Art Exhibit: 'Works in Charcoal' Now on Display
By Kim Tunnell - Faculty
The Darlington Fine Arts Department presents "Works in Charcoal" now on display in the Art Gallery at the Upper School, located on the second floor landing of the Zelle Fine Arts Building. This exhibit will be available for viewing through Dec. 9.
All of the works were created under the direction of Kathy O’Mara, Upper School art instructor, and the pieces in the gallery were produced by all levels of studio art classes: Art 1, Art 2, Art 3 and Art 4. In all cases, the students chose their photograph with an eye for a strong composition. Many of the students chose photographs from the studio images of Darlington School or Rome’s downtown. Other students provided their own photos.
The process of creating a charcoal reduction is an interesting one. While the students are still “drawing,” they are drawing with erasers that reveal the light and medium tones of the works. Students begin with a piece of paper covered in charcoal. Using a photograph as their reference, they look for the changes in light and dark contours seen in shapes and shadows. The result is a dramatic rendering that makes the student and the viewer aware of how a drawing can be made without using lines.
Mrs. O’Mara is proud the work of her students for this showing. “I applaud the excellent work of these students," she said. "It is a daunting and messy task that, at times, seems unending but, ultimately, rewarding.”
We hope students, parents, faculty and staff will enjoy viewing these wonderful pieces in the next couple of weeks. The gallery is open for viewing during normal school hours.
