Today's Class- We were required to complete the student evaluations of the class, which the instructions specify should be done at the start of the class, so we opened with that. By rules, I can't be present while students are filling those out, so I waited up in the department office until a student volunteer turned the envelope of forms over to the department secretary (wasn't going to ask a student to carry them across campus in a rain storm to deliver them to the dean's office), and with that done I could go back to the room and get on with the last portfolio exercise of the semester.
Today's topic was perspective in drawing. Perspective systems were developed during the Renaissance to bring some logic to drawings that included much space and many elements. Any time a three dimensional object (such as a shoe, a bottle, or something more complex) is rendered on a two dimensions surface (such as paper), some distortion has to occur. The more that is shown, the more distortion can occur. This led artists to work out the rules of perspective, which provide a system to depict three dimensions in a way that still has distortions, but is logical and ordered, so that the results will make sense to any viewer. It also makes use of physical laws, that show that objects diminish with mathematical regularity with distance. This principle is demonstrated by the use of vanishing points, lines being oriented toward specific points.
I showed this on the board with quick sketches and explanations of one and two point perspective, before I led the class through an exercise in two point perspective where they drew one of the interior corners of the classroom. Here is an example from a previous semester:
I worked my way around the room, assisting each student with doing such a drawing until everyone was done and had demonstrated knowledge of two point perspective. This is a portfolio exercise, and can be made up for full credit any time before the end of the semester, but that comes in about two weeks.
The other main task today was to select themes for the final 3D project, nouns and modifying words drawn randomly from hats to create a concept. Students will now have a week to think about what they might do with their ideas.
I also collected comic strips from the few students who had them, as they were due today, reviewed photo assignments from those who had them, and even a few museum papers.
How to make this up- Students need to do a drawing on their 18" x 24" paper depicting the interior corner of a room in two point perspective. The drawing should include a specific corner, clear ceiling and floor lines, two wall based elements (such as a doorway, a window, something framed and hanging, etc) and one free standing piece of furniture. Those who do not know the rules of perspective might want to wait and talk to me in class next week.
Homework- Those who have not yet turned in their comic strips or museum paper rough drafts should do so as soon as possible. These are individually graded assignments and each week they are delayed means losing points. If you missed the class where we printed the collagraphs (cardboard prints) and need me to do it for you, bring in the completed plate this week, I'll collect them and print them in my studio. If I don't have it by this week, you are responsible for printing it yourself.
For next class 5/3/19- We will officially start the 3D project, though those present today in both classes had the opportunity to select randomly generated topics. (the hats and words will be back next week for those who missed it today) Here are some student examples from previous semesters, along with the randomly chosen themes:
Appetite for Distraction
Impasse Changed
Planet Gone Wild
Plowing through the Nation
Troubled Uprising
The goal is to provide a visual depiction of the theme. Students can interpret their topic phrases however they want. Materials can be whatever the student chooses, and can include items molded or sculpted, as well as found objects. Sculptures may be free standing or include a base, as in #1 and #5 above, or can make use of constructed boxes or shelves, as in examples #2 and #4 above. Because parts and completed pieces will need to be brought back and forth, I recommend a maximum size of one foot in any dimension.
This is the last assignment of the semester, due the last day of class, and nothing new will be started after this. If you already picked your random topic, bring what you need to work on it, or materials to work on any back assignments you may need to complete.
