“Inspiration is in seeing a part of the whole with the part of the whole in you”- Khalil Gibran
Artists use a grid drawing method that allows them to transfer and or enlarge pictures from one format to another, while keeping proportion. As a warm-up to this process Mrs. Salvatore’s 8th grade Visual Arts students were given a 1-inch by 1-inch piece of a “Mystery Picture” to reproduce on a 6-inch by 6-inch square matt board using oil pastels. With no other information about what the whole picture would be when collaboratively put together, the students were challenged to reproduce the tiny picture. This process helped the students to sharpen observational and rendering skills.
While interpreting what they saw, students were very mindful of creating directional lines, proportional shapes, tonal value, and interesting texture. When all of the students had completed and varnished their square, the final picture was revealed as the composition was assembled like a jig-saw puzzle. Students were able to recognize how as artists we all see, interpret, and express information differently, especially when we don’t have all of the information. They also noticed that when you step back from the image the entire picture becomes much clearer. When the final bulletin board was created, all of the students felt a sense of accomplishment and pride for their part in the positive group effort.
If we compare this drawing exercise with real life, we can see how the process of growing up and working through challenges may not reveal the whole picture to us, when we are too close to the situation. Each new experience and accomplishment adds color and texture to our lives. When we have worked hard and reach our final goals we are able to step back and see the big picture. Hopefully all will be in focus and we will be proud of how we have contributed to society.
Tracey Salvatore
Art Teacher
Artists use a grid drawing method that allows them to transfer and or enlarge pictures from one format to another, while keeping proportion. As a warm-up to this process Mrs. Salvatore’s 8th grade Visual Arts students were given a 1-inch by 1-inch piece of a “Mystery Picture” to reproduce on a 6-inch by 6-inch square matt board using oil pastels. With no other information about what the whole picture would be when collaboratively put together, the students were challenged to reproduce the tiny picture. This process helped the students to sharpen observational and rendering skills.
While interpreting what they saw, students were very mindful of creating directional lines, proportional shapes, tonal value, and interesting texture. When all of the students had completed and varnished their square, the final picture was revealed as the composition was assembled like a jig-saw puzzle. Students were able to recognize how as artists we all see, interpret, and express information differently, especially when we don’t have all of the information. They also noticed that when you step back from the image the entire picture becomes much clearer. When the final bulletin board was created, all of the students felt a sense of accomplishment and pride for their part in the positive group effort.
If we compare this drawing exercise with real life, we can see how the process of growing up and working through challenges may not reveal the whole picture to us, when we are too close to the situation. Each new experience and accomplishment adds color and texture to our lives. When we have worked hard and reach our final goals we are able to step back and see the big picture. Hopefully all will be in focus and we will be proud of how we have contributed to society.
Tracey Salvatore
Art Teacher