No access to paint, pencils, or pastels on campus, student artists are left with the supplies they have at home for the first three weeks of school during virtual instruction. 

But sometimes, restraints make for the best art, according to art teacher Fred Rodriguez.

“I look forward to seeing what students will make these first three weeks,” he said. “I want to encourage students to use what is around them and what they have to make art. One of my main goals is to get to know any student. I find this to be so important as I help students on their artistic journey.” 

Not only will online art courses be a change from the usual in-person class, but it will also look different from eLearning that took place in the spring. 

“During eLearning we had already established skills, and a system so it’s going to look very different,” he said. “Students will really need to practice to develop the skills they will need throughout the year. In the spring we were limited with the amount of time we could assign to each student, but this will feel more like regular school, except online.” 

In addition, classes will vary from eLearning in that projects that are reflective of normal, in-person assignments will be assigned, rather than assignments that only take 30 minutes to complete.

For senior Emma Varela, this is no problem as art is so versatile. 

“Art doesn’t really have to be in person because it can really be done anywhere,” senior Emma Varela said. “So what I’m planning on doing is painting and doing anything I need at home and then if I need criticism or advice on how to make my style better, I can just pop into Zoom and get some advice.” 

However, Rodriguez sees virtual feedback as a downside to the first three weeks. 

“The biggest disadvantage for me is not being able to see the artwork in person and give quick feedback,” he said. 

Despite this, Rodriguez sees advantages to virtual instruction, as students will be more inclined to find their own artistic voices. 

“At the same time I think students will be forced to make art choices by themselves more often, which could develop some unique perspectives and styles,” he said. “I’m hoping the limitations will grow them as artists.”