3180 Bathurst St + 585 Cranbrooke Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M6A 2A9, Canada
Derek Brueckner’s Drawing Courses Information and Examples of Student Work
The examples of student work presented on this blog are primarily from 1st year drawing courses (BFA foundations drawing) at the School of Art, University of Manitoba. Some works posted are from upper level drawing courses, basic design courses, painting courses from the school of art, or communications courses at the Faculty of Architecture. Any works on this blog that are not from 1st year drawing courses are indicated as such.
Often a single example of work may not demonstrate all the required objectives for a particular assignment. Instead students should collectively consider: the required objectives for each assignment, the multiple examples presented on this blog and during in class presentations. As well ideas discovered through a student’s independent research in combination with various examples and ideas presented by instructor will ultimately be the best approach for synthesizing ideas and reaching the requirements (and unique outcome) for any particular course project.
Monday, September 12, 2022
Thematic Objects and Still Life (Black and White) Assignment
Information Regarding Objects and Lights Required for class:
Provide a group of objects (still-life) and a light for black and white and coloured drawing assignments for in class assignments or for home work. This selection should not be made at last minute and should have serious contemplations as to which type of object you choose to use. Certain objects will work best in certain contexts and others may not.
The choice of object and level of seriousness in choosing an object will influence the success and ultimately the evaluation (grade) of any given assignment.
Some places to consider obtaining objects may include Value Village, other second hand stores, or garage sales
Objects Required for Black and White Drawings:
When using black and white mediums (pencils, graphite, conte, pastel, oil pastel, charcoal, ink and paint) white or off white objects will be required as subject matter for observational drawing assignments.
At times there will be requirements to bring an object or a group of objects that will be textured, reflective, and or transparent.
For black and white drawings at times students will require a small clip-on light and extension cords, which will also aid students in their assignments. For black and white drawings use the selected light source to experiment with different lighting settings that will allow for a good range of light and dark tones in the drawing. As well the light will create interesting shadows and generally will create an interesting context for the object to be drawn in. As well when considering a prospective object look for interesting shapes to draw that will allow for some light and shadow variations on its surface.
The above drawing of garlic clover is an excellent example of an off white object(s) to draw. This garlic drawing is unfinished but demonstrates some of the key ideas for drawing objects with light and shadow. The drawing demonstrates a strategic use of detail and high contrast in the foreground. As well the drawing progressively decreases in detail and contrast as the viewer reaches the background (the clover that is farthest form in the picture) As well the edges in the foreground are sharper and the edges of the clovers in the background are progressively dissolving into the background space (or into the negative space).
The process of the above garlic drawing is also excellent. This process entailed drawing lightly and tentatively over the entire paper and then in the mid to later stages detail and daker tones were layered onto the drawing.
The above drawing of a white porcelain object is also a good example of a white or an off-white object. With the exception of a vaguely drawn table plane in the foreground area the execution of the drawing fulfills the objectives of the assignment. The entire page is filled with various tones and a strong sense of mass (the objects forms) are depicted an atmosphere. Some parts of the above object appear to almost pop out from the page of the paper. This drawing as well demonstrates a strategic use of detail and high contrast in the foreground. As well the drawing progressively decreases in detail and in contrast as the viewer reaches the background and furthest edges of the object. As well the edges in the foreground (center of the object) are sharper and the outer edges of the object progressively dissolving into the background space. Overall this work is an excellent example of strategically depicting soft and sharp edges in relation to space.
The above white object is a very challenging object due to numerous small details. A person with experience and extra patience will be required to successfully draw and to strategically describe light and shadow on the small details of the object’s plastic feathers. Despite the ambitious choice of an object this work is slightly unfinished, spatially confused, elliptical shapes are distorted, and some areas of the object appear flat but overall it is a good drawing.
PAINTING Objects with Acrylic
Like in the Negative Space Drawing students are required to mix a black (or a neutral colour which will be close to black) using either Raw Umber with Phthalo Blue OR Alizarin Crimson Red with Pthalo Green. Like in the previous rendered assignments the objectives for rendered drawing assignments will be required with the addition of mixing the grayscale or monochromatic range (using white with the mixed black) and considering the range of mark making with various brush sizes.
Another good example of a white object but completed with acrylic paint. The strategy of this work follows much of the strategy used in the above drawings.
The above example presents an exceptional depiction of a textured object using paint. Part of the success of this drawing was due to the intense layering of paint and editing with the paint. This work demonstrates a combination of the paint being used in a thick and opaque ways with multiple transparent layers (glazing technique) where layered washes of paint are applied often with several layers. In some select areas glazing was used on thick areas of paint (once the the thick areas were dry) to either decrease or increase contrast. As well this work represents an overall excellent example of strategic use with detail, contrast and sharp to soft edges.
Another white object depicted with acrylic paint. The process of this painting was done with a glazing technique that is similarly used in watercolour. The acrylic paint is watered down and multiple layers of translucent tints are used as part of the technique to build up the 3 dimensional illusion in the work. Note: this work did not use black- instead alizarin crimson (red) and pthalo green were used to create black.
An ambitious example of a textured, reflective and transparent objects used in a painted still life. Spatially the depiction of the objects are slightly confused and perhaps more strategic use of detail, contrast and sharp to soft edges should have been considered but in combination overall a very good and ambitious painting of textured, reflective and transparent surfaces.
Black & White Dry Drawing Mediums Continued :
The above white object’s success is derived from the strategic use of soft and hard edges, articulation of detail (or lack of detail) and different levels of high and low contrast. The doll’s limbs on its left side are drawn with a very different approach (drawing style) than the limbs on the right side.
The drawing above demonstrates a depiction of value. Colour has been translated into grayscale.
The drawing above and the two drawings below make use of black, coloured, or a tinted paper.
In this example of work above the chosen object of an arranged cloth was clearly chosen at last minute and appears to be drawn slightly flat and the spatial relationships within the cloth are slightly confused. As well some line could have been absorbed more into the rendered shadow areas. However the composition is excellent due to various subject matter in the back ground and foreground and the way forms are interacting with the border edges of the drawing. As well there is an excellent use of atmospheric perspective created by the strategic use of various soft and sharp edges progressing from the background to foreground. As well the strategic use in different levels of detail, and different levels of contrast also assist in the overall success of this drawing’s and its illusion of volumes in space.
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
RICHMOND HILL MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL
THE CLOVER SCHOOL
Basics
Basics
Founded
1986
1996
Enrolment
Grades
Preschool to 8
Nursery/Toddler to 6
Gender
Coed
Coed
Living arrangements
Language of instruction
English, French
English
Faith Based
School focus
Science and technology
Academic
Developmental Priorities
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate “emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others.”
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate “academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions.”
Academics
Academics
Curriculum
Traditional, Montessori
Montessori
Curriculum pace
Accelerated
The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
Student-paced
The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods “behind schedule” if they need the extra time.
Academic culture
Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive — far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance — seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent — relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
Supportive
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
Avg. Class Size
16 to 20
Varies
Special needs support
Learning, Developmental, Behavioral
Gifted learner support
In-class adaptations
In-class adaptations
Preschool/K curriculum
Montessori
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles — the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
Montessori
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles — the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
Tuition
Tuition
Day Tuition
$25,000 to $26,800
$25,160
Boarding Tuition
Financial aid (FA)
Students on FA
Eligible grades for FA
None
None
Median FA package size
Enrollment
Enrollment
Avg. enrollment per grade
Percent in boarding
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions rate
Day entry years
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Boarding entry years
Day admissions deadline
Nov 17, 2020
Rolling
Boarding admissions deadline
Not available
Not available
Interview required?
Yes: grades Preschool – 8
Yes: grades 1 – 6
SSAT required
OUR PERSPECTIVE
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School
RICHMOND HILL MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL
The Clover School
THE CLOVER SCHOOL
The Our Kids Review
The Our Kids Review
RICHMOND HILL MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL
information not available
THE CLOVER SCHOOL
“The school delivers its robust academics through an integrated curriculum, where the emphasis is on the interconnectedness of core disciplines.” “In pedagogical terms, the school takes a strongly relational approach, meaning that the teacher-student relationship is the catalyst for learning.” “Freedom and responsibility are in careful balance in a Montessori curriculum, which creates daily opportunities for teachers to explore character education.”
Read The Our Kids Review of The Clover School
Our Take
Our Take
RICHMOND HILL MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL
RHMS was established in 1986, and has grown considerably over the years to where it sits now with an annual student population of 600. That’s big in the world of private schooling, particularly given that the program only covers preschool through Grade 8. Size can be a strength, to be sure, and Richmond Hill is a prime example of that. The program is broad and deep, with extensive curricular and extracurricular offerings. The campus has been developed throughout the life of the school, and today is an example, in every way, of how good a facility school can be, both aesthetically and practically. Classroom appointments are up to date throughout, including in-class technology that incorporates a full range of instructional devices and applications. All resources are applied in sympathy with the core program of the school and the values that undergird it. And, despite the size of the student population as a whole, the segmentation of the primary and elementary programs, in consort with the low student to teacher ratios, the lived experience of the school is quite close-knit and personal. Over the past three decades plus RHMS has done a lot, and in all the right ways, and the school certainly lives up to its reputation. View full report
THE CLOVER SCHOOL
One of the Montessori ideals is to provide a stimulating learning environment; the school environment, on the whole, should be comforting, familiar, friendly, and supportive, and The Clover School, frankly, provides a study in all of those things. The continuity of the school is also impressive. Isabelle Kunicki-Carter and Sandra Bosnar-Dale founded the school in 1996, and they’ve provided consistent leadership ever since. In that and every other way, it’s one of the strongest Montessori programs in the city. View full report
INSIDER PERSPECTIVES
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School
RICHMOND HILL MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL
The Clover School
THE CLOVER SCHOOL
Written Reviews
Written Reviews
RICHMOND HILL MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL
information not available
THE CLOVER SCHOOL
information not available
Who are you, as a school?
Who are you, as a school?
RICHMOND HILL MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL
- Complimentary Before/After School
- CAT Annual Testing
- Innovative curriculum with proven learning tools
- Low student to teacher ratio
- Specialty certified teachers
- Daily onsite homework support
- Single grade Elementary classes
- Award winning choir, athletics, and science competitions
- Over 25 extra-curricular programs
- Comprehensive Computer Program
THE CLOVER SCHOOL
“The Clover School’s innovative curriculum combines Montessori essentials with heart-centred learning practices designed to nurture the mind, heart, health, and soul of each child. Children learn at their own pace, according to their own interests, developing skills and habits to help them thrive. This approach inspires and promotes intellectual curiosity, creativity, and individual growth through the integration of academics, arts, athletics, outdoor education, community service, and leadership. CCMA accredited.”
- Over 25 years of Montessori Innovation Providing Real-World Education Raising 21st Century Adults
- Three Toronto Campuses (18 months – Gr. 6) in Toronto’s Midtown and West End
- Integrated Four-Pillar Curriculum, Character & Entrepreneurship Education, Inquiry Based Learning
- French, Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Drama, Yoga, Sports, Mindfulness, STEAM, Outdoor Education
- Year-Round Urban Farming Program in Partnership with The Edible Lab
- Summer Camp, Extended Care, Organic Catered Lunch/Snacks
- Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators Accredited Member, OFIS Member
- Empowering a Community of Learners to be Joyful, Resilient, and Innovative
- Heart-Centered Education
- Raising Global Citizens through Montessori
What do you do differently and uniquely well?
What do you do differently and uniquely well?
RICHMOND HILL MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL
“Specialization is a key component of RHMS. One key area of specialization at RHMS is the STEM Program. It is a meaningful cross circular platform of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This program encourages students to be creative, take risks, engage in hands-on learning and hone their problem-solving skills. This program also serves to help mentor our students for future careers in STEM fields.”
THE CLOVER SCHOOL
“The Clover School prides itself on its commitment to child-centered, active learning, fostering good citizenship, kindness, leadership, and modelling wellness in the classroom. Clover students are seen, heard, and loved. They are young people who care deeply about our planet, are kind to one another and want to make the world a better place. The Clover Team is diverse in its experience and history and are given the opportunity, along with students, to share expertise, culture, and passions.”
Why do you think families choose you over schools they compare you to?
Why do you think families choose you over schools they compare you to?
RICHMOND HILL MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL
“Why choose RHMS? We provide a positive learning environment, we retain an outstanding staff, we cultivate active community leaders, we inspire a healthy lifestyle, we deliver an innovative curriculum and most of all we empower children.”
THE CLOVER SCHOOL
“Families with children enrolled in The Clover School’s signature programming say Clover is the school they wish they had as children. When observing a classroom, families touring Clover note the children are happy, calm, hard-working, focused, and free to move through their spaces. Clover students have a 100% success rate at transferring to their school of choice when the time is right for them.”
What might families find surprising about your school?
What might families find surprising about your school?
RICHMOND HILL MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL
“One of our most important goals at RHMS is to foster the development of responsible global citizens. Simply put, we encourage our students to be good people. Starting with their immediate community and then going beyond. This goal begins with modeling examples of ways to do so and then working together with students on a variety of good will initiatives.”
THE CLOVER SCHOOL
“The Clover School prides itself on a signature curriculum that takes a whole-child approach to the Montessori pedagogy:
Mind – reveal unique passions and innate curiosity, fostering critical thinking, fearless discovery, and resilience
Heart – individuality, authenticity, and social-emotional learning promote courage, compassion, and self-awareness
Health – practice smart nutrition, physical exercise, and mindfulness
Soul – connectedness to the world through nature-based learning and the arts”
What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
RICHMOND HILL MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL
“RHMS takes the standard curriculum and enriches and extends it. Our teachers research and carefully select the most effective text and resource materials that will enhance in class discussions and hands-on learning in every discipline. This way our RHMS student’s enjoy unique and exciting learning that will last a lifetime.”
THE CLOVER SCHOOL
“The Clover School is a place where open communication, engaged teachers, bright classrooms, along with an age-appropriate and stimulating curriculum enable children to really thrive. A place where educators are valued for their vital role in shaping the lives of young people. Where parents are welcomed warmly as members of our vibrant community & recognized as partners in their child’s education. Clover’s goal is to help each child build resilience and tenacity in both learning and in life.”
What five facts about your school tell your story?
What five facts about your school tell your story?
RICHMOND HILL MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL
“* RHMS has just over 600 students offering Montessori to Grade 8 classes
* The building may be large but RHMS is able to keep its intimate and nurturing small school feeling while maintaining its effective student and staff ratios.
*RHMS has invested time and resources into developing an innovative STEM program to increase Science literacy and enable the next generation of innovators.”
THE CLOVER SCHOOL
“1. Signature curriculum, forward-thinking & reflexive, with an emphasis on authenticity, creativity, & growth
2. Vibrant, child-centred classrooms that foster wellbeing
3. Montessorians explore, discover, and direct their own academic path based on what interests them
4, Students flourish as intelligent, confident & compassionate individuals
5. Our four-leafed graduate has academic mastery, creative thinking, mindfulness & social intelligence to create positive connections with the world”
