Opening a Window

Anna

Back in March, the day before home learning began, I entrusted each student with their art sketchbook to take home. We recently started a time of observational drawing so it seemed wise to continue this online. The only art supplies required were a pencil and sketchbook.

But what to draw?

Tristan

I set drawing assignments with subjects everyone would have access to: facial expressions, shoes, the view from your window. As children submitted photographs of their drawings on Google Classroom, I got to see more than just their art. I saw their faces staring intently into the camera. I saw the room they were working in. I saw their personalities.

Marly

Victoria

Students, who may be more reserved in class, left comments on their assignments to explain their choices. Conversations developed and connections grew. I wrote to the children, “I am enjoying getting to know you better through these drawings. They give me an insight into your life at home.”

Nestor

Kalina

The photos in this post are from an assignment to make three drawings of their favorite object from their room. The first a detailed observational drawing, the second a contour line drawing not lifting pen from paper, the third a blind drawing without looking at the paper.

Matilda

Rhys

Now we have live art classes. I see and hear my students each week. But for those first few weeks of home learning, these observational drawings opened a window into their lives and an opportunity to build connections while apart.