MOUNT VERNON — The classic elements of fine art and the established principles of design meet 21st century technology head-on in a digital imaging course offered at Mount Vernon High School. The class integrates modern technology with a fine arts foundation through a collaborative effort between MVHS art instructor Deanna Badger and Claudia Esslinger, Kenyon professor of studio art.
In addition to refining their skills in composition, the goal is for the students to gain experience with a variety of computer tools, including still image and video editing programs.
Badger said the first assignment involved creating a still life arrangement of objects on a scanner bed.
“The students used elements and principles of composition and design, along with texture and shapes, to create images, she explained. “They had to layer the items in interesting, original arrangements, and often brought in a light source such as a flashlight to see whether light made a difference in the composition.”
Initially, the students could not use Photoshop to tweak the design. Then, after scanning parts of the composition, the students used Photoshop to further manipulate the images and produce a final design.
