Learning and Leading - September/October 2009

this photo of
the golden gate
Bridge in san
Francisco was
manipulated
using Fotoflexer,
an online image
editor available
at http://fotoflexer.
com.

We ended our course with the only program that was not available online. We downloaded Google Sketchup to design 3D buildings. This is a complicated program, and we had only a little time to practice a few of its features. We checked out perspective lines; a push–pull tool that modifies the 3D shapes; a pattern painter that adds texture, such as for bricks or siding; and a library of downloadable structures, such as trees and vehicles, that students added to their models.

this abstract design was created with Brushster, an online painting machine for all ages. it’s available on the national gallery of art website at www.nga.gov/kids/ zone/ brushster.htm.

For More Advanced Students Our two-week tour de force did not allow us to work with any one program in depth. However, students who are patient and dedicated to understanding the intricacies of Photo-hop also have no-cost options on the Web. Splashup.com and Aviary.com both create products that are stunning and professional. Aviary offers Phoenix (photo-editing software) and Peacock (a program for creating cus-om filters and effects). Aviary plans to oll out other artsy apps in the future. Both sites have free and paid plans and features.