There never have been more ways to embrace creation digitally then there is now. From the palm of your hand on your phone, to a tablet, laptop or desktop. Combined with the rich eco systems that the online app stores have created there are apps galore that help a budding artist find new ways to express themselves.
We looked at three different apps. All free (but with a purchase they have extended capabilities but we used the free options) and all very different from each other.
iPastels is an example of real world media in a digital form.
SketchBookX has all the classic options of a vector drawing program. (but I couldn't find out if it was indeed vector based so don't quote me on that)
Brushes is a unique program that of a wide array of only brushes, that can be modified endlessly. Some brushes can mimic real world media, where others would only be found in the digital world.
The 5 assignments spread over these three programs took into account each programs uniqueness.
In iPastels I was seeking to see students using the three layers an use the idea of fore, middle and background independently of each other. To use the blending options that are characteristic of pastels, and to help turn a shape into a form.
SketchBookX allowed the students to explore the use of transparent layers. They used the layers to take a selfie, and a picture of someone else and then use the the layers to outline the portraits and add an interesting background.
Brushes was used to create a monochromatic work with texture and an area of emphasis.
There was also a student choice which they were allowed to choose the program and the their only guidance was to wow me. It gave them a chance to explore the digital options with only their own restrictions.
We had an amazing array of solutions. It was very exciting to see the rich variety of ideas. Because there were so many great solutions I broke the galleries down by period.
We looked at three different apps. All free (but with a purchase they have extended capabilities but we used the free options) and all very different from each other.
iPastels is an example of real world media in a digital form.
SketchBookX has all the classic options of a vector drawing program. (but I couldn't find out if it was indeed vector based so don't quote me on that)
Brushes is a unique program that of a wide array of only brushes, that can be modified endlessly. Some brushes can mimic real world media, where others would only be found in the digital world.
The 5 assignments spread over these three programs took into account each programs uniqueness.
In iPastels I was seeking to see students using the three layers an use the idea of fore, middle and background independently of each other. To use the blending options that are characteristic of pastels, and to help turn a shape into a form.
SketchBookX allowed the students to explore the use of transparent layers. They used the layers to take a selfie, and a picture of someone else and then use the the layers to outline the portraits and add an interesting background.
Brushes was used to create a monochromatic work with texture and an area of emphasis.
There was also a student choice which they were allowed to choose the program and the their only guidance was to wow me. It gave them a chance to explore the digital options with only their own restrictions.
We had an amazing array of solutions. It was very exciting to see the rich variety of ideas. Because there were so many great solutions I broke the galleries down by period.