In this week’s Little Ashcan Creative Minds class, our young artists took on an exciting and thoughtful project exploring the contrast between Realism and Abstraction — two major approaches in visual art.
We began by discussing the core ideas behind each style. Realism focuses on representing a subject as truthfully and accurately as possible, capturing fine details and avoiding exaggeration. Abstraction, in contrast, encourages creative interpretation, using expressive shapes, lines, and colors to suggest a subject rather than depict it exactly.
To apply these concepts, each student used a 3D camera to take detailed close-up photos of animals. This hands-on experience helped them observe textures, patterns, and features they might not have noticed otherwise. From there, they created two pieces of art:
A realistic painting based on their individual photo, with close attention to detail.
A collaborative abstract artwork of the same animal, created in a group setting with more expressive techniques.
This project challenged students to balance observation with imagination — developing both technical and conceptual skills. It also introduced them to the idea that there’s more than one way to represent the world through art.
Materials used: Canvas, acrylic paint, pencil, and 3D camera.
We’re incredibly proud of the work our students created this week. Not only did they learn to see more closely, but they also discovered how to interpret what they see in their own unique way. We look forward to more exciting projects ahead in the Creative Minds program.