Discover the Art of Lyndsay
Philosophy of Art Education
My philosophy of education is grounded in the belief that art is a universal language—one that invites every student to explore, question, communicate, and connect. I view the art classroom as a community space where creativity, individuality, and cultural expression are not only encouraged but celebrated. Every student arrives with their own lived experiences, strengths, and ways of learning; it is my responsibility as an educator to create an environment where those differences become assets.
I believe deeply in process over perfection. Art is not about arriving at a single “correct” answer but about experimentation, risk-taking, and reflection. In my classroom, students are empowered to make choices, try new techniques, and develop confidence through creative problem-solving. I support this through clear routines, structured expectations, and differentiated pathways that honor each learner’s personal and artistic growth.
A core part of my teaching is helping students understand art as a reflection of the world around them. I incorporate diverse artists, movements, and cultural perspectives so students can see themselves in the curriculum and also expand their understanding of experiences beyond their own. My goal is for students to develop not only technical skills but also empathy, critical thinking, and visual literacy.
Ultimately, I want students to feel safe, seen, and inspired. I aim to cultivate a studio space where curiosity thrives, mistakes are welcomed, and young artists learn to trust their voice. As an educator, I am not just teaching art—I am teaching students how to imagine, to observe deeply, to collaborate, and to express themselves with confidence, both in and beyond the classroom.
Lesson Plans 1-3 & Supplemental Materials
Lesson Plan 1
Explore a ready-to-teach launch for a secondary art unit on *Vivienne Westwood and punk fashion as cultural rebellion—with a clear unit overview, front-loaded vocabulary, standards alignment, and step-by-step plans for the **first two days* (background-building + vocabulary instruction). You’ll also find research-based rationales, formative checks (quickwrites/exit tickets), and targeted supports for diverse learners (ASD, dyslexia/dysgraphia, ADHD) to keep every student engaged and successful.
Lesson Plan 2
Bring visual literacy to life through contemporary street art. In this lesson for *8th–9th grade, students “read” Hera’s mural ***The Sound of Change Has Many Voices** as a powerful text—analyzing symbolism, color, scale, and body language to uncover themes of *identity, empathy, youth voice, and social change. The download includes standards-aligned objectives, a clear sequence of strategies (KWL + vocabulary preview, think-pair-share, visual annotation/sketch notes, reflective writing + gallery walk*), and thoughtful differentiation supports for diverse gifted learners.
Lesson Plan 3
In this lesson, students create a bold, stylized character illustration inspired by Keith Haring. They begin by choosing a figure sketch from a previous lesson and refining the pose to clearly show personality, mood, and movement. Through guided demos and studio work, students experiment with simplified shapes, strong line, pattern, and color to communicate emotion and identity rather than focusing on realism. The lesson culminates in a finished illustration and a short artist statement, helping students understand how stylization and visual symbols can be used as a powerful visual language for personal and cultural expression.
Visual Syllabus
Creative Expression Studio
Welcome to Creative Expression Studio
This class is a safe, supportive space where artists explore who they are through drawing, painting, illustration, street-art inspiration, and mixed-media projects.
Every student arrives with a unique story — and art becomes the way we tell it.
What We’ll Explore
Unit 1: Line, Shape & Identity
Portraits, character design, and discovering your personal visual voice.
Unit 2: Street Art & Community
Murals, symbolism, artist intention, and how art communicates in public spaces.
Unit 3: Creative Fashion & Illustration
Stylized figures, pattern, accessories, and expressive character work.
Unit 4: Mixed Media & Play
Clay, fiber art, collage, embroidery, and experimenting with unexpected materials.
Unit 5: Digital Art Studio
Procreate basics, layering, brushes, texture — transforming traditional ideas into digital form.
Materials
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Sketchbook
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Pencils & erasers
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Markers or colored pencils
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Watercolors or basic paint set
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Glue & scissors
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Optional: Tablet with Procreate
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Found objects and recycled materials (we get crafty)
Our Studio Culture
A sweet, supportive environment with a real artist-studio vibe.
We show kindness.
Everyone is growing. Everyone deserves encouragement.
We take creative risks.
Mistakes are part of the process — and often the best part.
We respect the studio.
Care for your tools, your space, and the materials we share.
We offer gentle, helpful feedback.
Warm critiques using “Glow + Grow” to support each other’s art.
We honor personal style.
Your art never needs to look like anyone else’s.
How We Do Critiques
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Look: Observe without judgment.
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Think: Notice choices, technique, and emotion.
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Share: Offer kind, specific feedback.
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Respond: Artists explain their intentions and process.
No harshness. No comparison. Just community.
Grading
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40% Major Projects
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20% Sketchbook Work
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20% Participation + Process
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20% Reflection / Critique
What Students Will Learn
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Creative confidence
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Visual storytelling
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Observation & interpretation
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Color theory & composition
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Street-art vocabulary & visual symbolism
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Fashion & character illustration
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Digital art fundamentals
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How to talk about art with kindness and curiosity
How to Reach Me
Email:
• lyndsay.phaneuf01@csulb.edu
• lyndsayphaneuf@gmail.com
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Availability:
Before school, after school, or by appointment.
I respond with patience, clarity, and support — always.
Final Note from Ms. Phaneuf
Creative Expression Studio is a place to be yourself, try new things, and surprise yourself.
Art is about possibility, not perfection.
I’m here to guide you, cheer you on, and help you discover the artist you already are.
Step-by-step Tutorial
Tech Integration
In my classroom, technology isn’t separate from creativity—it’s part of how students communicate visually in the real world. I use Canva as a primary tool because it lets students explore digital art, layout, typography, and visual storytelling in an intuitive, approachable way. Students design posters, mood boards, portfolios, and social-justice campaigns while developing digital literacy skills such as navigating cloud-based platforms, organizing files, collaborating online, and understanding copyright and fair use. Canva helps students work with professional-looking templates while still expressing their own aesthetic, encouraging creative risk-taking and supporting different learning styles. My goal is for students to see technology as an extension of their artistic voice and a practical skill that connects directly to careers in fashion, branding, illustration, and content creation.