Art Beat

By Nancy Hoover

The GSA Courtyard Gallery is festooned with the girls' dramatic and delicate Sumi-E (Japanese brush painting) and Chinese calligraphy artwork. In our study of the ancient art of ink and brush painting, all grades have explored the connection of this art with Eastern philosophy: a way of thinking that values nature, simplicity and contrasts. Each of the works was painted with a bamboo brush on watercolor paper using a variety of inks and brush strokes. Our subject matter included bamboo, koi fish, birds and branches, horses, cats, faces and landscapes. These disciplined techniques emphasized patience and a thoughtful process, while applying strong brush strokes, composition and focus.

Kindergarten through Fifth Grade has also been exploring pastel drawings and watercolor paintings of horses, apples, and watermelons — applying techniques of blending, tonal values, and composition. Additionally, the Lower School also worked to create animals out of clay.

Grades Second through Seventh have designed Chinese Joss paper collage cards inspired by our discussion of the Chinese legend of the Red Thread, based on the idea that we are all connected to each other, and that everything matters. These beautiful cards, with a calligraphied verse, will be in the mail to a lucky someone soon!

The Middle School continues to work on their independent projects for competition, portfolios, and skill development in sculpture, drawing, and painting.

Coming up soon: Printmaking!