4/20/11 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at all the completed comic strips from the class, after which I collected the projects to grade and return next week. I had the students fill out the course evaluation form, then we looked at the last slides of the semester- an overview of the history of sculpture. Then I introduced the final project of the semester, a graded project involving 3D art.

How to make this up- In class today each student received a randomly generated phrase by picking words out of two bags (nouns and modifying words and phrases). The project asks the student to interpret that phrase in any way that makes sense and create a sculptural piece around that theme. If you missed class today, the first thing you must do is get a randomly generated phrase from me. Contact me by e-mail and I'll pick 2 options for you, or wait until next week and pick from the bags yourself.

Once you have the phrase, you have two options for the project. Because this is the first time I am trying this with the Intro class, I don't have any previous examples of either option for this exact project to show you. However, I can post a few examples of student art of a similar nature.

Option #1- An open front box. This is based on the work of Joseph Cornell, who made box type works in the mid-20th century. The box is open in the front and is filled with a variety of 2D and 3D elements. These can be found objects or things you make yourself out of whatever materials you wish to use. Above is an example of such a box that I made out of materials from my basement, with the theme being the hardware store that my grandfather owned for many years. If you wish to make a box, it must be a minimum of 12 inches high, 12 inches wide, and 3 inches deep. You can use wood like I did, but cardboard will be fine. Three dimensional elements can rest on the bottom edge or shelves created inside,or be attached to the back, sides, or top. Two dimensional elements must also be present, as part of the box theme, and these can be drawn, painted, or collaged from other sources. Consider all the formal properties we've dealt with this semester- line, value, color, etc.

Option #2- A free standing sculpture. This would be a 3 dimensional work that is meant to be seen fully in the round, from any and all directions. It can be made out of any material you want (paper, cardboard, paper mache, wood, clay, etc) and can incorporate found objects, but must include some elements you make yourself. The final piece must be at least 12" tall in some part. You have the option of including an attached base, or make something that can stand on its own on your desk.

Below are some examples of two dimensional student works that also began with randomly generated phrases. I have included them to show how students have come up with images to interpret their concepts.

City of Zoo

Tangled Men

Homework- This graded three dimensional art project is due at the beginning of class on May 4, 2011, our last meeting of the semester. Because it is the last class meeting, no projects will be accepted after class ends.

For next class 4/27/11- This will be a general work day for students to use for any class related work. You may bring in materials to work on the final 3D project, and I'll be around to advise you on construction and interpreting your concept. Or you may work on any back project from the semester- if you know you missed days, check back through the blog and bring what you need to complete it. (keep in mind that it would be your responsibility to bring shoes, bottles, music, etc since I won't have them). You can also work on the extra credit project offered earlier in the semester (see February 16th), or even work on your museum paper, assuming that you have already made your museum visit.

4/18/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we explored another approach to color in the form of a still life painting. Unlike the past few projects where we specifically used colors that did not match any particular reality, this time the goal was to match exact colors in the set up. We began with a few dozen slides of still life painting through the ages and discussed the role it has played in the history of art. The rest of the class period was devoted to the project, except for a few minutes looking at more of the season collages.

How to make this up- Start by setting up a still life. Put a box on a table and drape with a multicolored cloth, such as a sheet or tablecloth. Arrange 3 solidly colored objects of similar sizes, each a different color from the others and from the cloth, on and around the box. Light should be bright enough to see the color well, preferably from a single source. Paint the still life on a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper, trying to match the shape, size, proportions, and relative positions of the objects as we have with past still life projects, but now also trying to match the exact colors (hue, intensity, value, etc) of the objects and drapery. You may choose any color you want for the background. You may sketch the composition first in pencil, or just paint directly from your observation if you prefer. Students in class spent about 3.5 hours on it, not including lunch break.

This is a portfolio exercise that must be completed by the end of the semester in order to receive credit.

Homework- Nothing new, but the limited color palettes project that we began in class last week is due at the beginning of class next week, April 25, 2011.

Keep in mind that the museum paper is due by the last class meeting of the semester, three weeks from today. If you have not done so yet, visit a museum soon so that you can get it done.

For next class 4/25/11- We will critique the limited palettes project and start the final project of the semester. It will involve an adaptation of the two dimensional work of someone from the history of fine art. Bring a book with color reproductions of a favorite artist, favorite art movement, favorite subject, or if you have no favorites, a general book about painting or an art history textbook. The art in question should be representational. The project will require a piece of mat board (18"x 24" should be enough, but it's rarely sold that small, so you may have to buy a larger piece), and all your painting materials, pencil and eraser. Paper for sketching ideas would be helpful as well.

4/13/11 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today the class continued working on the comic strip project that we began last week. While that was going on, I printed the collograph plates for everyone who came to class. The resulting print is to be saved as part of your semester portfolio (I recommend taping it to a blank page so it doesn't fall out) while you may keep or throw away the plate itself. You have the option of adding color to your print if you like, by using your watercolors (as in the example above) or pastels, with color applied thin enough to allow the textures of the print to show through.

How to make this up- Those who didn't come to class today should bring their collograph plates to class next week. I'll collect them, print them at home, and return them the following week. As for the comic strip project, everyone in the class attended either last week or this week, so all should know about the project, but if you need a reminder, the details can be found at last week's post.

Homework- The symbolic autobiographical comic strip project is due at the beginning of class on April 20, 2011.

Keep in mind that the museum assignment must be turned in by the beginning of the last day of class to receive credit. If you haven't yet made your museum visit, I recommend that you do it as soon as possible.

For next class 4/20/11- We will look at the resulting comic strips, then discuss the history of sculpture and start talking about the final 3D project of the semester. We will also likely visit the graduate student show in the gallery down the hall. Bring in your completed comic strips, some kind of paper for notes and sketches (your pad or a notebook), pencil and eraser.

4/11/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we began a new graded project that explored the idea of limited color palettes, or specific combinations of color. Sometimes artists will choose colors to exactly match the thing(s) they are painting, sometimes they use random colors, and sometimes they choose specific combinations because of the resulting relationships. We looked at a few slides of fine art using some specific color strategies, then began the project. We also devoted some time at the end of class to looking at the completed color temperature season collages due today.

How to make this up- To complete this assignment you will need a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper, all your painting related materials, and a black and white photograph of a person, scene, object, etc. After using pencil to copy the basic composition of the photo 4 times, use your acrylic paints to reproduce the image using the same value relationships and some different color strategies. The resulting piece will look like the examples above and below. For the specific directions and types of color combinations, and further student examples, click here.

Homework- This specific color palettes graded project is due at the beginning of class on April 25, 2011.

Those who still owe me such back projects as the wood block or the season/temperature collage should get those in as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 4/18/11- We will complete a portfolio exercise involving a color still life painting. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, paints, palette, brushes, palette knife, water container, pencil and eraser. Those who owe back projects should bring them in completed.

4/6/11 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at art that had narrative, or stories to tell, as a common element. We went back as far as cave painting and Ancient Rome, through the Renaissance, and up to the 20th century. I also showed a few slide examples and actual examples of the art project that relates to this lesson, a narrative autobiographical comic strip. Student examples from earlier semesters can be seen above and below.

How to make this up- This is our first individually graded project of the semester. You will be creating an autobiographical comic strip, chronicling some true story that happened in your life. You must come up with symbolic characters to represent you and other people in the story, based on either personal associations with the people involved or the nature of the story itself. The final artwork will be colored with pastels, though you may draw it out in pencil first and use a pencil or marker to do the dialog lettering. Another student example and full details about the project can be found here.

You will be given almost all of next week's class to work on this, and additional time on your own after that, so students who missed today's class should have ideas for a story and characters before next week, but don't need to have it fully drawn by then.

Homework- The completed comic strip graded project is due at the beginning of class on April 20, 2011. We will look at all the finished comics at that time.

For next class 4/13/11- We will continue work on the comic strip project. We will also be printing the collograph projects started last week. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, pastels, and the completed collograph plate. If we did not yet see your photographs in class, bring them as well so everyone can see how you handled the assignment. We may also make a quick visit down the hall to check out the new grad student art show.

4/4/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started a new graded project involving color. Meanwhile, all students who had completed their woodblocks had them printed today, as shown above. We held a critique of these at the end of class.

How to make this up- Today's color project was about color temperature, the idea that all colors have a perceived temperature, warm or cool, by themselves or in relation to another color. Students are asked to create two colorful collages that represent two of the seasons, by the overall color temperature. (for example- all warm colors, such as reds, yellows, oranges, would represent summer, a mix of warm and cool colors could represent spring or autumn) Below are two examples from previous semesters.

To see the full instructions for this project, as well as additional student examples, click here.

Homework- This color temperature graded project is due at the beginning of class April 11, 2011.

For next class 4/11/11- We will critique the color temperature projects, then start the next graded project, which will deal with specific color combinations. Bring your 18"x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, paints, palette, brushes, water container, and a black and white photo that will be the basis of the project. If you do not bring a photo, I will have my usual bag of magazines to pick through.

3/30/11 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we discussed the idea of printmaking, the category that includes all art made using such processes as woodcut, etching, engraving, lithography, silkscreen, monotype, and collagraph. I showed slides of the history of printmaking from the Renaissance to the present, from east and west. After the break, the class started a new portfolio exercise related to printmaking. We also saved some time at the end of class to look at results from the photography assignment.

How to make this up- You will need to create a collagraph plate, which is made by attaching various materials with different textures to a flat surface. A piece of cardboard about 8"x 10" (the large side of a cereal box will do) can be your base. Create a representational design (person, object, scene, etc) out of attached materials (natural or manufactured) and glue them to the cardboard. There must be at least 8 different textures represented in the attached materials. Above are two examples of printed collagraphs, and below are an example of a collagraph plate and the resulting print. Note the mirror image reversal of the print. For more information and details, click here.

Homework- The collagraph plate is due at the beginning of class on April 13, 2011. At that time I will bring materials necessary to print them in class.

If you have not yet made your museum visit, I suggest you do it soon. That paper must be turned in by the last day of class to receive credit.

For next class 4/6/11- We will start our first individually graded project of the semester. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil, eraser, and pastels.

3/28/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we began our study of color. After slides of art from cave paintings to comic books and a discussion of the evolution of the technology and use of color in art, the class completed 3 exercises in basic color theory and color mixing.

How to make this up- The assignment consists of 3 parts, as seen in the examples above- a color wheel, a complement color mix, and a series of tints and shades. Full directions about how to complete these exercises can be found here. These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit.

Homework- The completed woodcut project started last week is due at the beginning of class on April 4, 2011.

For next class 4/4/11- We will print the woodcut blocks and start a new graded project related to color temperature. Bring your 18"x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, paints, brushes, palette, palette knife, water container, scissors, and glue.

3/23/11 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Despite threats of snow, school was open today and almost everyone made it to class. We started by looking at examples of art from each student's research assignment, so we could discuss some of the things that were learned. After that we looked at examples of rhythm and movement in art, considering how artists make use of it to reinforce themes in the work. Then we did a series of abstract paintings influenced by different kinds of music.

How to make this up- To complete this assignment you will need your watercolors, brushes, palette, and water container. The class did a total of 4 paintings, each filling one page of your 18"x 24" paper. Full details, including more student examples and the types of music involved, can be found here. There are 5 options, of which you should choose 4 to do. This is a portfolio exercise and must be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit.

Homework- Those people who have not yet turned in their research assignments should do so as soon as possible. The more weeks it is late, the fewer points it will be worth.

The photography assignment is due at the beginning of class on March 30, 2011.

For next class 3/30/11- We will start a printmaking project, creating a collagraph plate. It's a type of printing in which the plate is made by gluing a variety of materials to a flat surface. I will bring a bag full of stuff, but students are also encouraged to bring natural and/or manufactured materials from home, things you don't mind cutting up and gluing. Also bring scissors and glue. We will also look at the results of the photo assignment.

3/21/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started by discussing compositional strategies, looking at examples of two dimensional art from the renaissance to the present. I distributed pieces of wood to all students present and gave a demonstration of safe and effective cutting techniques. The rest of the class period was devoted to working on the woodcut project, with students sketching designs on paper, then drawing the best idea on the plywood, and in most cases, beginning the cutting of their blocks. At the end of the day, the graded charcoal drawings from our last meeting were returned.

How to make this up- Students who missed today can't start working on their block until they get a piece of wood from me, but they can work out the design for the woodcut on paper. The image should be 6" x 8" (can be vertical or horizontal). You must illustrate your chosen literary work in some way, such as specific scene or something that sums up the whole book. The illustration must be representational but does not have to be realistic. Full details can be seen here. Above are the woodcut prints produced by last semester's 2D class.

Homework- The completed wood blocks are due at the beginning of class on April 4, 2011. I will help everyone print their blocks at that time. Those who still owe me back projects, such as the charcoal drawings done at our last meeting, should finish and turn them in as soon as possible.

For next class 3/28/11- We will begin our study of color. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, acrylic paints, brushes, palette, palette knife, water container (cup, can, etc), and pencil and eraser.

3/9/11 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today's topic was photography. I showed slides of the history of photography, from the earliest crude attempts through the present, discussing the technology, the aesthetics, and the wide variety of uses for photography in society. A take home photography assignment was distributed and reviewed. After the break, we toured our academic building, visiting many of the art studios and seeing some more examples of what's done in those rooms. We also checked out a photography show at the CAS building and sculpture at the Dryfoos Gallery (Library). The research papers were collected from those students who had them.

How to make this up- The full details of the photo assignment and some student examples can be seen here.

Homework- The take home photo assignment is due at the beginning of class on March 30, 2011. Those who have not yet turned in their research paper should bring them to class next week.

********Spring Break 3/14/11 to 3/20/11**********

For next class 3/23/11- We will return to our study of color. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, watercolors, brushes, palette, and water container.

3/7/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we spent most of the class working on a new graded project, our last charcoal still life drawing of the semester, similar to the above drawings from last semester. The last hour of class was spent looking at slides of printmaking, from its earliest origins to contemporary work, as well as student examples of the upcoming project.

How to make this up- The charcoal drawing is a graded project and must be completed as soon as possible. The woodcut project (see example below) will be officially started when we return from Spring Break, but students are encouraged to at least think about which literary work they will be doing an illustration for. Further examples of both projects and detailed instructions can be found here.

Homework- Nothing new, but those who still owe me one of the three graded projects (stipple, pencil line still life, charcoal still life) should take advantage of the break to catch up. Point values for late projects go down for each week they are turned in late.

********Spring Break 3/14/11 to 3/20/11*********

For next class 3/21/11- We will be starting a new graded project, a book illustration using the medium of the woodblock print. Bring the literary source of your planned illustration, pencil and eraser, markers, and x-acto knife. You will need paper to sketch ideas for the print, which can be your 18"x 24" pad or a smaller sketchbook if you have one. I will provide a wood block for each student.

3/2/11 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we started our study of color. I showed slides of art from cave paintings to the present, discussing the history of paint and pigments, and the many ways that color functions in art. After the break, the students did a couple of exercises in color mixing, making a color wheel and mixing complementary colors, as in the above example.

How to make this up- For the full instructions as to how to complete these exercises, click here. If you find the directions too complex to understand, wait until next week and talk to me about it in class. This is a portfolio exercise that must be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit.

Homework- The research assignments are due at the beginning of class next week, March 9, 2011. Papers turned in after the deadline will be considered late and graded as such.

For next class 3/9/11- Bring your completed research assignment. Next week we will be looking at photography. We will discuss the technology, history, and many uses of photography in art and culture, and you will be given a take home assignment to complete on your own. The rest of the class time will be devoted to some other class related business in the building. Because we won't be doing any art project in class, you may leave all your art materials at home.

2/28/10 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we discussed the use of value in two dimensional art. We looked at slides of historical art from Ancient Rome through the present, seeing the many ways that artists have used light and shadow to imply space, form, and volume, to create drama, and to focus attention. We then did two portfolio exercises involving using different types of charcoal to draw from a still life. The class also visited the student art show in the Howe Gallery on the first floor of our building.

How to make this up- To see additional student examples and learn the full instructions for completing the drawings, click here. These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester in order to receive credit, however if you have little or no charcoal drawing experience, I recommend you do them this week for practice, before next Monday's graded drawing.

Homework- Nothing new, but those who still owe me the stipple drawing and/or the pencil line still life should turn them in as soon as possible.

For next class 3/7/11- We will continue working with charcoal, doing a graded project charcoal still life drawing. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, vine or compressed charcoal (your choice), kneaded eraser, and spray fixative.

2/23/11 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we spent the day considering the artistic concept of value, meaning using light and dark in a two dimensional image to imply and simulate three dimensional form, volumes, and space. We looked at slides from Ancient Rome to the present, seeing how artists use value in flat works, and a few slides of student charcoal drawings, similar to the photo above. Then after the break I set up a still life of all white objects, lit with a directional light to create patterns of light and shadow, and had students attempt their own charcoal drawings.

How to make this up- Specific directions for the assignment and an additional student example can be found here. This is a portfolio assignment and must be made up by the end of the semester.

Homework- Nothing new, but about half the class has yet to clear their choices for artists and artworks to use for their research assignment. If you do not get my approval first, you will be responsible if who/what you write about is inappropriate for your topic. The actual paper itself is due at the beginning of class on March 9, 2011.

For next class 3/2/11- We will start our study of color. Bring your 18"x 24" pad, watercolors, brushes, pencil and eraser, mixing palette, and some kind of water container (cup, can, etc).

2/16/11 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we discussed the concept of negative space in two dimensional art- the relationship of the space around and between objects in the image to the objects that seem to be the subject(s) of the work. We also visited the current show in the Howe Gallery down the hall, featuring art from Kean University students.

How to make this up- We did two exercises, spending about 30 minutes on each. The first involved drawing the empty spaces within a wooden chair, the second drawing a still life of bottles (see above photo). For more examples and the specific details, click here. These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the year to receive credit.

Homework- The list of artists and artworks for your research assignment should be turned in by next week- February 23, 2011.

Extra Credit- In class today I offered an opportunity for my Intro to Art students to get some extra credit for the semester and at the same time make up one of the recent weeks that we lost to winter weather. Below is an example of a mosaic collage (original photo on left, student copy made from small cut pieces of colorful magazine paper on the right)

Full details and additional student examples can be found here. (ignore the first paragraph, which relates to the missed class, and see the instructions in the 2nd paragraph) The extra credit assignment can be turned in any time, but must be completed by the beginning of the last class of the semester to receive credit. It will be worth up to 10 percent added to your final grade, depending on the quality of the piece- copy of composition, complete image, color matching, etc.

For next class 2/23/11- Next class we will start our study of value (light and shadow) using charcoal. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, either vine or compressed charcoal, and a kneaded eraser. Charcoal is messy, so I recommend not wearing anything light colored to class.

2/14/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Today the class opened with a critique of the stipple drawings, which were later graded and returned. The rest of the class was devoted to a new graded project, a pencil line still life, like in the example above from a previous semester.

How to make this up- Full directions as to how to complete this assignment can be found here. This is a graded project that should be completed as soon as possible. Like all graded projects, the longer it is late, the lower the grade will be.

Homework- Nothing new, but some students still owe stipple drawings.

******University is closed next Monday February 21 for President's Day*******

For next class 2/28/11- We will start our study of value with a few days of charcoal drawing. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, both vine and compressed charcoal, a kneaded eraser, and spray fixative. Charcoal is very messy, so I recommend against wearing white or light colored clothing.

2/9/11 Intro to Art

Today's Class- The skies were clear, the roads dry, so we finally were able to hold our first full class of the semester. We had a lot of business to take care of. I distributed and went over the museum assignment. After looking at slide examples of art movements of the past six centuries, students selected topics for their research assignments. Then we looked at slides of art that made use of line, from prehistoric cave paintings to contemporary art, and after the break, did some drawing exercises.

How to make this up- The drawing exercises involved doing a series of pencil line drawings from shoes provided by each student. Examples of each exercise and the full instructions can be found here. These are portfolio exercises, and must be made up by the last day of class to receive credit.

Research Assignment- In class today students drew numbers for draft positions, then in that order selected specific art movements from the history of western art to be the focus of their research assignment. Those who missed class today can get a copy of the assignment in class next week, however they can choose topics before then if they want. The following topics are still available:

Northern Renaissance 15th & 16th centuries

Italian Baroque 17th century

Portraiture 18th century

Romanticism 19th century

German Expressionism 20th century

Dada 20th century

To select a topic before next week, e-mail me with your top 2 choices in order. The first e-mail received will get priority if two students choose the same topics. I'll reply to confirm the topic. Or, if you prefer, just pick your topic in class next week.

Homework- The list of 3 chosen artists, 1 artwork from each, and at least one book that you plan to use in your research, should be brought in by February 23, 2011. Students who don't get their artists and artworks approved by me in advance will be responsible if they do not choose appropriately for their topic. The paper itself is due at the beginning of class on March 9, 2011.

For next class 2/16/11- Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencils, and eraser. We will be doing more drawing exercises involving pencil line.

2/7/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started our study of line. I began with a slide show of images from prehistory through the late 20th century, discussing the use of line in each case. After that the class did a series of exercises about contour line and the idea of negative space in drawing.

How to make this up- Students who missed today's class should make up the following exercises in order to receive credit.

Contour Line- We did a series of drawing exercises taking shoes as the subject, exploring exterior contour, cross contour, and blind contour drawing. Below are some student examples. For the full details and more examples of the exercise, click here.

Negative Space- After the lunch break the class did a couple of drawing exercise involving the concept of negative space, as shown below. For the full details and more examples, click here.

Today's work was all portfolio exercises, which must be made up by the end of the semester.

Homework- The stipple drawing begun in class last week is due at the beginning of class February 14, 2011.

For next class 2/14/11- We will complete a graded project involving line. Bring your 18" x 24" paper, pencils, and eraser. Also bring your completed dot drawing and the original photo that was your source for the image.

2/2/11 Intro to Art

Today's Class- By now you should know that I decided by around 9:00 am this morning to cancel today's class meeting. I really do not like to cancel class meetings, especially because this means losing two weeks in a row, but after looking at weather and traffic reports beginning at 6:00 this morning, I felt that this was for the best for everyone, at least everyone who commutes. Things were just starting to change over to rain, but as I made the decision an Ice Storm Warning was still in effect and roads were still dangerous, all NJ Transit trains were either late or suspended, multiple regional highways were partially or completely blocked by downed trees and power lines or storm related flooding, and parts of Union County were without electricity. Things were expected to improve by our expected start time, but without knowing for sure, I decided that conditions were not worth the risk when there's plenty of time left in the semester to make up the missed work.

How to make this up- I will look at the course outline and let everyone know in class next week what adjustments will be made to the original plan from the syllabus.

Homework- None, but anyone who has not yet purchases the photocopied packet produced by the department for this class should bring $3 to purchase one from me next week.

For next class 2/9/11- Once again we will try to do the Contour line exercise that was originally planned for Week 2. So bring your 18" x 24" pad of drawing paper, pencils and eraser. You will also need a shoe to draw from, so either bring an extra one with you or be prepared to remove one from your own foot.

We will also discuss the museum assignment (due by the end of the semester) and the research assignment that was to have been distributed today.