MS & HS Figure Drawing Electives Fall 2007
Ms. Janna DykThe goal of the figure drawing elective was to provide students with a chance to explore how to artistically render the human figure, with primary emphasis on drawing the face and hands. A variety of projects and in-class practice ensued. Each class session consisted of a short lesson about a different aspect of drawing the figure, followed by visual application (practice) of the concept discussed. Students took turns sitting as a model for one another, drew each others´ hands while alternating who would read about the new concept (while keeping their hands still!), and exploring various sketching exercises from Betty Edwards´ Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.
Two coinciding projects culminated the semester: a series of practice drawings of infants, as well as wood paintings on panels. Students exhibited their work at the Evangel´s Christmas show in December. A copy of the description of this show is included here:
The Baby Sketches
Before we started to draw Baby Jesus, we had to practice drawing babies. Previous to this assignment we had only drawn people, and since babies’ features are softer and smaller, we needed to get used to drawing them before starting our Christmas project. So, these are some examples of what we sketched in preparation for our final art pieces.
Karas Bonifas, 9F
writing for the class
The Wood Paintings
A number of influences inspired these projects. As a class, we discussed the significance of symbolism in early Christian art, particularly the art of the Catacombs, and the Byzantine and Renaissance period. Many triptychs and paintings on wood exist to document the significance of symbolism in early Christianity. (One might peak into the second floor of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a taste of immense about of gold-glittering pieces from such eras). Illiterate persons relied solely on drawings and paintings (aside from priests’ teaching and mass) to augment their faith.
For centuries, the very “best and brightest” of artists were fervent believers. Ironically today, Christians and the artistic community often conflict. Artistic exploration may be discordant with biblical teaching. Within the past half century, however, a significant movement has arisen among contemporary Christian artists to revive the early vigor and influence of art infused by faith (and faith reiterated by art). Artist groups such as Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA), the International Art Movement (IAM), or individual artists such as the Frenchman Georges Roualt or Japanese artist Makoto Fujimura, implore persons with and without faith to consider issues of truth and of Jesus.
First sketching practice drawings of infants, the high school Figure Drawing Elective class was implored to create drawings or paintings on wood that reflected some of the early tradition of art, alongside their own faith. Since Evangel’s theme this year is “The Miracle of Christmas,” the students were encouraged to create projects alluding to this. Using books such as George Fergeson’s Signs and Symbols in Christian Art and a wide variety of art history texts, students tapped into a long-standing, meaning-filled Christian tradition to create these pieces.
Ms. Janna Dyk,
Art and Spanish teacher
Here´s what several students wrote about their pieces…
A Moment to Rejoice
The blanket over Christ has three colors: red, blue, and white. These reflect his purity, royalty in heaven, and the blood he would shed. The crown that brightly shines above him shows that he is king. The angels surround him to rejoice in celebration of his birth,, and will watch over Him always. Mary on the lower end of the picture is holding onto a columbine flower, which stands for the Holy Spirit.
What I want viewers to gain from this piece is the meaning of Christmas. For them to see how beautiful the day was many many years ago, and how we should still rejoice unto this day. The tiny Lord coming into our world and blessing us with his presence is a priceless gift God has given. Celebrate as the angels did this day.
Stephanie Massiah, 11W
Untitled
The star on my painting is a representation of Christ’ holiness and majesty. But I think the words holiness and majesty pale in comparison to what Jesus Christ really is. The baby in a manger is a representation of Jesus’ gentleness because as we all know some babies are usually gentle and innocent. The Cross is a representation of Christ’ symbol of love which is also the symbol of salvation. I would like viewers to gain that Christ is not just a symbol for Christmas but he should be a symbol for our daily lives.
Stephen Samaroo, 10
No Comments
No comments yet.
RSS feed for comments on this post.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.