3/30/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we began our first individually graded project of the semester, relating to the concept of narrative (telling stories) in art. We looked at slides from cave paintings, through the Renaissance, and to the present, discussing how symbols and allegories were used to represent ideas in visual art. We also looked at a few actual examples of the project from previous semesters. More examples can be seen above and below. We reserved time at the end of class for looking at more examples of art from the research papers and some of the photos taken by the class.

How to make this up- You will use a comic strip format to tell an autobiographical story from your past. You and the other characters in the story will be represented by symbols, that either should have some personal meaning to the people involved, or relate to the story in some way. The story can be something significant or inconsequential, and take place over a long or short period of time. It will be done in 12 panels over 2 sheets of your 18" x 24" paper. You may sketch it out in pencil, but the color will all come from pastels. Pen or markers can be used to write dialog and captions. More information about the project and another student example can be found here.

Homework- You will be given almost all of our next class meeting to work on the project. You don't have to work on it before then, but you should have your story and characters picked out by then, so you can go right to work on it. The completed comic strip will be due at the beginning of class on April 20, 2012.

Those who still owe me their research assignment or didn't have their photos today should bring them in as soon as possible.

********April 6, 2012 Good Friday Holiday**********

***********No class meeting next week*************

For next class 4/13/12- We will continue to work on the autobiographical comic strips, while students print the collagraph plates (stuff glued to cardboard) that we made a few weeks ago. Bring your completed collagraph plate, your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and pastels.

3/26/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we began our study of color. We looked at slides from prehistory to comic books, and discussed the evolving technology and uses of color through the history of art. We spent the rest of the day working on three portfolio exercises related to color theory and color mixing.

How to make this up- The class did three exercises that all fit on one sheet of paper- a standard color wheel, a complementary color mix, and a series of tints and shades involving one color. Above are some examples from previous semesters. Additional examples and the full instructions can be found here.

These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester in order to receive full credit.

Homework- The completed wood blocks are due at the beginning of class on April 2, 2012. At that time the blocks will be printed.

For next class 4/2/12- We will do some exercises related to text as a visual element, while the woodcut blocks are being printed. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and your various black markers. I'll provide the ink and tools to print your blocks.

3/16/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at the collected forms of printmaking (the regular function of the room where our class meets), with slides of historic and contemporary woodcuts, etchings, engravings, lithographs, and silkscreen prints. For today's project, the students created their own collagraph plates, to be printed later. In addition, we reserved time at the end of class to discuss what was learned from doing the research papers.

How to make this up- The first step in the process is to create a collagraph plate. It's done by attaching materials to a flat surface. We used cardboard as our base, and glued things with a variety of textures to the base. Eventually the plate will be rolled with ink and printed onto paper. Above are some examples of prints from a previous semester. For the base use a piece of cardboard about 8" x 10" (the large side of a cereal box works well). Gather a variety of materials (natural or manufactured) that can be cut up and glued down. You must use at least 8 different textures among your materials. The design you create must be representational, in that we can recognize it as a person, object, scene, or whatever, but it doesn't need to be realistic. Below is an example of a plate and the print made from it. Note that the image will prints as a mirror image of the plate. An additional example and more information can be found here.

Homework- The completed collagraph plate is due at the beginning of class on April 13, 2012. I'll provide the ink and tools to print the images onto your paper.

The photography assignment is due at the beginning of class on March 30, 2012.

********Spring Break March 19th to March 25th*********

**************No Class Meeting Next Week**************

For next class 3/30/12- We will review the results of the photo assignment and start our first graded project of the semester. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and your pastels, along with the photos.

3/12/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Today was devoted to the new woodcut graded project. Wood pieces were distributed to everyone present and I demonstrated safe and effective techniques for cutting the wood. We also took a quick tour of the printmaking studio down the hall and learned about printmaking in general. Everyone present came up with a design and at least started drawing it onto the wood. A few began cutting their blocks.

How to make this up- You will need to get your piece of wood before you can truly begin the project, and I'll make those available at our next meeting to those who missed today. However, you can work on your design now. The subject is an illustration for a literary source of your choosing- novel, short story, poem, fiction, non-fiction- as long as it's something at an adult level and not already fully illustrated. (no kids books, comics, etc) Designs will be executed in black and white, at 8"x 6" (vertical or horizontal). Above are examples from last semester (click photo to enlarge). Additional examples and further details can be found here.

Students who missed today's class should have their black and white design ready to show me at our next meeting on March 26, 2012.

*****Spring Break March 19 to March 25*****

********No class meeting next week*********

Homework- The completed cut woodblock is due on April 2, 2012. If you want me to look at your progress before then, bring it to our next meeting. Those who missed today should have their design on paper ready to show me on March 26th.

For next class 3/26/12- We will start our study of color. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, acrylic paints (black, white, blue, red, yellow), brushes, palette, palette knife, and water container.

3/9/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we discussed the idea of rhythm in visual art. I showed slides from the Renaissance through the 20th century, pointing out examples of visual rhythms. After that we did a series of abstractions influenced by different styles of music. I also collected the research papers from all those who turned them in.

How to make this up- You will need to do 5 abstract paintings, each based on your reaction to listening to particular styles of music. You may choose colors and use any kind of marks that you want- just go with how the music makes you feel. Above are a few examples from previous semesters. Several more examples, and the list of music we listened to (or equivalent music if you can't find those) can be found here.

This is a portfolio exercise and must be made up by the end of the semester to receive full credit.

Homework- Anyone who did not turn in their research paper should get it to me as soon as possible. The more weeks it is late, the more points will be deducted.

The photography assignment distributed last week is due March 30, 2012.

For next class 3/16/12- We will be working on a printmaking related project, a collagraph. It's made by attaching materials with different textures to a surface, and then using ink to print the results. Next week we will make the printing plates. I will have a bag of materials to pick through, but everyone is encouraged to bring in interesting natural or manufactured materials, things you don't mind cutting up and gluing. You should also bring in scissors and glue. You won't need any paper, so you may leave the big pad at home.

3/5/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we did our final value drawing of the semester, which was also a graded project. Students had about 4 hours to work on it. After that, I showed slides about the history of printmaking, explaining the technology and the role of prints in society. We also saw student examples of next week's print project.

How to make this up- You will need to set up a still life grouping with mixed value objects- items and drapery that include both white and dark colored items. The challenge is to interpret the value of the mixed value items along with the effects of light and shadow. Above are two examples from previous semesters. Additional student examples and full instructions for the assignment, along with information about next week's project, can be found here.

This value drawing is a graded project and must be completed as soon as possible.

Homework- I recommend that students have their literary source for the woodcut book illustration project picked out before next class, so they will have more time in class to work on their blocks.

Those who still owe me any back projects should try to get them done by next week.

For next class 3/12/12- We will be starting the black and white composition/book illustration project. Bring some paper to sketch on (can be your big pad, but a sketchbook will be fine), pencil and eraser, black markers, and x-acto knife. If possible, bring a copy of the literary source for your woodcut.

3/2/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at the history and uses of photography. We started with a slide presentation of the subject, from the earliest history in the early 19th century, to contemporary images. We discussed the technology as well as the uses it has served for both art and society. Students received a take home assignment to work on. We also took a tour of the building, visiting whatever art studios were open, and stopped by the current Student Exhibition in the Howe Gallery on the first floor.

How to make this up- No work was done in class today, but the photography assignment, including some student examples, can be seen here.

Homework- The printed photos for the photography assignment are due at the beginning of class on March 30, 2012.

The research papers on various periods in art history are due at the beginning of class next week, March 9, 2012.

For next class 3/9/12- We will be working with color again. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, watercolor paints, brushes, palette, and water container, as well as the completed paper.