Youth Insights teens meet Dina Helal, Manager of Education Resources
Jul 15, 2015
YI participants use viewfinders to sketch the view from Floor 5. Photograph by Hannah Celli
On July 15, Youth Insights Art Careers participants had a chance to meet Dina Helal, the Manager of Education Resources at the Whitney. First, Helal showed us drawings in the Whitney collection. Notably, we saw drawings by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Ellsworth Kelly, Alexander calder, and Ellen Gallagher. Helal talked about the context of the work and pointed out different techniques like contour drawing, continuous line drawing. cross-hatching, and blending. We also learned about different types of pencils and how they serve different purposes. For instance, softer pencils make thicker lines while harder pencils make thinner lines. Even though Helal showed us drawings by famous artists, she made it clear that everyone can draw.
YI participant Zakiya’s drawing of the view from Floor 5. Photograph by Hannah Celli
After her presentation, Helal gave us the opportunity to practice the new drawing techniques that we learned about. Using a viewfinder, a few different types of pencils, and a kneadable eraser, we sketched from the Floor 5 window overlooking the High Line. I drew a small portion of the skyline. Helal really inspired me to draw more often. I enjoyed getting the chance to draw and practice using different types of pencils and techniques.
By Ruth, YI participant