Jeffery and me, back in high school again

Yesterday, dear friend and wonderful poet Jeffery Beam and I went to  Amy Kostrewa's creative writing class at Cedar Ridge High School. It was the second year we'd done this---Jeffery talked to the class about the art of poetry and read/performed some of his work. I drew the students.

I was completely bowled over by those kids. Smart? Engaged? Friendly? Absolutely!

Jeffery did a masterful job of teaching and reading. He's a natural performer and anybody who is lucky enough to hear him and watch him live his poetry out loud never forgets the experience.

I wish the class had lasted all day. Miss Kostrewa said I could come back week after next and draw the students again.  Wouldn't it be a great project to draw her class once a week for a whole school year? Imagine documenting all that energy, intelligence, talent for nine months! Imagine an exhibit of those drawings! I'd have to write a proposal to the school that would tie in the project, somehow, to their creative writing curriculum, I guess. Anybody have any ideas? Of course, the teacher and the students might not want me around for that long. There's that.

Anyway, here are sketches from yesterday. Compare them with those from last year, just for interest's sake.  A big thank you to Sara LaFone, Ben Villanova, Katie Redmond, Jamie Mebane, Alex Leith, Cece Pascal, and Bob Pfeiffer for letting me draw them! You are all adorable. And to Miss Kostrewa, too, many thanks.

Comments

[marly youmans]

Just popped by--had you and Jeffery on the brain. I like these faces, and you are good at aging them properly! I've noticed that that is not as easy as it appears...

[melissa]

Hi, just saw this entry. I was taking a grad class that proposes the artistic process is much like the writing process.
Also, think about a joint project where they make writing from your art, and you make art from their writing. A nice synergy. Good luck!

[Laura]

Thanks, everyone. Yes, teenagers are absolutely the greatest! I miss having a house full of them! I'm not sure the school would allow me to pursue such a project---I'm pretty doubtful, actually, that it would, but we will see. I'll be talking to the teacher next week.

[df]

Nice drawings! I too, love drawing/painting high school kids. They are so full of hope! My very first blog was about my "teenager series". They are the best subjects. I agree, it would be great to do that every week. Your three quarter profiles are great!

[Casey]

I love your drawings of people - especially since I've actually seen how you do them - no hesitation or erasures - you just get it right the first time. (yes, that note of jealousy you thought you detected is really there...)These are full of personality - the kids must be thrilled. It was fun to go back and see the ones from last year, too. and, as a bonus, I got to revisit your garden during the work. It looks a lot better in the photos than mine does right now, but I'm feeling encouraged nonetheless, remembering how perfect it was for the wedding...

[Lynn]

These are awesome portraits! Your joy and excitement in this project shows in every line. There is such movement and liveliness in your drawings.