All good things must come to an end

The mood was somber in the conference center as things wrapped up on Saturday. I had a wonderful dinner at a classic New Orleans restaurant Arnaud's in the French quarter and had one last walk through the city.

In the airport it was easy to spot art teachers reading through supply catalogues and saying goodbye to old and new friends. My suitcase weighed much more than it did when I arrived because of the samples and freebies the vendors generously shared with all of us. I donned my fleece and jacket and boarded my flight ready to head back home where I hope to find that some of the snow has melted,

Local students complete an on-site mural.

It was quite interesting to watch this temporary mural evolve over the past three days.

I am sure that only my students will understand how excited I was, along with two art teachers from Utah, as we met with a representative from Strathmore to discuss paper! New products include a multi-media paper and a really heavy printing paper in pads. We were literally ooooing and ahhhing as we felt the papers and learned about their properties.

And then I learned all about copic markers and how to us them. I also discovered that they are refillable!

Workshop highlights today were sessions on integrating contemporary art into art curriculum and creating "choice-based" classrooms. I also created a design prototype from insulation blocks using a heated foam carver! Fantastic tool and will hope my creation survives the flight home so that I can continue to work on it.

The French Quarter

This afternoon after leaving the conference I explored galleries and antique shops in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The distinctive architecture was accented by the sounds of impromptu jazz performances and the spectacular weather.

Art teachers love to have the chance to do some of their own work

and to experiment!

Can you believe that this work was made from masking tape?

Picking up all sorts of interesting ideas from the product exhibitors! This is called masking tape window art.

The day ended even better than it began!

Workshops on 3-D printing and improvisational drawing - a presentation by D'Wayne Edwards, shoe designer and Pensole Footwear design academy - and finally all topped off with (after standing in line for two hours) a book signing with my "tough love critique idol". Sometimes it's just plain great to be an art teacher.

I am also keeping track of where folks come from as I meet them and chat - Colorado, Alabama, Florida, Iowa, and Oklahoma ...

Now I hope to join my friend who is a New Orleans native tonight for some Louisiana food! And did I mention that it is in the 70's!

What a fantastic way to kick off the 2015 NAEA Conference

Greetings from New Orleans and the National Art Education Association's national conference!

Tim Gunn was entertaining and honest about his life as an arts educator, mentor and administrator. Speaking to the assembled group of over 4000 art and museum educators, he fully engaged the group of admiring fans.

Following his talk an New Orleans marching jazz band came into the room to usher us into the exhibits hall where art schools, art supply companies and publicists are set up to share the latest products with us all.... And it's only 10am!

Homework Wall of Fame 3/24/15

Congratulations Hiyori Kunst, Dylan Taylor, and Bridget Morrissey!

Art 2 Homework through April 2015

Your homework assignments carry the minimum expectation for you to spend one hour of time at home on these projects.  The assignments are designed to challenge your imagination and powers of visual observation.  The assignments should be turned in on paper that is a minimum of 9” x 12” and should never be folded.  It is required that these be in a bound sketchbook.  Because the homework is given out well in advance of the due date late work will not be accepted.  All of these assignments may be done in after school work sessions if you wish.

1.  DUE by Wednesday April 1, 2015

Drawing from Observation - In this assignment, you may draw anything you choose, but you must draw three real objects that show your interests.  Photographs are not to be used as references.  The end result should be a still-life.

Care in drawing, accuracy, detail, and shading                     40 points

Level of difficulty                                                                    20 points

Use of media/excellence in technique                                   40 points

2. DUE by Wednesday April 8, 2015

Drawing from Observation - In this assignment, you may draw anything you choose, but you must draw an object or scene from an unusual point of view. ie put it up high above you, or on the floor below you.  Photographs are not to be used as references. 

Care in drawing, perspective, detail, and shading                  40 points

Level of difficulty                                                                    20 points

Use of media/excellence in technique                                   40 points

3.   DUE by Wednesday April 15, 2015

Drawing from Imagination - In this assignment, you may draw anything you choose, but you must draw purely from your imagination.  What is it that you doodle? Just go for it! Photographs are not to be used as references. 

Care in drawing, detail, and shading                                       40 points

Level of difficulty and effort                                                    20 points

Use of media/excellence in technique                                   40 points

4.  DUE by Wednesday April 29, 2015

Optional homework – you have the choice to not do this assignment (unless you are in honors)!  If you elect to do it you may do it, you may select any type of art related project to complete.  You will be graded on your use of media and the level of difficulty of the project.

Art 1 Homework for April 2015

Powers of visual observation.  The assignments should be turned in on paper that is a minimum of 9” x 12” and should never be folded.  It is required that these be in a bound sketchbook.  Because the homework is given out well in advance of the due date late work will not be accepted. All of these assignments may be done in after school work sessions if you wish.
DUE by Wednesday April 1, 2015

1. Food.  Draw something OBSERVED that is food. In other words, it has to be real not a photograph. Be creative. Draw the food as big as you can on the page.  How about fried egg on toast with bacon, or a plate of spaghetti and meatballs?  Pick something that is not too hard because it is all one texture or color (like a brownie).  Shade to show the colors as shades of gray and 3 D forms in PENCIL or pen …no color remember DO NOT WORK FROM A PHOTOGRAPH!

Evaluation                   Basic proportions of food and use of page                                       30 points

                                    Shading in pencil or pen to show value and texture                         50 points

                                    Level of difficulty/effort                                                                  20 points

DUE by Wednesday April 8, 2015

2. Where you least expect it! Sometimes inspiration can come from places that you least expect them to.  In this case, I would like you to draw something in your bathroom.  It could be your view of the counter top with toothbrush holders, etc.  It could be the items in a cabinet or a basket of towels.  Draw the entire area not just objects.  Work from observation not photos! Use pencil or pen ( no color) fill the page.  SHADE to shades of gray and 3 D form.

Evaluation…         Selected subject - visual appeal of environment                      30 points

                             Composition, Use of full page                                                   20 points

                             Shading in pencil to show shades of gray                                20 points

                             Shading in pencil to show form – light source (3D)                  20 points

                             Level of difficulty/effort                                                             10 points

DUE by Wednesday April 15, 2015
3. My comfort zone.  In this environment, I want you to draw a view of the place that you are most comfortable …. where you spend a lot of time relaxing when you can.  Don’t sit there, sit looking at it and draw the space.  Notice where the light is coming from and SHADE to show texture, pattern, and form.  USE pencil or pen (no color) and work from OBSERVATION NOT A PHOTO.

Evaluation…      Scene selected is drawn from a vantage point                      15 points

                           Shading – full range of values                                               50 points

                           Use of full page - composition                                               10 points

                           Use of correct media, neatness, technique                           15 points

                           Level of difficulty/effort                                                           10 points

DUE by Wednesday April 29, 2015

4. Optional homework – you have the choice to not do this assignment!  If you elect to do it, you may select any type of art related project to complete.  You will be graded on your craftsmanship and the level of difficulty of the project.


ART SHOW – Thursday April 30, 2015  5:30 – 7:30 pm
Drop by with a parent or family member and earn a 95 Homework grade.  Drop by on your own and earn a 90 Homework grade.  Demonstrate an art technique for the two hours and earn a 100 Homework grade!

Homework Wall of Fame 3/18/2015

Congratulations Sarah Johnson, Monica O'Brien and Katie Dagle!

Fwd: Homework Hall of Fame 3/12/15

Subject: Homework Hall of Fame 3/12/15

Congratulations to Hiyori Kunst, Abbey Brunzell, and Sarah Johnson!

Homework Wall of Fame 3/5/2015

Congratulations to Linnea Bartlett and Chris Belsito for making the homework wall of fame this week - favorite childhood toy in a background.