Connor McCullough (left) and Emily Schlapp (right) with teacher Ms. Lori Rousku Two eighth grade art students in Ms. Lori Rousku’s class, Connor McCullough (left) and Emily Schlapp (right), were chosen to exhibit their artwork at the 20th Annual Legislative Student Art Exhibition hosted by New York State Art Teacher’s Association (NYSATA). The exhibition took place in Albany’s Legislative Office Building from February 22 -26, 2010.

Ms. Rousku’s students worked on their art projects in class, their pieces inspired by graphic artist M.C. Escher, and his 1948 lithograph, Drawing Hands. Students focused on the fundamental elements of art, such as, form, value, color, and space. They learned how to achieve a three-dimensional appearance on a two-dimensional picture plane by applying value with a graphite pencil. Students worked on developing an accurate observational drawing of their hands holding their favorite object. After studying composition and proportion, students were able to develop a contour drawing of their hands. This lesson allowed them to understand hand-eye coordination and how to achieve realism in their drawing through observation. For a finished contrasting effect, the students added color to the object they were holding.

“The result of all their hard work is astonishing!” commented Ms. Rousku. “I am very proud of Connor and Emily’s consistently hard work and creativity. It is an honor to have their work exhibited in Albany for the 2010 NYSATA Art Exhibition.”