RIGHT BRAIN MEETS LEFT BRAIN
Students Create Art Using New Technology
How do you inspire creative artwork ? With technology , of course .
FEATURE
The past year of remote learning inserted technology into all aspects of teaching , and art was no exception . While traditional pen and paper drawings were not logistically feasible , the art program was determined to offer a full repertoire to the students and so pioneered new technology . Students turned to their iPads and Apple Pencils , combined with the Procreate app , to set their creative minds to work .
“ The pandemic forced me to confront my ‘ normal ’ in terms of teaching and learning ,” said AP Art & Design teacher Jodi Thomas . “ My strength as an art educator is that I am creative and adaptable . With each start of a new school year , I tend to reinvent and refine my practice . Teaching is an art in itself and although I was stunned initially by remote learning and hybrid schedules , I knew right away that I had to embrace the change immediately to ensure the delivery of relevant content and to provide options for student achievement and success .”
Once Thomas ’ students were provided access to Procreate they faced no limits . The app , used by professional digital artists around the world , allows artists to experiment with different tools like pen , pencil or brush , and adjust the size of the tool . This type of flexibility was not always available in the past with a finite amount of supplies at hand . It also removed the concern of making a permanent change to a piece of art and instead allowed the students to play around with color and texture .
And the students definitely played with the technology , creating everything from graphic novel art with splashes of vibrant colors and shapes , to black and white portraits , and everything in between . Some use the app to create a finished piece while others use it to map out a plan for a more traditional art form .
Having discovered what can be done with the technology , our young artists will have the opportunity to experience both traditional and technical artistic skills moving forward .
" Apple Pencils were a huge success . They immediately improved student work , and allowed for easier note-taking , annotation and feedback ,” said Director of Technology Ben Nasse . “ They organically brought forth a slew of beautiful digital drawings , animations and other creative projects . I could not be happier with how it blossomed as a tool here at Thornton ."
As one of only three Apple Distinguished Schools in Maine since 2016 , Thornton students can expect the Apple Pencils
4 Story by Joyce Doyle and Katy Nicketakis · Student artwork courtesy of Thornton AP Art & Design