Q4
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7th & 8th Self Portraits
7th & 8th Self Portraits
Over the past six weeks, our 7th & 8th grade artists have been hard at work creating expressive graphite self-portraits. This in-depth project began with students studying facial anatomy and learning the Loomis method to map out facial proportions.
Above: Arabella's portrait draft demonstrating loomis method
Students practiced drawing from observation, built values gradually to create realistic shading, and completed several drafts using their own photo references. Each portrait features a personalized background that reflects the student’s identity, interests, or experiences—making each artwork a unique expression of who they are.
Above: Sophie and Emma-Bella adding thoughtful detail to their portraits
Leonardo P.
Noah B.
Myra T.
Nico B.
6th Grade Abstract Eye Studies
6th Grade Abstract Eye Studies
6th Graders embraced abstract approaches as they explored how to draw facial features. They first learned the anatomy of the eye and practiced how to create the illusion of form through value.
Above: Eliana O.'s abstracted eye
Students then explored color theory concepts using watercolor and oil pastel, creating interesting patterns and blocks of color to push the eye forward.
Above: Faysal, Nate, and Loukas work on defining their abstract patterns and adding color.
7th Grade Design
7th Grade Design
In design class, 7th grade students explored the power of visual communication by creating personalized magazine covers using Canva. Throughout this project, they applied the 7 principles of design—balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity—while learning how color psychology and typography influence meaning and mood. Each magazine cover was a reflection of the student’s identity and interests, thoughtfully designed to express who they are through images, layout, and text. This project also supported skills in digital presentation, self-expression, and creative thinking—tools that will support them in future academic and real-world projects.
Above: Magazine cover by Eleanor D.
Nikola S.
Valeria V.
Brandon B.
Emma-Bella R.
Q3
A fresh start to spring in the art room!
A fresh start to spring in the art room!
Literacy Night got a splash of bright and colorful paint from the kids this year! Students helped give a fresh start to the art room by adding their ideas and artistic skills to a new mural. The mural celebrates our vibrant community, passion for creativity, and ability to express important ideas and silly ones, too!
Shout out to 7th grade students Bruce, Gabriella, Stella and Leonardo for participating in NYC Middle School Art Bootcamp Auditions! Auditions took place on chilly April weekend. Our students showed up bright and early, art portfolios in hand, for their first-ever interviews. After interviews, they completed timed drawings. Congrats to these amazing artists for taking a big step forward towards a bright future in the arts!
Q3-DESIGN
In design class, our 7th and 8th grade students have been diving into the world of color theory and design using Canva, a free online graphic design tool. Students explored different color schemes—such as monochromatic, analogous, and complementary—while learning how color can influence mood and message. They used these principles, along with the 7 elements of design (line, shape, color, typography, space, form, and value), to create vibrant, persuasive imagery. These digital compositions not only reflect their growing technical skills, but also their creativity and ability to communicate ideas visually. Check out a sample of 8th grader Veronica's wonderful work below!
In design class, our 7th and 8th grade students have been diving into the world of color theory and design using Canva, a free online graphic design tool. Students explored different color schemes—such as monochromatic, analogous, and complementary—while learning how color can influence mood and message. They used these principles, along with the 7 elements of design (line, shape, color, typography, space, form, and value), to create vibrant, persuasive imagery. These digital compositions not only reflect their growing technical skills, but also their creativity and ability to communicate ideas visually. Check out a sample of 8th grader Veronica's wonderful work below!
Q3 - Creating the illusion of form
Over the last few weeks, students have been exploring the concept of value—the lightness or darkness of a color—to create the illusion of form in their drawings. Through careful observation and shading techniques, students learned how to transform simple shapes into realistic three-dimensional spheres and rubber band balls. They paid close attention to the type of pencil they were using, the pressure of their pencils, the quality of marks made from different erasers, and the direction of their marks to build up depth and contrast. This project helped strengthen their technical drawing skills while deepening their understanding of how artists use value to make flat images come to life.
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