Art I: Academic Drawing
In this unit, students focus on developing their skills in value and form, learning how to create depth and realism in their work. They explore different drawing materials, including various pencils and charcoal, to understand their unique effects. After practice exercises, students use the grid method to create a detailed drawing of their choice—either a portrait or a still life. This project helps students build foundational drawing techniques and gain confidence in rendering complex subjects.
Art I: Micrography Drawing / AfriCOBRA
This unit has evolved over time. In my previous school, it was a continuation of the drawing unit, focusing solely on micrography, and the examples shown here are mostly from that version. Currently, I’ve combined micrography with the AFRICOBRA-inspired unit provided by our department chair.
In its updated version, students explore themes from the 1960s Chicago-based AFRICOBRA arts movement, such as the Great Migration, Civil Rights, and Black Power movements. They also learn about color theory and how to apply it effectively in their designs. Working in groups, they create mural-sized paintings, collaborating to ensure cohesive color schemes, patterns, text, and imagery.
The connection between the two projects is the creative use of text as a design element, whether in the intricate details of micrography or the bold messaging of AFRICOBRA-inspired murals. While I didn’t document this unit well last year, I’m excited to share a few examples from that work and update them with what students will create this February as they bring these powerful themes to life.
Art I: Autobiographical Comics
In this unit, students learn to tell their stories through sequential art. We explore Scott McCloud's concepts of transitions, including moment-to-moment, action-to-action, subject-to-subject, scene-to-scene, aspect-to-aspect, and non-sequitur movement, as well as frame, image flow, and the interplay of words and visuals. Students also learn about different types of shots, such as establishing shots, mid-shots, and close-ups, to enhance their storytelling. We study works by artists like Craig Thompson, Layla Ali, Gary Baseman, and Camille Rose Garcia for inspiration, while also learning about shape psychology and character design.
As a comic artist myself, this unit is always a highlight—I love sharing my experiences from Comic Con and Artist Alley, making it both fun and inspiring for my students.
Art I: Monochromatic Painting
This painting unit, shared with me by the chair of the Fine Arts department, has been a fun and engaging way to introduce Art I students to the basics of painting. Students explore different brush types, learn how to mix black and white paint to create a range of values, and practice proper brush techniques. After completing several smaller practice paintings, they move on to create their self-portrait. Students write about their biggest fears or aspirations in life and decide how much they wish to reveal or conceal in their work. It’s been a great way to help students explore painting while encouraging personal expression and creativity.
Art I: 1Point Perspective and Photoshop
In this Art I project, students designed a 1-point perspective drawing of a unique bedroom that reflected their personalities. This was also a Photoshop unit, where students used iPads and styluses to learn essential tools and techniques. The project combined technical skill-building with personal expression, allowing students to create dynamic, meaningful works while mastering perspective drawing and digital art. This project was completed at my previous school, where students had access to these digital resources.