My goal, as your teacher, is to provide a safe environment where you will explore, discover, and create freely, while learning to take ownership of your work.

Google Cultural Institute
Click on above- check out this site to take a closer look (literally, you can zoom into Van Gogh's Starry Night!) at works displayed in museums across the globe!

"A" for Art?
"There is no greater integrity, no greater goal achieved, than an idea articulately expressed through something made with your hands. We call this constant dialogue between eye, mind, and hand "critical thinking -- critical making." It's an education in getting your hands dirty, in understanding why you made what you made, and owning the impact of that work in the world. It's what artists and designers do." 
-John Maeda (President, RISD)

Overarching objectives for the Art Classroom
​You will be able to...

• share conversations with your peers and teachers about artwork (from history, your own, your peers' work, etc.).
• render objects and spaces accurately in value and perspective.
• understand how to use a variety of medium (dry and wet).
• create meaning through art.
• demonstrate a willingness to solve a problem, keeping in mind that there is not solely one solution to a problem.
• understand that we are creative beings and embrace it!
• identify and utilize the resources available to you.
• advocate for yourself; ask for help when needed. 
• observe one another's art work, and give constructive feedback as well as receive and apply feedback given by peers or teacher. 
• let go of the fear of making "mistakes" as someone once said, "Faster to failure is faster to success."

Elements of Art &
​ Principles of Design:
(As you create art and respond to it, ask yourself these questions)

Elements of Art:
Color- What are the different color theories?

Line- What are the different types of line weight? When do you use them?

Form- How do the contours of the object behave? Do they curve? Are they straight?

Value- How much darker or lighter is x next to y?

Shape- “Shapes on shapes!” Everything we try to draw essentially is comprised of major shapes.

Texture- What does it feel like?

Compositional choices/ Principles of design:
Balance- How does the composition look as a whole?

Emphasis- Where are your eyes drawn to?

Harmony- Is there fluid movement throughout the composition?

Pattern- Repetition of line/shapes

Proportion- How big is one thing in relationship to the other?

Rhythm- What is the visual “beat” that you hear?

Tension- Is it butting heads?

Unity- Are elements in the composition making sense as a whole?

Variety- Different combinations of the things mentioned above

Eurythmy-  The combination of harmony, proportion, and movement

Umph-  This one is for you to figure out.

According to the art students of 2013-14, You should take art because...
1. It allowed me to relax and forget about all my other classes.
2. It gave me more confidence.
3. It healed the wounds that academics caused.
4. It allows you to explore your creative side!
5. The cute art girls! ;)
6. [You will] become more creative.
7. Girls love artists ;)
8. Boys love artists ;)
9. It's a really super-mega-foxy-hot community.
10. You can eat in class.
11. There is phone service in the art part of the school (even though you shouldn't have it out during class!)
12. It helps you build a strong foundation before art school :)
13. Make new friends!!
14. Best light room in the school.