Art is either plagiarism or revolution. ~ Paul Gaugin

Many students are taking art for the first time when they walk in to my classroom at Newark Memorial High School. My primary goal is to offer the students a larger encompassing, evolving definition of art, that at anytime can be discussed, challenged and celebrated. We focus on developing technical skills and begin to process how to use visual language to express thoughts and ideas. One way we do that is by working in sketchbooks-they are a place to experiment and make plans for larger projects. In Art One, students examine the foundations of art and explore the following components: drawing skills, design principles, and color media. Our exploration emphasizes divergent creative solutions, and the exploration of current and historical art movements. In Master's and AP Studio Art, students develop their portfolios by refining technical skills and pursuing their unique voice in art.

            This painting was inspired by the power of nature and the beauty that is so prevalent in our seemingly mundane surroundings. I wanted to communicate that beauty can be found in everything, if you only know to look for it. We so often overlook the very things that make life worth living, and so I wanted to make something that would cause people to look up and smile. The process in making this final product began with a sketch that I transferred onto a larger surface. I then painted it in with acrylic paints and added detail with Prismacolor markers.

The MCA Senior portfolio site is up! See the personally designed and coded sites of each senior including all their finest videos, graphics, art and photography.