Final Grades of the Fall Semester

Final Grades for my Fall 2009 sections of Introduction to Art have been calculated and submitted to KeanWise. The grades should be available for viewing by students sometime after 4:30 pm on January 4, 2010.

12/16/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at all the 3D projects, and those and the semester portfolios were graded. Unclaimed work was put on top of the file cabinet at the back of the room. Final class grades will be available online in January.

Enjoy the break.

12/9/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today was a general work day for the class. Students worked on anything related to the class. Some worked on the Final Project, some on their papers, some on previous projects. We also looked at some late arriving comic strip projects.

Homework- The 3D Final Project is due at the beginning of class on December 16, 2009. Those who have not yet turned in their museum papers should bring them as well.

For next class 12/16/09- Our final class meeting. Bring your 3D box project, all the portfolio material, and museum papers. We will critique all the projects as a group, and I'll grade everything else that comes in.

12/2/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we started by looking at the comic strip symbolic narrative projects. We also reviewed the Thanksgiving Architecture make up assignment. We viewed slides covering the history of sculpture, from prehistory to the present. Finally we talked about the final 3D project, a Joseph Cornell style box. Previous student examples are shown above.

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How to make this up- Further student examples (and one from me), along with all the specifications, can be found here.

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Homework- This 3D Box project is due at the beginning of class on the day of our last meeting, December 16, 2009. Those who have not yet turned in the comic strip, or had their collograph printed, should bring those next week.

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For next class 12/9/09- Next week will be a general work day, meaning students can work on anything related to the class. Most will work on the box project, but you may bring in materials to work on any back project that doesn't involve any items from me (such as still life objects or music). Below is the list of all the portfolio exercises from this semester and the dates where they can be found on this blog:

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Contour Line Drawings (shoes) 9/19/09

Negative Space (chair and bottles) 9/23/09

Charcoal Value Drawing (white objects) 9/30/09

Cut Paper Mosaic Collage 10/7/09

Color Wheel/Color Mixing 10/14/09

Photographs 10/21/09

Abstract Compositions to music 10/28/09

Collagraph print 11/4/09

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Bring whatever materials you will need to work on whatever you plan to do during the class.

Architecture Assignment

The class meeting on Wednesday November 25, 2009 has been cancelled. The next class meeting will be December 2, 2009.

The following is a short assignment that you need to do as part of making up that day:

In whatever location you eat your Thanksgiving dinner (your home, relatives home, house or apartment, restaurant, etc) find examples of the following architectural elements and materials:

stone/brick
cast concrete
solid wood
plywood
post and beam/lintel
glass
structural steel/aluminum
electical motor
interior load bearing structure

These items should be permanently part of the house, used in its construction or otherwise attached to the structure of the house.

For each item, state where it is found in the building and what function it serves in the building. Write it up in paragraph form and bring it to the next class.

11/18/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at slides of architecture from prehistoric to late 20th century. Then the collographs were printed while students worked on their comic strip projects.

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How to make this up- Bring your collograph plate to the next meeting of our class, December 2, 2009. I'll take them to print at my studio and return to you the following week.

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Homework- The personal narrative comic strip project started last week is due at the beginning of class on December 2, 2009. The architecture take home assignment is also due on 12/2/09.

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For next class 12/2/09- Bring your completed comic strip project and some paper for sketching. (can be your big pad or a notebook/sketchbook) If you haven't brought your photos to class yet, bring them that day.

11/11/09 Intro to Art

Today's class- Today we looked at slides of art that dealt with issues of narrative (story telling) and symbolism. We also looked at all the photos from the photography assignment. The first graded art project of the semester, a personal narrative in the form of a comic strip, was discussed.

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How to make this up- The assignment is to tell a true story from your life using symbolic characters to represent yourself and others in the story. Above are several examples from previous semesters. Today students were asked to consider what story they want to depict and what kinds of symbols they want to use. To see the specifics of the assignment, as well as some supplementary material, click here.

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Homework- This graded project will be due at the beginning of class on December 2, 2009. Students will be given time in class next week to work on the project while the collographs that we started last week are printed. Those who did not bring photos this week should bring them to class next week.

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For next class 11/18/09- Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencil, paper, and pastels. Also bring your completed collograph plate. (I'll provide the ink and tools to print it) While individual collographs are printed everyone else will work on the comic strip project.

11/4/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at the history of printmaking, from the renaissance to the present. Students started a new print related portfolio exercise, a collograph. Previous student examples are shown above. In class we started making the plates. Students will finish them on their own time and we will print them in class in a few weeks. We also had the oral presentations related to the recent research assignment and the papers were returned.

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How to make this up- Instructions for creating a collograph plate can be found here. You should be able to find everything you need around your home.

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Homework- The completed collograph plate is due in class on November 18th, at which time we'll print them in class, using ink and tools that I'll provide. The photography assignment is due in class next week, November 11, 2009. Bring prints of all 20 photos from the assignment.

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For next class 11/11/09- We will start the first graded art project of the semester. Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencil, eraser, and set of pastels.

10/28/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at slides related to the idea of rhythm and movement in visual art. Then we did a portfolio exercise where students listened to a variety of instrumental music and created abstract watercolor compositions based on what they were listening to. Above is an example. At the end of class we looked at an example of each student's work while the class tried to guess which music inspired it.

How to make this up- Full details, including the type of music listened to and further student examples, can be found here. This is a portfolio exercise, which must be made up by the end of the semester.

Homework- Anyone who has not yet turned in their research assignment should do so as soon as possible. The longer it takes to get to me, the more points you lose. The photo assignment that I gave last week is due November 11, 2009.

Next class 11/4/09- Next week we will be starting a printmaking related project, making a collagraph plate. You are invited to bring in a variety of materials that can be cut up and/or glued down to create the plate. (I'll have a huge bag of stuff available as well) Materials can be natural or manufactured, anything with interesting textures and not too thick. You will need to bring scissors and glue, in addition to whatever collage materials you bring. You don't need your large pad of paper.

10/21/09 Intro to Art

Today's class- Today we looked at slides of the history of photography, from the early 1800's experimental processes to today. We also discussed the vocabulary of photography and the process by which it works. The photography assignment was distributed and reviewed. In addition, research papers were collected and we took a tour of all the studio classrooms in the building.

Homework- The photography assignment, including some student examples, can be found here. Prints of all 20 photographs are due at the beginning of class on November 11, 2009. Those who have not yet turned in your research papers should bring them to class as soon as possible. The longer it's late, the fewer points you will get.

For next class 10/28/09- Bring in your 18"x24" pad and all the painting related materials- watercolors, brushes, palette and water container.

10/14/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at the history and use of color in art. We started with slides ranging from cave paintings through the 20th century. The day's project was creating a color wheel and doing an exercise in complement color mixing, as shown above.

How to make this up- This full description is too lengthy to put here. Next week in class I'll have a handout for students that explains all the steps. This is a portfolio exercise that can be made up anytime before the end of the semester.

Homework- The research papers are due at the beginning of class next week, October 21, 2009.

For next class 10/14/09- Next week we will be learning about photography. The project will be an assignment that I hand out and you do on your own. As a result, you do not need to bring in any of your art supplies next week.

10/7/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at monumental art- art which is designed to be permanently part of a building, put on walls, ceiling, or floor. I showed slides from cave paintings to contemporary work, as well as a video of a contemporary mural being created. Then we started the day's project, a mosaic style collage. While students worked on that, I met with everyone individually to discuss their chosen artists and artworks for the research assignment.

How to make this up- Details as to how to make up the day's art project (an example of which can be seen above) can be found here. This is a portfolio exercise, so it must be made up by the end of the semester.

Homework- The research assignment is due at the beginning of class on October 21, 2009. Those who have not yet shown me their artists and artworks should do so as soon as possible.

Next class 10/14/09- Next time we officially begin our study of color. Bring all your paint related materials- watercolor paints, brush, mixing palette, and some kind of water container, as well as your 18"x24" pad and pencil.

9/30/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at the formal art property of value, defined as the relative lightness or darkness of elements in a work of art. Proper use of value can add to the illusion of space and volume in a 2D artwork. We looked at slides of art from antiquity to the present, then did a portfolio exercise in value drawing, as in the example above. We also visited the gallery to see the Fine Arts Adjunct Exhibition.

How to make this up- To learn the details as to how to make up this exercise, click here. This is a portfolio exercise and must be made up by the end of the semester.

Homework- The list of artists and artworks and book for your research assignment is due in class next week, October 7, 2009.

For next class 10/7/09- Bring your 18"x24" pad of paper, pencil and eraser, scissors and glue. We will be doing a collage type project. If you have any old magazines that you don't mind cutting up, you can bring them in. I will have some magazines for you to go through as well.

9/23/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today I distributed the research assignment to the class, showed slide examples of the various art movements to the class, and the students chose topics based on a randomly assigned order. After that we did some drawing exercises involving negative space. We did a negative space drawing of a chair and used negative space to help find spacing, proportions, shapes, and locations in a still life drawing of bottles. These were both portfolio exercises.

Homework- The list of 3 artists, an artwork from each, and an example of book to be used in the research of your chosen topic is due in class on October 7, 2009. The completed paper is due at the beginning of class on October 21, 2009.

For next class 9/30/09- We will start our study of value. Bring your 18"x24" pad of drawing paper, drawing charcoal, and a kneaded eraser. This can be messy, so you are advised not to wear light colors to class that day.

9/16/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we reviewed the museum assignment due by the end of the semester. Then we looked at slides of examples of line from prehistoric cave paintings through the 20th century. For today's studio project we did some exercises in contour drawing involving shoes.

Homework- none, but if you missed today's class, the information as to how to make it up is found here.

For next class 9/23/09- I will distribute the research assignment, then we will continue our study of line. Bring your 18"x24" pad of drawing paper, pencils, and eraser.

9/09/09 Intro to Art

Today's class- Today was the first day of class. The syllabus was distributed and reviewed. The course outline was also distributed and the class completed a survey about their art experiences.

Homework- none

For the next class 9/16/09- Bring your 18"x24" drawing pad, pencils, and eraser. The subject will be shoes. You may want to bring an extra shoe with you to draw, or you can take a chance I'll find some in the prop closet, or you can use one that you are wearing.

Those who didn't buy the photocopied book should bring $3 next week to purchase one.

Welcome to the Fall 2009 Semester

I will be using this blog each week to post information about the classes I teach here at Kean. This semester I have two sections of FA 1000 (Intro to Art) that meet on the same day, so each week's entry applies to both classes unless I state otherwise.

For each week I will post a description of what was done in class that day, with full directions as to how to make up the assignment. When available and applicable I will have photos of student projects from previous semesters to show successful examples and what the end results should be. Any homework and due dates will be listed under the day's entry as well. In addition, I'll list what materials will be needed for the following week's class. I'll have about a month's worth of postings available on the main page, and previous dates are available through the archives on the right.

The main purpose of this blog is for students who missed class for whatever reason, so that they may make up the work missed before they return to class. However, stop by here also if you need a reminder of when a project is due, or what materials you need next, etc. These used to be the most common e-mail questions I got from students. Now you can get the answers to these questions 24/7 without having to wait for me to reply to an e-mail. Of course, if you have any further questions regarding an assignment you are welcome to contact me via e-mail. Don't bother to leave comments here, as I won't be on the blog between classes.

5/11/09 2D Design

Today was the last day of class. We had a quick critique of the Final Projects, which were later graded, along with all the portfolio work from the semester, and the museum assignments. All work was returned to the students. Work not picked up by 1 pm was moved over to the counter by the sink. Grades should be available to be viewed online after 4:30 pm on Tuesday, May 12.

Enjoy your summer.

5/5/09 Intro to Art

Tonight the Final Projects (boxes) and Semester Portfolios were graded, as well as the museum papers. Most students returned to pick up their work. Work that was not picked up was put on the table in the corner by the window. It may or may not be there in the future if those students wish to retrieve their work. Final grades will be calculated over the next few days, and should be available to students online beginning Tuesday May 12th after 4:30 pm.

5/4/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today was a general work day for the class. After a critique of the four palettes project, students continued work on their Final Projects, the book project.

Homework- The Final Project is due at the beginning of class next week, 5/11/09. Any back projects yet to be graded can be brought in and will be considered for partial credit. The museum papers are also due at the beginning of class next week. The portfolio will be graded as well. More information regarding what to bring in can be found in last week's blog entry for our class.

Next class 5/11/09- Final Grading day. Bring everything you've done in our class this semester. After a critique of the Final Projects, students will leave for a while while I grade all the work. That work will be available to pick up later in the day at a predetermined time.

4/28/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight was a general work day for the class. Some used it to work on the 3D Final projects that were discussed last week; others devoted the time to back projects from earlier in the semester. We also looked at a few of the comic strip projects that were not turned in last week.

For next class 5/5/04- Next week is the last class meeting of the semester, at which time the final 3D project, semester portfolio, and museum papers will be graded. All of these, with the grades for each, will be returned to the students that evening.

The following items are part of the semester portfolio-
(for details on each, find the entry on the blog at the specified date)
Contour line (shoes) Jan 27
Negative space (chair, bottles) Feb 10
Charcoal value drawing Feb 27
Mosaic Collage Feb 24
Color wheel/complement mix Mar 3
Photography project Mar 10
Abstract paintings (music) Mar 24
Collagraph Mar 31

In addition, bring the 2D Final (comic strip) and 3D Final (see April 21), as well as the completed museum assignment. Be on time- the sooner we start, the sooner we will be done.

4/27/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we reviewed the Final Project, involving transforming books based on works of fine art. Above are shown a pop up and a transparency book. For more examples and the specific details, click here.

How to make this up- For class next week have a color image of the work you wish to adapt, and an idea of the process you with to use, along with the appropriate materials. Don't worry about how to make it happen, I'll help with that in class.

Homework- The limited palettes project started last week is due at the beginning of class on May 4. 2009. The Final Project is due at the beginning of class on May 11, 2009.

For next class 5/4/09- Next week is an open work day to work on any class related work. Most of you will use it to work on the Final Project, but you can also use it work on any back project or class portfolio exercise you may owe me. Bring whatever materials you need to work on what you will do.

The following is the list of all work from this semester, along with the date it can be found on this blog. You will be expected to turn all of it in for grading on the last day of class, 5/11/09.

Class Portfolio-

Wallpaper dots Feb 2

Contour Lines (shoes) Feb 9

Negative space (chair and bottles) Feb 9

Charcoal value exercises (white objects) Mar 9

Color wheel/complement mix/tints and shades Apr 6

Graded Projects-

Stipple Drawing (dots) Feb 2

Contour line final (mixed objects) Feb 23

Charcoal final (mixed value objects) Mar 23

Woodcut print Mar 30

Color temperature collage Apr 13

Limited color palettes Apr 20

Plus, you will need to turn in the museum project

and the Final Project.

4/21/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we started by looking at the completed comic strips, which were collected and will be graded and returned next week. Then we looked at slides covering the history of sculpture, from prehistory to the present. After that we looked specifically at the work of Joseph Cornell, whose open front boxes are the inspiration for the final 3D project. Examples of student boxes from previous semesters can be seen above.

How to make this up- For full details about the project and further examples, click here.

Homework- This final graded project is due at the beginning of class on May 5, 2009, the last day of class. The museum paper is due at that time as well, if not turned in sooner. Those who did not turn in the comic strip project yet should turn them in next week. Anyone doing the extra credit assignment must turn it in by 4/28/09 to receive credit.

For next class 4/28/09- Next week is a general work day, where you can work on the Final 3D Box project or any other work from this class. Bring the appropriate materials for what you wish to work on.

The class portfolio is due on the last week of class. As a reminder, here are the portfolio exercises you are expected to turn in at that time-

Contour line (shoes)

Negative space (chair and bottles)

Value drawing (charcoal)

Mosaic Collage (magazine paper)

Color Wheel and complement mix

Abstract paintings (music)

Photography

Collagraph print

4/20/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started by looking at the completed color temperature projects, then began a new graded project that deals with specific limited color palettes, an example of which can be seen above.

How to make this up- All the details, and further examples of the completed projects can be found if you click here.

Homework- This color palettes graded project is due at the beginning of class on May 4, 2009. Those who still owe me back projects, such as wood blocks or the season collage, should get them in as soon as possible. The semester's end is coming soon.

For next class 4/27/09- Next week we begin the final project of the semester. It will involve an adaptation of a painting from the history of fine art. You should bring with you a book with color reproductions of paintings from a favorite artist or period, or a general book about the history of painting. In addition you will need your 18"x24" pad, all your painting supplies, pencil and eraser. The project will also require a piece of matboard, about 20"x30" should be enough, any color.

4/14/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we continued with the comic strip graded project started last week. We also printed the collagraph plates created the week before. I also went over the specifics of the Feldman Method of Art Criticism, which was to be used for the research assignments, and is to be used for the museum assignment. In addition, I gave out an optional extra credit assignment.

Information about the extra credit assignment can be found here.

How to make this up- Those who have not yet printed their collagraph plates should bring them to class next week.

Homework- The graded comic strip projects that we started last week are due at the beginning of class on April 21, 2009. There will be grade penalties for projects not turned in on time.

For next class 4/21/09- Bring your completed comic strip project to class. Also bring paper (can be your 18"x24" pad or a smaller sketchbook/notebook) and pencil. We will discuss the final 3D project.

4/13/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started a new graded project, involving color temperature, examples of which can be seen above. While students were working on this, I helped all the students individually print their woodcut projects. We also critiqued the woodcuts and visited the exhibition at the CAS Gallery.

How to make this up- To see detailed instructions and further examples of the completed project, click here.

Homework- The completed color temperature collage project is due at the beginning of class on April 20, 2009. Those who did not have their wood blocks available to print today should bring it to class as soon as possible.

For next class 4/20/09- We will start a new graded project, dealing with specific color combinations. Bring all the paint materials (paints, brushes, palette, etc), your 18"x24" pad, pencil and eraser. You will also need a black and white photo (should have a nice mix of light, dark, and gray tones) to be the image source for this project. Those who don't bring a photo will have to find something in my usual bag of magazines.

4/07/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we looked at slides of artwork that featured examples of narrative (story telling) and symbolism. Then we started our first graded project, which is also our major 2D project of the semester, an autobiographical comic strip, examples of which can be seen above (click images to enlarge).

How to make this up- Today was just the start of the project. You will also be given time to work on it in class next week (4/14/09) while I help students print the collagraphs started last week. For details as to the specific requirements of the comic strip assignment, and for some supplementary material, click here.

Homework- This comic strip project is due at the beginning of class on April 21, 2009. The collagraph plates started in class the previous week are due in class on April 14, 2009.

For next class 4/14/09- Bring the completed collagraph plate, your 18"x24" pad of paper, pencil, and pastels. We will continue to work on the comic strip projects while students print the collagraphs.

4/6/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we looked at slides of artwork from cave painting to the the present, considering the use of color in each. Then we did some portfolio exercises in color theory and basic mixing.

How to make this up- To learn the specifics behind the day's work, a sample of which can be seen above, click here.

Homework- Nothing new, but the carved wood block for the woodcut project is due at the beginning of class on April 13, 2009. The work done today is a portfolio exercise, so must be made up by the end of the semester.

For next class 4/13/09- Bring your 18"x24" pad, all your painting materials (paint, brushes, palette, palette knife, water container), pencil, scissors, and some kind of glue (white or rubber cement). A smaller sketchbook may also be useful. We will start a new graded color project and print the wood blocks.

3/31/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we looked at slides of the history of printmaking from the Renaissance to contemporary, and began a new print related project. We also took a brief trip to see the new print exhibition (Rauschenberg and Rosenquist) at the CAS Gallery and looked at some of the results of the photo assignment.

How to make this up- You need to make the printing plate that will allow you to make images like the above student examples. Details as to how to create a collagraph plate can be found if you click here.

Homework- The completed plate is due at the beginning of class on April 14, 2009. At that time I'll provide ink and help students print the plates. Any students who still haven't brought in their photos or research assignment should bring them in next week.

For next class 4/7/09- We will be beginning our first graded art project of the semester. Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencil and eraser, and pastels.

3/30/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started the woodcut project discussed in class last week. I handed out pieces of wood to all the students. Everyone came up with designs on paper, drew them onto the wood, and began cutting. I also did a demonstration of proper and safe cutting techniques.

How to make this up- More examples of previous student woodcuts and details about the assignment can be found if you click here.

Homework- The completed cut block for this woodcut illustration project is due at the beginning of class on April 13, 2009. At that time we will print them in class.

For next class 4/6/09- Next week we start our study of color. Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencil and eraser, and all your painting related materials- acrylic paints, brushes, palette, palette knife, and some kind of water container.

3/24/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we looked at slides with the idea of rhythm and movement as elements of art. We also reviewed the research assignments, which were graded and returned. For the art project, we did a class exercise involving listening to different kinds of music and creating abstract paintings that reflect the feeling of the music. At the end of class we looked at one from each student and tried to guess which piece of music inspired it.

How to make this up- Details as to process and kinds of music and other examples of student abstract paintings can be found here. As a portfolio exercise, this should be completed by the end of the semester.

Homework- If you haven't yet finished and turned in your research assignment, you should get it done as soon as possible to get partial credit. The photography assignment is due next week.

Next class 3/31/09- We will start a printmaking project involving collograph. Bring a variety of materials that can be cut up and/or glued down. These things can be natural or artificial, and should be relatively flat. Also bring scissors and glue. In addition, bring your printed photos for the photography assignment.

3/23/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we did a final charcoal drawing, this time as a graded project. After that we looked at slides of printmaking in preparation for next week's woodcut project.

How to make this up- Put a box on a table and drape it with a white or light colored cloth. On and around it place the following:

1) a shoe
2) a bottle
3) a piece of sports equipment (such as a ball, baseball mitt, etc)
4) any white colored object of similar size to the other items

Light the set up with a direct light to create strong light and shadow. Draw the set-up on your 18"x24" paper, using either vine or compressed charcoal, whichever you prefer. Pay attention to matching the values of the objects, as well as the proportions of individual objects and the relative scale of items in the still life. Bring the completed drawing to class as soon as possible.

Homework- Next week we will be starting a graded woodcut project that will take the form of a book illustration. You need to choose the book. It can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc. No kids books, comics, fairy tales, nursery rhymes, or anything fully illustrated. The illustration can be a specific scene or something that captures the general spirit of the book. You don't need to come up with the idea before next week, but you can give it some thought if you want.

For next class 3/30/09- Bring the book that you will do the illustration for, paper (can be your big pad or a smaller sketchbook), pencil and eraser, markers, and your x-acto knife. I'll provide the wood for the block.