5月5日 星期五 May 5th Friday

高中的孩子们已经迈入了2022-2023学年的下半部分。我给他们发了新的素描本，并给他们布置了一个根据自己的名字中含有的图形元素设计素描本封面的任务。作为热身练习，他们还使用了禅绕画（zentangles）来装饰他们的封面。这项任务不仅可以帮我衡量他们的绘画水平，而且还能通过他们的绘画风格看出每位孩子的性格。

"We have started the second quarter with our 8th grade and high school students. I distributed new sketchbooks to them and tasked them with creating their own designs for the covers, incorporating their names as a graphic element. As a warm-up exercise, they also used zentangles to decorate their covers. This task not only helps me gauge their skill level in sketching techniques, but also provides insight into their personalities.

禅绕画（Zentangles） 是一种冥想艺术形式，涉及使用重复图案创建复杂的设计。这种技术有助于提高专注力，而且非常解压。另外，自画像让学生探索自己的身份并通过艺术表达自我。通过结合他们的爱好和兴趣，他们可以创造出反映他们身份的独特而个性化的作品。

Zentangles are a form of meditative art that involves creating intricate designs using repetitive patterns. This technique helps to improve focus and concentration, as well as providing a relaxing activity for students. Self-portraits, on the other hand, allow students to explore their identity and express themselves through art. By incorporating their hobbies and interests, they can create a unique and personal piece that reflects who they are.

目前，我们正在进行另一个项目：自画像。这项任务能够评估他们在创作人脸素描时对基本规则和比例的了解。虽然我不希望他们创作出学术风格的肖像画，但我允许他们自由使用他们想要的任何媒介或技术，包括摄影和拼贴画。此外，该任务要求他们通过平面设计元素讲述他们的故事，展示他们的爱好、兴趣和活动。

Currently, we are working on another project: self-portraits. This task allows me to assess their knowledge of basic rules and proportions when sketching human faces. While I do not expect them to produce academic-style portraits, I have given them free reign to use any medium or technique they desire, including photography and collage. Additionally, the task requires them to tell their story through graphic design elements, showcasing their hobbies, interests, and activities.

热身绘画练习很重要，因为它们有助于放松手部肌肉并提高整体的绘画技巧。通过练习阴影和线条等基本技巧，学生可以为更复杂的项目打下坚实的基础。此外，这些练习有助于在开始更大的创作之前减少焦虑和压力。

Warm-up drawing exercises are important because they help to loosen up the hand and improve overall drawing skills. By practicing basic techniques such as shading and line work, students can develop a solid foundation for more complex projects. Additionally, these exercises can help to reduce anxiety and stress before starting a larger project.

在我们的艺术作品中展示我们的爱好和兴趣很重要，因为它可以让我们与他人分享自己的一部分。通过将这些元素融入我们的设计中，我们可以创造出更有意义、更具个性化的艺术作品。它还有助于与志趣相投的人建立联系，加深社会化和归属感。

Showing our hobbies and interests in our artwork is important because it allows us to share a part of ourselves with others. By incorporating these elements into our designs, we can create a more meaningful and personal piece of art. It also helps to build connections with others who share similar interests, fostering a sense of community and belonging.