"Blade" by Eric Gibbons, oil on canvas, 30 x 30 in.
As a member of the Art Ed Blogger's Network, our collective "assignment" was so write about "Artists That Inspire Us."
My earliest inspiration was the first art teacher I connected with, Mr. Tim Martin back in 4th grade! He graduated from the same college I would go to and was from a program I would participate in at The College of NJ. He listened and encouraged me to be creative. He was my art teacher for only a couple of years and left for a job with the International Olympic Committee to do art. His influence on my artistic soul was profound.
(If you click the image, you'll see his website)
My earliest inspiration was the first art teacher I connected with, Mr. Tim Martin back in 4th grade! He graduated from the same college I would go to and was from a program I would participate in at The College of NJ. He listened and encouraged me to be creative. He was my art teacher for only a couple of years and left for a job with the International Olympic Committee to do art. His influence on my artistic soul was profound.
(If you click the image, you'll see his website)
"Arctic Hare" by Timothy Martin
My second influence was Ken Vieth. As I was making a decision to enter art education, I had a chance to see him in action, teaching in a classroom. As soon as I saw his approach, I knew that was what I wanted to do. In both cases, it was about teaching from an integrated mode of art that connected on a personal level with students.
One of many books by Ken Vieth
As you look around my blog you will see these influences shine through every post and topic, as well as my near 50 Art Education books at Firehouse Publications, and collaborations like the "If Picasso" series.
Art teachers are artists at heart. I found that making art, even along-side my students, keeps me refreshed and engaged. If I had a solo exhibition of my work in a gallery, it might look like a large group exhibition. Though I am known for my black and white figurative oils that have received some press, with one in the Obama White House collection, I am just as happy doing stained glass, blind drawings, pottery in a Japanese mode, tessellations, and everything else under the sun.
Art teachers are artists at heart. I found that making art, even along-side my students, keeps me refreshed and engaged. If I had a solo exhibition of my work in a gallery, it might look like a large group exhibition. Though I am known for my black and white figurative oils that have received some press, with one in the Obama White House collection, I am just as happy doing stained glass, blind drawings, pottery in a Japanese mode, tessellations, and everything else under the sun.
This broad love of art, and patience translates well to a classroom setting. There are days I would rather be in my studio, and others where I can't wait to share a lesson with my students.
In my own work, I certainly gravitate towards some particular artists. Those who inspire me both as a teacher and an artist would include Jacque Louis David, Ingres, Hokusai, Warhol, Matisse, and Picasso. Perhaps you can see their influence in some of my artworks. Clean lines, organized composition, visual drama, and a pop of color run through all my pieces, and quite possibly my heart.
When we are excited about what we do as teacher's and artists, our students feel it. They sense when it is genuine and when we are "phoning it in." I find that staying creative, making works of art, and connecting to masters of the past, as well as those who have inspired us, keeps our creative flames burning.
Shine on!
In my own work, I certainly gravitate towards some particular artists. Those who inspire me both as a teacher and an artist would include Jacque Louis David, Ingres, Hokusai, Warhol, Matisse, and Picasso. Perhaps you can see their influence in some of my artworks. Clean lines, organized composition, visual drama, and a pop of color run through all my pieces, and quite possibly my heart.
When we are excited about what we do as teacher's and artists, our students feel it. They sense when it is genuine and when we are "phoning it in." I find that staying creative, making works of art, and connecting to masters of the past, as well as those who have inspired us, keeps our creative flames burning.
Shine on!
Who has inspired you? Please comment and share below.
This post is a part of The Art Ed Blogger's Network: Monthly Tips and Inspiration from Art Teacher Blogs. On the first Tuesday each month, each of these art teacher blogs will post their best ideas on the same topic.
Participating Art Teacher Blogs:
- Art Class Curator - Artists That Inspire
- Art Ed Guru
- Art is Basic
- Art Room Blog
- Art with Mr. E
- Artful Artsy Amy
- Capitol of Creativity
- Cassie Stephens
- Create Art with ME
- MiniMatisse
- Mr. Calvert's Art Room Happenings
- Mrs. Boudreaux's Amazing Art Room
- Mrs. T's Art Room
- Party in the Art Room
- shine brite zamorano
- Tales from the Traveling Art Teacher
- There's a Dragon in my Art Room
RSS Feed