Friday, April 15, 2011

GCA in Harlem MIddle Schools



For the past year, the GCA has been offering a free after school class to ten students from two middle schools in Harlem. The course is taught once a week by Carla Crawford and is an introduction to classical drawing techniques for kids who’ve had no formal training. Students began by learning how to block-in from Bargue plates. Working from these, they’ve acquired the basic skills of drawing shapes, lines, tilts, and comparative measuring. You can see the progress of one 13-year old student here:




Students have also been introduced to the idea of form. They’ve completed a munsell-type value chart and still lifes of eggs—which was a challenge, but great for learning all about the effect of light on an object, form shadows, cast shadows, and reflected light. Using this knowledge students are beginning to complete the modeling on their bargue block ins. We’re so excited about this class and the students who are taking it.


example of work in progress by a 14 year old student

6 comments:

Steven Zapata said...

This. Is. Awesome!

Wish someone had introduced me to classical technique when I was that young!

REM! said...

Nice work Carla!!! Sabes que eres a fresa mayor!!! Always so inspiring, keep giving joy and knowledge to those kids only how you know how to do't !!!! I hugely miss our hours long talks!!!

Jason Peck said...

Awesome, glad to see someones teaching the younger generation these techniques.

David Gluck said...

What you guys are doing in the public schools is incredible and long overdue.

Unknown said...

Awesome!

Anonymous said...

What are those wooden things in front of the students? Table easels? Light Boxes??