Video Description: Glenna Adkins, whose artwork hangs in residences and businesses throughout the country, and in Europe, received her Fine Arts degree from University of Cincinnati’s college of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning (DAAP). Her influences include modern design and color harmony as well as architecture, light and pattern. She has been a working, professional artist since 2001. She uses a unique mixed media technique that she has developed. Typically, a heavy base layer is put down with acrylic paint. Then she adds layers of soft pastel and sometimes graphite, and pen and ink. The use of this mixed media allows flexibility with each piece. Many layers of this alternating media are used which creates a texture and “history” to the painting. Then the work is finished with coats of oil-based varnish. She works in a wide range of sizes and titles each piece with a sense of whimsy. Learn more about her at http://www.glennaadkins.com.

• Use the video as students create their own mixed media pieces. Have students experiment with the type of media Ms. Adkins uses. What do they find easy, challenging, interesting about this form of mixed media as they create their art work?
• What is student response to the artist’s work? What do they like or dislike about it? Have students reference artistic principles as well as personal preferences as they discuss the work.