Starting off this semester, entering Art 4, I was thrilled but nervous about seeing all the better artwork that the rest of the class would create. I imagined myself being the student who would worked the slowest, and fall behind since everyone else would be in AP Art. While I did need a lot of time to finish my projects, I don't think I was as bad as I thought I was going to be. I imagined a competitive environment, where I would be the worst in the class, and so I prepared myself for that expectation. When I was welcomed to the class everyone was actually very supportive and kind about giving me advice and tips! As cliche as it is, I learned that you can not compete at being the best at art. Everyone has such different styles, and I have my own - there is no way to compare or say one is better than another because they are uniquely amazing!
My favorite part about taking Art 4 has been accumulating myself with the Ap art students. This way I had a chance to watch them and see the work they created. I got an insight to what I would be facing next year. My table was amazing! Rachel taught me how to use watercolors for the first time. Her pieces were all inspiring, and left me in awe. Jessica showed me her pieces, which she drew in pen. The attention to detail, and intricate patterns she made with the smallest of pens, was incredible as it reminded me of the importance of patience and craftsmanship. Jessica actually helped me name my first piece, Trapped Behind the Glass. Ana was in Art 4 with me, and she was killing it from the start with her very first project. She taught me about prismacolors, which I worked with mostly in Art 4. She showed me how to blend them, and gave me a tip to always sharpen them when working. It was the best group!
Reflecting on my art skills before Art 4, I have improved in many ways, but mainly working with new mediums and understanding light. In my "Easy as Pi" project I was still trying to understand shading, without being too dark/light, but this project ended up being a bit too dark:
My favorite part about taking Art 4 has been accumulating myself with the Ap art students. This way I had a chance to watch them and see the work they created. I got an insight to what I would be facing next year. My table was amazing! Rachel taught me how to use watercolors for the first time. Her pieces were all inspiring, and left me in awe. Jessica showed me her pieces, which she drew in pen. The attention to detail, and intricate patterns she made with the smallest of pens, was incredible as it reminded me of the importance of patience and craftsmanship. Jessica actually helped me name my first piece, Trapped Behind the Glass. Ana was in Art 4 with me, and she was killing it from the start with her very first project. She taught me about prismacolors, which I worked with mostly in Art 4. She showed me how to blend them, and gave me a tip to always sharpen them when working. It was the best group!
Reflecting on my art skills before Art 4, I have improved in many ways, but mainly working with new mediums and understanding light. In my "Easy as Pi" project I was still trying to understand shading, without being too dark/light, but this project ended up being a bit too dark:
My very first project in this class, I challenged myself by using a bigger paper. This was my second time drawing ribbon, where my last time was in Art 1 using pastels. You can see in this picture (below) that I have to work at the pine tree background, as backgrounds are still a challenge. Also, there should have been shades on the bottom of the ribbon, like the shadow that the snowglobe created:
After my snowglobe piece, I learned to draw highlights, specifically on glass and water. The lights are similar in glass and water, and with practice it became easier to draw both. Here are pieces that show the progress of me learning how to use these highlights accurately. With each project I felt I did better:
I look forward to pushing myself next year to doing my very best, but getting out of my comfort zone and really strive for my ultimate best. My biggest competition is myself, and I have higher expectations for next year. Art is the one subject where I feel that there are endless possibilities on the creative level.
I worked a lot with the major and minor composition this semester, because I was starting to get comfortable with it, but this is where I want to explore and try new things. I am so excited for Ap Art next year, that I am trying to make my schedule focus more on art classes. I know I want to continue this in college. This year, I was pressed for time, stressed about my other classes and Ap exams, which took up much of my time. If I was able to make progress with all the other stresses this year, I can't wait til next year where I will have a simpler schedule and able to dedicate more of my time improving and making more projects. I will give it my all!
I worked a lot with the major and minor composition this semester, because I was starting to get comfortable with it, but this is where I want to explore and try new things. I am so excited for Ap Art next year, that I am trying to make my schedule focus more on art classes. I know I want to continue this in college. This year, I was pressed for time, stressed about my other classes and Ap exams, which took up much of my time. If I was able to make progress with all the other stresses this year, I can't wait til next year where I will have a simpler schedule and able to dedicate more of my time improving and making more projects. I will give it my all!