Abstract Painting - Studio Art Assignment

This was the abstract painting project example that I made to show my two Studio Art classes (mostly all 9th graders). The point of this assignment was for it to work as an introduction to using acrylic paint, mixing paint, and color theory. I also introduced the students to some contemporary abstract painters who use a lot of pattern in their work.

The students could only use the colors red, yellow, blue, white, and black and they had to choose to use either an analogous, complimentary, or monochromatic color scheme. Within their color scheme choice, they were then required to mix and use a certain amount of tints, shades, and intensities, as well as including a variety of textures (brushstrokes) and patterns. The students are working at approximately 12" x 18".

It was important to do a good introductory painting lesson because the students will be working on more painting assignments for at least a month after I finish my student teaching placement at the high school.

Recent Sketchbook Pages

Here is a selection of recent pages from my Moleskine sketchbook involving collage, ballpoint pen, acrylic paint, and brush pen.

Sam Beam - for classroom demo, Part II

I've slowly been working on the watercolor painting portion of this piece while it's at the high school so that the students can watch it progress from an initial sketch to a finished piece. I did the majority of the inking in slow steps so that the students could see it progress as well. This kind of work is done during my free planning periods, or after school when the room is kept open for students who want extra time to work. Sometimes I'll bring it home to do work on it if the free periods were busy with other things, because I want there to be something new done on the piece each time the students come into the room. I've gotten into the habit of pinning it up on the board to make it easy for students to see it progressing towards a finished piece of art.

This is a photo of the illustration, so the colors aren't one hundred percent accurate, but you can get the general idea. When I finish this piece I'll eventually scan it to post online. It measures 10" x 16".

Audrey Hepburn portrait for classroom demo - Part II

This is simply another part of the digital painting demo that I've been using for the AP Drawing students.

Sam Beam, uncolored - for classroom demo

I drew this portrait of Sam Beam, from Iron and Wine, to use for a demo piece in the classroom. I'm going to be painting on it in class, but I want to try doing some digital coloring with it as well so I scanned in the line work. This was inked on illustration board with micron pens, and measures 10" x 16".

Audrey Hepburn portrait for classroom demo

I made this for a digital painting demo and tutorial that I was doing with the AP art class today. This measures 8" x 10" on watercolor paper, and was drawn and painted using dark brown pencil and black ink washes.

The Police

Here's another musician themed illustration, using pen and watercolor on Bristol Board. The final illustration measures 9" x 12".

From left to right that's Sting, Stewart Copeland, and Andy Summers. Yeah, I know that it kind of looks like Stewart is the lead singer in this picture, but I really liked the photo I found to use as reference. Plus, he's awesome anyhow, so front and center he stayed.