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Explore Sustainable Art Practices and Techniques
Beginning Art
Art tutorials and content for beginning students


Sketchbook Activities - Semester 2
Master Monday Instructions: Read the short article and underline any unfamiliar words . Then answer the questions in complete sentences . BYOB: Retrato de la Artista Primavera 2020 , 2020 Fridman Gallery Lucia Hierro, Sufrir o Sofreír , 2019 Courtesy of the artist Lives and works in New York City The title of Lucia Hierro’s series of digitally printed still lifes “Bodegón” (2015–present) refers to both the Spanish term for “still life” and the small New York corner shop
Madison Holmes
2 days ago1 min read


Element of Art: SHAPE
📘 Introduction to Shape As defined in Discovering Drawing (3rd edition) by Sallye Mahan-Cox , a shape is a two-dimensional area created when a line meets itself or another line. There are two main categories of shape: Geometric Shapes Circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, and other regular forms Precise and structured Often described as man-made or mathematical Can suggest order, stability, control, or structure Organic Shapes Free-flowing, irregular shapes found in na
Madison Holmes
Jan 54 min read


Happy Place: Art as a Tool for Calm & Reflection
Art can be a powerful way to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with a sense of calm. In this project, you will create a visual “Happy Place” — a space that helps you feel relaxed, grounded, or secure. This does not need to be a real place. It can be: A real location (a beach, a bedroom, a grandparent’s house) An imagined or fantasy space (a castle, forest, cloud world) A metaphor (sunset, ocean waves, floating shapes, a cozy room) There is no right or wrong happy place — i
Madison Holmes
Jan 43 min read


Color Project
Introduction to Color Theory Color Theory is both the science and art of using color. It explains how humans perceive color; and the visual effects of how colors mix, match or contrast with each other. Color theory also involves the messages colors communicate; and the methods used to create every color in the universe. Essential Question How do artists use color to communicate ideas and express emotion? Mark Rothko was an American abstract painter who revolutionized the de
Madison Holmes
Nov 30, 20252 min read


Value Project
Introduction to Value Introduction: This week, we will focus on the Element of Art: Value — the lightness and darkness of tones or colors. In art, creating value is often called shading . Mastering value is essential for creating depth , dimension , and realism in your work. Learning Goals By the end of this week, you will: Understand what value means as an element of art. Observe how artists use value to create contrast and depth. Practice shading by creating a 5-point va
Madison Holmes
Nov 5, 20252 min read


Quarter 2 - Sketchbook Activities
#1 Master Monday: Frida Kahlo Frida Kahlo is among the most famous Mexican artists of the 1900s. She was known for her powerful, often unsettling self-portraits that include skulls, daggers, and bleeding hearts. Born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón in Coyoacán, Mexico, on July 6, 1907, she contracted polio at age 6, leaving her with a limp, and later survived a devastating bus accident at 18 that caused lifelong pain. Encouraged by Diego Rivera (whom she married in
Madison Holmes
Oct 27, 20252 min read


Positive & Negative Space Project
Introduction to the Element of Art: Space Space in art refers to the distance or area between, around, above, below, or within objects. It helps artists create depth, perspective, and relationships between shapes and forms. “In a drawing, space refers to the work’s two-dimensional surface area, or picture plane. Because the picture plane is two-dimensional, perspective systems allow artists to mimic how we see and create spatial relationships.”— Discovering Drawing , 3rd Ed
Madison Holmes
Oct 21, 20252 min read


Sketchbook Activities - Quarter 1
Master Monday: Underline words in the text you are unfamiliar with. Then answer a couple of Questions. Sketchbook Activity 1 Artists - Pablo Picasso and Keith Haring Line drawing has been everywhere for the past couple of years. When you open Instagram, for example, you are almost guaranteed to see minimalist line art tattoos, illustrations, and home decor. While the aesthetic of line art may seem inherently contemporary, it has a rich history that goes back many centuries. T
Madison Holmes
Oct 13, 20254 min read


🎨 Graffiti Portfolio Project — Personal Symbols & Name Art
💡 What This Project Is About For this project, you’ll design your own Graffiti Portfolio Folder — a creative and personal way to store your artwork for the rest of the semester. This will be your very first mixed-media piece of the year! You’ll learn the basics of graffiti lettering , explore personal symbols , and design a bold cover that represents your identity as an artist. This project combines creativity, organization, and personal expression — all in one. By the end,
Madison Holmes
Oct 7, 20253 min read


💀 Sugar Skull Watercolor Project — Día de los Muertos
💡 What This Project Is About In this project, you’ll create your own Sugar Skull Watercolor Painting inspired by the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos ( Day of the Dead ). This tradition celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away — not with sadness, but with color, memory, and joy. You’ll learn about the meaning behind Día de los Muertos , explore color and symbolism, and design a sugar skull ( calavera ) that honors someone important to you or celebrates l
Madison Holmes
Oct 7, 20253 min read
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