“Inspiration is for amateurs, the rest of us just show up and get to work.”
The above quote is from one of my favorite artists of all time, let alone still living. Chuck Close is the ultimate motivation for artists after becoming world renown for two different art styles all while dealing with physical limitations. But this article isn’t a recap of Close’s life (though that would be a fun article to research and write). The quote was merely a jumping off point.
I will honestly say that I was never big on keeping a sketchbook until I got into college. All throughout high school my sketchbooks were part of my homework routine from my art classes. I had the mindset that sketchbooks were only for art assignments or to draw in. Even in my college drawing courses my sketchbooks were only used for the weekly assignments.
Teachers are authority figures. Whether you are dealing with a high-schooler who doesn’t want to see you as an authority or an elementary student who thinks of you as a hero. I just want to talk about the importance of encouragement. Continue reading Encouraging Students
As I begin my 9th year as a High School Art Teacher, I took some time to look back at all of the experiences I have had along the way. I am starting this year at my 4th different school district and my 4th different classroom. I have started unpacking the boxes and the distracted reminiscing that comes with finding old documents and old projects. Although that part is fun, it doesn’t really help me get a good start at my new school.
Continue reading Seven Things I Have Learned as an Art Teacher
