VIRTUAL ART SHOWS: MIDDLE SCHOOL

I began virtual art shows during the pandemic and continued the practice because they are accessible and a great solution for reaching more families. During this time, I encouraged students to use what they had around them, which led to the creative use of materials like aluminum bottles, cattail seeds, and Minecraft. The students made the slides themselves.

• Link to Virtual Art Show 2020-21 (when students were entirely virtual)

These artworks are from in-person learning. Students selected from their 2D unit, 3D unit and passion project unit. As we had an in-person show, this virtual show was optional.

• Link to Virtual Art Show 2021-22

NON-OBJECTIVE WATERCOLOR: HIGH SCHOOL

A lesson plan I adapted from Ken Schwab’s Non-Objective Art Circle Design while I was a long-term substitute at Cross Keys High School. This lesson plan introduced watercolor techniques, involved a practice session painting fruit using those techniques, and finally students chose their own nature-based reference and composition. Students then used watercolor to depict their abstract, non-objective composition, and finally cut out, taped, and labeled their work for display. Click here for my lesson presentation.

OBSERVATIONAL SHOE DRAWING: HIGH SCHOOL

A lesson plan from Elizabeth Debban of Brookwood High School, involving cardboard, sharpie, gesso, and charcoal. I taught this while I was a long-term substitute at Cross Keys High School teaching Intro to Drawing. Students begin with value scales, shading practice, and contour drawings of their shoes. Next they write descriptive words about their shoes on the cardboard with sharpie, paint expressively with gesso to create the drawing surface, and begin drawing their chosen shoe from observation on the gesso. Finally, to add an element of texture and depth, students can opt to use an x-acto knife to reveal the corrugation in a way that benefits their composition. Click here for Debban’s grading rubric.

ZENTANGLE COLLAGE: MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

A lesson adapted from Mrs. Conte where students use collage and zentangle to create a dynamic work. I taught this while I was a long-term substitute at Cross Keys High School teaching Intro to Drawing. This is a great lesson for this level, as it is accessible to students with a negative internal narrative about their ability to create. Click here for my grading rubric.