Surrealism with Art 1

My Art 1 students just finished their Surrealism Drawing Project, and it was an incredible way to see how much they’ve grown this semester. After studying artists such as Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Remedios Varo, students explored dreamy ideas of their own within their sketchbooks.

Using the drawing and colored-pencil techniques we’ve practiced throughout the semester, students created surreal scenes filled with visual metaphors and unexpected combinations. They began by brainstorming then sketching a contour outline from imagination. Next they developed a value map and planned their color scheme. Once prepared, they moved into shading and coloring.

Even though the project allowed for a lot of creativity and fun, it also challenged students to think critically and to use the drawing skills they developed throughout the semester.

The final artworks showcased their growing technical skills and offered a glimpse into their developing artistic voices. I’m proud of their hard work and excited to share the results.

Thankfulness Collage with Advanced Art

Right before Thanksgiving break, my advanced students completed a mixed-media collage project focused on identity and gratitude, a chance to further develop their artistic voice as they reflected on the people, experiences, and values that shape who they are.

To ground the project in real art practice, we looked at the work of Romare Bearden, whose collages pull together memory, community, and personal narrative through layered imagery. We also briefly explored other artists who use collage and mixed media to express identity such as Faith Ringgold, Lorna Simpson, and Mickalene Thomas. This helped students see how powerful and expressive this approach can be.

For their own pieces, students combined photographs, drawings, textures, text, and found imagery to build a visual story about what they’re thankful for. They were required to include at least one element that they drew and at least one 3D element that they crafted.

The final collages were honest, inventive, and full of personality. I’m proud of how my students used this project not only to practice mixed-media techniques, but also to express who they are and what matters most to them.

Reading Graphic Novels in the High School Art Classroom

It’s been four years since I incorporated reading and analyzing graphic novels into my high school art curriculum. While there have been challenges, I can say with certainty that it has been incredibly beneficial for my students.

I know some people don’t think of comics as a serious or important medium, but honestly? Graphic novels are a powerful way to teach visual literacy, explore symbolism, narrative, and sequential art, and analyze style and creative voice.

In Art 1, we start with the graphic novel adaptation of The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and Almost American Girl by Robin Ha. We dive deep into character design, as well as essential aspects of visual storytelling such as page composition, panel pacing, setting, style, and mood. I chose The Graveyard Book because it was illustrated by several different artists, which gives students a chance to discuss a variety of styles and techniques. And Almost American Girl shows how Robin Ha’s illustration style is informed by her identity and cultural experience. Together, these books provide a strong foundation as students begin developing their own drawing and design skills.

In Advanced Art, students read Collected Essex County by Jeff Lemire and the graphic novel adaptation of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, illustrated by E.M. Carroll. These works introduce more complex narratives and emotionally impactful visual storytelling. We analyze how the artists communicate mood, emotion, and tone, helping students see how visual choices can carry immense narrative weight. This helps to prepare them to develop their own artistic voice.

Bringing graphic novels into the classroom does more than supplement reading instruction (which, by the way, is an excellent benefit and the English teachers love it). It also teaches students to read images as critically as text, think deeply about narrative and style, and experiment with their own creative voice. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them make these connections and realize that art isn’t just about perfect realism and mastery of technique. It’s about communication, storytelling, and style.

As someone who is currently writing and illustrating my own graphic novel, nothing excites me more than seeing students recognize that comics and graphic novels are not only valid forms of literature and art, but complex, dynamic, and absolutely worth reading!

Halloween with the Art Club at BHS

Art Club went full spooky season this week.

We kicked things off with mini pumpkin painting. Using acrylic paint, students explored color mixing, layering techniques, and surface preparation. It was awesome seeing students apply their painting skills to something fun and festive.

Then we took our creativity out of the art studio for Trunk-or-Treat. The club expertly decorated the car and handed out candy to the kids. Huge shout-out to everyone who participated! You represented the BHS Art Club with style. Now it’s time to start mentally preparing for holiday crafts!

Portraiture with Art 1

The Art 1 students just wrapped up their pencil portrait project. This is the culminating project of our Pencil Drawing Unit! This year the students drew school staff and teachers that will be displayed in the Media Center. This project brought together everything they’ve learned so far about perspective, proportion, and value.

Using the grid method, students carefully mapped out the outline for accuracy before diving into shading to create depth, texture, and realism. It’s been amazing watching them apply their skills from previous projects like the Linear Perspective Drawing and Still Life Drawing projects, as well as their practice assignments and drawing studies, to something as complicated and challenging as a portrait.

This project is always one of my favorites because it shows just how far they’ve come technically as artists in such a short time.