Into An Artist’s Eye

23 October 2012Katie R, '13

At Brentwood life is intricately woven together by three parts: Academics, Arts and Athletics. Brentwood has coined this as the “tripartite” program, giving the school something unique that sews our school together in balance.

Each program can be highlighted differently, as there is an array of courses in each. In Brentwood Arts’ program, there is a highly esteemed course, made up of a dedicated teacher and senior students pursuing their creative outlets which I would like to feature today.

Studio Art 12AP, which is both an academic and arts course, requires keen and committed students who may be interested in a career in arts or who just want to further their talents. Studio Art, led by Mr. Luna, demands an academic block during the day and also an arts block in the afternoon. The thirteen students, both grades 11 and 12, take this class to fully devote themselves to their visual art. Students are marked based on commitment, enthusiasm, progress and productivity.

On Tuesdays, the class gathers together during “Critique”, where students present their work for peer-fueled feedback. The presenting artist can ask questions about his or her work, leaving it to the minds of their classmates to interpret at will. Mr. Luna aids by offering words of wisdom, or occasionally prompting thoughtful discussions by throwing glass on the floor. Mr. Luna takes us out of the studio again on Thursdays for weekly seminar. With this, he gives details of upcoming projects, or lectures on artists or media, in order to arouse and encourage his students to produce various forms of art.

Each student is expected to produce 24 varying works that will be submitted to the AP College Board next May. Students’ work will be assessed and the portfolio will be ranked between 1 and 5, 5 being the highest, and allowing for first year university credit.

“Their dedication always delights and amazes me, especially at a busy school like Brentwood,” comments Mr. Luna of his hard-working students. Students are often found in the studio outside of their designated times; during spares and on weekends, the studio is open for the artists to continue their work.

The most recent project was a look into self and identity, which instigated students to generate their renditions into any medium; final works ranged from collages to oil paint on canvas, and watercolors on wood. The variety of skill that is seen in this classroom is astounding, and many teachers like Mr. MacLean are caught wandering through to peruse the talent.

During long a stressful day, Studio Art remains an outlet for students to channel their creativity. Some works, such as Sara S’s, are as small as a postcard, but entail extreme emotions. Other works span over large-scale canvas, detailed by oil paints. Inside the studio, since the beginning of September, it has blossomed from a dull beige room to a flourishing workspace of imagination. Students’ works and inspirations cover the walls, including polaroid photographs and magazine cutouts. We are inspired by each other as well; walking into the room, you can see collaborations of students’ drawings and sketches. Studio Art AP is its’ own community of interpretive learning from experience, inspiration and examination.

So when you see the occasional student walking around with some paint on their uniform, or charcoal stained fingers, give them a nod. You might have just met the next Picasso from Studio Art 12AP.

Katie R, ‘13