Sketching a Path to Success in Advanced Drawing

Juniors and seniors in Advanced Drawing at Somers High School have been hard at work on a variety of projects this semester, starting with a large graphite drawing based on still life pictures they took of various objects from different angles. 

“So far, my favorite project was the graphite drawing,” John Spatola said. “That was fun. It was very time-consuming, but I like the result of the project.”

They recently completed an in-depth printmaking unit led by Columbia University student-teacher, and SHS alumna, Megan Coppola Naclerio. The assignment tasked the students with creating whimsical animal portraits with patterns and borders.

“We had to make an animal with accessories. I made a leopard with a hat and a necklace,” said Amanda Dustin. 

During the printmaking process, students sketched their ideas, created collages, learned to carve linoleum blocks, and practiced transferring ink from the carving to paper. After students finished an all-black ink print, they were encouraged to experiment with using various colors of ink to highlight different aspects of their pieces.

“We had a linoleum block and we had tools that we used to carve out pieces of the block,” said Amanda. “Anything that we didn’t carve out was raised and it would be inked. Anything that we did carve out would be left white when we printed them.”

Their last project for the semester is a pen and ink drawing inspired by a fairytale. Students will do multiple thumbnail drawings as they try different ideas and concepts before deciding on which one to use for their piece. 

“We do multiple thumbnails but only one bigger one,” said Jenna McMahon. “You draw it out in pencil first and then go over that with a pen. I’m stuck between an Irish myth and Rapunzel.”

For many students, studying art is a hobby. For others like Micaela Heartman, it’s a path toward a future after high school. “I love art,” said Micaela. “I want to do it in the future, but on baked goods, like on cakes.” Micaela is a senior and is applying to colleges with culinary programs.