Hello-
Here it is, January, and we are FINALLY getting ready to paint in the advanced art classes (and in another week or so, in the regular classes as well!!). So I wanted to share with you a little about the artwork that many of you will be working on for the next several weeks.
8th Grade Advanced Art: Wassily Kandinsky
Kandinsky's "Improvisation No. 23"
As you know, you will be working on jazz paintings for Mrs. Lin’s Jazz Reading Cafe! This is truly an exciting project as it is our first commission by another teacher! As I mentioned in class, when an artist received a commission, generally it means they are getting paid. But as we are first and foremost, students of the artistic process, we are getting paid in knowledge. 
The images we will be working on are some very interesting abstract pieces by the Russian artist, Wassily Kandinsky. Kandinsky discovered art after viewing Monet’s “Haystacks” and was a trained musician. He believed that there was a close link between music and art and thought that he could capture the sounds of music through color. Many of his works are named after musical terms. It is fitting that we should seek to capture Kandinsky’s musical imagery for Mrs. Lin’s jazz cafe. Do some research on Kandinsky and bring in a one page typed paper about the artist, or an artwork he did that inspires you for a bonus on your six weeks grade!
7th Grade Advanced Art: Photography by June Russell
"Misty Rainbow" by June Russell
You guys are in for a real treat this year as we work from the photography of local artist, June Russell who will be visiting us in class to discuss her artistic approach and creative process. The imagery I have chosen is from a collection you can view on her website and features very abstract organic shapes with luminous colors and textures. I think it will be a marvelous challenge not only to depict the shapes an curves of the rock formations, but also to capture the incandescent light which illuminates the surfaces and brings a surreal quality to her work. I am looking forward to hearing her speak. Explore more of June Russell’s photography on her website. Find an image you find particularly appealing and write a one page typed paper describing the artwork and why you like it for a bonus on your six weeks grade!
Although the above assignments pertain mainly to the advanced classes, ANY student may do one for bonus points. I encourage ALL my art students to explore these delightful works and find something amazing for themselves in them. For the artist, art is a very personal process, but we can ALL find something personal in viewing another’s work.
Enjoy the journey!
~Mrs. A 
