Art is the backbone of many OHS students’ artistic creativity; it’s the way they show/express themselves. OHS students’ courses for next year are a significant decision for them, and art can be one of their options. OHS students’ art courses, in terms of the medium (the material or technique with which an artist works), they use are important to them.

Some of the different art courses that are offered at Osbourn High School are Foundations of Art 1 and 2, Advanced Art 1 and 2, Ceramics 1 and 2, Crafts 1 and 2, Drawing 1 and 2, Painting 1 and 2, Honors Art 9-12, etc. (Look at the MCPS Course Catalog for more information.) OHS students get to choose which ones they take next year, Nissi Rodriguez, a 9th grader, said, “I’m planning on taking Honors Art next year, that or Ceramics 1.” On the other hand, Munyraksmey Kong, a 9th grader, said,  “I’m 100% taking Ceramics 1 next year.” Also, Allison Hernandez, a 9th grader, said, “Next year I plan on taking Ceramics.” The choice between the different art courses can be a hard choice for many OHS students, but many find their passions.

The medium of art OHS students use is just as important as the courses they choose. A medium of art can create emotions, positive and negative. As for Nissi Rodriguez, “My favorite medium of art to use is charcoal, because I enjoy the dark and messy vibe it brings to my art. I feel very carefree with charcoal; it makes my art have a soul behind it, and I also just enjoy working with messy tools.” Another OHS student, Munyraksmey Kong, said, “My favorite medium of art to use is ceramics because it’s fun to work with clay.” The type of medium that people enjoy using changes from person to person. Allison Hernandez said, “My favorite medium of art to use is colored pencils because I find it easy to use and shade with, and most of them color very nicely even if they’re cheap.” Everyone has a different medium that they enjoy using; there is a reason everyone has a favorite.

Some of the projects that OHS students create are also important to oneself and personally. Nissi Rodriguez said, “My favorite project that I made has to be the artwork that I named Trapped, which I used the medium charcoal.” Sometimes your favorite medium of art is the one you create with your favorite artwork.

OHS students might also dislike a medium of art because it could be messy, or it might not look or work as well as other mediums. Munyraksmey Kong said, “My least favorite medium of art to use is watercolor because I can’t make it look good compared to other mediums of art.” Allison Hernandez said, “My least favorite medium of art to use is oil pastels. Don’t get me wrong, they do color nicely, but they’re messy, and I prefer to use a medium that doesn’t make a mess. It’s also kind of hard for me to blend together, and I prefer to use materials that don’t make a mess and get on stuff easily.” Just like everyone has a favorite medium of art, everyone also has a least favorite medium of art!

Are you planning on taking an art class next year? What’s your favorite medium of art? What’s your least favorite medium of art?