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.