It isn't Thanksgiving without an argument!

Here's some Thanksgiving-related art for you from the Art Institute of Chicago.

I'm thankful for my students and for a job where I can do what I love every day! I hope you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Painterly Presents - Gifts for Artists

The holiday art supply catalog came in the mail today and I read it cover to cover.  If Santa had no budget, what would you ask him to put in your stocking? Read on to get some ideas for your wishlist.

Here's some ideas to help you make your own wishlist.

The wood box mades this gift seem extra special. 

Merry Graffiti!

These would make your sketchbook even more fabulous.

...and a portfolio to carry your work, of course. 

Field Trip Fun

What a privilege to visit a world-class museum so close to home! I think the students enjoyed themselves and gained insight into artworks from across time and place. One of the best parts of the day was that we were able to start our tour a half hour before the museum opened. It was certainly memorable to sit in front of masterworks like La Grande Jatte. After a quick lunch we spent some time viewing the Thorne miniature rooms, which were a crowd favorite. We spent the rest of our time in the contemporary wing enjoying works by artists such as Felix Gonzalez Torres. 


Experiencing art in person is so much different from viewing it online or in a book. I think that viewing art in person often starts a lifelong relationship with that artwork. What is one of your favorite artworks to view in person?

What does AP Studio Art look like?

Parents & Students:  Check out the AP Studio Art website to examine AP Studio Art (2-D) submissions from recent years.

Using Pastel in the 21st Century

My third-year art students (Studio II) were interested in learning more about pastel so they are exploring a variety of techniques in class this week. Soft pastel feels like chalk, but is actually considered to be a painting medium. Since we will view many Impressionist pieces next week I thought I'd share some of Degas' pastel work. However, I don't see many 21st century artists using pastel...have you? What role does 19th century media play in this century? Is it still valid to teach these media and methods to students?

Powerful Photo Essay

This photo series really touched my heart since we created portraits of kids living in orphanages in Uganda in 2010 (as pictured in this photo.) I am touched by the striking images, the evidence of a meaningful relationship between photographer and subject and the powerful commentary. What an amazing woman featured in these photographs! 

Contemporary Artist: Oliver Herring

Oliver Herring is a contemporary artist who I first learned about when I was in a master's degree course at Ohio State. Herring's main "medium" is performance art. He is the creator of TASK, an improvisational art experience with little structure and few rules. One of my classmates from OSU has implemented Herring's principles in his class, hosted TASK parties and even welcomed Herring into his high school classroom! Check out TASK here and learn more about Herring here. What do you think about TASK?

2011-12 National Art Honor Society

Congratulations to this great group of students!

FIELD TRIP TIME!

AP Studio Art and Studio Art II will visit the Art Institute of Chicago on 11/7. Permission slips are due this week. We will have a guided tour on Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, followed by an early lunch, and a self-guided tour in the Contemporary wing. Visit the Art Institute's website for more information.