TJ Glines

Art Education / Master of Arts (MA)

School of Art Education

I’m a high school visual arts instructor who brings real-world creative experience into a hands-on, student-centered classroom. I work across photography, design, video, painting, and mixed media, and I’m especially drawn to abstraction, layering materials and letting the process lead to something unexpected. My focus is on creativity, exploration, and growth, pushing students to take risks and find their own voice. I’m big on structure and accountability, but I always make room for experimentation and meaningful artistic expression.

Lesson Plan Inspiration:
This lesson was inspired by the expressive power of non-objective art, especially the idea of letting go of control in the creative process. In this piece, the layered colors, raw brushwork, and unexpected textures show a balance between intention and spontaneity. The addition of India ink and the act of washing it away, creates a slightly unsettling moment that introduces another layer of unpredictability to both the piece and the experience. I wanted students to feel that same sense of discovery, where marks, colors, and materials interact in ways they can’t fully control. By focusing on abstraction rather than representation, the lesson pushes students to trust their instincts, take creative risks, and see how energy and movement can communicate just as powerfully as recognizable imagery.