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.
