22
Looking back to when I did this
project, I really enjoyed it. The way
the background seems to jump off the
page along with the blues and reds
in my face still interest me. Not only
that, but the memories of the middle
school art room this piece brings back
make me happy I drew it."
– Sophomore John Schuler
remembering his middle school portrait
In middle school, young artists continue
to develop their observational skills and
begin to express their individual ideas.
Under the direction of middle school art
teacher Russell Harris, an accomplished
portrait artist himself, students become
more adept at using visual art elements
and principles to convey meaning.
Top: Vivie Koo '22 used different drawing
techniques – like stippling and feathering –
when she taped acetate over a black and
white photo of herself and recreated the
dark and light areas with a pen. The result
was photocopied onto parchment paper.
Bottom: In sixth grade, John Schuler '17
modified a photo taken with an iPad
in Adobe Photoshop, then carefully
reproduced the 8 x 6" photo into a 24 x 18"
drawing on paper using a proportional grid.
He drew an op art pattern in the background
to create texture and contrast.
22
