The Hero’s Journey: A 2-Point Perspective Digital Art Project

I'm continually impressed with what the Google Suite of tools can do. Just a few years ago, a project of this type would have required serious photo-editing software (Photoshop, Pixlr, or Gimp), and an intermediate-level understanding of that software. But now, due to the increasing function of Google tools, this is an introductory or novice…

Welcome to the New Artful Artsy Amy

Hey everyone! Welcome to the new-and-improved Artful Artsy Amy! As of this year, Artful Artsy Amy is 10 years old, and the website was due for an overhaul. Now, you can find your favorite Art Education posts and lessons with greater ease by using the menu buttons. You can search for lessons by grade level,…

The Value of Peer Review in Visual Art

Critique is vital to the creation of artwork. While we are creating, we are constantly assessing, thinking, revising, formulating, and changing. We are in a near-constant state of critique. Yet, we don't always learn as much from self-critique as the opinion available is our own. Regardless of whether or not we heed it, receiving feedback…

Mandalas and Sacred Geometry for Middle and High Schoolers

Mandalas are an art form made by pretty much every culture. I like to integrate mandalas alongside sacred geometry into middle (and even high school) curriculum, as the Social Studies standards almost always highlight societies, cultures, and/or religions that feature mandalas and sacred geometry (Buddhism, Hinduism, medieval Christianity, and Islam).Here is one of the ways…

More Tips for Sewing Plush(ies) in the Classroom!

Mahi-Mahi PlushI've taught hand-sewing (and sometimes hand-embroidery) in the Art classroom for over five years. Eek. That’s a scary number because it means I’m getting old. Yuck.Anyway.I written about plush (or plushies as the cool kids say) previously here, here, and here. The more I teach this (incredibly valuable) skill the more tips and tricks…