Millburn High School students enrolled in AP Studio Art II are beginning their painting unit and had the unique experience of watching a painting demonstration on September 20 given by acclaimed New Jersey illustrator, Adam Gustavson. The in-class demonstration helped to echo the techniques and concepts the students have already learned in their course while also providing an opportunity for them to learn more about Mr. Gustavson's particular approach to painting. 

During the demonstration, the artist showed the students his process for setting up a limited pallet, the need to control the light on a subject, the method for analyzing the shapes and values of a subject, the process for blocking in the image and moving from light to dark values and the importance of squinting to recognize essential shapes and values.

Mr. Gustavson lives in West Orange and is the illustrator of numerous books for children and young readers. He will also be leading a four-hour portrait painting workshop for Millburn students in December.