High School Lessons

I had the opportunity to create lessons for Art I, Digital Art and Design levels I-IV, and Modeling and Animation I at Olentangy High School. Using the curriculum that the teachers have been using, I made them my own and taught grades 9-12 of all abilities and was able to collaborate and learn alongside my students.

Art I Projects

Never-Ending Story of Elements of Art and Principles of Design

Students completed brainstorming, and thumbnail sketches to create an exceptionally creative project. They showcased unique and imaginative scenes from magical places by using the elements of art and principles of design. The class effectively incorporated a variety of art elements and design principles in their drawn scenes, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to use them to create visual interest and convey meaning. Shown here are the 4 panels for each project that made up the "infinity book" which they constructed after they were finished with coloring. They then completed a final written assignment listing and showcasing how they used each element and principle in their story book.

Expressive Perspective Project

The students were introduced to the concept of one and two-point perspective in drawing. They followed and understood the rules of one-point perspective and created a project of a word they chose using appropriate typography, using shading techniques to add value and depth to their drawings.

Complex Two-Point Perspective Box Project

Students built upon prior understanding and applied the concepts of 1-point and 2-point perspectives in this assignment. They created a composition of 7 boxes, including specific requirements for shapes and windows in both 1 pt. and 2 pt. perspective and also demonstrated the ability to blend shadows smoothly using drawing techniques.

Complex Two-Point Perspective Box Project

Students built upon prior understanding and applied the concepts of 1-point and 2-point perspectives in this assignment. They created a composition of 7 boxes, including specific requirements for shapes and windows in both 1 pt. and 2 pt. perspective and also demonstrated the ability to blend shadows smoothly using drawing techniques.

Dream Bedroom: Joined Perspective

Students built upon prior understanding and applied the concepts of 1-point and 2-point perspectives in this assignment. They created a composition of 7 boxes, including specific requirements for shapes and windows in both 1 pt. and 2 pt. perspective and also demonstrated the ability to blend shadows smoothly using drawing techniques.

Designer Toy Project

Students learned what designer toys are and created an original 6-8 inch designer toy based on a self-chosen theme. They incorporated at least one pattern/texture and used the three hand-building techniques: slab, coiling, and pinch pot methods. Their final project has to be a hollow, smooth, and detailed clay sculpture that can stand on its own.

Balanced Watercolor Project

Students created four non-representational designs using the four types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, approximate symmetry, and radial. In practice, they used geometric and biomorphic shapes in their designs. The class was able to identify and apply design principles, including unity, rhythm, emphasis, and balance, and in the final assignment, demonstrated technical skill and craftsmanship using watercolor media.

Mini Box Demo Project

Students practice working with clay by creating a 2x2x2 box. They roll out clay slabs and cut out six 2x2 squares. They then bevel each side of the six squares, slip and score with the serrated rib, and assemble the box, burnishing the constructed box, making the edges crisp. They were then instructed to deconstruct the box and create it into whatever they wanted, and have it include a lid.

Digital Art and Design I and II Projects

Elements of Art and Principles of Design Review

Students identify and define the Elements of Art and Principles of Design through a digital presentation using visual examples to illustrate and explain their understanding.

Flat Design Project

The students were introduced to the concept of one and two-point perspective in drawing. They followed and understood the rules of one-point perspective and created a project of a word they chose using appropriate typography, using shading techniques to add value and depth to their drawings.

Digital Painting Project

Students learn how to understand the importance of evoking emotions in art and why by making digital paintings that include making their pieces about a specific emotion. They will practice and use Adobe Photoshop tools and techniques to create a digital painting to demonstrate their ability to make artistic decisions that convey a specific/personal emotion in their artwork.

Animated Action Project

Students learn and understand basic animation principles by creating simple animations using Adobe Photoshop's timeline features. They applied creative thinking to develop original animated sequences and once finished, reflected on their creative process and technical execution.

Abstract Portraiture Project

Students will learn about abstract portraiture and its significance in art with practice of how to think abstractly. They will review and continue to develop their skills in using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create abstract patterns with posterized images and explore the concept of self-expression through art

Composite Project

Students will learn how to create a composite image in Photoshop by blending multiple elements together and practice selecting and editing images to create a cohesive and visually appealing final composition. They will use their creativity and critical thinking skills by making artistic choices in the composition process.

Image Restoration Project

Students will utilize various Photoshop tools to restore a damaged photograph and explain the purpose and application of at least three Photoshop tools used in their project. Create a before-and-after presentation of their restored photograph to practice the use of documentation prevalent in the restoration process.

Movie Poster Project

Students will create a unique and original movie poster featuring their favorite actor/actress or movie, utilizing styles from the Golden Age, Pop Art, Minimalistic, or Digital Revolution. By the end of the lesson, students will demonstrate their understanding of design principles and Photoshop tools.

Geo-Filter Project

Students understand fundamental concepts of logo design and branding by applying and using creative brainstorming techniques. They then create three types of logos (wordmark, pictorial, abstract) for a chosen location and utilize Adobe Illustrator for digital design implementation

Digital Art and Design III and IV Projects

Level III and IV students are encouraged to have an independent study during a semester. They were guided by a chosen theme and concept that they had a personal connection with.

Media Consumption

This series is inspired by current day media consumption and how much advertisements fueled by the economy drives peoples thoughts and actions. The student writes "I'm really interested in how society shifts and changes and how new ideas and art are integrated. Things like postmodernism and counterculture are very interesting to me and push against the norm and the majority are so fun to dive into. Right now I’m really interested in the “irony epidemic” that we are all in where everything has to be a joke or a meme. They matter to me because I feel like Gen Z is so inundated with pop culture and the internet has become a vital part of life."