Jeffro's Blog: University of the Arts

Showing posts with label University of the Arts. Show all posts

Friday, August 3, 2012

UArts Summer Pre-College 2012

I just wanted to give a big thank you to my students in the University of the Arts Summer Pre-College program. I also wanted to thank my T.A. Yara and fellow teachers Patch and Larsen. This year was great. I had the privilege of teaching students in the Illustration track, where I taught 2-D Fundamentals. It was hands-down the highlight of my summer!

The work looks awesome on the walls. Keep at it. I can't wait to see the amazing art and design work you produce in the future!

Friday, March 30, 2012

ArtUnleashed 2012 Submission - "How Deep is the Ocean?"

If you were to do a search of the word "Mermaid" on this blog, you would see that I have done several variations on this theme and image. This actual image is a recreation of an envelope I drew for Joannie back in 2009, except much much larger. This piece is 14"x11". I used different colored inks, markers, and colored pencils on 98lb Mix Media paper.

Initially, the seed of this idea came from a sketchbook drawing by one of my favorite artists - Heinrich Kley. I can't find a good version of the image online, but click here to see a small one. The idea of the deep sea diver fascinates me. Something about walking the floor of the murky depths, being alone out there, but still being tied to home. It's romantic to me.

Once again, music has played a part in my work here. This piece is entitled, "How Deep is the Ocean", named after an Irving Berlin song. I love Billie Holiday's version. But lately, I have been loving the version by Doc Cheatham and Nicholas Payton. I am pretty sure that album was Doc Cheatham's last. He was so awesome.

Anyway, this piece will be on display and for sale at this year's ArtUnleashed event, a fundraiser for the University of the Arts. I have been teaching at UArts in different capacities for several years now. I have also been working full-time for the past year in the Advancement office, working to raise funds for the school. It was an honor to be asked to be in the show. My work will hang on the walls with Arnie Roth. There will also bee a nice group of friends participating in the show, like Chris Patchell, Kyle Margiotta, Christine Larsen, and Paul Palcko. I am really looking forward to the event.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The Deadly Crocaroo and other things...

I did this drawing while teaching at the University of the Arts’ Saturday Arts Lab last week. I teach cartooning and comics creation to 7^th and 8^th graders. The class is always awesome. Any kid that is signing up for a 6^th day of school is generally well-behaved and hungry to learn. These kids work really hard, and I am often amazed by the amount of talent and growth I see each semester. Plus I have two really great assistant teachers this go-round. I always get good ones. These courses always remind me why I love to teach art. I wish I had time to invest in more programs like this.

This particular drawing is my rendering of a “Crocaroo”. He’s part Crocodile, part kangaroo if you haven’t figured that out. If this animal existed in the real world, humanity would be in trouble. The title of the project is called “The Zoo of Your Imagination”. I swiped it from the book, “Drawing: For the Artistically Undiscovered” by John Cassidy and Quentin Blake. The book is an amazing activity book that really encourages artists of all ages to exercise their imagination, which is the one muscle you really need to be a good cartoonist. I have a bunch of wildlife kingdom photo cards from my childhood. So if a student is having trouble creating a brand new animal, they can take pieces of all different animals and combine them. One of my students this week said he had this project in a different class, but another teacher called it “Composite Animals”.

Speaking of that Blake book, my friend and Meathaus brother Chris McD has recently released an activity book that is also an amazing catalyst for the imagination. It’s “Sasquatch’s Big Hairy Drawing Book”. It’s quirky and fun and amazing. McD is an awesome cartoonist with clients under his belt like Adult Swim, Yo Gabba Gabba, Ralph Bakshi, and Spumco (Ren & Stimpy) just to name a few. If you’d like to learn more about his book, CLICK HERE.

Monday, August 2, 2010

UARTS Pre-College Summer Illustration Classes

This summer, I have been teaching at University of the Arts' Pre- College Summer Institute. I was asked to teach two Illustration classes. In my opinion, it's been one of the best courses I've taught. The students created custom logos, spot illustrations, and gig posters using traditional and digital illustration techniques. I am really impressed with the students in this program. Not only are they electing for more school in the summer, but they come to work.

Working with these students has made my summer. Their ambition and work ethic is inspiring. I find myself energized when I come home to sit right down at the desk and draw or take my sketchbook out to a park. These classes have been a great reminder of why I love to teach and why I love to make art.

My 9 AM Class:

My 1PM Class: