More art lessons for them

Suzie Harrison

Surrounded by a society that often makes art class the first to go in

public education, Laguna Beach High students not only have

instruction available, they have a bonus hands-on program through

Laguna Outreach Community Arts.

Professional artists like Hedy Buzan-Williamson visit the school

for eight-days of intensive lessons on a variety of methods.

The program is in conjunction with the students’ regular

curriculum overseen by Art Department Chair Peter Tiner. He said

Buzan Williamson is building on the theories the students already

know and then introducing them to abstract art.

“We started with a lecture on impressionism through modernism,

cubism and abstractism, a linear program of art history,”

Buzan-Williamson said.

“I’m Laguna Beach High School alumnae and the energy of the kids

... they are very open to new experiences,” Buzan-Williamson said.

“They are willing to take a great leap of faith from what they know

they can do to something very foreign.”

Tiner said the students are used to working on something realistic

and that’s how most young artists define their ability in art.

“To go into an abstract nonrepresentational mode is difficult for

anyone,” Tiner said. “To be a good abstract artist, you have to have

a lot of insight into design and color theory and that’s what we’re

learning now.”

Molly Bower, 17, said she thinks it’s great to have a professional

artist come in.

“So we can explore different mediums and style, especially when

students tend to stick to a particular niche in art class like I do

myself,” Molly said.

Molly said Buzan-Williamson has taught her some key things.

“She has taught me about using colors and said a couple of things

about my thinking about color,” Molly said.

Molly explained that with abstract art it’s like taking a picture

and then altering the view according to the individual’s mind and

imagination.

“I think what makes a great artist is one who is open to different

types of art -- and open to change because artwork is always

changing,” Molly said. “And one who has an original mind and a lot of

imagination.”

Working on their pieces, the students seemed open to different

ideas and were eager to ask for help, taking suggestions along the

way.

“This workshop, I think, is going to be revolutionary in these

young artists’ progression,” Tiner said.