4/28/10 Intro to Art

Today's class- Today was a general work day for the class. Some students worked on their final projects, while others worked on some back projects that needed completing. We also took some time to look at some late arriving comic strip projects.

Homework- The 3D box project is due at the beginning of class on May 5, 2010. Those who have not yet turned in their comic strip projects and museum papers must bring them to class next week to get credit for them.

For next class 5/5/10- Our final class meeting. Bring the final 3D project, the semester portfolio of all other artwork (see the post from 4/21/10 for the list), and anything else that needs grading, such as the museum paper. All work will be critiqued, graded, and returned that day.

4/21/10 Intro to Art

Today's class- Today we looked at finished comic strip narrative projects from students who had finished them. We also looked at the history of sculpture, from prehistoric through the present. After that I gave the information about the final 3D project.

How to make this up- The project is based on the box sculptures of Joseph Cornell, open front boxes with some kind of theme. Above and below are some student examples from previous semesters. Additional examples, including one I made, and the details and specifications of the project can be found here.

Homework- This graded project is due at the beginning of class on May 5, 2010, which is also the last day of our class for the semester. Projects will not be accepted after that date.

Students who did not turn in their comic strip projects or who haven't printed their collograph plates yet should bring them next week.

*******Spring Semester Portfolio***********

These class art projects are all part of the semester portfolio. The portfolio grade is based mostly on completion, so you want to have all of these done for final grading. The listed dates are when you'll find details on this blog about each project.

1/27/10 Contour Lines (shoes)

2/3/10 Negative Space (chair and bottles)

2/17/10 Value (charcoal)

2/24/10 Mosaic Collage (magazine paper image)

3/3/10 Color Wheel and complement pair mix

3/10/10 Rhythm (abstract compositions to music)

3/24/10 Photography

3/31/10 Texture (monotype print)

For next class 4/28/10- This will be a general work day for students to work on anything related to the class. That can be the new 3D box project, finishing the comic strip or anything from the portfolio, or even working on the museum paper. Bring in whatever supplies you need to work on whatever you plan to do during the class.

4/14/10 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we did a variety of art related activities. Students printed their collograph plates, as in the example above showing the plate and the resulting print. While the printing was being done, everyone worked on the comic book projects that were started last week. We also took some time to look at examples of everyone's results from the photography project. Finally, we walked over to the CAS Building, where we saw a new themed exhibition called "The Veil."

How to make this up- Those who missed class today or did not have their photos and/or collograph plate should bring them to class next week.

Homework- The comic strip personal narrative graded project is due at the beginning of class next week, April 21, 2010. This is a graded project, so there will be grade penalties for late work.

*******NOTICE******

Someone left his or her 18"x24" pad and some other supplies in a bag at the gallery in the CAS building today. That someone should return there as soon as possible to reclaim it.

For next class 4/21/10- We will critique all the comic strip projects and begin talking about the semester's final project, involving sculpture. Bring your completed comic strip, pencil and paper (either your 18"x24" pad, or a sketchbook or notebook.)

4/7/10 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we started the first graded art project of the semester. We began by looking at slides of art with a focus on narrative- telling stories in direct, metaphorical, or symbolic ways. I also showed slides and actual examples of the completed project, an autobiographic comic strip told with symbolic characters, further examples of which are shown above. We also took some time to look at the graduate student art show currently in Howe Gallery on the 1st floor of our building.

How to make this up- The assignment calls for you to make an autobiographical comic strip, telling a true story of something that happened in your life. It should be 12 total panels over 2 sheet of your 18"x24" paper. Full color, using your pastels. You and all the other characters need to be represented by symbolic items relevant to the story or the people involved. On the first day most students got as far as choosing a story, working out the 12 steps of the story, and creating symbolic characters. Students who missed class today should do that much before the next class. Next week you will be given time in class to work on the actual drawing, as individual students print their collographs. For more details about the assignment and some supplementary material, click here.

Homework- The completed comic strip project is due at the beginning of class on April 21,2010. Like all individual graded work, points will be deducted for work turned in late.

The photography assignment is due April 14, 2010.

For next class 4/14/10- We will continue work on the comic strip project and print the collograph plates started last week. We will also take some time to look at the results of the photography assignment. Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencil and eraser, pastels, completed collograph plate, and your photos.

3/31/10 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at printmaking, a general category for art that is typically created in multiple exact copies from a fixed matrix, such as a carved wood block, an etched piece of copper, or a prepared silk screen. We looked at slides covering the history of printmaking from the Renaissance through contemporary art. Then students made collograph plates that will be printed in class at a later date.

How to make this up- Above are examples of printed student collograph prints. All are to be printed with black ink, though students have the option of adding color as in the second example. Full details as to how to create your own collograph plate can be found here. All the materials you need can be found around your home.

Homework- The completed collograph plate is due at the beginning of class on April 14, 2010. At that date the plates will be printed in class with ink and tools that I'll provide. The photography assignment that was distributed last week is also due in class on April 14, 2010.

For next class April 7, 2010- We will be starting the first individually graded art project of the semester. Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencil and eraser, and your pastels.

Drive By Press Coming To Kean

The Fine Arts department at Kean will be hosting visiting artists Drive By Press on Monday March 29th and Tuesday March 30th. They are traveling printmakers, who ride around the country with a press in a truck doing printmaking events. As of now both days will be in VE 209 (down the hall from our classroom), but if conditions allow the Monday session to move outdoors, details will be posted on the door of 209.

On Monday they will be on campus from 9:30 to 3:00. They will be set up to do production- able to print any of their large collection of blocks onto t-shirts (bring your own or buy one from them) for a small fee, as well as talking about printmaking in general.

On Tuesday they will be doing a more traditional talk in VE 209, showing examples from their huge collection of prints and doing more printing if time allows. That will be from 5 to 8 pm. Photos from their last campus visit are seen below.

If you are going to be on campus during either of those times, I strongly recommend that you check it out. It's a unique opportunity to see some very interesting contemporary art.

3/24/10 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at the art of photography, beginning with early 1800's experiments through today, and showing some of the many ways it has been used during that time. I distributed a photo based assignment for the students to do on their own time. We also took a tour of the building, visiting most of the studios, and seeing the current Student Art Show.

How to make this up- The full details of the assignment are available on a handout I can give you in class next week. If you don't want to wait until then, or have misplaced your copy, the assignment and some student examples can be found here.

Homework- The photo assignment, including printed versions of all 20 photos, is due at the beginning of class on April 14, 2010.

I absolutely recommend going to see the visiting artists Drive By Press when they visit campus on Monday March 29th and Tuesday March 30th. I'll be posting details on the blog over the next few days.

For next class 3/31/10- We will be doing a printmaking related project, creating a collograph plate. Bring glue and scissors, and any found objects (natural or artificial) that have interesting textures and you don't mind cutting up and gluing. You can leave the big pad at home.

3/10/10 Intro to Art

Today's class- Today we looked at the concept of rhythm as a visual element, in art from the Renaissance to the present. We then did an exercise in abstract painting based on the rhythms of various instrumental musics. We also reviewed the various art historical periods researched by the students and the papers were returned.

How to make this up- The full details of how to make up this assignment can be found here. The description includes 5 types of music. Choose 4 of them to do. This is a portfolio exercise that must be made up by the end of the semester.

Homework- Anyone who still hasn't turned in their research paper should do so next class. Each week that goes by lowers the grade it will get.

******* SPRING BREAK ********

**MARCH 15th to MARCH 19th**

For next class 3/24/10- We will discuss photography, and I'll give a take home assignment. After that we will likely participate in a special visiting artist event. You may leave all your art materials at home.

3/3/10 Intro to Art

Today's class- Today we continued our study of color. We started by looking at slides of art from prehistory to the late 20th century with a focus on the development of color pigments and changes in how artists used color. We then began a portfolio exercise in basic color theory.

How to make this up- Above is an example of the two part exercise- a color wheel with primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, and mixing two complementary colors to create neutrals. There are too many steps in the process to list them all here, so I will make a handout available to students next week. It's a portfolio exercise, so it must be made up by the end of the semester.

Homework- Those who have not yet turned in their research assignment should bring it next week. Each week it is late means more points off.

For next class 3/10/10- We will continue our study of color. Bring back all the painting materials- 18"x24" pad, watercolor paints, brushes, palette, and some kind of water container.

2/24/10 Intro to Art

Today's class- Today we looked at monumental art, which I am defining as large scale art that is usually part of the architecture of a building. We looked at examples from prehistoric cave painting to the contemporary, including a video showing the steps in creating a large outdoor mural from start to finish. Then while students worked on the day's art project I reviewed preparations for the research paper with those who needed it.

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How to make this up- Today's project was a mosaic style collage, an example of which can be seen above. For additional student examples and specific details, click here. This is a portfolio exercise and must be made up before the end of the semester.

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Homework- The research assignments are due at the beginning of class next week, March 3, 2010.

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For next class 3/3/10- We will begin our study of color with some basic color theory. Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencil, watercolor paints, brushes, mixing palette and a water container.

2/17/10 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we discussed the artistic concept of value, a term used to describe the relative lightness or darkness of elements in a composition. Value can be used to increase the illusion of space and/or volume in a two dimensional work. We looked at slides of art from antiquity to the present, seeing how value has been used over the years as a formal element. For today's art project, we did a portfolio exercise in charcoal drawing.

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How to make this up- To learn the specific details of today's art project, click here. This is a portfolio exercise that must be made up by the end of the semester.

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Homework- The research assignment is due at the beginning of class on March 3, 2010. Students who haven't yet provided me with a list of artists and artworks that they intend to use for their paper are advised to do so soon, either by e-mail or bringing them to class next week.

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For next class 2/24/10- We will do a portfolio exercise in the form of a mosaic collage. Bring your 18"x24" inch pad, pencil and eraser, scissors, and glue. You can bring in old magazines to cut up, or make use of ones I'll provide.

2/10/10 Intro to Art Snow Day

By now you all know that the university cancelled all classes today, so no meeting this week. Next Wednesday we will do what we would have done today, so bring the 18"x24" pad, drawing charcoal, and kneaded eraser. In class next week I'll let you know how this will affect the rest of the week by week schedule for projects. Deadlines for the research assignment remain the same, list of artists/artworks/book due 2/17/10, and the research paper to be turned in 3/3/10.

2/3/10 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we started by distributing and reviewing the research assignment. Students were shown slides of all the various periods of western art, and then chose their topics.

After that we did some drawing exercises involving the use of negative space. The first involved students drawing the spaces between all the wooden parts of a chair (top photo) which results in the form of the chair being revealed. The second exercise (bottom photo) involved drawing a still life group of bottles, drawing the positive bottle shapes but using the negative spaces between them to help with spacing, proportion, and making sure that the shapes were accurate. These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester.

Homework- The list of 3 artists and an artwork for each one, as well as at least one book that you will use for your research assignment are due February 17, 2010. The research assignment itself is due March 3, 2010. Those who do not yet have their topics can contact me for options or choose something in class next week.

For next class 2/10/10- We will explore value (light, dark, shadow) using charcoal. Bring your 18"x24" pad, drawing charcoal, and a kneaded eraser. Charcoal tends to be very messy, so you are advised not to wear anything white to class that day.

1/27/10 Intro to Art

Today's Class- In class today the museum assignment was distributed and reviewed. The specifics of that assignment can be found here. We then looked at slides from the history of art, focusing on the many uses and functions of lines in that work. The studio portion today was a series of exercises in contour line.

How to make this up- Students who missed today's class need to make up this portfolio exercise on their own sometime before the end of the semester. Details of the exercise can be found here.

Homework- None

For next class 2/3/10- Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencils, and eraser. I'll provide the subject for more exercises in drawing.

1/20/10 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today was the first day of the semester. I distributed and reviewed the syllabus. Students participated in a survey of previous art experience, which we discussed as a group. Most students purchased the textbook packet.

Homework- If you haven't yet purchased the textbook, bring $3 to class next week.

For next class 1/27/10- Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencils, and eraser. You will need a shoe for the contour line exercises, so either bring an extra or be prepared to use one of your own.

Welcome to the Spring 2010 Semester

This is the blog that I have created for my classes at Kean University. This semester I have two sections of FA 1000 Introduction to Art. Since the classes will be doing the same thing each day, these posts apply to both sections.

Each week I will be posting detailed information about what we did in class. This will include a mention of the kind of art we were looking at, a full description of the day's studio art project (with photos of student examples if applicable and available), homework assignments, reminders of due dates, and the list of materials needed for the following week's class.

The main purpose of this blog is to provide information to students who miss class for any reason. If you are absent, come here (information will usually be posted by late that evening) to see what you missed and get a head start on making it up. Or even if you never miss a class, but might need a reminder of when something is due or what to bring to class, this blog can be helpful. It's available to give you the answers to the most common student questions 24/7. Of course, if you have a more detailed question or need more information you are welcome to e-mail me directly and I will try to get back to you as soon as possible with the answer.

Final Grades of the Fall Semester

Final Grades for my Fall 2009 sections of Introduction to Art have been calculated and submitted to KeanWise. The grades should be available for viewing by students sometime after 4:30 pm on January 4, 2010.

12/16/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at all the 3D projects, and those and the semester portfolios were graded. Unclaimed work was put on top of the file cabinet at the back of the room. Final class grades will be available online in January.

Enjoy the break.

12/9/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today was a general work day for the class. Students worked on anything related to the class. Some worked on the Final Project, some on their papers, some on previous projects. We also looked at some late arriving comic strip projects.

Homework- The 3D Final Project is due at the beginning of class on December 16, 2009. Those who have not yet turned in their museum papers should bring them as well.

For next class 12/16/09- Our final class meeting. Bring your 3D box project, all the portfolio material, and museum papers. We will critique all the projects as a group, and I'll grade everything else that comes in.

12/2/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we started by looking at the comic strip symbolic narrative projects. We also reviewed the Thanksgiving Architecture make up assignment. We viewed slides covering the history of sculpture, from prehistory to the present. Finally we talked about the final 3D project, a Joseph Cornell style box. Previous student examples are shown above.

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How to make this up- Further student examples (and one from me), along with all the specifications, can be found here.

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Homework- This 3D Box project is due at the beginning of class on the day of our last meeting, December 16, 2009. Those who have not yet turned in the comic strip, or had their collograph printed, should bring those next week.

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For next class 12/9/09- Next week will be a general work day, meaning students can work on anything related to the class. Most will work on the box project, but you may bring in materials to work on any back project that doesn't involve any items from me (such as still life objects or music). Below is the list of all the portfolio exercises from this semester and the dates where they can be found on this blog:

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Contour Line Drawings (shoes) 9/19/09

Negative Space (chair and bottles) 9/23/09

Charcoal Value Drawing (white objects) 9/30/09

Cut Paper Mosaic Collage 10/7/09

Color Wheel/Color Mixing 10/14/09

Photographs 10/21/09

Abstract Compositions to music 10/28/09

Collagraph print 11/4/09

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Bring whatever materials you will need to work on whatever you plan to do during the class.

Architecture Assignment

The class meeting on Wednesday November 25, 2009 has been cancelled. The next class meeting will be December 2, 2009.

The following is a short assignment that you need to do as part of making up that day:

In whatever location you eat your Thanksgiving dinner (your home, relatives home, house or apartment, restaurant, etc) find examples of the following architectural elements and materials:

stone/brick
cast concrete
solid wood
plywood
post and beam/lintel
glass
structural steel/aluminum
electical motor
interior load bearing structure

These items should be permanently part of the house, used in its construction or otherwise attached to the structure of the house.

For each item, state where it is found in the building and what function it serves in the building. Write it up in paragraph form and bring it to the next class.

11/18/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at slides of architecture from prehistoric to late 20th century. Then the collographs were printed while students worked on their comic strip projects.

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How to make this up- Bring your collograph plate to the next meeting of our class, December 2, 2009. I'll take them to print at my studio and return to you the following week.

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Homework- The personal narrative comic strip project started last week is due at the beginning of class on December 2, 2009. The architecture take home assignment is also due on 12/2/09.

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For next class 12/2/09- Bring your completed comic strip project and some paper for sketching. (can be your big pad or a notebook/sketchbook) If you haven't brought your photos to class yet, bring them that day.

11/11/09 Intro to Art

Today's class- Today we looked at slides of art that dealt with issues of narrative (story telling) and symbolism. We also looked at all the photos from the photography assignment. The first graded art project of the semester, a personal narrative in the form of a comic strip, was discussed.

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How to make this up- The assignment is to tell a true story from your life using symbolic characters to represent yourself and others in the story. Above are several examples from previous semesters. Today students were asked to consider what story they want to depict and what kinds of symbols they want to use. To see the specifics of the assignment, as well as some supplementary material, click here.

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Homework- This graded project will be due at the beginning of class on December 2, 2009. Students will be given time in class next week to work on the project while the collographs that we started last week are printed. Those who did not bring photos this week should bring them to class next week.

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For next class 11/18/09- Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencil, paper, and pastels. Also bring your completed collograph plate. (I'll provide the ink and tools to print it) While individual collographs are printed everyone else will work on the comic strip project.

11/4/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at the history of printmaking, from the renaissance to the present. Students started a new print related portfolio exercise, a collograph. Previous student examples are shown above. In class we started making the plates. Students will finish them on their own time and we will print them in class in a few weeks. We also had the oral presentations related to the recent research assignment and the papers were returned.

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How to make this up- Instructions for creating a collograph plate can be found here. You should be able to find everything you need around your home.

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Homework- The completed collograph plate is due in class on November 18th, at which time we'll print them in class, using ink and tools that I'll provide. The photography assignment is due in class next week, November 11, 2009. Bring prints of all 20 photos from the assignment.

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For next class 11/11/09- We will start the first graded art project of the semester. Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencil, eraser, and set of pastels.

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.

9/30/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at the formal art property of value, defined as the relative lightness or darkness of elements in a work of art. Proper use of value can add to the illusion of space and volume in a 2D artwork. We looked at slides of art from antiquity to the present, then did a portfolio exercise in value drawing, as in the example above. We also visited the gallery to see the Fine Arts Adjunct Exhibition.

How to make this up- To learn the details as to how to make up this exercise, click here. This is a portfolio exercise and must be made up by the end of the semester.

Homework- The list of artists and artworks and book for your research assignment is due in class next week, October 7, 2009.

For next class 10/7/09- Bring your 18"x24" pad of paper, pencil and eraser, scissors and glue. We will be doing a collage type project. If you have any old magazines that you don't mind cutting up, you can bring them in. I will have some magazines for you to go through as well.

9/23/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today I distributed the research assignment to the class, showed slide examples of the various art movements to the class, and the students chose topics based on a randomly assigned order. After that we did some drawing exercises involving negative space. We did a negative space drawing of a chair and used negative space to help find spacing, proportions, shapes, and locations in a still life drawing of bottles. These were both portfolio exercises.

Homework- The list of 3 artists, an artwork from each, and an example of book to be used in the research of your chosen topic is due in class on October 7, 2009. The completed paper is due at the beginning of class on October 21, 2009.

For next class 9/30/09- We will start our study of value. Bring your 18"x24" pad of drawing paper, drawing charcoal, and a kneaded eraser. This can be messy, so you are advised not to wear light colors to class that day.

9/16/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we reviewed the museum assignment due by the end of the semester. Then we looked at slides of examples of line from prehistoric cave paintings through the 20th century. For today's studio project we did some exercises in contour drawing involving shoes.

Homework- none, but if you missed today's class, the information as to how to make it up is found here.

For next class 9/23/09- I will distribute the research assignment, then we will continue our study of line. Bring your 18"x24" pad of drawing paper, pencils, and eraser.

9/09/09 Intro to Art

Today's class- Today was the first day of class. The syllabus was distributed and reviewed. The course outline was also distributed and the class completed a survey about their art experiences.

Homework- none

For the next class 9/16/09- Bring your 18"x24" drawing pad, pencils, and eraser. The subject will be shoes. You may want to bring an extra shoe with you to draw, or you can take a chance I'll find some in the prop closet, or you can use one that you are wearing.

Those who didn't buy the photocopied book should bring $3 next week to purchase one.

Welcome to the Fall 2009 Semester

I will be using this blog each week to post information about the classes I teach here at Kean. This semester I have two sections of FA 1000 (Intro to Art) that meet on the same day, so each week's entry applies to both classes unless I state otherwise.

For each week I will post a description of what was done in class that day, with full directions as to how to make up the assignment. When available and applicable I will have photos of student projects from previous semesters to show successful examples and what the end results should be. Any homework and due dates will be listed under the day's entry as well. In addition, I'll list what materials will be needed for the following week's class. I'll have about a month's worth of postings available on the main page, and previous dates are available through the archives on the right.

The main purpose of this blog is for students who missed class for whatever reason, so that they may make up the work missed before they return to class. However, stop by here also if you need a reminder of when a project is due, or what materials you need next, etc. These used to be the most common e-mail questions I got from students. Now you can get the answers to these questions 24/7 without having to wait for me to reply to an e-mail. Of course, if you have any further questions regarding an assignment you are welcome to contact me via e-mail. Don't bother to leave comments here, as I won't be on the blog between classes.