My students need watercolor paper, techniques chart, watercolor sets and brushes, and a DVD to effectively understand the art of watercolor, its techniques and methods.
"Action is Eloquence", by W. Shakespeare. Action is what it takes to illustrate how quality materials make a difference in the overall quality of their art work. This is essential to good teaching. I enjoy using the "proper" materials to demonstrate how much they themselves are valued.
James Madison H.S.
is a co-educational and diverse city school of 9th to 12th graders. I teach a large population of "special" students as well as average students. I teach three basic art classes (required) and two painting classes (elective). I enjoy it very much no matter the challenges I face everyday. We support each other wholeheartedly. I believe that a good education not only begins with good teachers and caring ones, but also the necessary and proper materials to teach with. Using copy paper is just not good enough for painting on. Good watercolor paper is essential for good work, etc. Our students and every child deserves a quality education and quality materials are an important component to that. "Action is Eloquence, by, W. Shakespeare does exemplify the very essence of what I am saying. Children are shown how "Eloquent" they really are through the actions of their teachers! And, I believe that our school works hard at showing each student that.
My Project
We will begin by learning the basics to watercolor. This is done through my demonstrations and viewing famous art work, and the DVD on watercolor. I will show them how to paint a wash, wet in wet, blending, superimposing and graded wash. Each student will have access to using watercolor paper, brushes and sets to practice the techniques as often as they need before going on to a final work. I usually like to have them paint seascapes or landscapes. This time they will stencil vocabulary using a variety of lettering styles (block, marker brush etc) with their pencil on top of a grid that becomes part of their overall design and later fill in using any number of watercolor techniques. To achieve a holograph effect. Sometimes you see the word and sometimes you see the grid. This is a new way to help each student learn their vocabulary in a creative way. Bold or soft use of color may be a choice for which overall effect they may want to achieve in their completed work.
Donations to this project improves the overall quality a teacher brings to the classroom, specifically to each student.
It is very important that the proper and quality materials be used in order to effectively achieve a high level of learning. I believe that the arts are not valued as other subjects are and by giving in to the use of improper and incorrect materials devalues what you are trying to achieve in the first place. An appreciation for the arts. Quality materials brings awareness.
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