SketchBook Express is an excellent resource to get kids started brainstorming ideas. Although it's designed to be an art app, teachers should consider utilizing some of its features as a productivity tool. Kids can take notes, create lists, and visualize school projects through sketches. Of course, the illustration tools shouldn’t be overlooked as a resource to teach lessons on line, shading, color, and texture. The deviantART gallery creates an opportunity for kids to share their work or get inspired by creations from a global community. Teachers should be aware that deviantART is open to a variety of projects in addition to the SketchBook Express projects.
Continue readingSketchBook Express is a creative resource that gives students the tools to brainstorm ideas and create original works of art. At first, some students may be put off by the age disclaimer and heavy explanatory text, but once they’re past that, they’re sure to be hooked by the creation tools. To get started sketching, students choose from a variety of brushes, colors, drawing styles, and techniques. They can create a drawing, save the sketch, and then create many more. Each sketch is saved in a personal gallery with the option to share works on a variety of platforms. SketchBook Express shares a portal to deviantART, an online art community and portfolio site. Students can be inspired by other artists on deviantART or contribute to the community by posting their own work.
Students can access a variety of tools, each of which responds differently to touch. Sketching with various brushes gives students a chance to practice drafting skills while using digital techniques not unlike many professional illustrators and graphic designers. Kids can add layers to their sketches with drawings, textures, and even with photos from their own library. The many interesting features make this an efficient tool for compiling a sketchbook to log work and demonstrate progress for any class.