Artistic Vision
It’s a right-brain kinda thing.Archive for Art
Yes, ignore them, but …
I’ve received a few responses to my last post concerning my students’ complaints during class (Intro to Painting, in particular). I was going to respond to them individually but I’ve decided it would be better to clarify my thoughts in a formal post.
The comments I’ve received can be summarized by Daniel over at kungfu komix—
“Ignore them. Students are always that way.”
I’m sympathetic to this sentiment. On some level I think any art teacher who deals with urban kids or kids taking introductory courses needs to be aware of this (seemingly) pervasive dismissive attitude.
I should have clarified myself in the original post that my distress is also (and perhaps more so) related to the incessant talking that occurs while I’m trying to teach. When I try to address it, the students don’t get it. Sadly, their insensitivity is what most distresses (and, frankly, scares) me.
It drains me because waiting for them to get quiet—which is what I was instructed to do by an administrator— causes my projects to take forever to get done or move forward. And, the fact that the lesson gets drawn out causes MORE complaining from my students. (Yes, they’re clueless to the fact that THEY are the root cause of the delay.)
The students’ insensitivity scares me because it reinforces to me how shortsighted they are to how their own behavior is negatively affecting their education. I’ve tried to clue them in to the fact that, unless they go into a science, medical or engineering field they would use most of the higher math they are learning. BUT, the skills I’m teaching them could be a hobby they enjoy until the day they die. Well, maybe the day BEFORE they die. LOL!
Hopefully, this fills in the gaps on my frustration regarding my students lack of motivation. Additional thoughts anyone?
Beyond motivation
This week was particularly troubling for me. Emotionally, I was drained by my students’ constant complaints:
- This is too hard
- This is meaningless
- This is so dumb
- I’m never going to use this
- Blah, blah, blah.
Albeit none of these complaints is new or surprised me. I’ll be reflecting this weekend on my personal responses as I do my lesson planning.
My painting class, in particular, has been quite distressing. They don’t understand why we’re learning drawing basics. My attempts at explaining it fell on deaf ears.
What do you do with students who position themselves beyond motivation?
I met with my media specialist yesterday. I wanted to discuss with her the possibility of taking 3-4 students out of my painting class and giving them writing assignments. One of the kids has been asking for this from the beginning of the year because he hates art. (He failed art last year.) We came up with a couple of ideas. We’re going to meet again next week.
New students, same attitude
The first month of school has passed. Over the summer I thought through what I would cover in the new classes I got approval for teaching.
Unfortunately, while I can change course content I can’t change my students’ hearts. This year, like last, is proving no different with regards to that. I was hoping my frustration level would have matured but my disappointment is already peaking.
I started teaching the kids about the Elements and Principles of Design by tying it to a nonrepresentational abstract drawing project. I showed examples of other black and white abstract works and talked the students through an initial; taking the definitions of the Elements and Principles and describing how I would write about it for that piece of art.
I read through some of the papers and many were poorly done. Because I decided to have them write once a week on a different piece—describing how the artist used the Elements and Principles—I realize now that I will have to provide them with an actual writing sample.
I’ll keep you all posted.
500 Animals in Clay: Contemporary Expressions of the Animal Form
500 Animals in Clay: Contemporary Expressions of the Animal Form was one of two books that came to me last week. I reviewed it looking for inspiration for projects for this year’s upcoming ceramics courses.
I thought this book did an excellent job providing me with examples of what it title says the book is about: 500 animals in clay. From traditional examples to more modern interpretations, this book contains beautiful single-view photos. I would have appreciated a central photo with a couple alternate views in the sidebars simple because the works are 3-D and should be presented as such. But, I didn’t mark them down for that oversight. Oh, and BTW, this is NOT a how-to book. You’ll need to look elsewhere for such a reference.
Overall, I was looking for examples that would inspire me with project ideas as I teach an introductory-level ceramics class for high school students. Obviously, some of the techniques aren’t possible in my school but I’m not looking to copy what is depicted in the book; merely to show off what is possible in a sculptural presentation.
The photography sells the book. Kudos!
School year looms and I need some inspiration
Summer is sadly approaching its end. Yes, I know, it nearly brings a tear to my eye as well. After having lunch with a few friends from where I worked two companies ago, I stopped in to Barnes & Noble to look at their art book section as I was needing some inspiration and direction for a couple of new classes I am starting in the Fall.
The B&N in King of Prussia had a pretty good selection. Well, for me it did. I was looking for books specifically about pastels and oil/watercolor/acrylic painting. It shouldn’t have been too hard but I was surprised the amount of material that simply missed the mark.
I’ll give you a simple rundown of the order I placed through Amazon. I’ve already received two of my selections (woo-hoo!) and am looking forward to the others coming ahead of schedule as well. Here’s the list:
- Pastel School (Learn as You Go)
- Painting with Pastels: Easy Techniques to Master the Medium
- Landscape Painting Inside and Out: Capture the Vitality of Outdoor Painting in Your Studio With Oils
- Oil Painter’s Solution Book Landscapes: XX Answers to Your Oil Painting Questions
- How to Paint Like the Impressionists: A Practical Guide to Re-Creating Your Own Impressionist Paintings
- Layer by Layer Acrylic Painting
Yes, I know there aren’t any watercolor-technique books in the list and only one acrylic book. I’ve got some watercolor resources available at my house. I just need time to go through them and think out how to incorporate the info. Of course, what to include is also helpful. I’ve got that to figure out too. Though time is short, it’ll come together.
Well, I’m off to bed. Good night!
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