Welcome to the Art Room of Nicole Brisco
Pleasant Grove High School -Texarkana, Texas 

"The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery." ~ Francis Bacon

 

Nicole Brisco teaches art at Pleasant Grove High School in Texarkana, Texas. The mission of the school is to educate all students in a secure and nurturing environment so they will: acquire a foundation of knowledge develop intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically practice ethical attitudes, beliefs and behaviors become productive and cooperative members of a global society "Art for me is more than a subject, more than an ideology, or a picture in a book.  It is truly a life journey."  Read Nicole's Philosophy of Art Education   Nicole loves watching students develop and grow such a deep love for art. She gives them encouragement to find that creativity and hone in on it. She sees herself more as a "coach" - having discussions with them, questioning them, and treating them like real artists. Featured here are Advanced Studio Art projects.  From Nicole: "We know as teachers that students should have an understanding of art history, criticism, technique, composition, and art production, but how much do we push their knowledge on content?  Students should not only be challenged with technique and craftsmanship, but should also be aware of the vast world of content as well as independent exploration. I encourage you to implement more content oriented projects into your Pre-AP curriculum.  This ideology will prepare students to select an insightful concentration that will challenge their art production as well as their mind." Email Nicole Brisco if you have questions about the work or her lesson plans. SEE LESSONS "WHERE IS MY REFUGE?" - "HOT OFF THE PRESSES"  ENGAGING CREATIVITY - SKETCHBOOK IDEAS  NEW! EXPLORING THE HUMAN FIGURE IN DRAWING AND PAINTING - 3 pages of images.
click images for larger views
Mixed Media/Layers - Ordinary to Extraordinary Collage Objective:  Students selected an object of interest using symbolism.  Students  created multiple original drawings to incorporate into their mixed media work.  Students researched narrative/symbolic works and mixed media works.  Students drew from life in their work and use the compositional skills they have learned.  See Complete Lesson Plan
Intimate Portrait “A Look at Human Behavior” Objective:  They say that humans spend 95% of their lives in uneventful moments, but we as humans usually document the only the most eventful moments such as, birthdays, graduations, births, and special occasions.  As artist, we have the opportunity to make these ordinary moments extraordinary.  Looking at human nature can be very interesting if you choose to look closely.  Students created a figurative work based on a simplistic time in a friend or family member’s life.  The overall goal was  to connect the viewer with the person represented in the work.  See detailed Lesson Plan  Cut Paper Portrait Students cut portrait from black paper leaving a black frame border all around. See Lesson Plan for details Read Nicole Brisco's Advice for New Teachers - Things I Wish I Had Known Click images to see larger view   Go to page 2   Go to page 3   Page 6  page 7 page 8  page 9  page 10 See more outstanding work from Pleasant Grove High School on VASE Web Site  The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) has sponsored the Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE) since 1994. Go to State Information - then select the year - then select Pleasant Grove School. Many fine examples come up.

    Mixed Media Collage           Intimate Portrait                Advanced Studio Lessons  
   Alice Neel Figure Drawing   Interior Extended Line Drawing     Figure Studies