A Sketch of HS Art
By: Hannah Lee, Amy Kweon
Edited By: Andrea Kwon
Web designed by: Justin chee
High school and middle school classes differ greatly. AP subjects are even more different in that they are college-level classes. A lot of these classes will teach many students who already decided their career how to express their imagination professionally.
In middle school art class, the students can experience many kinds of art: drawing, painting, paper cutting, clay and many more. In MS art, teachers don’t grade on the quality and the style of the student’s art; students are only required to finish their work. This freedom is given because the teachers want to make sure the students solve problems in their own ways, not the way that the teachers taught them. Mrs. Lopez explains, “The most important thing I am trying to teach my students is problem solving and critical thinking. Much of what the students are learning here is being able to solve problems in an art atmosphere” Meanwhile in high school, students work for their future career and experience. The class is more professional and students are more seriously involved in their work. HS art session is divided in three major classes; design, studio art and ceramics. They also learn about basic theories of art, such as the basic elements, principles and practical aspects of art and contemporary artists. Ms. Ekin emphasised the importance of balancing concepts and technical skills; developing the aesthetic techniques so that the artists can visually display, deliver their imagination and make strong artwork at the same time. Nonetheless, it is not the type of technical skills that students get graded on but how well the students displayed their imagination according to the topic. She also firmly believes that the freedom for how you introduce your artwork shouldn’t be given randomly but it should be given to the students, who have responsibility, with certain parameter and rubric. Ms. Ekin said, “They always have challenges. If you can do this much, there should be little more challenging for you, little more. And thats where you get fun as well. If you don't challenge yourself, theres no fun.” Although, both MS art and HS art value creativity, what they are trying to teach the students are significantly different. If MS art is for the creativity of the students, HS art is for mastery of the work that can help students’ future career. |
Painting of a dog by Jenny Lee (10), AP drawing student. She imitated the real dog’s fur by using smaller brush to create the texture. She also put light effect by using white paint on the far and eyes.
A drawing pasted next to Ms Ekin’s desk. Combination of a black ink, water and pieces of photographs made it more attractive and standout among other artworks. This kind of technique, imbalancing body proportion, is usually used in satirical comics.
Ms Ekin’s classroom during High School lunch recess. A lot of students are grouped together, discussing about their artwork or planning for incoming project. Ms Ekin is advising a student about her future project.
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