End of year reflection essay

I have grown and learned a lot during my time in Art 3. Specifically, I have learned art history, which I was very unfamiliar with prior to taking this class. We have covered different areas, from the stages of the renaissance with artists like Raphael and El Greco, to the artists of the 20th century, such as Duchamp. I learned a lot of new techniques as well, how to oil paint using the Grisaille underpainting method, as well as studying the artist mark and replicating it. Compared to my art skill inventory I think I have also increased my skill at drawing through observation, as we practiced it throughout the year. My original portraits and still life also have pretty boring compositions, which we have worked on as well this year. I have stopped considering what something is supposed to look like as I am drawing it, and focusing more of what I see. I still need to work on seeing the big picture of a work, rather than getting too focused on the tiny details. I have found my area of greatest growth to be how I approach making art. Because we have done so many different mediums and types of art, trying new things is less stressful, and the making of the art is just as important as the final version of the piece. I think these skills will come in handy next year, as well as over the summer as I begin to choose my artistic path. They will help me be more purposeful with my art. Among the things I have learned this year is that I have found myself enjoying sculpture, and while I haven’t yet decided what my summer projects will be, I want to try and pull from what I learned about 3d works. I think the play pages and the head and heart projects will be good to look back on this summer.