1. Zerish Watson
EAR 850-001 Master Seminar in Art Education: Inquiry in
Teaching and Learning
Dr. Courtney Weida
By
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INTRODUCTION
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which one
to keep.” Scott Adams.
“Creativity, as defined by the Heritage Illustrated Dictionary involves the
translation of our unique gifts, talents, and vision into an external reality that is
new and useful, seeing the same thing as everybody else, but thinking of
something different whether personal, social and cultural boundaries.”
One such social and cultural boundary and one which has been in existence since
the beginning of time is art and all the elements that can be found in it. These are
elements of vast quantities and proportion that have been traditionally illustrated
in different genre of beauty in the hemisphere, land and water, humankind,
animals, architectural structures, movement, storytelling and painting. The
different elements are the true vines that have spurted and spread their graceful
limbs all over the globe and into the minds of artists and designers. It is a
magnificent proportion of thoughts perceptively conceived in the true nature of
who is what, what is what, becoming totally involved in the intriguing, artistic,
alluring world of art.
In the alluring world of art there are colors. Colors of delights, colors of beauty,
colors of light, joy, peace, and associatively sadness. Color has always played an
integral part in my life ever since childhood. I can recall as a child how
fascinated I was with the colors of the rainbow and the warm and welcoming
sensation I felt from staring at such a great masterpiece of creation. I remember
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thinking, ‘where the colors do starts and where do they end.” I will admit, even
today the rainbow is placed on my highest category as the most intrigue of
tremendous beauty. Art and its elements have been the stepping stone for my past
and future professional choices. My over- zealous appetite to create is what
drives me to contribute selflessly to the needs of children and their capacity to
learn, socialized, and help with the morphing of future great teachers and artists.
What I am anticipating is the opportunity to be placed into the category of future
great teachers and artists.
Design is my passion, art is my life. Each day I breathe the intoxicating essence
of colors, lines, forms, shapes and creativity. My philosophy to life as a designer
and art teacher is adhering to the words of Elliot Eisner “The arts are guided
by "feel"...painting or composing is what artists do."
I have lived a very colorful working experience background consisting of
teaching, banking, sales and design. Of the various fields I have been fortunate to
venture in and what holds the most emotional factors for me is my teaching
experience.
My teaching experience has become an essential key-hole for me to unravel the
true sentiments that lies within the over-imaginative minds of my students,
realizing that it is imperative for an art teacher to understand children perspective
on life and more significantly to unravel the true sentiments that lies within the
over-imaginative mind of a child, secondly, the importance of deciphering the
mystery of how a student mind develop a” Therefore, my policy is to teach art, to
learn art, to create art, to blend together a body of experience and utter joy that
will far outreach the everyday teaching standards and policy teachers have to
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adhere to. Not only will I be offering my skills in the class rooms, I also see
myself extending beyond the class rooms to individual students, parents/homes,
art industries, the “man on the street,” and overall to the nation.
Art is an essence to the fruit of life, we crave it , we create it, we display different
emotional aspect to it, we enjoy viewing it, we trade on it, we spend millions on
it, and of course there are the ever so daring art thieves who will do just about
anything to own it. The question ask then, is, why is art such an intriguing and
alluring phenomenon? This is indeed a tedious questions and one that can take
many different segment and angles. However, I will admit a portion to the
unraveling of this mystery is the emotional, physical, and mental aspect
connection to the myths versus reality to the qualities of beauty. Therefore, to
better translate my psychological connection to this enigma is choosing a specific
and well-loved area of art and that is Pastel Painting.
“The direct, colorful nature of
pastel is ideal for capturing the
qualities of immediacy, spontaneity
and sparkle.” Patricia Greenwell
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PASTEL PAINTING
Pastel sticks in pastel colors
Pastels or pastel colors are the family of colors which, when described in the
HSV color space, have high value and low to intermediate saturation. The name
comes from pastels, art media characteristic of this color family. The colors of
this family are usually described as "soothing, “soft", "near neutral", "milky",
"washed out", "desaturated", lacking strong chromatic content... Pink, mauve and
baby blue are typical pastel colors.
Pastels are a unique painting medium in that the colors are mixed on the paper by
overlaying or blending, rather than on a palette. Painting with pastels is not the
same as painting with acrylics, watercolors or oils. Instead, you use pastel pencils
or oil pastels. Oil pastels are pastel pencils with wax and inert oil as added
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ingredients. To learn how to paint with pastels, you should learn about the
different qualities of the materials. Pastel paper is rougher than the paper used for
acrylic or water color painting. Pastels are not chalks--they are pencils with pure
powdered pigment. http://youtu.be/K7kKu0V5m-A
Different Types of Pastel (Emma Ralph)
“Soft pastels are by far the most popular and commonly used, and indeed they're
what people usually mean when they refer simply to 'pastels'. However, the pastel
family is larger than just soft and includes other different types of pastels. Read on to
find out more about the mom, dad, and kids of this art medium family!
First of all, what's a soft pastel? This is a pastel that is generally made from just two
ingredients: pigment and a binder. Some even discard the binder and are simply
100% pigment. This makes them powdery, but also vibrantly colorful and easy to
blend with each other to create different colors on the surface.
Hard pastels are just like soft pastels except they are made with a higher proportion
of binder to pigment. This means that they hold an edge or a point better; allowing
the artist to draw fine details and lines and do sketching work.
Pastel pencils are hard pastels in a pencil format. Their characteristics are identical to
hard pastels except for their 'packaging', so as for hard pastels, they're best used for
sketching and for adding fine details to an artwork. The pencil format makes them
easy to control, which suits their main uses well. They're also clean to work with as
you aren't touching the pigment directly like you are with soft and hard pastels.
Most (if not all) artists who use soft pastels will also use either hard pastels or pastel
pencils. This gives them the ability to switch to something better suited to the task
when they want to add fine lines and details to their artwork, or when they're
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sketching out their design prior to laying in the big areas of color. It's not an 'either-
or' thing. But the next two types of pastels offer something unique, and so are
actually alternative mediums to soft pastels rather than something that complements
them.
Oil pastels are essentially soft pastels with a different type of binder. While soft
pastels are made with a gum binder, oil pastels use an oil-and-wax binder, and this
changes their characteristics, making them soft and greasy rather than soft and
powdery. They don't blend as easily as soft pastels, but they can be built up on the
surface in a kind of impasto style and moved around with a razor blade or craft knife.
They reward a loose, passionate style without too much regard for precision. They're
very messy to work with and require turpentine to remove.
Water-soluble pastels are a relatively recent addition to the pastel family, and they
provide a very interesting alternative. When dry they're identical to ordinary soft
pastels, but after laying them down on your surface as you would with soft pastels,
you can then use a wet paint brush to finish the artwork using watercolor techniques.
Particularly if you have experience with watercolors, this is a great way to blend the
best things about two different mediums and create some really beautiful effects.
Emma Ralph is an experienced pastel artist. To learn more about the different types
of pastels visit http://www.paintingwithpastels.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emma_Ralph
Pastel history as a fine art medium starts at the end of the 15th
century. One of the
rarest examples of its usage that came to us is Leonardo da Vinci’s drawing of
Isabella d’Este (1495) where he had used yellow pastel next to black and red
chalks on paper. www.joyfulart.com
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Leonardo da Vinci Pastel Painting of Isabella d’Este
Another famous pastel painter was Rosalba Carriera (1675-
1757). She was the reason of great pastel popularization in
Europe in the 18th
century.
Self-portrait holding a portrait of her sister. 1715. Pastel.
www.artist network.com
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Welcome to My Pastel
My introduction to pastel colors begun during my days in elementary
school, however; I had the opportunity to fully utilize the concepts of
pastel colors and painting while pursuing a degree in graphic design at
Briarcliffe College. Working with the colors and the unique method of
blending has created a world of intrigue deeply embedded with endless
bliss within my ever so colorful mind. I love and enjoy working with
pastel colors and it is a pleasure and a privilege to showcase some of my
art pieces.
Fruits of Delights
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My Rooster
“Our thoughts are a perfect reflection of our state
of mind and how we feel about it, ourselves, on the
inside.” Dave Ursillo, multiple-published author and creative
entrepreneur
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Portraiture Interview Inquiry in Teaching and Learning
Thomas Ruggio Artist /and Instructor
I have had the privilege of meeting and associating with Professor Ruggio while
pursuing a bachelor’s degree in graphic design at Briarcliffe College. Professor
was one of my art teacher and one who has successfully helped morphing my
artistic skills into levels and heights that I had once “fear to tread.” He has been
an inspiration in my life; therefore, I consider it an honor to get the opportunity
to talk with him
Thomas Ruggio is an award winning artist and educator whose art work has
been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States, Italy,
Germany and Mexico. His work experience includes Adjunct Faculty at
Farmingdale State College, Assistant Art Professor at Briarcliffe College,
Instructor and Founder at Studio Borgo located in the historic region of Tuscany
Italy.
Thomas is a “master with the brush” who incorporates all the elements of
painting with a unique flare, skills and class that can only be describe as
incredibly outstanding. Below is one of his painting and one of my favorite:
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Organ Music- 2009 Oil on Canvas
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Portraiture Interview
EAR 0803-850-001Master Seminar in Art Education:
Inquiry in Teaching and Learning
17. 16
Professor, you have been recognized as a prolific artist and teacher. As an award
winning artist and educator, tell me, why did you choose to venture in this field, were
you inspired? If so by whom or what?
Ans.___I have always been drawing…ever since I was a little boy. I only truly learned
that I was very good at it once I went to school. My older brother and even my mother
could draw pretty well, so I assumed it was something that everyone could do. I
realized that I could do something special after all of the attention my work was
getting from my teachers and the other children Kindergarten.
_____________________________________________________________________
What made you want to teach instead of using your skills in other areas namely
career?
Ans.__I was inspired to teach initially because one of my art instructors was standing
there with a cup of coffee in his hand looking over a student’s painting, I thought to
myself, “I want to do that! “Once I began teaching, I absolutely loved it.
_____________________________________________________________________
How about Accomplishment? What are you most proud of in your academic career?
What are your most memorable and favorite accomplishment extending through your
years as a teacher?
Ans.__Academically, I am proud to be a Fine Art and Art History professor on the
college level. I am most proud however, of developing my own art program in Italy,
called Studio Borgo. It was the biggest challenge of my life and as someone who now
lives in both New York and Italy, it still challenges me, but it also brings a great
degree of satisfaction.
_____________________________________________________________________
Technology plays a vital role in the usage of the arts. Could you give a brief summary
on your experience with a computer, the different design programs and exactly how
you rate your skills in the usage of technology?
Ans.__Although I am not as tech savvy as I would like to be, I am extremely reliant on
technology as is allows me to sometimes be in two places at once, so to speak. This is
particularly important because my program is in Italy and I live most of the year in
New York. As for my college courses, I use all available basic technology and
programs, including Adobe Connect, for online Art History classes.
_____________________________________________________________________
As a Teacher, what courses have you developed or proposed in recent years and what
will be the next pedagogical changes in your field?
Ans.____The most recent courses that I developed was the “splitting” of an Art
History survey course into two separate, more concentrated Art History courses for
Briarcliffe College.
As for pedagogical changes, I tend to naturally impose my own assessment of courses
and am always ready to change things when I see it may be best. It is an assessment
that can take multiple semesters and a couple of years because each group of students
is unique and they respond differently to different projects.
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_____________________________________________________________________
What is your teaching philosophy?
Ans._______Without giving you my written statement, I would say that my teaching
philosophy is to create an inspiring and inclusive environment with the highest of
standards, while being honest, respectful and understanding of my students’ needs.
_____________________________________________________________________
With all your accomplishment combing of your unique artistic ability, your various
awards as an artist and educator what would you say motivates you, what ignites the
fire in you to keep going?
Ans.___Awards and recognition do not light my fire. What does is the fact that my
students are relying on me. Because I am a college professor, whatever course I am
teaching just may be the last time my students study that particular subject. They
deserve my best and this keeps me going on a high level.
_________________________________________________________________
“We want to give people the tools to understand art and interact with art, not just to
say, ‘Here’s the art,’” says Scott Noppe-Brandon, the Lincoln Center Institute
Executive Director. Do I say Mr. Brandon’s philosophy regarding the intricate of art is
similar to your overall desire for art and your selfless contribution in the art industry?
Ans.____Yes, I would have to say that his perspective is probably similar to mine. Art
can be unnecessarily intimidating for some, initially. The key is to help encourage an
open mind that allows boundless possibilities. This is about nurturing the creativity
and imagination in others. It’s too important not to bring that kind of understanding
and interest in art.
____________________________________________________________________
“Art is definition, extremely emotional and put you into his/her life and spit its
emotion into division.” How would you clarify this statement and what are your values
on the arts?
Ans.___As stated in the previous answer, the arts are tremendously important. They go
beyond the performance one sees or the painting that hangs in a museum. The arts
represent perhaps the most uniquely human things we are capable of. The arts also
represent the best of culture and they communicate in ways that words simply can’t.
_____________________________________________________________________
You definition of 18 Century Venetian Master Tiepolo “Olympus” at the Museo del
Pardo says, “great painting inspire you to look, but others can also inspire you to pick
up your brush and paint.” With that in mind, how would you describe your “Organ
Music” 2009 Oil on Canvas, what colorful terminologies do you apply to it?
Ans._______Thank you for citing my statement! As for my painting “Organ Music”,
it is a juxtaposition of realistically painted images that hopefully generate thought and
the want to ask more questions. I am commenting on human desire, with some
historical reference…there is also more than a pinch of humor in there. As for exact
meanings, I like to leave some of that to the viewer and his/her interpretations. Once
my work is finished, it doesn’t just belong to me anymore.
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Thank you Professor, you are an inspiration.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
www.susanshermanart.com/blog-category/thoughts on a pastel painting.com
Painting with pastel.com / articles-about-pastels.php
www.painting.about.com
www.artistist network.com
joyfulart.com
Heritage Illustrated Dictionary,” An Original Product of Human Invention or
Imagination”
Creevy, Bill, The Pastel Book. “Material and Technique for Today’s Artist.”
light colors happiness
