Quarter 2 - Reflection & Renewal

Reflection & Renewal

Quarter 2 Theme – Final Project Due December 19

This winter, our focus shifts inward. As the year winds down, artists pause, reflect, and rebuild. “Reflection & Renewal” invites you to explore themes of quiet strength, emotional stillness, and creative rebirth.

Essential Questions

• What does stillness reveal that motion hides?

• How do we renew ourselves—artistically, emotionally, or spiritually?

• What role does reflection play in growth and change?

Your “Reflection Source” (bring one)

Bring or photograph something that symbolizes peace, reflection, or healing. Possible sources:

• Journal entry, dream, or poem

• Photograph of a quiet space or memory

• Symbol of rest (bed, shell, candle, moon, mirror)

• Object that represents self-care or hope

• Natural pattern or cycle (ice, water, moon phases, regrowth)

• Artwork that shows calm or renewal

Show Renewal (choose any 2+)

Use at least two of the following strategies to make reflection visible in your work:

• Mirror, water, or shadow imagery

• Soft gradients or fading transitions

• Repetition and rhythm

• Layering transparency (paint, paper, glaze, light)

• Repair or transformation (cracks, stitching, growth over damage)

• Stillness through composition (negative space, minimalism)

Medium Progression (new depth)

You must choose a medium you’ve already explored and build on it with greater control, risk, or scale.

Process Steps:

1. Skill Lab – Review demos and warm-ups at your chosen station.

2. Swatches – Make 3 small tests to explore control or blending.

3. Thumbnails – Sketch 2+ compositions tied to your Reflection Source.

4. Process Notes – Record materials, color choices, and symbolism.

5. Mid-Critique – Share your in-progress piece for feedback.

6. Revise & Finalize – Make visible improvements based on critique.

7. Artist Statement – 4–6 sentences connecting your concept, material, and meaning.

Artist Inspiration

Find one artist working in your chosen medium (or the closest related).
Include in your sketchbook:

• Artist’s name, short bio (4–5 sentences)

• 1–2 images of their work

• Caption: Artist, Title, Year, Medium, Dimensions, Source link

• 5 written notes:

  1. Visual features (color, form, rhythm, scale, texture)

  2. How the work expresses reflection, rest, or renewal

  3. What techniques you could adapt or reinterpret

  4. Why their approach resonates with your theme

  5. Where or how you’ll show their influence in your project

Test it → Apply it → Reflect on what you learned.

Expectations

Intermediate:

• Show technical growth in a familiar medium.

• Complete 3 swatches + 1 final project with clear connection to the theme.

• Include full proposal, research, and artist statement.

Advanced (adds):

• Higher technical control and conceptual depth.

• Visible revision after critique.

• Professional-level presentation for the winter show.

• Demonstrated independence and studio time use.

VAPA Event — Winter Gala (January)

A celebration of quiet creativity and renewal.
Your artwork will be featured alongside performances by Del Oro’s choir, dance, and drama departments.

Your Role:

• Finish, label, and install your final project.

• Be prepared to discuss your Reflection Source and process.

• Participate in the setup and the opening event.