use that for your painting; from here the only decision you really need to make is which color to use.<br />
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Second option: you use a photograph that you (or someone close to you) have taken. I can work with you in class to get the best b/w conversion for this, then you will pick your color and you will be off to the races.<br />
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Third option: you create your own image.<br />
But wait, isn't that what the second option is? In part, yes. Maybe.<br />
I have used <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/misterthad/figure-foreshortening/" target="_blank">these foreshortening examples</a> with students for a project in the past, and as generally "straight" photographs to work from, the ideas would work really quite well. It would require you to put some thought ahead of time into the images though, and get some photo options taken ahead of time.<br />
I do want you to be able to bring some of your own creativity into the composition and not be solely limited to working strictly from ONE photograph if you would like. That's why I was showing a lot of the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/misterthad/new-painting-ideation-1920/" target="_blank">examples from pinterest in class</a> the other day.<br />
I still want you to work from photographs though. You can have a series that you draw from, or you can even select out certain parts and "collage" them together in procreate (which would give you one photographic image to work from).<br />
<br />
If you create your own image - whether it is as one original photo or as some sort of collage, please refrain from having too much blank space in the background. Think about how you can create a dynamic composition - which we have been working with since our first painting in Art 1, actually.<br />
Some of you feel as though you kind of intuitively "get" how to create an interesting composition with a clear focal point, use of depth/space, etc., but if you do some <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=teaching+composition+in+art&client=firefox-b-1-d&sa=X&biw=1680&bih=931&sxsrf=ACYBGNTA6U6ANrXjwCbUGbGlWaBKv8VoXA:1572202620451&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=qI3sGZ63JT_-HM%253A%252CLqYPL6vU7aZm-M%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kSSJ1SAyU3H_uC09wbZbPh3JkYgqw&ved=2ahUKEwiizdOVj73lAhXBpZ4KHbBjC5kQ9QEwE3oECAUQBg#imgrc=_&vet=1" target="_blank">simple google searches</a> you can find some interesting ideas that might help. Of course, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203154633175539225/?lp=true" target="_blank">pinterest has a lot of the same things available</a>, so if you want to start creating an easy place to keep ideas, that isn't a terrible idea.<br />
<br />
I know a lot of the image examples include figurative work, but you don't have to use a human figure. There are plenty of ways that animals, nature, machines, etc. can be used.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>
<br />
And if you are interested in going deeper...<br />
<br />
One thing you might find interesting - and what I hope to get into later in the year - is to think about the symbolic meaning behind certain items. Now, if you google this content you'll get information that is all over the map, and we must remember that different cultures (and times in history, even) associate different meanings for the same (or similar) object(s), but to plow into this idea can be absolutely fascinating.<br />
<br />
For example some symbolic meanings of the following are easily found:<br />
Blackbird = wisdom, power, beauty;<br />
Cardinal = responsibility, balance;<br />
Oak = honor, nobility, wisdom;<br />
Hand = strength, power, protection;<br />
Cairn = balance, safe travel;<br />
<br />
The list goes on (nearly) infinitely.<br />
<br />
You may start with images or ideas that you think are just fun or interesting, but you can also begin to infuse what you make with additional meaning/layers if you choose to. IMO this just makes it all the more interesting.<br />
There is an artist, <a href="https://www.kirstenfrancis.com/" target="_blank">Kirsten Francis</a>, that has changed her making process a lot over the years, but when I first found out about her (and bought her art, oh, and some postcards of hers are in the display cases between rooms 501 and 502 now), she was doing <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=kirsten+francis+woodcut&client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=ACYBGNQl55Rjw1Im3QDnw_rfPyW3ikv0Wg:1572203247075&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi6rrnAkb3lAhWMu54KHVckDvAQ_AUIESgB&biw=1680&bih=931&dpr=2#imgrc=_" target="_blank">these interesting woodcuts</a> that have often "simple" compositions, but interesting use of imagery that you could possibly get some ideas from (in terms of combining images in a way that is creative and not like a "straight" photograph).<br />
<br />
What I would do is think about using photographs to draw/paint from, but think about how you can use those references to create a personal and unique image. I do want you to aim for realism in terms of the representation of the elements of your image, but the layout and way they are combined can be unique.<br />
<br />
This is all a lot to unpack, but I believe in all of you, and the curiosity you have. You can go quite deep with your art making and imagery and I get really excited by that part of the process - much more than the purely technical aspect of it.<br />
I would add that I <i>don't</i> want you to lose the fun in image making. Make if fun for yourself for sure! But I know you have it in you to add more layers to your image too!<br />
<br />
Let's see some ideation and sketches and talk about where you are going before the end of the week!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-35669750285216011792019-05-20T10:40:00.001-07:002019-05-20T10:40:05.010-07:00A Change Is Gonna Come...Hi all, thank you for clicking over to read this.<br />
I know I said the "A Story Of..." project would be due at the beginning of class tomorrow, 5/21, but I need to amend that.<br />
I will give you until the end of class <i>however </i>you will not have the entire class period.<br />
At the very beginning of class I want you to gather around my desk with your ipad and a pencil so that I can go over some administrative things I need to do. I think I can get through all of this in about 15-20 min assuming you are cooperating.<br />
I'll explain more in class, I just need you to bear with me, please.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-25474779046508141292019-04-22T08:21:00.000-07:002019-04-22T08:21:33.027-07:00Opening Some Options and Wrapping UpI know we just started our final grading period, but there are a couple of things I feel it is important to bring to your attention.<br />
First, as it says in Canvas,<i> nothing that has a due date in May will be accepted past the class period it is due. </i>It simply takes too long for me to address those loose ends and wrap up the semester in a substantial way for that to work.<br />
<br />
Second, if you have any Sketchbook work from
Ch. 4 or 5 (for Art 1), or any Independent Practices (for Art 2) that
were due earlier this semester, regardless of how long ago they were
due, I will accept them between May 1st and May 13th. This gives you more
than three weeks to work on the work. But, make sure you are following
the following directions:<br />
<br />
<b>Art 1:</b><br />
Send me an email that says "Ch. 4 redo" or "Ch. 5 redo" in the subject line.<br />
In
the body of the email tell me if you are doing work that was never
turned in, or is a do-over of something you turned in earlier ( you must
be making significant and noticeable changes if it is a do-over).<br />
If
the work is a do-over, include a before and after photo so that I have
comparisons I can make, and then physically see me when you are ready to
turn it is so I can give additional directions then.<br />
Please send a separate email for Ch. 4 and Ch. 5 if that applies to you.<br />
<br />
<b>Art 2:</b><br />
Send me an email that includes the title/topic of the piece you are turning in, and what number it was, in the subject line.<br />
In
the body of the email please tell me if you are doing work that was
never turned in, or is a do-over of something you turned in earlier (you
must be making significant and noticeable changes if it is a do-over).<br />
If
the work is a do-over, include a before and after photo so that I have
comparisons I can make, and then make sure to include the topic on the
back of the piece (with your name) when you turn it in.<br />
Please send a separate email for each I.P.<br />
<br />
<i>For both Art levels:</i>
there will be no feedback and "redo" opportunities for work that falls
into this category. Also, do not spend class time "catching up" and
working on this. You may absolutely use tutorial, lunch, before/after
school to do this work, but not class time.<br />
<br />
If you have
questions about the above, please send me an email. Unfortunately I
know not everyone reads these messages, and since I want to focus on
current work while in class I will not be discussing this content with
the classes as a whole.<br />
I will say, though, that I have been
really impressed with some of the work as of late, and I want to allow
the ability that I see in you to be shown. I know for some of you this
isn't applicable, but for others of you it is. If this helps you, great.
If it isn't applicable, thank you for making my life easier on me. I
truly, truly, appreciate it.<br />
<br />
<br />
One other thing I do want to address is the overall use of <i>time.</i> Several of you spend more time on extraneous "things" than are necessary in class. So my request, please be very mindful of how you use class time for the next four to five weeks. This is often with the ipads, so think about things like:<br />
How long is it taking you to log in and select your playlist?<br />
How long are you taking to clean up at the end of class?<br />
But it can also be:<br />
How long are you giving yourself to clean up at the end of class (you probably need less time than you think)?<br />
How many times are you turning to your friends in class instead of having your focus be on your work (Yes, I still want you to feel free to converse with those in your table group, but you still need to get the work done)?<br />
<br />
It is easy for any/all of the above to eat up 5-10 minutes of class time, and that is valuable time lost, so be very mindful of your expenditures <i>especially</i> as we work our way into May and June.<br />
<br />
<br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-75825029082880605202019-02-01T09:30:00.003-08:002019-02-04T10:42:42.748-08:00Ending and BeginningWelcome to February, all!<br />
I don't know about you, but after coming down with strep throat, I'm happy to put the last week of January to rest and start a fresh month anew.<br />
<br />
As really difficult as this past week has been for me personally, there are some upsides I'm going to try to quickly address some of them here:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>First, the empathy of the vast majority of my students has been on explicit display. They know I've been massively under the weather, and they have been not just respectful and productive, but kind and full of statements such as, "I hope you feel better soon" (always followed with a smile). To the students, thank you; to the parents, you have some good eggs on your hands. They are reminding me how much I really enjoy being around them and teaching them.</li>
<li>Second, since I have been out, it has forced me to remain on the perimeter more than I normally would be and just kind of watch what is happening. In Art 1 we are working on a series of small watercolor landscapes. This is one of the most challenging things we will do this year. As I watch the students work, I am impressed. There are some lovely decisions being made, and from across the room I can see them thinking and processing and putting together a lot of pieces that we have been working on all year. This is so exciting! As a parent and a teacher it is hard to let go at times because you know what "could be" done (or just how we as experienced adults would do it), but we all have to remember that all these adolescents are still just kids, and they need the time and space to figure out their own decisions. I'm seeing some smart decisions, and I can't wait to see the end results!</li>
<li>Don't forget that Thursday, 2/7, is the opening reception for the oil painting exhibition in the Town Council Chambers from 6-7:30.</li>
<li>Registration: I know the window officially closes on 2/5, but students can always change directly with their counselor later as needed. Honestly, almost every one of the students I am working with this year should be signing up for Art 2 and Art 3 respectively. If you have any questions please let me know.<br />A few things to remember based off some questions I've fielded this week: <u>Art 3 gets students the Applied Art credit they need for graduation </u>- always a bonus; there are massive benefits not just for h.s., but also for college admissions, for students to take multiple years of Art (yes, I can give more specifics if you want, but I don't just say this as an Art teacher, but because this is backed up by experts in several different fields); there is no need to take more than one science class per year to be highly qualified for college - this goes counter to what many people want to think (especially if you want your student to pursue something science related), but the truth is, no colleges expect more than four sciences, but <i>all</i> colleges want students that are creative thinkers, and these Art classes are some of the most challenging in terms of "figuring stuff out" and forcing complex thinking processes out of the students; it is amazing how much you have to figure out in order to create a drawing and painting from scratch.</li>
<li>Then, tutorial, as we near the end of a grading period, I know there are some - especially in Art 1 - that would benefit from "extra time". While there are many many students who positively use this time, it shouldn't come as a surprise that many student who could <i>most</i> benefit from this time aren't using it. Please encourage accordingly.</li>
<li>Last, feedback. Everyone knows I give a lot of this, and I document as much as possible in Canvas. Students are expected to use the feedback given to make changes and adjustments when necessary. With nearly every assignment there is a window for students to make changes to what they've done. Again, please encourage accordingly.</li>
</ul>
Well, that wasn't quite as short as it could have been, but I tried. I wish you all a restful weekend. That is my one big goal, personally!<br />
<br />
Smith Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-33952290535981258592019-01-28T10:11:00.000-08:002019-01-28T10:11:22.952-08:00Daily Agenda for Art 2 on 1/28/19I'm sorry to miss the day, everyone :(<br />
I've been sick since Thursday night and I just don't have enough voice to make it through the day.<br />
I will be back tomorrow, and while you know where you left off, I want to get it here in writing for you and the sub.<br />
<br />
You may have the first 15min to work on your I.P. that is due next week.<br />
While you already brainstormed some ideas, what I want you to think about is something that is not straightforward. If you draw a cup, and that's it, it's probably going to be really boring.<br />
What else can you add to it? Is there a more interesting object you can draw? How can you play with scale? Can the image be about something else (more interesting), and the item with a handle be just a small part of it?<br />
There are a lot of options, it's up to you to discover them and have fun with it.<br />
<br />
Next, finish your color chart.<br />
Remember that the values should be noticeably different in each circle/oval in each column.<br />
Each color mixture should be noticeably different from left to right.<br />
Pay particular attention to your neutrals (for ex, blue and org or purple and yellow) as they need to be mixed properly.<br />
Mix the colors completely on your palette.<br />
Application on color chart is expected to be smooth, homogeneous, opaque, and neat.<br />
<br />
When you are finished, make sure your name is on it, you have labeled all of you colors in their respective places, and you put it on my desk in a neat pile once it is dry (use the hair dryer if needed).<br />
<br />
If there is time remaining, please begin drawing your image on your canvas.<br />
<br />
I will get everything caught up throughout the rest of the week as I can. Wish me luck in healing. Have a great day!<br />
<br />
p.s.<br />
As you see the CT kids coming through/around campus today (beginning around 9:30) please encourage them to sign up for Art 1 :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-73949727948200547262019-01-28T07:00:00.000-08:002019-01-28T07:00:42.753-08:00Daily Agenda for Art 1 on 1/28/19I am so sorry to miss class today, folks, but I've been sick since Thursday night.<br />
<br />
Your main goal for the day is to, essentially, finish your watercolor that you drew out last week.<br />
However, I want to remind you of some tips and best practices and frequent pitfalls. Please look at the bullet points below for all of those.<br />
When you are finished for the day please do an extra strong cleanup job so I am not looking at a mess tomorrow when I know I will still be under the weather but on campus, and gingerly place your watercolor in your plastic tub.<br />
Also, even though I am having you read this on the ipads, I don't want you listening to music today. The sub can put something on through the computer behind my desk, but I don't want you to have headphones in. I want you to converse and strategize with the peers that are doing the same landscape as you so that you can all have the best product possible.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>the biggest and lightest areas need to be done first</li>
<li>this happens, usually, with a large brush and the wet-on-wet technique</li>
<li>think in terms of layers</li>
<li>this means that even though you may have grass covering some dirt, you prob need to paint the dirt first, let that dry, then come back over and paint the grass (this is how the lighthouse example by the board was done)</li>
<li>never use black by itself, and use it sparingly </li>
<li>even that lighthouse with the stripes on it isn't black; yes, it has black in it, but you need something else in there; black by itself is way too stark (this is a lesson for pretty much every painting medium)</li>
<li>color mixing is important</li>
<li>think about the color chart we did, how can you use that? brown is rarely the brown from the paint palette; you may need three or four colors together</li>
<li>test everything out on scrap paper ahead of time; colors, values, etc.</li>
<li>have plenty of paper towels on hand</li>
<li>use the hair dryers</li>
<li>watercolor is a lot of hurry up and wait; if you try to paint a building right after you do the sky it will probably bleed together; you can't fix this</li>
<li>I will often do sky, first ground layer, and then make sure everything is dry before I start to do the rest of my objects and details</li>
<li>did I mention that the idea of layers is important? it adds depth, character, and dimension; you need to try to think several steps ahead in order to have the strongest painting possible</li>
</ul>
<br />
If you are finished "early", work on your sketchbook. I am getting better, but I'm not well. Have a great day and I will see you soon!<br />
<br />
Smith Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-58815689668955235392018-12-05T08:04:00.002-08:002018-12-05T08:04:52.333-08:00Ending the Semester for Art 1<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-9ffc47ba-7fff-9ffc-93d7-b1d4046df3ff" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I just wanted to share a few notes for you, my wonderful Art 1 students.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">As the semester draws to an end, everything seems busy. This is true for teachers and students both.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I know there are due dates coming up (Ch. 3 on 12/10 and 12/11...pay attention to this as black/orange days are flipped here!), but there is time to get your work finished.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I cannot strongly enough suggest that you use tutorial time - especially for your sketchbook. Not only is the sketchbook due before the painting, but you will need all of the available class time you can get to finish your painting sufficiently.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">On average, in the past, the tempera painting has taken - with brainstorming, working on the color wheel worksheet, and through the entire rough draft process - 14 or 15 class periods. If we go from the beginning of the project to the published due date, there are 13 class period for your work this semester after the pen and ink due date.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I know I know, what about another one or two class periods? I get it. It stresses me out too.</span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">But first, a little tangent.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Some of your ideas and designs are so amazing. Even if you did a so-so job on the execution I know it will look fantastic, and some of you that I see this in...you’re already painting as I write this. Wow!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">However, some of you aren’t even on your large rough draft yet. And you are most of the same people who (basically) never come in to work at tutorial or before/after school. Sad face.</span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">So here is what I am “changing”. We will have an “extension” of the due date… with some caveats. While you will get the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">finals class period</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> to work on your painting, you will not have quite all of this time. During part of this I will have you filling out a self-reflection about your painting/process before you actually finish your painting.</span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">You MUST have all of the requirements in the painting before the due date. This means all of your completed value scales, neutral, tints, tone, etc. have to be in the painting. You also need to show your ability to get clean/crisp edges, as well as smooth/blended transitions.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Your painting should, basically, be finished. By this, I mean at least 90% finished.</span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">However, I do want to show a few things along the way and at the end that will help refine your image, add some textures, etc. It is possible that this will take us into a day or two of next semester.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">You will receive an assessment for your project after you give it to me during finals, but because it will be the end of the semester you will not have your normal window to make any adjustments or have a do-over in any section. This is just what happens at the end of the semester.</span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Remember that you should, essentially, be finished with your painting (you need to have paint everywhere, but you may have some small details that could still be added). If you aren’t at this point, you won’t have given yourself the opportunity to show what you have learned this semester, and in this process.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The thing I am most concerned with is that there are some of you that aren’t painting yet (as I finish writing this on the morning of 12/5 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">(that earlier bit was written yesterday)</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">). You just won’t have time to finish this painting if you do not use a significant amount of studio time outside of your normal class period working on your painting.</span></div>
<br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">It will be a tight finish, but I believe in you, and I’m here to help you along the way. I’ll keep what I have to say/show to a minimum so as to maximize your time, but you also need to help your own process by giving it as much time as possible. As always, let me know I can answer any questions.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-21085115819416010492018-10-03T09:33:00.001-07:002018-10-03T09:33:30.500-07:00An Open InvitationTo all of my wonderful art students, welcome.<br />
I say welcome to this opportunity because it is just that - an opportunity for you to show me your work and your growth.<br />
I know, I know...you do this each day you are in the studio, but I wanted to throw something new out there.<br />
<br />
If we step back and we think about the big things that we've gone over with the foundational building blocks of art, we have things such as:<br />
<ul>
<li>line</li>
<li>value</li>
<li>contrast</li>
<li>shape</li>
<li>proportion</li>
<li>hatch shading</li>
<li>smooth shading</li>
<li>etc etc etc</li>
</ul>
These vary slightly if you are in Art 1 or Art 2 (at least in terms of what we have focused on thus far), but all of these are important.<br />
<br />
You pretty much always have simultaneous projects running in the studios between your "big" in-class projects and your Sketchbook (Art 1) or Independent Practice (Art 2), and what I would like to see as often as possible is that you are using the second of those to both have fun, but also show how those skills where you are less proficient are getting better. But there can be more...<br />
<br />
So the opportunity comes in two forms:<br />
<br />
First, come in at tutorial and/or after/before school. Many of you are just not using this time. Remember, tutorial times counts as minutes of instructional time, so please please use them. I know some of you do this, and your work is consistently better for it, but many more of you could be working during these hours each week. Trust me when I say it will give more growth, be more fun, and less stressful. Just try it out. Please (or did I say that already?!).<br />
<br />
Second, if you want to use your time to create another drawing that shows you are getting better at the tasks that were put at hand during the still life drawing unit, please do. Create another pencil drawing that shows, for example: better hatch use, or wider a wider value for more contrast. If you want to do this and bring it in to be before November, I would be happy to work with you in a way that might increase the assessment of the still life drawing in Canvas.<br />
<br />
I really am trying to give you the opportunity to show growth here.<br />
What I want to see is how you can show me the initial still life drawing, what was said you needed to work on in the given feedback, and how you used those concepts to greater effect in a different final drawing.<br />
<br />
If you want to discuss any of this with me during a tutorial I would be happy to. I won't remind you of this or talk about it in class, but I do want to give you the opportunity.<br />
I believe in your ability to show growth, and this also gives you time - which hopefully, for those of you that desire it, will be of benefit.<br />
<br />
Not everyone needs to do this, but if you desire this opportunity, please take it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-33361037940268428422018-10-02T15:45:00.003-07:002018-10-02T15:46:55.443-07:00Grading Period 1We are officially beyond the 1/6th mark of the academic year. Yikes. The grades have "rolled over" from one system to the next, and as I double check my work and prepare the next steps I'd like to step back and take stock.<br />
<br />
First, there are <i>a lot</i> of students who will see an "I" in the Canvas gradebook, or get an "incomplete or missing assignments" comment in Aeries (once that is opened for student viewing). In fact, more than makes me comfortable or happy.<br />
<br />
What I have learned the last two years is that this is part of the process when the process is the focus. What I have also learned is that not all students have learned to embrace the process; not all students have learned to learn from, or push themselves based off of, feedback; not all students are exceptional at following a protocol that is different than their other teacher.<br />
This is part of my plight, and it is somewhat self-imposed. To a degree I have to be ok with that.<br />
<br />
And I am, to a degree. I believe it is best for the students, and at least for the ones who take positive advantage of the given flexibility, it is best for their learning. I am not here to "punish", but here to push and teach and make everyone feel like they are going beyond their comfort zone.<br />
<i>That</i> is where the good stuff happens.<br />
<br />
If you are one of those people that see one of those "incomplete" things in Canvas or Aeries (later this week), you owe it to yourself to come have a conversation with me. Maybe it's too late to affect any change, but maybe not. We won't know until said conversation. If everyone shows up at once on one tutorial, I won't be able to see everyone, but please use a tutorial before the middle of next week to make the time for me.<br />
Please.<br />
<br />
On a more positive note...what a start to the year!<br />
I have seen some great drawings and some great growth from all of my classes. I have enjoyed what we have done so far, and am excited about the processes we have on the horizon as they are some of my favorites of the year.<br />
I'm enjoying getting to know those of you that I have, and I look forward to building an even more open environment as we get even more open work time over the next few months.<br />
<br />
Remember, I'm here if you need me, and the studio is always open if you need a comfortable place to hang out and/or get some work done.<br />
<br />
Enjoy your afternoon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-1522702269271458932018-10-01T14:54:00.002-07:002018-10-01T14:54:45.198-07:00Get all the DotsArt 1's, a successful beginning of the year has been had - kudos to all of you, but before we completely move on, let's take a moment to review.<br />
<br />
Remember, any drawing that you are deciding to adjust based off the given feedback will get to me asap. Ideally this would mean this week. You do have, however, up to the 15th for any corrections.<br />
Note: the still life arrangements will go bye bye after this week, so you probably want to photograph your view of your arrangement before that happens.<br />
If you change your drawing, upload an updated version of it to Canvas - which can be photographed with your phone or the ipad since we won't be in class when you are doing this.<br />
<br />
I will probably not do a lot of reminding so please keep that date well at hand. Also remember that you have a 4-day weekend coming up so that somewhat limits the time you have in school as well.<br />
<br />
Next, since we are getting into the Pen and Ink season, <a href="https://youtu.be/0i0h0pMGv0Q" target="_blank">I have a beginning video that would be very very helpful for you to watch before you get started in class.</a><br />
Remember that ink is permanent so you can't really afford to make mistakes. Scratch paper at hand will always come in handy.<br />
If you are having problems with the <a href="https://youtu.be/0i0h0pMGv0Q" target="_blank">links to the video here</a>, the same video is in Canvas, so you could watch it there.<br />
<br />
Also, pay attention to the due dates for Ch. 2 of the sketchbook. The first one doesn't come up for a while, but don't let it catch you off guard. Please.<br />
<br />
As always, let me know what questions I can answer. Smile!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-26874028269135732042018-09-24T12:48:00.000-07:002018-09-24T12:48:15.547-07:00Art 2 Important RemindersArt 2's<br />
Remember that Oct. 1st (next Monday) is the final date to adjust your still life based off the feedback you have received.<br />
If you are making changes, don't forget to upload a finished/final photo before you submit your assignment to me again. Additionally, leave me a comment in the assignment that tells me what you did/changed.<br />
<br />
As for Independent Practice...last week you filled out a self reflection. Not all of them are where they need to be. Once you read the feedback I gave on those and/or in the gradebook, see me if needed. There are several that are marked as "I" and shouldn't be. This may be a very simple fix, but it may need more from you.<br />
You have this week to get this to where it should be.<br />
<br />
Whenever you change and/or finish something, always upload a new photo documenting the newest version of the piece.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-23215774295734228032018-09-23T20:45:00.003-07:002018-09-23T20:48:31.278-07:00Thinking About Finishing and Follow UpArt 1's:<br />
As we near the end of our first "big" project, I wanted to take a moment and encourage you to spend some time in the studio during out of class time this next week.<br />
Some of you already do this regularly, but most of you do not. Please schedule this in.<br />
<br />
Not only will some of you need it to finish your still life drawing well, but there is also the matter of your sketchbook. As most of you hopefully noticed, I got feedback into the Canvas gradebook before the weekend. For those that I didn't get to (yet), I should easily get that done at some point tomorrow.<br />
You will have this coming week (the last of September) to use the feedback to make any adjustments and/or fixes to your work.<br />
<br />
To remind you, I already have marks recorded separately from the online gradebook, but I know through research and experience that you won't really pay attention to that feedback the way it is intended to if you see a "grade" up front. After this week I will put your assessment in the gradebook, but if you have gone back and made adjustments, so will I.<br />
Some people will see something like "great job", and will need to do nothing; many people need to do even the simplest things such as label everything properly; several of you will need to go back and show that you can shade with smudge shading while having the entire objects shaded (not just the edges) and without lines for definition. If you have questions, see me at <i>tutorial. </i>Please.<br />
<i></i><br />
<br />
I am requesting your sketchbook by the end of this week for final assessment if you are going back to make adjustments. If you do not need to do anything, or just decide not to, you don't need to give it to me again.<br />
If you go back and fix something, I need to see an updated photograph in Canvas that documents the changes made (ask me about this when you turn it in again).<br />
<br />
I have put some more sketchbooks up along the window sill in class so all of you can see some of the interesting things your peers have done. If I don't have you in class tomorrow, you can still come and pick up your sketchbook at tutorial or after school if you know you want to have time to use the feedback I have provided - otherwise you will get it in class when I see you.<br />
<br />
I hope you had a great weekend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-547051654576361692018-09-13T09:00:00.000-07:002018-09-13T09:00:13.020-07:00Thinking About AssessmentAs we are nearing the third week of the first grading period, a lot of grades will begin to turn up in both the Canvas and Aeries gradebooks.<br />
I believe in a different form of assessment than many teachers, and it is certainly different than how I was assessed as a student.<br />
I do not think you can do things the way they have always been done and find success in the same way.<br />
I also do not believe that grades indicate learning. As a measurement tool they have plenty of things wrong with them.<br />
Unfortunately for me they are a way of life for our students and our larger school community.<br />
<br />
What I know is that if a student is present, working, and thoughtfully putting marks on a page/canvas that they will improve and show growth. They will also find out more about themselves and learn processes that are important to their development as individual humans - and individual humans that exist in a community.<br />
<br />
While this is very lofty sounding indeed, there is truth in it.<br />
It is about the learning, not about the grade. We all know that students have ways of achieving an "A" but not really and truly mastering the content. Unfortunately there is a lot of grade inflation and students (and families) too often expect a superior mark for less than superior performance.<br />
<br />
With that said, I do have a process that I have been developing, and since we are getting to the point of having larger and finished projects coming up - and since the school requires marks in a gradebook - I wanted to share my <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KSYC8QK8A3I_ohKaCjucLQLQX6eCe1hYghsjlscQAr8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">general process</a> with you.<br />
This <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KSYC8QK8A3I_ohKaCjucLQLQX6eCe1hYghsjlscQAr8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">general process</a> also links to a grading policies document - that includes a percentage scale - if you are interested.<br />
<br />
Have a great day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-19014294587143295282018-09-07T08:53:00.003-07:002018-09-07T08:53:34.677-07:00A Good Morning Follow UpWhile I begin my second cup of coffee this morning, I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone that was able to make it to BTSN last night. It's a long day for everyone, but I do get jazzed with all of the parental units coming into the spaces that I get to call a home-away-from-home.<br />
Even after all these years the rooms are still a work in progress, but I kind of like it that way. You know, my penchant for process and all that.<br />
<br />
Over my FIRST cup of coffee there was a great article I read about <a href="https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/48770/how-making-mistakes-primes-kids-to-learn-better" target="_blank">how beneficial mistakes can</a> be to the process of learning, so you might be interested in it as well.<br />
<br />
I mostly say the same things in each class at BTSN, but since I have five times I have to repeat myself in a short period of time I know each class got slightly different information as well. I'll try to keep it brief.<br />
<br />
<br />
It is important to me that my students are willing and thoughtful. There is no substitute for putting "marks in a page". I need something to go off of to help them.<br />
<br />
The students need to own their own learning. I will give vast feedback and help, but I can't read minds, and if they are struggling or frustrated it is best if they find a kind and appropriate way to communicate that with me.<br />
<br />
Feedback is important and I expect them to read all of the feedback given and use it/respond to it via making their work stronger. I put a lot of comments into the different items listed in the grade book, so that is a great way to stay current and up to date - if you have that sort of interest even as a parent.<br />
<br />
I believe in adjustments and do-overs whenever possible. Which goes along with the above statements.<br />
<br />
Growth is what I want to see. After doing this for so many years it is very easy to tell if true and conscientious effort was put forth. It is painfully obvious to me if something was rushed at the last minute, and rushing physical products at the last minute is the best way to ensure less than desirable results.<br />
<br />
I expect the students to engage in the curriculum. Sitting idly by - which some are wont to do - is a bad idea and will not only not help them, but it will not get them where they likely want to be. Just being in the room and not disrupting the process isn't enough. Engagement means a lot more to me that just being present. I do not need perfection. I do need thoughtful engagement. I know from experience that if the student is truly trying then decent (if not good - or great) product will result.<br />
<br />
The use of tutorial time on a consistent basis will make this class better for everyone involved.<br />
<br />
I am also here before and after school and I strongly encourage the students to use the studio during those times as well. Even if they aren't working on Art, but they need a good place to be, I hope they make the studio a home.<br />
<br />
Did I mention that tutorial is super important to use yet?<br />
<br />
<br />
We have been off to a good start, and, as I do each year, I am so excited that I have to reign myself in from trying to do too much too soon. I just love what I teach, so what can I say?!<br />
<br />
If you've made it this far, yeah for you. The last thing I would ask (and this is totally optional) is if you have another moment to share a short anecdote about your child, that would be rad.<br />
You can use <a href="https://goo.gl/forms/B1NQgOvnKOBtj5842" target="_blank">THIS LINK </a>if you are so inclined.<br />
<br />
Thank you again!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-43104412793839864582018-08-27T16:02:00.000-07:002018-08-27T16:02:27.215-07:00~30%Art 1's:<br />
<br />
I won't always write to tell you stuff like this since you should be getting in the habit of checking Canvas on a regular basis yourself, but it is the beginning of the year so I'd like to make some exceptions when applicable.<br />
<br />
I have looked at and assessed/commented on all the gesture/blind contour/contour drawings that were turned in.<br />
Approx. 28-30% of you have assignments marked as incomplete.<br />
<br />
It is your responsibility to fix this during tutorial and/or after school. Please do this asap and get what is needed back to me. I do not chase students down for these, but when grading periods roll around you need to have marks for everything in the gradebook that are not "incomplete".<br />
If you are "incomplete" that is also what you will get for the grading period...which is not so ideal.<br />
<br />
Again, see me at tutorial (if you come into tutorial during the last half on orange days you'll need to find me in room 502 - the advanced art room). Let me help you out and get you to where you need to be.<br />
<br />
And while we are here, check your Screenshot/Upload and Engagement Sem 1 assignments and make sure you have the right photos in the right place there as well please.<br />
<br />
Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-13726228538221052142018-08-23T17:33:00.001-07:002018-08-23T17:33:50.147-07:00Hey Art 4'sI found out about <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=national+waffle+day&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1-ab" target="_blank">THIS</a>, so I decided to set myself up for a little fun with you Art 4 students. I mean, I miss spending time with you, so maybe we can get together if you aren't too busy.<br />
Place: 501 - your long lost Art 1 room.<br />
Time: tutorial - I'll be back in the room about five min after tutorial begins<br />
Date: Tomorrow, Friday, 8/24<br />
<br />
I have at least enough to get started.<br />
<br />
I also know that not everyone is on this distribution list, so please share this blog link with the other Art 4 students in your class.<br />
<br />
Happy almost Friday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-48660152104216702152018-08-19T07:33:00.002-07:002018-08-19T07:33:42.445-07:00Tues Tutorial for A3/A4 StudentsIf you would like a further explanation as to why I am not teaching Art 3 or Art 4 this year, please come to room 501 (the Art 1 room) during tutorial on Tuesday.<br />
Or rather, please come soon after tutorial starts. I'll begin explaining around 9:50 or so.<br />
<br />
Thank you to those of you who came to see me last week. You helped make me quite happy at the beginning of this difficult transition.<br />
<br />
Also, please please please share this time/place with others that are in Art 3 and Art 4. I am attempting to send this message out via Remind and Canvas, but I'm not 100% sure everyone will get it (esp several current Art 3's). I would love to see everyone just for the sake of my own joy!<br />
<br />
See you soon. I hope you are having a relaxing weekend!<br />
<br />
SmithUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-65510837413307671412018-06-08T10:33:00.001-07:002018-06-08T10:35:49.248-07:00Welcome to the Summer.Summer 2018...<br />
First, a quick note to the seniors who will be graduating tonight:<br />
<br />
Congratulations. This evening you will acquire a piece of paper after years of work which will tell you of your accomplishment. Yes! I am thankful to know each and every one of you, and hope you keep in touch as your journey continues.<br />
Be safe and strive for joy. You are capable and kind, so please share your best self with the world. <br />
<br />
Next, to everyone else:<br />
<br />
I have thoroughly enjoyed my year(s) with you. While every year has its ups and downs I can say that there are more positives I am leaving with than negatives. I have wonderful memories from each class period, and have learned a lot myself along the way. As usual, I am thankful not just for this, but for your efforts.<br />
It is true that what we do in the studio more closely mirrors real life than most of your other classes (in terms of workflow, longevity, depth over time, etc.), and it is always a process.<br />
I have enjoyed looking through your finals as well. There are some really good examples of complex thought that you were able to get down on paper, and for some of you this final effort of product made a positive difference.<br />
Some of you didn't take it as seriously as you could, and you certainly missed an opportunity - especially when I compare different results side by side.<br />
<br />
As a global statement, I truly wish for us all to have a restful and refreshing summer. I believe it to be well earned.<br />
You are fabulous. You are cared for. You are admired. Go, and enjoy.<br />
I'll see you soon.<br />
<br />
SmithUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967429485438981718.post-5873284128265023632018-06-06T08:56:00.001-07:002018-06-06T08:56:58.576-07:00Concentration PInsI forgot I forgot.<br />
<br />
You all received your emoji pin from me and you are <b>totally</b> allowed to wear that on your gown at graduation! If you want to wear your silver cord under your gown, I won't tell you not to (wink wink).<br />
Additionally, you will be receiving an "official" pin for completing your concentration at the senior awards ceremony on Thursday - along with the other recipients that are not my students.<br />
<br />
Wear both pins proudly and rock your graduation like no other!<br />
<br />
I'm very proud of you all.<br />
<br />
SmithUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0