RESIDENCY GOALS
The main goal of my residencies is for my students to surpass their expectations and discover their personal artistic style. My method focuses on mediums and techniques that students can adapt to their vision. During our residencies it is my hope that students apply the techniques they’re learning, synthesize them with units of study or interest with an aim toward creating an original piece of art. Discovery, either through the differing perspectives that visual arts create or through the mere process of creation is the ultimate goal of our residencies.

WORK WITH STUDENTS
Residencies and workshops utilize: Observation, Drawing, Painting, Collage

Still life and Observational Drawing
We will learn how to take observation past the use of sight by touching still life models, discussing our observations about them, and our connections to them before drawing with varied dry mediums.

Illustration
An opportunity for students to create a visual element accompanying their reading and other units of discovery. The illustration allows the students to create a unique narrative from their personal perspective. This project begins with a discussion of comprehension, notes and brainstorming on visual ideas, the creation of thumbnail sketches, creation and revisions that result in a unique and original finished work of illustration that reflects both the students comprehension and understanding of their subject as well as sharing their own vision.

Drawing in the field (Botanical and Wildlife)
Beginning with basic shapes, we’ll distinguish and illustrate the common elements as well as unique differences in animal and plant life using a range of drawing techniques. Projects can range from simple sketching to accompany notes to compositions rendered in wet mediums as well.

Self-Portraiture
We will explore the basic shapes that compose our faces and develop compositions that highlight what makes us unique. In drawing, focus and attention to detail alter the features we all share into features unique to our own visage. It also provides a unique opportunity to explore varied colors, color mixing, and an incredible insight into what goes in to everyone’s color of skin.

Collage
As an opportunity to learn the basics of design, collage presents a number of means to express concepts both literal and symbolic. The presence of multiple colors and textures provides students with tools to address creativity and share visions of a quality different from writing or drawing along with a chance to experiment with realism and abstract imagery.

1000 Words, 1 Picture
Illustration is one of the oldest art forms in history, if not the oldest by predating language. It has long been an accompaniment to oral and written history, local and world news, and fiction alike. This residency will introduce students to the process of synthesizing comprehensive reading and study with the composition of an illustration of the chosen subject matter. While the residency begins with a common process of thought and composition, students quickly move into a stage where imagination and experimenting with innovation are achieved through a variety of illustration mediums. Students will work independently through the entire process, learning use of materials and mediums, developing an individual style, and completing an original illustration.

This residency is available for two or more classrooms.