#practicing my art styles :3s

[nightdrawz]

Itz weed man

I love this creature

Im starving and i desire more art of him

Live laugh love tumblr user @donnietheterrapin

Close ups⬇️

[badboyzbingobrunch]

Gorgeous (part 1) 18+

Hawthorne Michael Langdon x Fem witch reader

( enemies to lovers, angst, fluff, smut)

Part 1 Part 2

Summary:

After the announcement that a warlock will be completing the 7 wonders, both the Hawthorne School for Exceptional Young Men, and Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies try to put up an appearance of peace between the rival schools. This new chapter of peace between witches and warlocks has a potential to pave the way for the future of magic, but when Hawthorne’s “Wonder boy” is found out to be a cheat by (y/n) she fights to make him reveal himself.

****************************************************** “Alright, Ladies. Load up on the buses” Ms. Myrtle was instructing all of the students of Robichaux’s to our respective buses. The boys school had agreed to host us out of a good faith arrangement while one of their own would be performing the 7 wonders. A male completing the 7 wonders would be a sight to behold. There has never been a warlock in history who could complete 4 of the 7 wonders let alone all of them.

It was an excruciating bus ride from Louisiana to California but, after our arrival, we were greeted by every boy attending Hawthorne’s. I looked around to each of their faces. Any one of these boys could be him. It was actually pretty exciting to experience history in the making. Robichaux students were grouped into 3s and escorted to our rooms for the next two weeks. I was grouped with Amber and Elena. I was pretty new to the academy, so anyone else was grouped with would be a stranger. They seemed nice though. Each room had a large bathroom with a tub and shower. Eager to wash the bus off, my roommates and I piled into the bathroom and began washing up. “Do you think he’s cute?” Amber was washing her ginger hair in the sink as she asked Elena who was fully submerged in the tub. Elena shrugged. “A lot of them are cute.” I was in the shower letting the hot water cure the ache in my tired bones. Personally more interested in how powerful this “wonder boy” was than if he were cute. We were asked to wear the feminine version of Hawthorne’s school uniform which was a complex uniform consisting of a button up shirt, satin vest, tie, blazer, knee length skirt, stockings and Mary Janes in all black except for the long sleeve button up shirt which was white. We were expected to wear this uniform every day during our attendance here. Were we expected to participate in lessons? I suddenly felt nervous about this venture. What if I embarrassed myself in front of these strangers? My nerves kept sleep at bay. Looking at the clock it was 5 am, and I heaved a defeated sigh before putting on the uniform and pulling my hair into a neat style. Maybe the library would be a good place to practice my spells before breakfast. The entire school was silent, as everyone slept peacefully. The underground school was a true work of art, looking much more suited for a museum instead of a school. As I approached the library I could hear faint cursing from the other side of the door. I reached for the door knob just as a tall blonde boy ran out and slammed against me. The force was so intense that I fell back hard onto my bottom. He stood with his feet firmly planted on the ground and sneered in my direction. “Watch where you are going.” He spoke calmly with a cold indifference as he rolled his eyes and took elegant strides away from me. “You ran into me, jerk!” I called after him in vain as he disappeared down the hallway. Such a punk! It doesn’t matter how neatly groomed he may be. He is still a thug. A dark haired boy equally well groomed exited the library next and extended a hand to help me up. “William Banks. It’s a pleasure to meet such a lovely witch so early in the morning.” I accepted his hand with a grateful smile. “(Y/n) (L/n). It’s a pleasure to be met by a gentleman after a run in with a thug. What was his problem anyway?” William shrugged. “Something about his dad not answering him. He must be dead or something because he keeps casting summoning circles. Langdon is a weird guy, but way powerful.” My heart ached at the thought of the boy desperately trying to contact his dead father, and suddenly his rudeness was easily forgivable. “Thank you for your kindness. I’ll see you around?” William nodded eagerly. “Absolutely you will.”

Michael POV:

I just can’t understand why he isn’t answering me? Am I supposed to complete the 7 wonders on my own? Am I supposed to be proving myself to him? “Mr. Langdon! Perhaps you misunderstood the rule that ALL students were to be in attendance of their respective classes at 7 sharp. Maybe you thought you didn’t need to learn more from us now that you are our resident GOLDENCHILD, but I assure you that you do.” Mr. Chablis stood over the couch that I was resting my eyes on. I stood as respectfully as I could as I looked down at his smaller frame. “Forgive me, sir. I was up all night practicing for my performance of the 7 wonders. I rested my eyes for only a moment, but time got away from me.” I gave a small apologetic smile hoping to successfully charm him into staying out of my business. “Right! Well drink this, it’ll put some PEP back into your step.” He handed me a black mug filled with a camel colored liquid. I scrunched my nose as I tried to decipher what he was giving me. “What is it?” “Coffee!” Mr. Chablis then preceded to laugh at his own joke. A joke I was obviously not privy to because I was unaware of what was supposed to be funny about giving a boy a cup of coffee? Was I the joke. Was my reaction what was funny to him? I shook the thoughts from my head and brought the warm porcelain to my lips. The liquid burned my tongue and esophagus. But I only focused on the flavor. My mouth would heal in about a 3 seconds, but I liked the creamy flavor of this drink. It was a curious blend of bitter and sweet. Mr. Chablis was right. It did put some “pep” in my step. My first class was transfiguration which was Mr. Chablis‘ class. Obviously he is the only instructor who cares if I am late. I arrived in the middle of the girl’s academy instructor teaching how to change the color of roses. “Thank you, for joining us. Just take a flower and sit anywhere. We haven’t started yet, so you are just in time.” Mr. Chablis extended a bucket filled with white roses towards me. I took one with a nod of appreciation to my instructor. The girl who got in my way last night was sitting in a corner all alone. Why was she outside the library so early anyway? The witches came all this way just to see me perform the 7 wonders. Maybe she came to see me. I may as well have a little fun with them while they are here for me, right? I strutted towards her and sat on the floor of the library. My knee gently grazed her thigh as I sat. I expected some sort of reaction of excitement, but she only gave me a small nod acknowledging my presence before turning her attention towards her instructor. Playing hard to get huh? That’s okay, I like cat and mouse. I redirected my attention to the instructor who was twirling her own white rose in her hand. “Today we are going to be changing the color of these roses. It can be any color you like but it must be one solid color. Do not focus too hard on the change or it may change many times, and do not focus to little or the rose will not change at all. Roses are stubborn like that.” She examined her rose and continued. “Try to imagine the rose shifting in your mind and encourage the rose to change.” She extended the rose for everyone to see and smiled as it shifted from white to a deep red. “Now you try.” The girl beside you focused deeply on her rose. Quicker than anyone else’s it shifted to a warm yellow. I looked at the white rose in my hand. It was the color of innocence and purity. I imagined it becoming tainted with my energy. The petals turned to a deep red before shifting quickly to black before the petals fell and turned to ash as they hit the ground. There were several cheers from my schoolmates who were struggling to change the color of their own roses. “Ms. Benson, He didn’t follow instructions.” It was a girl’s voice from beside me. I leaned in to whisper into her ear playfully. “Tattle tale.” Her ears and cheeks began turning red from my small action. Cute. The instructor came towards us and smiled softly.

“No, you did the task right. You only put too much into it. Remember that the flower is stubborn but also precious. Think about something precious to you, something that you wouldn’t want to hurt with your magic and try again.” 

            She handed me a new rose and just like before it turned deep red, then black, then the petals fell and turned to ash when they hit the floor. I cracked my neck in frustration and tried again with the same result. Why couldn’t I do this? My vision began to blur and I felt the familiar drip of blood from my nose. I was wasting too much energy on this. Suddenly, the rose in my hand burst into flames resulting in shocked gasps from the others in the room. Not beside me though, I felt a friendly hand soothing the tension on my shoulder. “It’s okay, you don’t have anything to prove.” That’s where she is wrong. I was fading into my subconscious, but her one stupid fucking comment grounded me into reality. I grabbed the front of her jacket and pulled her up so that she was eye level with me. “You don’t fucking know me.” In one swift motion I released her and stood. I then wiped my nose on my jacket sleeve and left the library.

******************************************************

        I adjusted my uniform as he left. “Damn…Wonder boy is touchy.” One of the girls from Robichaux’s spoke. Her name is Coco. I didn’t know her personally but when we took lessons together she seemed nice. “Are you okay, (y/n)? That was a real dick move.” I nodded as Coco tried to comfort me. I felt overwhelmed and dizzy. Suddenly my vision began to blur and I fell to the floor. The last thing I saw was Ms. Benson’s face as she cleared space for me to breathe. 

        I woke up in a small infirmary with Ms. Benson placing a cold wet rag onto my forehead. She gasped and called the attention to someone else in the room. “Cordelia! She’s awake.” The face of my supreme came into view and she elegantly took a seat at the foot of my recovery bed. “Are you alright, (y/n)?” I nodded slowly as I sat up in the bed. my muscles ached as I moved. I must have been laying in one spot for a long time. “I need you to be very honest with me. Did Michael do this to you?” Her voice was grave. I enthusiastically shook my head. “No! I just fainted. He yelled at me, but he didn’t do anything. I didn’t sleep last night and I’ve been practicing so much. I think I am just exhausted and fainted..” Cordelia nodded in understanding and began petting my head in a motherly display of affection. “Why do you ask? Is he in trouble?” Cordelia and Ms Benson looked to each other silently before Ms benson answered. “He has been banned from performing the 7 wonders because of what we thought he did to you.” I sprung up so quickly that my head flooded and fell back onto the pillow. “You have to tell him he can perform them again! How long have I been asleep?” Ms. Benson patted my forehead with the cold rag and nodded. “You have only been asleep a couple of days. It was a temporary ban until you woke to tell us what happened.” 

        I rose slowly this time. “I have to tell him I’m sorry…” Cordelia and Ms. Benson helped me up. “Would you rather one of us did it?” Cordelia offered gently. I shook my head now able to stand on my own two feet. I need to know where he is.-“ “- I can show you to his room.” William Banks was standing in the doorway.  With a small bouquet of yellow roses in his hand.

[sarahsedserio]

I posted 10,301 times in 2022

That's 8,034 more posts than 2021!

144 posts created (1%)

10,157 posts reblogged (99%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@annapoofle

@trollisgirl

@yrbeecharmer

@napo-con-fritas

@wickie-roy

I tagged 4,941 of my posts in 2022

#laugh rule - 70 posts

#obizenyuki - 57 posts

#oh hi mark - 47 posts

#solitaire - 47 posts

#<- prev tags indeed - 41 posts

#pjo - 29 posts

#blorbo - 29 posts

#yup - 27 posts

#percy jackson - 27 posts

#yes - 26 posts

Longest Tag: 129 characters

#go queen 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Heartstopper leaf pride wallpapers Pt. 1: Light Mode->

See the full post

2,138 notes - Posted May 3, 2022

#4

Heartstopper leaf pride wallpapers Pt. 2: Dark Mode->

See the full post

2,316 notes - Posted May 3, 2022

#3

Jaidenanimations just like made up and drew an absolutely adorable little symbol for queerplatonic relationships aldnkskdjfjwkdnfn

See the full post

2,963 notes - Posted March 20, 2022

#2

I feel a lot of respect and gratefulness for the fanartists in the pjo fandom right now. They've been the mvps with supporting Leah. Like, if you're a kid and you read 9 nice tweets and 1 nasty one, you're gonna remember the nasty one. But the streams of art that y'all cranked out practically overnight, made in her honor? Extra tangible love and support. That's gotta stick. A picture really is worth a thousand words.

6,274 notes - Posted May 11, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

“Everyone else and their orientations are able to bond and relate to the love and romance aspects and we’re over here like--- We don’t do that.” - Jaiden Animations

Edit-- link to vid <3 :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF1DTK4U1AM&t=3s

[Image ID: cartoon drawing in Jaiden's style of people partying and having a good time in various pride flag shirts while three people wearing aroace shirts stand/sit awkwardly in the corner]

[Image ID: closeup of the aroaces in the corner, looking like they feel out of place and unsure what to do or say]

25,427 notes - Posted March 20, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[thatonesadending]

Molly gets to finally see his room in Caleb's tower, and it was more than he could handle - Chapter 4

He didn’t know what he had been expecting when he first crossed through the Tower’s door, but it definitely wasn't this. It had nearly knocked him down when he entered that first floor, and then he looked up and felt as though he couldn’t breathe. Eventually, he found his words again and asked Caleb where they were and what this place was, even though he knew he couldn't really take in any more information. As it was, he was having issues keeping up with just the Nien’s physical changes, let alone their achievements. The ones they earned without him.

When Caleb had taken him to the level that was floor to ceiling filled with books, and massive creation of light and color that was obviously a representation of his own artwork, he simply lost all ability to process at all. He couldn’t take in the mixing of both of them. Of Caleb and Molly. Here in this man’s home. He stared for a long time at the glass, and how it made the books around it dance with life. Thankfully Caduceus, whom Molly was pretty sure was just a saint cover in velvety fur, came and saved him.

“They found me after you were gone, but they never forgot you. They all mourned in their own ways, but this -” The firbog pointed his staff at the stained glass,”- this was Caleb’s way of honoring you and the way you impacted all of them. Showing the others that he shared their pain, and joy. It’s really what this whole place is about, Caleb showing through magic what he does not convey through words, how much he loves his friends. I think …” Caduceus paused, considering his words, “I think that you never really stopped being with them, in a way. Something about you changed them all. I think you will find that out on your own, in time.”

Molly was thankful but overwhelmed by the man’s wisdom. He continued to ask questions of him, not really taking in most of the answers, but feeling cared for nonetheless.

It wasn’t until Caleb had said he had a room for Molly, and for some reason that had bothered Beau, that he began to feel uneasy again. Not unwanted or unwelcomed, just that he didn't belong. He still took the wizard’s hand, and they floated to nearly the top.

“Ja, so, I must confess I should have thought ahead and moved your room with the others. I promise the next time I cast it, I will.” Good to know that Caleb was still self-deprecating.

“Darling, I had to float here like a feather for what, 5 extra seconds? I think I will survive. ” Molly tried to reassure him, but Caleb just wrinkled his nose a bit before responding.

“Nien. It’s not that. Ah, well - this is your door.” He pointed to one that looked the same as the other 8 doors. “It will only open for now for me. But I promise that if you have one of the cats come to get me, I will open it immediately. That is if you choose to stay, that is up to you.” There were too many questions that statement produced for Molly. Why would it only open for Caleb? Cats? Why would he refuse a bed and clean clothes? He just wanted to lay down, try to sleep, but also try and not think about the fact that apparently, he had been dead not just an hour ago, and Lucien had been trying to kill his friends using his face. He was too over his head though to ask any of his questions and just nodded his head in acceptance.

Nothing could have prepared him for this next door. Molly knew he had almost immediately frozen on entering, and he could hear Caleb asking him if he was ok. But he couldn’t move or speak, just …. stare.

He had just walked into a beautiful circus tent, the fabric striped with cream and sun-faded red. The top of which was impossibly tall, and had a trapeze of sorts, like that he used to adore practicing on while Yasha spotted him. Underneath was a ridiculously large bed, almost as though it was a mat to catch him if he fell from the swing above, but it was big enough to hold all of the Mighty Nien. But it was the swirl of colors that really struck him.

The bed was not made up neatly, but rather a pleasantly lived-in pile of pillows of every texture and shape he could have thought of, as well as different blankets of different designs that all seem to somehow compliment and contrast each other perfectly. It looked like the perfect embodiment of cozy and sensual.

There was also an overly ornate armoire that was the boldest shade of red Molly had ever seen, matched only by its accompanying vanity with more little drawers than Molly could count in common, and a large dresser that held the promise of holding anything he could think of putting in it. However, despite all of these wonderful things, none if it is what really caught Molly’s attention

He hadn't even realized that he had drifted to the middle of the room, pulled there by magic or aw, he didn't know nor care. He was gazing at the far side of the room, where 2/3s of the tent stopped and were interrupted by the far most beautiful part of the tower he had yet to see.

“Ja, yes let me open it for you.” Caleb said from behind him, but Molly wasn't sure he wanted Caleb to touch the artwork he was looking at. “Give me just a moment darling.”He whispered, Caleb stopped and patiently stood by his side once more, and waited. IIt matched in style to the same stained glad he had seen down in the library, only this window stretched and arched to meet the top of the canvas of the tent, and seemed to glow with the almost holy light that backlit it.

The glass was mostly that of a night sky, unrealistically peppered with close together stars. However, where the stars would have gathered to be galalexies, Molly could see images. Depictions of memories.

He stepped closer to get a better look and was shocked at the emotion that shards of colors glass could remind him of. Some of the art was scenes of him and moments with the Mighty Nien. Him teaching Jester how to read cards. His swords out in front of him protecting Nott. Him pushing Caleb incredibly close to a wall in a sewer. A bowl of fruit covering his most intimate parts while a crown teetered on his head. Beau flipping him off in one of their regular exchanges …. And Molly kissing Caleb on the forehead.

That last depiction wasn't quite how he remembered it. Caleb had a far off, terrified look about him, which was accurate. But he did not remember placing a hand to the redded cheek he had slapped while kissing Caleb almost reverently on the soft skin of his temple. Of course, he remembers the strike to stir him, and the kiss to bring him back, but the closeness ... It was most certainly from Caleb’s perspective, but the intimacy was more than Molly thought it had meant at the time.

However still, scattered amongst all the scenes, were ones that he had never shared with the wizard. Scenes from his life at the circus. Scenes depicting the first time he balanced on a rope. His first Ale. His first piercing. Him and Yasha lounging in a field of flowers, swapping stories of whatever had transpired the night before. She was the constant in all of these images. These were the stories she must have shared with Caleb to make these memories dance with the light of the glass. She didn't share the dark ones of finding him alone, covered in dirt, unable to speak. All of the horrible times where he struggled to find a place in the world when he didn't understand how to eat, or bathe, let alone carry a conversation. She chose to remember him as vibrant, fully appreciating life, and he was filled with so much love that he could no longer see the glass in front of him. His eyes too filled with tears.

“Ok.” That was all he managed to say, after several long moments of looking at his life depicted in artistry through the haze of tears that he pushed back before they could fall.

Caleb moved slowly and started to part the panes of glass with handles Molly hadn’t seen before. The incredible work bent and moved much like an accordion, Caleb pushing each side to meet the tent, until Molly was covered in Moonlight. She glowed impossibly large in the night sky, and the light kissed every inch of the magical space.

“This was my best attempt at recreating her, of course, it isn't really the Moonweaver, but I had hoped - thought …” Caleb drifted off in his excuses for why this wasn't the most incredible sight Molly could be beholding. “It is just that, ah - I do not know if you are able to pray here, but it is what I - well, imagined.” Caleb festered to the floor in front of the window. Molly finally looked at the ground, he hadn’t given it a second thought, as everything up and around him was already so much to take in. But stretched from wear the glass doors parted, to where his bed was, there were incredibly soft overlapping carpets of differing shades of lavender, cream and lilac. They all looked divine to stretch out on, to bask in the moonlight, and even to kneel and pray to the Moonweaver.

Molly didn't know what came first, the hot fall of tears, or him wrapping his arms around his wizard.

“Thank you.” He couldn't manage much more than that, as much as he wished he could. Somehow, Caleb had found a way to capture not only everything he loved about his life, but why he loved it, and make it into a space just for him right as he needed it the most. Right as he was feeling out of sorts and like he didn't belong with the living anymore.

“Of course Schatz, Ich wünschte nur, du hättest früher hier sein können.” Molly didn't care that he couldn't understand what Caleb said, he was too busy sobbing into the man’s neck, clinging to the second chance of life he had been given.

[calorieworkouts]

Workouts Lately - July `17 Edition: Switching it Up with Pure Barre, Swimming, CycleBar and More

Somehow it's been a few months because I have actually spoken about my workout regimen, yet today I'm sharing what my sweat sessions have been like lately!

Lately I've had a good mix of at-home workouts, exterior workouts and studio classes. One workshop that I have actually taken courses at a number of times over the past month is Pure Barre Del Mar. I had relaxed from barre after a foot injury in 2014, but when the folks at Pure Barre invited me to try their studio, I seemed like it was an excellent time to attempt it out again.

I have actually attempted a lot of various barre styles - including Xtend Barre, The Dailey Approach, as well as Disallow Method (I compared the three designs some time back below), yet Pure Barre particularly was brand-new to me. I discovered Pure Barre classes to actually function little muscular tissues that generally do not obtain targeted as a lot. After each course, I drove house with my glutes and also legs tingling and also really feeling worn down from the work I place in. Do not allow the reality that it's low-impact workout that uses small weights deceive you, conditioning at Pure Barre is no joke!

The classes are likewise pretty hectic, so you don't get bored or have time to zone out. While I wouldn't want to do barre constantly, I can most definitely see myself taking a weekly Pure Barre class. and also at some point grasping the art of the 'put' as well as understanding even more of what I'm doing!

Another workshop I went to for the initial time recently was the freshly opened up CycleBar Hillcrest, where I met Laura for a class. These kind of hip, high-energy biking workshops keep turning up in the San Diego location, and also it's no key regarding why ... Individuals like them, including myself! The atmosphere is club-like as well as I burned a lot of calories pressing myself to go faster and work harder in higher equipments than I usually do when rotating on my own.

I have actually additionally been back to boxing at TITLE Boxing Club in Carlsbad a pair times, and also those workouts are extreme! Boxing is among the hardest exercises I've ever before done.

One point I've discovered is that I like boxing classes more when a great deal of different mixes are done, as opposed to the teacher including onto the very same mix over and over. It makes the workout pass faster if I'm needing to constantly think of what I'm doing and remain involved. The last course I took at TITLE Boxing did even more of the latter, so I'm curious what the next course will certainly be like.

At house, I have actually been doing a lot of cardio boxing classes (have a look at my favorite at-home kickboxing exercises here) and doing laps in my swimming pool. I've likewise been getting cardio know my bike fitness instructor commonly. I such as to do stamina training + cardio combination workouts, like the below cycling + strength training workouts of 3s. It keeps points interesting!

Unfortunately once the San Diego summertime truly hits, the idea of heading inland for some great lengthy hikes type of goes out the window. My pup does not enjoy 95 degree climate, as well as I can not state I criticize her! Harley's been obtaining exercised a whole lot with long coastline walks, where the wind from the ocean keeps her nice and also cool.

Hiking-wise, I have actually been remaining close and doing a quickie hour-long loop at my favored Carlsbad park one or two times a week ... though last month Harley as well as I did take my cousin to trek Iron Hill when she went to prior to the temps heated up.

My hubby as well as I did reach take a look at a new hike just recently on the coastline called the Ho Chi Minh Route - and also come fall when the climate cools off a little bit, I make sure I'll be treking a couple of brand-new trails. After all, I am forever on the search for brand-new trails to explore!

A couple of weekend breaks straight, I've reached the coastline very first point in the morning to practice yoga. Beginning my day of rest with yoga at the sea always places me in such a relaxed, pleased state of mind - plus I love how empty the coastline is early in the day, besides some internet users as well as runners also getting their exercises in.

What's Next  

As for expecting what my exercises will certainly resemble in the upcoming weeks, I'm excited for some workouts while taking a trip. To begin with, I'll remain in Vegas next week for Blogfest as well as CONCEPT Globe. In my experience, the workouts are constantly fun as well as interesting at this conference!

Next month, I have a trip prepared to the Pacific Northwest, and I definitely have an outside workout on my schedule there. I've been looking into hikes in the location, and also there are so numerous choices, it's been difficult to narrow it down! I'm actually anticipating checking out there.

At home, I wish to keep opting for this great equilibrium I have taking place of doing a lot of different kinds of workouts. There's no scarcity of fun studios to try in the San Diego area! I have actually been intending to return to Yoga Sculpt classes, to make sure that's on my listing. If the weather in the 80s maintains, there will certainly a lot more laps in the swimming pool for my direct future. I do not have a/c, so my swimming pool as well as daily healthy smoothies are what cool me off!

[spiftynifty]

speaking of the 'as many times as it takes' scene, i was always wondering: is it me or is it actually visibly cheap in terms of animation? it always felt weirdly stilted to me, as if they had to cut parts of interaction or even didn't have enough time to animate properly, thus we see a lil' too clearly where the corners were cut, and i've been wondering what the hell could've possibly happened to lead to an end product like that. penny for your thoughts?

Good ask, anon! And it correctly points out and labels something that I’ve seen a lot of and is a little pet peeve of mine:

Art style is how a show looks; how the characters were designed, the aesthetics. Animation is how that artwork moves. 

People often confuse the two. Voltron has a great art style, but save for a number of really great action scenes, the animation ranks as “acceptable”. You have nicely spotted out a scene that in my opinion has great art (I’m sorry but these boys both look so good here and Keith’s “AMTAIT” shot is one of my absolute fave images of him)

but is definitely very limited in animation. It’s nearly a minute of just moving holds and lip flaps (though they have animated the profile lips which is nice). And actually if you watch Keith’s feet as he leaves the room, the red on the toe of his boot flickers from red to black! But this is still a scene that gets a lot of love in its artwork and atmosphere and designs. I’m going to go ahead and assume that’s Chris Palmer’s doing, as Shiro and Keith’s relationship is one that he has been very supportive of. The animation may be limited but for me this scene is aesthetically a major standout in season 3.

I can’t be too hard on the team for cutting corners. Voltron’s animation schedule is ABSURD. To put it in perspective, I animated on a show that averaged 1 month/22 min episode and we were all putting in late nights and weekends to accomplish that. Voltron’s animation schedule was going with less than HALF that time. So they needed to get pretty conservative, and pretty clever, figuring out where to put the time and effort (6x03, 6x05) and where to cut their losses and just push the episode through (much of season 4 especially 4x01, 5x01). They also revealed in a s3 ep of Form Podcast that some of the animation was done in China, which is one of the go-to places for studios who need extra help as they’re known for being fast-- but not necessarily the best quality. 

^^pictured: a very stiffly animated hug, slowed down to show that it happens in THREE drawings which is... pretty minimal...

Other ways they cut corners is by animating on 3s and 4s instead of 2s (animation standard, 12 drawings per 24 frames/1sec of animation) and letting the camera fill in the blanks, reusing animation (which is standard practice for all shows), reusing shots with different moving mouth flaps. Also the classic anime technique of showing non-moving crowd shots/establishing shots (like in  3x02) because let’s face it NO ONE wants to animate all that nonsense. Storyboard artists, if they’re good, will board based on the show’s schedule/capability within that schedule, and won’t do stuff like insist all 6 mains are in most shots or use a lot of wide shots, or use too many shots, period. 

Every show has to make sacrifices because animation operates under unbelievably tight deadlines. Voltron’s was tighter than most and it’s pretty impressive that they were able to churn out the level of product that they did. 

[z-nogyrop-draws]

How do you make your sprites? I can do the basic flat colours but the shading always confuses me. Also, how do I know where to put the black in the outline? Thanks!

Unfortunately, shading is always gonna suck a little, and there’s no easy answer other than “practice a lot and get used to your own style.”

That said, I can give a few pointers that I personally use-

My style emulates the HGSS sprite style, so I usually shade in large, general areas with simple curves, rather than excessively detailed shapes.

When shading, I don’t put a band of a “transition” colour between them like some others do- you have the base colour and the shaded colour and that is really all you need. In theory, this softens the contrast between the two shades, but I find that (in my opinion, and talking only about pixel art here) sharper contrasts are more visually pleasing.

Similarly, I generally avoid dithering. It’s easy to go overboard and honestly I don’t think it really adds all that much. As with anything, though, there are exceptions.

I usually split up the sprite in my head into “body,” “limbs,” and “smaller bits.”

For the body, I tend to pick one area, usually around 2/3s of the way back, and make a nice curve there, then fill everything behind it with shading. 

For limbs, it varies. If they’re close to the very front of the body, I usually won’t touch them, and if they’re far back I fill them completely with shade, leaving maybe a circle of base colour at the top. If their placement is more ambiguous (or if I just find it looks nicer), I’ll shade them using the joints as a rough estimation of where the darker tones should start.

(If the limbs are on the opposite side of the body, I’ll usually just completely fill them with shade.)

For smaller bits (such as spikes, bumps, individual feathers, etc) it’s all or nothing- they’re either 100% full of shading or they have none at all. It’s also on an individual level- I go through every single spike or whatever and figure, “Should this one be shaded? What about that one?” Using where the body is shaded is a good start but you’ll need experimentation to figure out what looks best.

For using black on the outline: only use it on areas that you’ve shaded. I usually have three colours for the outline: one to use on non-shaded areas, a darker one for transitional areas, and black. USUALLY, but not always, the lightest shade on the outline should still be darker than the colour you use to shade the main body. For example, on Marimigo-

Hopefully that helps!

[imahungrynacho]

Alright lovelies, today Nacho will go step by step introducing the various methods and techniques on how you can achieve a similar style of the widely popular Akira Toriyama’s DragonBall Z! Thanks to @sylviathecrazygirl for tempting me to really go in depth with this examination. 

Keep reading to begin THIS LONG AND OVERDUE TUTORIAL!?

First things first, we must discuss STYLE. And how do we do that if we don’t know the first thing of Toriyama’s evolution from Dragonball to GT. The BEST advice I can give to anyone is STUDY.

In order to mimic or perfect a style of any manga or artist in general is to study their art and find what makes their art distinct. What makes it recgonizable? For Toriyama it is his anatomy, eyes, and facial features.

Looking from this collage of DBZ characters from DB to the Saiyan Saga of DBZ- we can begin to note several consistencies.

- Where the earlobe ends, the character’s cheeks begin. - The first 2/3s of their face from the chin to the tip of the forehead encompass the eyes, eyebrows and nose. - Depending on eye shape, the ears are twice as big as the eyes or just as. - Outline of their bodies is subtly lined or defined, you cannot clearly see their muscles but there are subtly lines to show muscle. - Noses are not as defined as in later sagas, they have more of a “check” look- this is the most common look of a DB-Saiyan Saga Toriyama nose. - Faces are extremely curved. When lining the forehead to the cheek, the curve is exaggerated. 

As both the manga and anime of DBZ begins to develop, however, we begin to see that Toriyama begins to leave the “softer” more “comedic” and “lighthearted” style of DB. We see it evolve into something more mature, more defined. 

So what has changed and what has remained the same with Toriyama’s style as the sagas devlelop and villains come and go, stronger and stronger than the last? With more and more on the stake?

- Cheeks are less defined, the curve is subtle, if not even there at all. - The ear to eye ratio remains - Ears are now located in the middle between chin and forehead, it no longer ends where the cheek begins depending on some characters. - Muscles are more defined, if not outright drawn out. - Noses become more varied. - Eyes do not seem as rounded as before. Compare Saiyan Saga Vegeta to Buu Saga Vegeta. You can see it.

What I’m basically getting to is that you need to STUDY Toriyama��s style as his style evolves as the plot of DBZ does. DB was comedic, light hearted, and though it has action- it nowhere near outperforms DBZ with the villains, action, and amazing fighting. 

So study your favorite Toriyama style, the one had pre-Saiyan Saga, Frieza, Android or Buu. They are all by the same person but he changes things as the series goes through. And Vegeta is the perfect example of this change. 

You can also practice by tracing, as when I was a child I stole was given tracing paper and traced every character, hand pose, and woman’s face to my delight. As I did, I learned Toriyama’s style and tried to replicate and mimic it. Redraw screenshots, trace your manga, find changes in art style, watch the anime- look at other artists- LEARN AND STUDY. 

So when you ask me to give you a DBZ tutorial, this one is the most handy because I am not teaching you how to draw a certain specific face or body part but I am telling you to STUDY THE STYLE and try to mimic it by redrawing it yourself, tracing (but of course never claiming as your own), and then going on to learn how to develop your own DBZ style.

Mine is nowhere perfect, nor even a good mimic though I know of a bunch of other artists who have perfected this style or have taken references from screenshots and awesome doujinshis. 

Hope it helped a bit, and if you still have any questions or more detailed concerns about the style, where its eyes, hands, torso or anything let me know! I’m still learning and these questions will help me as much as it will help you! ^^

[innersomething]

Birds link the heavens to the earth...

Almost all my ideas I am considering good come from misunderstanding. For instance, something that I saw with the corner of my eye seemed to be not exactly what it is. Recently I found the interview on TateShots with Roger Ballen. After watching it a couple of times already, I was so impressed. The video itself was really atmospheric, and I would even say mysterious. However, the thing that has drawn my attention is his vision and style. I could describe his works as a beautiful mixture of grotesque, surrealism, and unspeakable life energy. 

Most importantly, I have discovered a little particle of myself in Ballen`s perception of his practice. He says: 'A good picture comes from nowhere, a place in the mind that the mind isn`t prepared for and that`s when pictures stay with you.' I suppose this constant playing with concepts, which I am referring to be the foundation of my traction towards art -  is the attempts of subconscious to reveal itself.

Headless by Roger Ballen

‘Birds link the heavens to the earth' mentions Roger Ballen later in the video. My bird is the possibility to create I thought. 

TateShots with Roger Ballen: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAAs-tom5BM&list=LL&index=8&t=3s

About Roger Ballen: 

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/apr/05/roger-ballen-outland-interview

[entergamingxp]

The Witcher 3’s Geralt and Gang Show Us How to Quarantine in Style in This Perfect Illustration

June 3, 2020 9:47 AM EST

The Witcher’s Geralt, Yennefer, Triss, and Ciri find some gaming time as they quarantine together in this illustration by Maxim Samarin.

Over the last few months, most of us have been feeling the pressure of quarantine life due to COVID-19. Thankfully, as gamers, we are spoilt for choice in how we choose to fulfill those endless hours stuck inside and that’s by switching on our favorite console or PC and diving into another world filled with the most amazing characters. Seemingly, The Witcher 3‘s Geralt has exactly the same idea in this fantastic illustration by Russian artist Maxim Samarin.

Maxim, who has a huge page filled with their love of all things Witcher related, captures Geralt in a way we don’t usually see him. In the extremely detailed sketch, Geralt is seen sitting on a bed playing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt with what looks to be a PlayStation 1 controller hooked up to a rather cool looking PC. Of course, Geralt being Geralt, and not familiar with the ins and outs of socially distancing himself, isn’t alone and has the company of Triss Merigold and Yennefer of Vengerberg by his side. Naturally, Yennefer is probably telling Geralt what to do while he’s playing and going by Geralt’s face, he isn’t taking it too well. Like any gamer, this gang is just as accustomed to getting the munchies while playing video games as any of us as we can tell by the big juicy leg of meat and a mug of beverage laying within easy reach.

I particularly love the view from the far window where a werewolf is practicing social distance perfectly but in the closest window, we see a monster glaring in who maybe just wants their turn playing The Witcher 3. But I think it will have to wait its turn as an impatient and unimpressed Ciri stands by the doorway, hands on hips while watching Geralt and Yennefer hog the controller. Maxim has done a really great job of implementing key elements into the decor of this stone room by placing a map of the northern realms, potions and some books to make the uninviting area pretty cozy looking. I’m in love with Maxim’s The Witcher 3 illustrations and there’s plenty more to look at over on their DeviantArt site.

For more fan art like this, check out Leo Huang’s wonderful illustration of the mighty lone wolf Geralt of Rivia and adopted daughter, bound to his destiny by the Law of Surprise, Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, better known as Princess Ciri.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt celebrated its 5-year anniversary a few weeks ago so, naturally, I took to my keyboard to type out why I still love it so much to this very day. If you have a few minutes, you can check that out right here. For all things monsters and mythology from The Witcher Netflix show, take a look at this guide that goes into great detail about the lore of the monsters that Geralt encounters. For something to look forward to while we await the second season, Netflix announced a few of the new faces that will be joining the cast of The Witcher. The seven new cast members to join the series is Yasen Atour as Coen, Agnes Bjorn as Vereena, Paul Bullion as Lambert, Kristofer Hivju as Nivellen, Thue Ersted Rasmussen as Eskel, Aisha Fabienne Ross as Lydia and Mecia Simson as Francesca. For those of you who love Killing Eve, you’ll notice a familiar face in the next season. Kim Bodnia, who plays the role of Konstantin in the spy-action thriller, will play Geralt’s father figure and the oldest Witcher on the continent, Vesemir.

Be sure to check out our own review for the Netflix series The Witcher here. If gaming is more your style and you’ve yet to play it, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available now on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

    June 3, 2020 9:47 AM EST

from EnterGamingXP https://entergamingxp.com/2020/06/the-witcher-3s-geralt-and-gang-show-us-how-to-quarantine-in-style-in-this-perfect-illustration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-witcher-3s-geralt-and-gang-show-us-how-to-quarantine-in-style-in-this-perfect-illustration

[amicicidalgambler]

> Acquire random dokis.

afflatedcazadora

god one highblood lifespan s33ms too much how do yall DEAL

amicicidalgambler

I wouldn't know, I'm not dealing.

A lot of it seems to 8e violence or art, though.Or 8oth.

afflatedcazadora

......much more relatable than im comfortable with LOL

amicicidalgambler

You're not anywhere near as 8ad as what I'm talking a8out.

I have no idea how high8loods on your planet survive, though.

afflatedcazadora

i dunno :OO by being snooty????

eridans younger than me so he cant say

amicicidalgambler

All high8loods are snooty. 8y my account all of yours should 8e 8atshit insane.

afflatedcazadora

i mean he has aggressive tendencies but thats what im here for???

so he can get em out with someone who agr33s to it :00

amicicidalgambler

I killed most of my kismesises so I guess that says something a8out my "aggressive tendencies."

afflatedcazadora

fkgdfkjh vriska n o

amicicidalgambler

Vriska yes.

afflatedcazadora

no!!!!!

amicicidalgambler

It was fuuuuuuuun.

afflatedcazadora

listen you know im ok with casual murder but if you kill your kismesis theres a pawblem with the relationship!!!

amicicidalgambler

Well there isn't a paw8lem anymore if they're dead.

afflatedcazadora

vris k a

amicicidalgambler

And some of them were self defense.

afflatedcazadora

thats diffurent!!

amicicidalgambler

And one of them I'm going to argue was very romantic.

Two of them, actually.

afflatedcazadora

how so????

amicicidalgambler

I mean one of them was killed during a dinner d8.

afflatedcazadora

by you though?????

amicicidalgambler

Yeah.

Got in a fight over her trying to 8etray me.

afflatedcazadora

yikes :((

amicicidalgambler

No, stop that.It was fun.

afflatedcazadora

thats not a healthy pitch date vriska

amicicidalgambler

It doesn't need to 8e healthy to 8e a good one.

afflatedcazadora

...no it really does

amicicidalgambler

Aw come on.

It was *fun*.

afflatedcazadora

its not good!!!

amicicidalgambler

And?

afflatedcazadora

i dont know!! XOO its not my pawsition to tell you what to do about it but im clawncerned!!

amicicidalgambler

Why are you clawncerned?

afflatedcazadora

its not a good pattern to get into

amicicidalgambler

Well that ship has already sailed.

afflatedcazadora

X((

amicicidalgambler

Look, I have two quadm8s right now that I've kept alive for almost half a sweep, that's the 8est I've done since I was six sweeps.

afflatedcazadora

and thats great!!!! just

k33p it that way please??

amicicidalgambler

I definitely won't kill Nadaya, and I don't even know how Mak's mortality works.

As much as he'd pro8a8ly like that to 8e his way of going out when the time comes.

afflatedcazadora

oh my god

amicicidalgambler

He's a clown. Intim8 ritual style murder sounds like something he'd appreci8.

afflatedcazadora

hhhhhh i guess

amicicidalgambler

> That is not something you need to daydream about while talking to Nepeta, stop that.

Alright alright, I'll stop.8ut still, my track record is improving a little.

afflatedcazadora

>V RI S KA

yeah it is!!

amicicidalgambler

If I get a moirail on top of this though that means it's the end of the world.

afflatedcazadora

i dunno getting you one might be good fur you :PP

amicicidalgambler

I haven't had one since I was six sweeps.

afflatedcazadora

and thats ok!!

just sometimes stabby people benefit from someone there to help :pp

amicicidalgambler

I think I've only 8een interested in one person since. And so I've heard.

afflatedcazadora

ooh ooh who is it

amicicidalgambler

::::P

Old flarp partner.

afflatedcazadora

oooooooh?? :33c

amicicidalgambler

She was a purple8lood, part of the church. She thought it was important to the gods to give help and violence in equal measure or whatever, 8ut she was only good at the second one. Since I was one of her main partners while we were part of the same guild, I got a lot of her attempts at the first.

afflatedcazadora

ohhhh boy

amicicidalgambler

She wanted to fuss over people she just didn't know how.

afflatedcazadora

i mean its kind of sw33t but at the same time im not sure another violent purrson would be the best pale match fur you :pp

amicicidalgambler

I don't get along with non-violent people.

afflatedcazadora

wonder why :PP

amicicidalgambler

There aren't even that many of them in the first place.

afflatedcazadora

there are plenty!!

amicicidalgambler

Name three that aren't a Zahhak or a Vantas.

afflatedcazadora

felides mom!!!

um

fuck

amicicidalgambler

Exactly.

afflatedcazadora

listen just beclaws i dont know them doesnt mean theyre not there

amicicidalgambler

That's not who I'd want as a moirail, though.

afflatedcazadora

i guess...

amicicidalgambler

It doesn't even sound that appealing in the first place.

I already get more than enough attention.

afflatedcazadora

yeah?? :33c

amicicidalgambler

Yeah ::::P

afflatedcazadora

shaaaaaare

amicicidalgambler

Share whaaaaaaaat.

afflatedcazadora

who is it

amicicidalgambler

Who's what.

afflatedcazadora

i thought you meant you were getting pale attention and im here fur the gossip!!!!

amicicidalgambler

No, I meant I get more than enough attention from my quadm8s.

afflatedcazadora

oh!!

amicicidalgambler

A moirail as affection8 as Nadaya would 8e way too much, and I don't think one that 8arely sees me is what you had in mind.

afflatedcazadora

mm...

i thought you werent into all the romantic shit tho

:33c

amicicidalgambler

Put that paw 8ack down.

What do you mean?

afflatedcazadora

:33c no

you said he was really affectionate and its supurr adorable

amicicidalgambler

Listen.

afflatedcazadora

oh im all ears

amicicidalgambler

First of all Nadaya is affection8 with almost anyone.

Second of all

afflatedcazadora

second??? :33c

amicicidalgambler

God.

It's so much more than that.

afflatedcazadora

uh huh??

amicicidalgambler

It's also stupid though. You wouldn't want to hear it.

afflatedcazadora

i 33333333% want to hear it

amicicidalgambler

Fiiiiiiiine.

afflatedcazadora

i counted 8 3s fur you and efurrything

amicicidalgambler

Fine!

I just

Eugh

I don't think I've loved anyone else.

Only him.

afflatedcazadora

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh my godthats so cute kJSHfdjhhr

im gonna cry

amicicidalgambler

It's so *much* though.

afflatedcazadora

thats what being in love is all about!!!!! X33

amicicidalgambler

It wasn't even pleasant at first.

afflatedcazadora

ofurwhelming?

amicicidalgambler

Yeah.

Almost painful.

afflatedcazadora

yeahhhh

amicicidalgambler

I'm literally not made for this.

afflatedcazadora

youll be ok!!!

amicicidalgambler

It makes everything too complic8ed.

afflatedcazadora

how come???

amicicidalgambler

Do you really want to hear?

afflatedcazadora

mmhmm!!

amicicidalgambler

> This is...starting to feel slightly gay to you.

I mean. I don't know. I know I love Nadaya and it's not like what I've felt towards anyone else I've had in a quadrant, 8ut I don't know what those feelings are.

afflatedcazadora

you mean youre flipping on him or you dont know what you felt fur anyone else??

amicicidalgambler

The second one.

I don't think of them as not quadm8s 8ut I don't think it's love either.

afflatedcazadora

hmm

that is a tricky one

amicicidalgambler

Or at least that's what I usually think.

afflatedcazadora

i mean if efurryones ok with it then it should be ok

amicicidalgambler

Yeah. 8ut it 8others me.

May8e I'm over thinking it and it is love and Karkat's powers couldn't see everything.

afflatedcazadora

what pawers???

amicicidalgambler

Godtier powers. He can see rel8ionships 8etween people as strings.

I let him use me to practice changing them and he said anything romantic didn't look normal.

afflatedcazadora

thats so fucking cool im like incredibly jealous

but idk you could be right he might not know efurrything!

amicicidalgambler

It's all stupid.

afflatedcazadora

its not!!

amicicidalgambler

It is!!!!!!!!

I can't even decide if I agree with him or not.

afflatedcazadora

its not stupid its your life!!!

afflatedcazadora

and you can take your time, he doesnt get to define anything fur you >:00

amicicidalgambler

My life is generally stupid!

afflatedcazadora

it is NOT

amicicidalgambler

It is!!!!!!!!

afflatedcazadora

>:OO

amicicidalgambler

>::::o

afflatedcazadora

its furry impurrtant!!!

amicicidalgambler

What's furry impurrtant!

afflatedcazadora

your life!!!!!

amicicidalgambler

Well DUH 8ut it's also stupid!

afflatedcazadora

nuh uh!!!!!!

amicicidalgambler

Something can 8e important AND stupid!!!!!!!!

afflatedcazadora

maybe but not this!!!!

amicicidalgambler

It's DUM8 I'm a MUTANT without FEELINGS.

Mutants usually have the feelings department more than covered.

afflatedcazadora

im sorry X(( do you want me to go get nadaya??

amicicidalgambler

No I'm just ram8ling.

Sorry.

I'm not actually upset.

afflatedcazadora

you sure?

amicicidalgambler

Yeah.

I'm not good at self depric8ing jokes. Or honesty.

8ut I'm not upset.

afflatedcazadora

you are good at them this one was just a rare miss XPP

amicicidalgambler

::::P

8ut really, if anything I feel 8etter.

afflatedcazadora

:DD !!

amicicidalgambler

I haven't exactly gotten to talk a8out that.

afflatedcazadora

!

im honored :OO

amicicidalgambler

Pfht8thf8thfhth8.

[corgaff-blog]

Post-Observation and Student Teaching Reflection

This semester I have been a Head Teacher at the JCC Preschool in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. This was a position I accepted last year in February and was grateful to be able to use for student teaching credit at Hunter. As I searched for full-time work last winter, my criteria was to find a head teacher position (though I am not yet certified), to find a school near my daughter’s preschool and near our new apartment, and to find a school that believed in the value of play. This one fit the bill and I do not regret my decision to teach here, though it is not problem-free. 

I began in the position as a maternity leave replacement. I spent several months working part-time alongside the other two teachers and then the final month of the school year working with an assistant as the Head Teacher. The transition was wonderful-- it allowed me to get to know the students as well as the teachers’ style, classroom environment and routines. I worked full-time throughout the summer there as well, with my daughter in the classroom next door. The convenience of that arrangement was something I did not take for granted. 

I have learned a great deal about myself since taking on this role, and a great deal about what supports and obstacles early childhood educators typically face. I have learned that I prefer working with sightly older children (last year and summer I was with 3s; now I’m with 2s. I enjoyed the 3s age group more, and would really like to move into pre-kindergarten or kindergarten once I am certified). I learned that this work requires a superhuman level of patience. I learned that you have to be ready to revise plans as needed. I learned that I deeply disagree with the DOH-designated ratios for young children. Especially as I am seven months pregnant, my room desperately needs a third teacher yet the powers that be are reticent to spend the money, which is infuriating. I learned that children take some time to trust each other and the adults in their room. I learned that the better the partnership with the parents, the better the classroom will run. 

I learned that one must find ways to work professionally with administrators with whom one doesn’t see eye to eye. I learned that sleep is imperative to be a great teacher, and that I am adept at connecting with the children in my room and with their parents. I learned that kids love being empowered, held by routines and happily surprised on occasion too. I learned that teaching preschool is almost entirely teaching social-emotional skills. I learned that I am happy in this work and have a gift for it, even as I still have much to learn and am not exactly where i want to be (either a DOE learning specialist as I will be special ed certified as well, or classroom teacher of pre-k or kindergarten). I learned that children respond to respect and consistency and empathy. I learned the value of repetition and self-reflection and the importance of a strong relationship with one’s assistant teacher. I learned to practice what I preach to my students-- slow down; breathe; use words; etc. 

My observation showed me a bit more about my style and helped contextualize my experience thus far as an early childhood teacher. It lasted about an hour. I would say that the majority of the students were actively engaged for most of that time. I felt that, overall, this aspect of my lesson’s execution was a success. I worked hard to ensure that everyone participated while I was facilitating, and that there were aspects of the lesson that suited each student’s interests and developmental stage. 

We began in Circle Time, where we greeted each other, warmed up our bodies and discovered what we would be exploring together that morning (pumpkins). All of the students participated to some extent in Circle. We then gravitated to the tables for snacktime, where students ate grapes and I read a picture book called Round. This was probably the trickiest part of my lesson in terms of holding the class’ attention. Since some of my students are younger twos, books can be a bit difficult for them to sit through, but I really wanted to use the book to introduce our theme-- roundness. I also knew that about half of the class would enjoy its content and have the attention span to sit through it. My prediction was correct. After the read-aloud, I passed out pumpkins for the students to paint with glitter glue and tempera paint. All of the students apparently enjoyed this aspect of the lesson, though some were able to sit and focus on it for longer than others. As they worked, I asked them questions about what colors they’d chosen, and passed around a pumpkin with seeds for them to touch. I wanted them to use descriptive language that demonstrated that they were closely observing the process they were undertaking. Some students did so, while others, namely those who are slightly less verbal, participated in this part by being watchful and creative. 

The students learned, for the most part, what I had intended. In my assessment, my instructional goals and objectives were developmentally appropriate. I simply wanted the class to explore shape and texture and use language, whenever possible, that reflected the depth of their observation. I wanted to appeal to a host of developmental domains throughout the hour-- from gross to fine motor to cognitive to social-emotional-- so that there was something for everyone and so that they would remain attentive and engaged. Some of my more specific objectives were not met, but these were not essential to the success of the lesson. For example, none of the students offered the word “seeds” when I asked them what was inside the pumpkin I had carved open. Instead, the students offered astute observations like, “It feels like seaweed,” about the stringy pulp inside. This answer verified that my broader goals-- to evoke descriptive language and help them make connections-- were indeed appropriate to the student’s level of learning. They also offered great answers to my question about what the pumpkin felt like (“bumpy” and “cold”), demonstrating that they could offer descriptive language on the spot. Finally, the pumpkins they painted are (fun) evidence of their investment in the activity and its age-appropriateness. 

There are a few things I would do differently if I were to repeat this lesson. First of all, I would bring in a larger pumpkin to carve and dissect. I had two rather small pumpkins designated for this purpose, and the students were not as interested in touching them as I expected. I think their size was a large part of why. I would also bring in more art supplies so the pumpkins could be even more colorful and creative. For example, I wish I’d offered them glue and feathers, or stickers. I would have done a more animated reading of the book so as to capture more of the students’ attention during this section of the lesson. 

My read-aloud was a little stale, partly because of nerves, partly because of pregnancy-exhaustion and partly because I think I should have practiced reading the book aloud more, or even skipped some of its content when I noticed attention wandering, to get the basic ideas across without losing anyone. Perhaps there is even a better book for this age group that would have given a simple overview of shape, with an emphasis on roundness. I adore the poetic text I chose but it is perhaps slightly too old for my students this year. I would have had a more systematic approach to wrapping up the lesson and cleaning up. The ending of my lesson was a bit anticlimactic, with some children running off to wash hands and missing the group applauding each friend’s pumpkin. Both the aspects of the lesson that worked well and the aspects of it that were less successful taught me a great deal about where to go from here.

My observer’s feedback was really helpful, particularly that she was impressed by my warm and kind demeanor and dedication to involving all the children. That was validating to read and something I hope to continue. I appreciated as well her suggestion that I could further reinforce our rule of no hitting/pushing by asking students in conflict what they could do instead and by role playing/using puppets. I’ve been doing more of that and I can see a difference in the children’s behavior. I also really enjoyed our casual conversation after the observation. It was so nice to sit down and talk shop with a seasoned teacher. And I feel great that I poured myself into the observation and it went well. I feel excited for the future because I’ve got both the confidence and the passion to keep at this. I know I have so much more to learn, and I am ready and willing.