A Rare Look Into My Classroom

This is my HIGH ENERGY Studio Art class. They arrive to class after lunch and most of the time the volume level in the room is  louder then I would like. We recently started a new Color Unit combining Value, and Proportion. The students are creating Expressive Self  Portraits using a monochromatic color scheme that reflects their personality along with learning how to use a grid to enlarge their photograph onto watercolor paper.  They are so engaged in the project that you can almost hear a pin drop, so I decided to feature them on my blog. Maybe when they become celebrities around the school from this publicity they will be quitely engage in future endeavors.
Please leave comments to encourage all the effort they are putting into their art work. I'm very proud at what I'm seeing so far. Keep it up! .;))

Grateful for a Creative Family

 Having a husband that is a photographer and always notices the change of lighting in a room.

Having a son that loves floral design.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Its Starting to look like Christmas

Our favorite antique store

Dantiques is one of our favorite antique shops to visit, especially at Christmas. We received our holiday invitation to check out the store. Dan always has a cookie or glass of wine for his guests to enjoy as they browse through the store. But our favorite thing about Dantiques is Dan himself. He is hilarious, always sharing little details about his finds or how he transforms things into one of a kind pieces of furniture. But what is really amazing is how he remembers his customers and their purchases. He is such a delight we guarantee you'll leave with a smile on your face.

I have Joined the Digital World of Technalogy

Welcome to Studio Art from Karen Maggio on Vimeo.

 Teaching Art is nothing like it use to be evident by my latest project. I spent most of the weekend creating videos demonstrating how to create projects for students that have been absent from class for extended amounts of time.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Visual Art Teacher, we will soon be required to send digital records of our students Artwork, and Investigation Research Workbooks for Examiners.
Thank heavens for Lynda.com. I became a member of the online website, which is full of video tutorials on anything you could possible want learn in this digital age.
My head is spinning! 

Skeletons Are popping up every where

I  love getting ready for Halloween and celebrating Mexico's traditional holiday, Los Dias de Muertos by painting a few masks and dressing up my studio skeleton in honor of both holidays.

A few years ago my  International Baccalaureate (IB) students and I researched Mexico's holiday also known as "The Day of the Dead," by creating cigar box shrines. If your not familar with this holiday, it is a time for families to remember and  honor departed ancestors, friends and family.

If you would like to see the cigar box shrine that I created in memory of my good friend and artist Marlene Scott, click on her name.

Hope you enjoy the pictures, and a walk down memory lane with me. 

Animation Fun with a Delightful Cookie

Run run run for your life 

before someone takes a bite

Cookie created by, Gig Lee

Love my iPad and Paper 53

  My first attempt playing with the app "Paper 53 " on my iPad. I've posted this pic so my students can see that when you try something new it doesn't always turn out that well. DON'T GIVE UP!

Thinking my colors were dull I decided to make a color chart using  the color palette offered with the app. When your using the brush tool the colors are transparent, just like watercolor.

 

 My second drawing was much more vibrant. I made sure to try all the tools offered.

 This is what happened the second time I tried drawing/painting my still life. This was so fun, 

and I only used my finger!! I'm hooked now.

Fall Leaves done this morning. Not crazy using my finger nail to write my name, next time I'll use the stylus.