A student considers her painting while studying a live model in July's Teen Studio—Figure Explorations. Photo by Ariel Greene
«I recently sat down in Teen Studio—Figure Explorations to sketch a live model. In studying his stoic position, I became more aware of the activity around me: there were teens excitedly marking their canvas while some patiently mixed their paints. An easel squeaking prompted laughter, and the slow hum of the radio quieted the class. Day four of The Met's Teen Studio was underway.»
Over the course of the week-long studio intensive, 20 young artists developed a keen eye for capturing subtle shadows and movement in human posture and interaction by closely studying their surroundings. Guided by Teaching artist Jaqueline Cedar, the teens were exposed to new techniques. Jaqueline urged the class to consider the human form as an entire image. A "big believer in experimentation and practice," she challenged the teens to explore new territory.
Left: Teaching artist Jaqueline Cedar leads a group critique of students' work on the final day; parents were also invited to observe. Right: Student Eden sketches her composition as she studies a live model. Photos by Ariel Greene
In the studio, the teens warmed up with blind contour and gesture drawings. They drew each other and even composed self-portraits. The mediums ranged from charcoal to oil paint, and the teens played with color, value, light, and shadow in their work. In the final two days of the program, they worked with a live model and considered how to render his movements. I was able to observe the class and noticed the unique styles each artist developed. Some artists chose a realistic approach, carefully painting dimpled smiles and rosy complexions; others opted for an abstract look and cheekily morphed features.
Left: By studying The Met collection, teens learned techniques for drawing self-portraits and portraits of each other. Photo by Megan Tyrer. Right: A wide array of styles emerged as students painted a live model in the studio. Photo by Ariel Greene
What's unique about this program is the extended bounds of the classroom: the teens are able to visit, critique, and sketch in the Museum's galleries. Katterin, high school intern and class assistant, felt that the program "gives [teens] a real view of how professional artists work and . . . of how to do it themselves." Studio Assistant Alayna Wiley felt it was "exciting to greet artists at this stage in their career: when they're finding their voice. [It's] a chance to see the validity in all different types of art. . . . When you can be prolific, you can see all the ways you can interact with the world."
Left: Guest Blogger Ambar interviewing Katterin, high school intern and class assistant, about her experience in the class. Right: Studio Assistant Alayna Wiley demonstrating how to frame a composition. Photos by Megan Tyrer
As a former participant of The Met's Teen Programs, I'm ecstatic to see that other teens can share and grow in this experience. As Katterin noted, we are able to discover new passions and ideas by putting ourselves "into the artwork." The results open us up to new modes of perception and expression.
Interested in creating and learning about art? Join a Teen Program at The Met today!