At last, one (left) with a textured background! And it was also interesting to note how many students selected hands as an object of choice--usually a difficult one to draw. Perhaps the idea of plotting and graphing on a grid made students confident in selecting more difficult challenges. I'd like to think so.

  Here again, is color and grayscale, a popular choice.

  Although practices in color and tonal drawing had been previously experienced, colored pencil skills and techniques were yet to come. Perhaps that was a factor in the final renderings.

  Regardless, it was good to see that contrasts, values and color blending was usually well presented.

  The main purpose was achieved. The grid drawing technique did break down the fear nemesis of drawing well.

  Yes, the need for continued skills was not eradicated and it is obvious in some of the displays that elipses, proportion and object details were often neglected or "shaded" over. We'll take care of that in future works.

  But, there were more "plus" than "minus" factors. Better compositional placement, freedom to theme or not to do so, learning that "anything is possible" for subject matter and choosing to add or remove photo segments were all worthwhile benefits.

  In critiqing their own works, students were very honest about their "wish I had dones". Some noted picture selections did not have enough size differences; "centering" shapes was not always forgotten; better photos needed; and "could have" done more with personalization of colors, angled shapes and background interest.

  The most rewarding aspect of this experience? It was in seeing students apply grids in other drawing and painting preparations---and I'll show you a biggie later.........