Mondrian's Trees: Ben King's 7th and 8th grade classes

Based on an early tree drawing by the 20th century artist Piet Mondrian 7th and 8th graders are learning to create greater impact in their drawings by structurally analyzing compositions by masters like Mondrian.

Studio 3D: Corrugated Cardboard Portraits

STEAM Studio: Silver Gelatin, darkroom investigations. Photograms (Inspired by Man Ray)

Studio 2D - Digital Photographic Self Portrait Collage

Studio 3D- Assemblage Sculptures (Inspired by Louise Nevelson)

7th Grade Art: Unit: The Foundations of Art. Project: Line and Countour

In 7th Grade Studio Art, students are exposed to a variety of art making materials while addressing the fundamentals of art.  Color shape and line had been the focus of self-made sketch books where daily creative activity was encouraged.  As part of the investigation of line, students discussed what a LINE is and the variety of lines that can be created.  The progression toward lines constructing images was realized through the investigation of Blind Contour Drawing and then using Contour Drawing to investigate Still Life! Students were allowed to assemble their own Still Life compositions and document them with digital cameras for future setups. Light, Shadow and Line were used to investigate physical objects and use their eyes to interpret what was directly in front of them.  Through material, line, and observation, students were able to complete their first larger works this year, and become more confident observers and creators! 

Photo 1: Analog, Film Based Photography - Unit: Learning To Look!

In Photography 1, students have come a long way in embracing analog photography which unknown to them is incredibly steeped in math and science!  Students first had to learn about camera basics including, F-Stops, Apertures, Film Speed, Shutter Speed, Focus and Depth of Field.  Students learned how balance light and read a light meter, shoot their own film and learn the chemical process used in which to develop their own film!  Students were then introduced to the darkroom to learn how to enlarge and focus their own self-made negatives, and learn the chemical process to create a physical printed image. Once the technical aspects are honed, learning how to recognize the elements of art through the camera lens becomes the priority. 

A unit called “HOW TO LOOK” helps to wake up the eyes and the minds of the students and to help them recognize the aesthetic potential of everything in their physical world.  Students are exposed to compositional formulas, ratios and techniques that help them become better photographers and more importantly, become better “Visual Communicators.”

STEAM Studio: Street Art/Pop Art Inspired, Self Portraits

In STEAM Studio, the brightly colored digital self-portraits were inspired by a deep dive into contemporary art history, specifically POP Art and Street/Graffiti Art.  As a preliminary foundation, lessons addressed artists such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Shephard Fairey, Banksy, Mr. Brainwash, Space Invader, Jean Michael Basquiat, and a variety of other contemporary artists. Students studied the visual correlation between Andy Warhol’s famous silkscreen multiple image, “Marylin” and Shepard Fairey’s iconic President Obama, “Hope” poster. Students debated the issues of graffiti, the occupying of public space, vandalism, artform, personal expression and public art. Students used a variety of digital tools such as iPads, Google Drive sharing, and Adobe Photoshop to create highly personalized multiple images of themselves that tap into an alternative portrait approach that is both expressive and personal.