Third-graders learn about Oriental brush painting

Noted children’s book author and illustrator Bruce Hiscock visited McNulty Academy recently to teach third-graders about Oriental brush painting.

Hiscock has written and illustrated nine children’s book, including “When Will it Snow?,” “Tundra: The Arctic Land,” and his series of Big books. His most recent book is “Ookpik,” which traces the journey of a snowy owl from the Canadian Artic to New York State, where it spends the winter.

Hiscock’s lesson on Oriental brush painting tied in with the third grade’s lessons on Japan.

The author/illustrator wore traditional Japanese clothing during the lesson. Hiscock taught students about the Japanese technique of drawing animals and flowers with ink and brush. Students then used this technique to paint their own animals and flowers.

This was the first time these third-graders had a program like this at McNulty. Hiscock’s style was highly effective for the third-graders, who gave him their undivided attention during the entire lesson.

To view a photo gallery of the lesson, click here.