Shadow and Shade are as Important as Color and Texture on a Classroom Canvas

Shadow and shade have an ominous connotation. There is a sense of something lurking in the darkness. A feeling that one is not seeing the whole, picture, that they are obscured. But, in the world of art- they represent a silhouette, a reduction in light, that causes other objects to be illuminated. In our classrooms, it is the elevation of confidence and joy, that with every counter-shade becomes heightened and defined.

All paintings, no matter how beautiful, need shading. This is what fills them out, gives them depth. The strokes of the acrylic, illuminates the breadth of consistency, but the hue determines the layers and perspective. We get the image to pop off the canvas, when we add a little shadow on its edges. We do not want our masterpiece to be flat and matte. We want it to be distinctive and vivid. How can we create a harmonious, natural piece of art, without seeping into a garish, artificial mural? We have to stay within the lines to keep the contrast visible. Yet, we must go bold and dynamic with our choice of pigmentation and luminosity. There is a heavy rain on the horizon, if we do not create an impact before it arrives, the enamel is going to drip and blend, leaving a messy, undefined memory. But, if we move our portrait into the studio, protecting it from the elements, we will complete our masterpiece, our school year, with sturdy, well-defined clarity.

Every painting, an artist will tell you, is like your child. You discipline it, shape it, add dimension, nurture it. As you complete it, it matures, takes on its own meaning and personality. With each gaze a new aspect is revealed. Every on-looker, passer by, will discover that amidst the brushstrokes and personal touches, there is a simplicity, that only the artist can reveal. This is the time of year for clean lines and purposeful movement. There needs to be a sense of urgency, with an underlying hint of individuality. The clock is ticking away our light and we must adjust to the dusk. The essence of our arena, needs to stay well-lit, in order for the shift to occur. These students will be moving on shortly and we need to focus on the display of every piece of artwork, not just those who are in the nearest rooms.

Every classroom is a panorama, with faces and expressions that change daily. There is a buoyancy to the tempera. A heft to the water color. It is almost undefinable. Yet, when we stop, pause and observe, as if it is a work of art, we see its edges, its shadows, its hidden gems. Art evokes emotions. It arouses curiosity and summons our understanding, of the world around us. Classrooms excite, evolve and awaken, in much the same way. Every voice a stroke of the brush, every laugh a splash of color. But, in the end, they both rouse a familiarity we feel deep in our bones, we know to be true. Viewpoint, objectivity, attitude and mindset are personal. But, with some obscurity, a little muteness, we are led in new directions. We focus on new details, we otherwise would have missed.

The texture of a classroom tends to lose its appearance and consistency, towards the end of the year. Teachers are packing up, walls become bleak and faded. This creates a sense of finality that is not intended. When students feel that their teachers are done for the year, they feel a disconnect a resoluteness, that they are past the finish line. This is when behavior issues arise and frustration ensues. We need to keep a sense of momentum and anticipation alive. Especially now. We will only have this group, this combination of oils, gloss and varnish for a little while longer. This cornucopia of light, chroma and landscape is temporary. We have to make sure we enter the art museum, cheering and excited, not exhausted and bored. If we keep the palette full of contrasting shades and vibrant hues, we can be prepared to put the final brushstroke on our canvas. We will have options.

Every mindful choice we make as educators, especially as we close up our school year, results in more sparkle, more verve. This sprightliness results in a memory, both distinctive and timeless. These moments are what we remember when we are adults. It's what you will be remembered for, at least by these students. When we reflect back on our own school days- it is the end of the year we remember. The transition from one grade to another. Every year is a vignette, a characterization of our experiences. Let's make these last few weeks a profile in mindfulness- let's be memorialized on the museum wall. Hung in the recesses of our students minds, as they venture off to another wing. Let's not be the piece of art, in the corner, often over-looked. Let's be the engraving, the statue, the sketch, front and center. Not in the lobby but in the main gallery.