WEP 245: Creating & Teaching Digital Art with Apple Distinguished Educators: An Interview with Rita Mortenson & Charlene Chausis

In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast , I had the privilege of speaking with two extraordinary Apple Distinguished Educators, Rita Mortenson and Charlene Chausis. Rita and Charlene are both passionate educators who are transforming classrooms through digital creativity, particularly in the realm of digital art . From their innovative use of Procreate and the Keynote app on the iPad to their inspiring journey into creating pet portraits, these two educators share how they bring creativity and artistry into education in impactful ways.

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If you're an educator looking to inspire creativity, incorporate cutting-edge technology, and foster collaboration and critical thinking in your classroom, this episode is a must listen!

About Rita Mortenson
Rita Mortenson is the Educational Technology Coach at Verona Area High School. She is an Apple Distinguished Educator, a Google Innovator, an ISTE Certified Educator, and a National Board Certified Teacher with an MBA. Rita also serves on the Discovery Education Network Leadership Council and the Wisconsin State Technology Advisory Board. She is passionate about integrating technology in innovative and creative ways, making learning accessible and engaging for all.

About Charlene Chausis
Charlene Chausis, who describes herself as "mostly retired," has an impressive history in education. She has dedicated her career to helping educators amplify students' creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. As a 2003 Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Innovator, and Google Certified Teacher, Charlene has presented at numerous national and local conferences. She continues to inspire educators through her volunteer work and passion for digital art.

Insights from My Conversation with Rita and Charlene

During our conversation, Rita and Charlene shared their journey into creating and teaching digital art and how Procreateon the iPad has transformed their creative process. They discussed their passion for pet portraits and how they use this art form to teach and inspire others. Here are some key highlights:
The Journey into Digital Art : Charlene and Rita talk about how their background in education shaped their approach to digital art, incorporating apps like Explain Everything, Keynote, and Procreate. They also shared how Apple's Everyone Can Create series of eBooks inspired their work.
Passion for Pet Portraits : Both Rita and Charlene fell in love with creating pet portraits through Procreate, finding unique ways to express their creativity and give back to their communities. Charlene has drawn over 40 pet portraits for The Anti Cruelty Society fundraiser, while Rita enjoys creating portraits for family, friends, and various projects.
Tips for Beginners : They offer practical advice for educators and individuals looking to start their journey into digital art, emphasizing that everyone is an artist . With the right tools, like Procreate and Apple Pencil, and some inspiration, anyone can create.
Memorable Moments : From challenging projects like drawing a cat blending into a fuzzy rug to creating heartfelt portraits of pets who've passed away, Rita and Charlene share the emotional and artistic impact of their work.

Try Procreate and Apple's Keynote to CreateDigital Art
Rita and Charlene encourage educators to explore tools like Procreate and the Apple Teacher Learning Center's Everyone Can Create eBooks to get started on their own creative journeys. Whether you're tracing your first drawing or creating stunning pet portraits, the possibilities are endless with today's digital tools.

Final Thoughts

This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for educators and creators alike. Rita and Charlene exemplify how technology and art can intersect to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences. Their work with Procreate and Keynote to create digital art reminds us all that creativity knows no boundaries.

Thank you, Rita and Charlene, for sharing your passion and journey with us. Educators, this is your chance to discover how digital art can transform your teaching practice and inspire your students.

Mentioned in the Podcast: 

Carlene's Instagram: 

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