2D Boot Camp

To build a foundation before moving toward assignments that allow more choices, Graphics students have been going through an art "boot camp".
First we practiced observational skills by "drawing on the right side of the brain" and drawing a still life object that was shaded with pencil. The students chose from some objects I'd brought from home or anything they could find in the classroom.

Next, the students practiced creating an interesting composition and utilized several different ink techniques.

To start with color and paint, students worked in teams to mix tempera paint to match paint samples, completed a one day acrylic study and a one day watercolor painting. I told the students they were not allowed to draw their compositions in pencil for the one day studies, they had to paint directly on the paper. It was good for some of them to loosen up a bit.

Acrylic

Watercolor

After painting, students made torn paper collages and experimented with mono prints made on gelli plates.

Monoprinting

Soon, the students will have the opportunity to work further in the medium they choose and we will start to have assignments based on themes. I can't wait to see what they come up with!