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Today's Class- We opened with a quick critique of last week's charcoal project, after which the graded drawings were returned to the students. Then we started on the woodcut graded project. I showed examples of student prints from previous semesters (more examples above and below), and discussed the idea of developing images and ideas using examples of my own work. Students got to work sketching ideas on paper, and eventually started sketching them onto wood blocks I provided. I demonstrated safe and effective methods of carving the blocks with both x-acto knives (which everyone has) and using traditional woodcut tools (only there with me today) Progress varied, but everyone at least had their ideas worked out.
How to make this up- You can't start on your block until you get the wood, but you can complete your design on paper. The wood panel will be 8" x 6" and can be used either horizontally or vertically. The assignment has two parts. First, you must create an illustration from an age appropriate literary source (novel, short story, poem, fiction or non-fiction), so no fairy tales or kids books. The design must be representational imagery with narrative elements, but does not have to be realistic to be successful. Second, you must create an interesting composition using just black and white, something that can be appreciated for its design even if the viewer is not familiar with the story. You can create the design with pencil on paper, but may choose to fill it in with a black marker to better see how it would look carved and printed. Next week I'll have wood for anyone who wasn't there today.
Homework- The finished cut woodblock is due at the beginning of class on November 10, 2014. We will print them in class on that day.
For next class 11/3/14- We will start our study of color with some basic exercises in color theory and color mixing. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, acrylic paints (red, yellow, blue, white, black), paint brushes, palette, palette knife, and a container to hold water. If anyone wants my opinion on the progress of their wood block, bring that with you.
Today's Class- Today we concluded our study of value drawing with a graded charcoal project, a still life drawing with mixed value subjects. These drawings were collected and will be returned graded next week. The last hour of the class was reserved for a slide presentation about printmaking, as we will begin our woodcut project next week.
How to make this up- To make up today's graded project you will have to set up your own still life with a variety of mixed value objects. Use either type of charcoal to produce a full value drawing of the set up on a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper, and spray with fixative. Additional student examples and the full directions can be found here. This same page includes important information for next week's woodcut project.
This is a graded project and must me completed as soon as possible to receive partial credit.
Homework- Start working on ideas for your woodcut book illustration. You may bring in sketches if you want, but I hope you'll at least have some notes. The sooner you are ready to start drawing on the wood, the more time you'll have in class to work on it. Examples of previous student woodcuts can be found on the linked page in the above "How to make this up" section.
For next class 10/27/14- We will begin the next graded project, a woodcut print illustration from a literary source of your choosing. I will provide everyone with a piece of wood. Bring paper for sketching (a small sketchbook will be fine, but you may use your 18" x 24" pad if you want), pencils and erasers, black markers, and your x-acto knife. If you have a copy of your literary source, bring that a well in case you wish to consult it for details.
Today's Class- Although the stipple drawing dealt with value, our study of value in 2D art really started today. I reviewed definitions from the textbook related to value- the use of light and dark in two dimensional art to imply form, space, volume, time, and to focus attention. I showed several dozen slides of historical and contemporary art and explained how value contributed to each. Then I set up two simple still life groupings and had the class draw each with a different kind of charcoal and technique.
How to make this up- You will need to set up a still life with simple monochromatic objects- first all white, then mixed value. Each drawing will require a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper. One will be done as a value reduction- first fill the page with an even tone of vine charcoal, then use your kneaded eraser to draw the lights in the still life. The other will be a more traditional value drawing, using compressed charcoal to draw on a sheet of white paper. Student examples of both assignments, along with specific directions, can be found here.
These drawings are portfolio exercises and must be made up by the end of the semester to receive full credit, but if you have little or no experience with charcoal I recommend doing them before out next meeting for the experience, as the next charcoal drawings that you do are for a grade.
Homework- Nothing new, but if you still owe the stipple drawing or line final , the longer it takes for you to finish them, the more points will be lost.
****Columbus Day observed on 10/13/14- No class next Monday***
For next class 10/20/14- We will finish up our study of value with one last charcoal still life drawing, using subjects of assorted values. Those drawings will be collected to be graded. We will also devote time at the end of class to discussing our next graded project, a woodcut print. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, both kinds of charcoal, kneaded eraser, and spray fixative. Tools for blending the charcoal are optional.
