Past projects 4
Watercolor Close Up
Funded Mar 26, 2025I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project. Thanks to your kindness, my 10th grade students received high-quality liquid watercolors and watercolor paper—materials that allowed them to explore a whole new level of artistic expression. Your donation didn't just supply art supplies; it gave my students the opportunity to engage with professional-quality tools and feel like real artists.
Before this project, my students primarily worked with traditional oval watercolor palettes, which limited their ability to experience the vibrant color saturation and layering techniques possible with liquid watercolor. Once the new materials arrived, it was clear from the first brushstroke how much of a difference they would make. The vivid, intense hues of the liquid watercolors immediately caught their attention. Students were inspired to experiment with color mixing, layering, and creating subtle gradients—something that was much harder to achieve with the limited palettes they were used to.
The project we completed with these materials focused on close-up watercolor paintings. Students selected images of natural subjects—flowers, fruits, leaves, insects—and enlarged them to fill the space of the watercolor paper. This not only helped them improve their observational drawing skills but also pushed them to pay close attention to detail, form, and value. The close-up format allowed them to really dive into the textures, colors, and subtle transitions within their subject matter.
With the new liquid watercolors, my students learned how to control the flow of paint and water, how to layer washes to build value, and how to create soft, blended transitions. These are advanced techniques that are difficult to execute without the right materials. The watercolor paper held up beautifully, allowing them to work confidently without fear of the paper buckling or tearing. For many students, this was their first time using materials of this quality, and their pride in the finished work reflected that. They felt respected and empowered by having access to "real" artist supplies.
One of the most rewarding parts of this experience was watching students who typically hesitate with painting fully immerse themselves in the process. I witnessed students encouraging one another, discussing how they achieved certain effects, and taking creative risks they might not have taken before. The classroom was buzzing with excitement and curiosity. It was a joy to watch them grow—not just in skill, but in confidence.
Many of my students don't have access to art supplies at home, and school is the only place they can explore this kind of creative expression. Because of you, they were able to experience watercolor painting in a way that felt meaningful, sophisticated, and fun. I truly believe this experience will stick with them—and for some, it may even spark a lifelong love of art.
Thank you for being a part of our classroom and for investing in the creativity and growth of my students. Your support made this beautiful experience possible, and we are so grateful for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ossen
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 6 other donors.2D Drawing to 3D Creations
Funded Apr 1, 2025Thank you so much for supporting my 2D to 3D Creations sculpture Project! Your generosity means the world to me and my students. Because of you, we now have the materials and tools needed to bring our creative ideas to life through hands-on, three-dimensional art. Your support not only provides supplies—it empowers young artists to explore, build confidence, and express themselves in new ways. I’m so grateful for your belief in arts education and the impact it has on young minds. We can’t wait to share what we create. Thank you for making this possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ossen
Creating Connections Between History & One's Self!
Funded Feb 3, 2024Art is a subject that allows students to explore creativity, decompress from their day and problem solve. Often our budgets are the first to get cut to make way for new academic programs that will reinforce the skill sets taught within the core subjects. Hindering the supplies that allow students to decompress, problem solve and light up the creative side of their brain isn't just limiting for Art Departments but for all other courses. Artistic outlets allows students to focus more on those core subjects because they rested one part of their brian and activated another. Creative thinkers are motivated thinkers and problem solvers! It is with much appreciation that I thank you for the art supplies that allow my students access to this important outlet.
Thank you, they had a blast and some of the supplies will be used for next year also!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ossen
This classroom project was brought to life by Connecticut State Department of Education.Affirmation Painting in Mixed Media
Funded Feb 10, 2024Art is a subject that allows students to explore creativity, decompress from their day and problem solve. Often our budgets are the first to get cut to make way for new academic programs that will reinforce the skill sets taught within the core subjects. Hindering the supplies that allow students to decompress, problem solve and light up the creative side of their brain isn't just limiting for Art Departments but for all other courses. Artistic outlets allows students to focus more on those core subjects because they rested one part of their brian and activated another. Creative thinkers are motivated thinkers and problem solvers! It is with much appreciation that I thank you for the art supplies that allow my students access to this important outlet.
Thank you, they had a blast and some of the supplies will be used for next year also!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ossen