I am an art teacher at the Pollard Middle School in Needham, Massachusetts. We have had a course in computer art in the 8th grade for several years. The computer is treated like a tool to be fueled by the intelligence and creative ability of the the person in front of the screen.

The first lesson is completely done in black, white, grays and patterns. Design and subject matter are determined by the overall page dimensions. At left is a picture done by Andrew. After this introduction, the circus is looked at as a distorted mirror of life exaggerating all of our habits and traits.

The clown, in his/her exaggerated persona shows us ourselves in a non-threatening way. Scanned images, (we were given several by the local AGFA company) may be added. In fact, anything to further the entire effect is fair game. Experimentation is the key. Expressive color enhances the mood. At right you see a clown by Julie. Click on all the images for the full size version!

-Gail Rosenthal