Monday, April 2, 2012

4/2/12 2D Design



Today's Class- Today we opened with a slide show of art with focus on the use of text as a formal element in visual art, apart from any possible meaning of the words themselves. We also looked at examples of WWII era propaganda and advertising from about 50 years ago, discussing the use of text styles and other symbols within. Then students did two portfolio exercises related to text and advertising, while we printed all the completed woodblocks. Prints from today are shown above.

How to make this up-

Text Assignment- I had students choose 3 words from a list I provided and draw them in such a way that the way they were made (style of letters, arrangement, location on page, etc) would indicate the meaning of the word. The words chosen were to be descriptive (adjectives and adverbs) or action words (verbs). Nouns don't work, as there is too much temptation to just form the letters into the shape of the object named by the word. To make it more difficult for us to guess the meaning of the designed word, I had the students use Russian words in the Cyrillic alphabet, as in the example below.

To do this you will need an English-Russian dictionary. I can give you a few pages the next time you come to class, or you can just find one in the university library (where mine came from). Choose 3 appropriate words, and design first in pencil, then go over them with your markers to make them move visible. You may have all three on one sheet of your 18" x 24" paper.

Logo Design- The second exercise was to design a simple logo for an imaginary business. This is defined as a business that would provide a product or service that does not currently exist, either because the thing would be impossible under current technology, or such a bad idea that the business would fail for lack of customers or other issues. The student example below, "Buffalo Muffins".


The logo should sum up the most important aspects of the business in a simple and easily readable format. It may include text, but doesn't have to. Work out your idea in pencil, then go over it with ink. You should create two versions- one about 6" in every dimension, the one that is only about 1" square. Have them both on the same page.

These are both portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit.

Homework- Those who have not yet finished their wood blocks should finish them as soon as possible to receive partial credit. Bring them to class and I'll arrange to print them later.

For next class 4/9/12- We will begin a new graded project related to the idea of color temperature. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, all your acrylic paints, brushes, palette knife and palette. Also scissors and glue.

Friday, March 30, 2012

3/30/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we began our first individually graded project of the semester, relating to the concept of narrative (telling stories) in art. We looked at slides from cave paintings, through the Renaissance, and to the present, discussing how symbols and allegories were used to represent ideas in visual art. We also looked at a few actual examples of the project from previous semesters. More examples can be seen above and below. We reserved time at the end of class for looking at more examples of art from the research papers and some of the photos taken by the class.

How to make this up- You will use a comic strip format to tell an autobiographical story from your past. You and the other characters in the story will be represented by symbols, that either should have some personal meaning to the people involved, or relate to the story in some way. The story can be something significant or inconsequential, and take place over a long or short period of time. It will be done in 12 panels over 2 sheets of your 18" x 24" paper. You may sketch it out in pencil, but the color will all come from pastels. Pen or markers can be used to write dialog and captions. More information about the project and another student example can be found here.




Homework- You will be given almost all of our next class meeting to work on the project. You don't have to work on it before then, but you should have your story and characters picked out by then, so you can go right to work on it. The completed comic strip will be due at the beginning of class on April 20, 2012.

Those who still owe me their research assignment or didn't have their photos today should bring them in as soon as possible.

********April 6, 2012 Good Friday Holiday**********
***********No class meeting next week*************

For next class 4/13/12- We will continue to work on the autobiographical comic strips, while students print the collagraph plates (stuff glued to cardboard) that we made a few weeks ago. Bring your completed collagraph plate, your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and pastels.

Monday, March 26, 2012

3/26/12 2D Design


Today's Class- Today we began our study of color. We looked at slides from prehistory to comic books, and discussed the evolving technology and uses of color through the history of art. We spent the rest of the day working on three portfolio exercises related to color theory and color mixing.

How to make this up- The class did three exercises that all fit on one sheet of paper- a standard color wheel, a complementary color mix, and a series of tints and shades involving one color. Above are some examples from previous semesters. Additional examples and the full instructions can be found here.

These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester in order to receive full credit.

Homework- The completed wood blocks are due at the beginning of class on April 2, 2012. At that time the blocks will be printed.

For next class 4/2/12- We will do some exercises related to text as a visual element, while the woodcut blocks are being printed. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and your various black markers. I'll provide the ink and tools to print your blocks.

Friday, March 16, 2012

3/16/12 Intro to Art



Today's Class- Today we looked at the collected forms of printmaking (the regular function of the room where our class meets), with slides of historic and contemporary woodcuts, etchings, engravings, lithographs, and silkscreen prints. For today's project, the students created their own collagraph plates, to be printed later. In addition, we reserved time at the end of class to discuss what was learned from doing the research papers.

How to make this up- The first step in the process is to create a collagraph plate. It's done by attaching materials to a flat surface. We used cardboard as our base, and glued things with a variety of textures to the base. Eventually the plate will be rolled with ink and printed onto paper. Above are some examples of prints from a previous semester. For the base use a piece of cardboard about 8" x 10" (the large side of a cereal box works well). Gather a variety of materials (natural or manufactured) that can be cut up and glued down. You must use at least 8 different textures among your materials. The design you create must be representational, in that we can recognize it as a person, object, scene, or whatever, but it doesn't need to be realistic. Below is an example of a plate and the print made from it. Note that the image will prints as a mirror image of the plate. An additional example and more information can be found here.


Homework- The completed collagraph plate is due at the beginning of class on April 13, 2012. I'll provide the ink and tools to print the images onto your paper.

The photography assignment is due at the beginning of class on March 30, 2012.

********Spring Break March 19th to March 25th*********
**************No Class Meeting Next Week**************

For next class 3/30/12- We will review the results of the photo assignment and start our first graded project of the semester. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and your pastels, along with the photos.

Monday, March 12, 2012

3/12/12 2D Design


Today's Class- Today was devoted to the new woodcut graded project. Wood pieces were distributed to everyone present and I demonstrated safe and effective techniques for cutting the wood. We also took a quick tour of the printmaking studio down the hall and learned about printmaking in general. Everyone present came up with a design and at least started drawing it onto the wood. A few began cutting their blocks.

How to make this up- You will need to get your piece of wood before you can truly begin the project, and I'll make those available at our next meeting to those who missed today. However, you can work on your design now. The subject is an illustration for a literary source of your choosing- novel, short story, poem, fiction, non-fiction- as long as it's something at an adult level and not already fully illustrated. (no kids books, comics, etc) Designs will be executed in black and white, at 8"x 6" (vertical or horizontal). Above are examples from last semester (click photo to enlarge). Additional examples and further details can be found here.

Students who missed today's class should have their black and white design ready to show me at our next meeting on March 26, 2012.

*****Spring Break March 19 to March 25*****
********No class meeting next week*********

Homework- The completed cut woodblock is due on April 2, 2012. If you want me to look at your progress before then, bring it to our next meeting. Those who missed today should have their design on paper ready to show me on March 26th.

For next class 3/26/12- We will start our study of color. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, acrylic paints (black, white, blue, red, yellow), brushes, palette, palette knife, and water container.

Friday, March 9, 2012

3/9/12 Intro to Art


Today's Class- Today we discussed the idea of rhythm in visual art. I showed slides from the Renaissance through the 20th century, pointing out examples of visual rhythms. After that we did a series of abstractions influenced by different styles of music. I also collected the research papers from all those who turned them in.

How to make this up- You will need to do 5 abstract paintings, each based on your reaction to listening to particular styles of music. You may choose colors and use any kind of marks that you want- just go with how the music makes you feel. Above are a few examples from previous semesters. Several more examples, and the list of music we listened to (or equivalent music if you can't find those) can be found here.

This is a portfolio exercise and must be made up by the end of the semester to receive full credit.

Homework- Anyone who did not turn in their research paper should get it to me as soon as possible. The more weeks it is late, the more points will be deducted.

The photography assignment distributed last week is due March 30, 2012.

For next class 3/16/12- We will be working on a printmaking related project, a collagraph. It's made by attaching materials with different textures to a surface, and then using ink to print the results. Next week we will make the printing plates. I will have a bag of materials to pick through, but everyone is encouraged to bring in interesting natural or manufactured materials, things you don't mind cutting up and gluing. You should also bring in scissors and glue. You won't need any paper, so you may leave the big pad at home.



Monday, March 5, 2012

3/5/12 2D Design


Today's Class- Today we did our final value drawing of the semester, which was also a graded project. Students had about 4 hours to work on it. After that, I showed slides about the history of printmaking, explaining the technology and the role of prints in society. We also saw student examples of next week's print project.

How to make this up- You will need to set up a still life grouping with mixed value objects- items and drapery that include both white and dark colored items. The challenge is to interpret the value of the mixed value items along with the effects of light and shadow. Above are two examples from previous semesters. Additional student examples and full instructions for the assignment, along with information about next week's project, can be found here.

This value drawing is a graded project and must be completed as soon as possible.

Homework- I recommend that students have their literary source for the woodcut book illustration project picked out before next class, so they will have more time in class to work on their blocks.

Those who still owe me any back projects should try to get them done by next week.

For next class 3/12/12- We will be starting the black and white composition/book illustration project. Bring some paper to sketch on (can be your big pad, but a sketchbook will be fine), pencil and eraser, black markers, and x-acto knife. If possible, bring a copy of the literary source for your woodcut.

Friday, March 2, 2012

3/2/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at the history and uses of photography. We started with a slide presentation of the subject, from the earliest history in the early 19th century, to contemporary images. We discussed the technology as well as the uses it has served for both art and society. Students received a take home assignment to work on. We also took a tour of the building, visiting whatever art studios were open, and stopped by the current Student Exhibition in the Howe Gallery on the first floor.

How to make this up- No work was done in class today, but the photography assignment, including some student examples, can be seen here.

Homework- The printed photos for the photography assignment are due at the beginning of class on March 30, 2012.

The research papers on various periods in art history are due at the beginning of class next week, March 9, 2012.

For next class 3/9/12- We will be working with color again. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, watercolor paints, brushes, palette, and water container, as well as the completed paper.

Monday, February 27, 2012

2/27/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we concentrated on value, the use of light and dark in two dimensional art to imply form, volume, and space, and to focus attention. We saw it with the stipple drawing, but this was our first time really studying it. After a slide show of art from Ancient Egypt through the 20th century that featured value, students drew from a still life with charcoal.

How to make this up- You will need to set up a still life and light it with a direct light source to create patterns of light and shadow. One drawing will be done as a value reduction (erasing lights out of the dark) with vine charcoal, and the other will be done in a more traditional direct approach of drawing with compressed charcoal on white paper. Additional student examples and the full directions on how to complete the assignments can be found here.

These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester to receive full credit, however I strongly recommend completing them before next week's class, especially if you've never worked with charcoal before.

Homework- Nothing new, but anyone who still owes me either their stipple drawing or their pencil line still life final should try to complete them as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 3/5/12- We will continue our study of value drawing, doing one more charcoal still life drawing as a graded project. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, vine and/or compressed charcoal (your choice), kneaded eraser, and spray fixative. We will also discuss printmaking and preparations for the following week's class.

Friday, February 24, 2012

2/24/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we talked about color for the first time. I showed slides of art from prehistory to the present, discussing the origins of color technology and how color was used for different purposes. After that we did an exercise in color mixing.

How to make this up- The class used their watercolor paints to complete two exercises. First was the creation of a color wheel, with all 12 hues derived from the three primary colors. The second involved mixing two complementary colors to create various intermediary and related hues. Above is an example. To see an additional student example and to read the step by step instructions to complete the assignment, click here.

This is a portfolio exercise that must be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit.

Homework- The research paper is due two weeks from today, at the beginning of class on March 9, 2012. Those who still haven't shared their choices of artists and artworks should do so as soon as possible.

For next class 3/2/12- We will look at the history of photography and I will distribute a related take home assignment. We will also spend time visiting other parts of the building, checking out an exhibition and the other studios. You may leave all your art supplies at home.

Friday, February 17, 2012

2/17/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today's topic was monumental (2D) art, which I defined as large scale art intended to be permanently part of a wall or ceiling. Most common are mosaics and frescoes, and we saw examples of both from Ancient Rome through the 20th century. I also showed a short video that detailed the creation of a large modern mural. After that, students began a new art project, using collaged paper to create a mosaic like image.

How to make this up- You will need to select a color photograph from a magazine, and sketch the basic composition at one of the designated sizes. You will then find pieces of color from other magazines to match the colors from the original photo. In the above student example, the original photo is on the left and the student collage on the right. To see additional examples and see the full instructions, click here.

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

Homework- Some of the class has cleared their choices of artists and artworks for their research papers, but many still haven't. If you haven't yet shown me your chosen artists and artworks, I suggest that you do so as soon as possible, either by e-mail or in class. The research paper itself is due March 9, 2012.

For next class 2/24/12- We will continue to look at color, this time using paint. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, watercolor paints, brushes, a palette, and some kind of water container.

Monday, February 13, 2012

2/13/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we opened with a group critique of the stipple drawings, which were also graded and returned. We spent the rest of the class period working on the semester's second graded project, a line still life of complex mixed objects.

How to make this up- This project will require you to gather a variety of objects, arrange them into a multiple level still life, and draw the results, as in the student example above. For the full instructions, including a list of specific objects to include, click here.

Homework- Nothing new, but if you still owe the stipple drawing or today's still life project, you should get it done as soon as possible. The longer the delay, the more points will be deducted.

***No Class Meeting on 2/20/12 - President's Day***

For next class 2/27/12- We will start our study of value. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, both vine and compressed charcoal, the kneaded eraser, and spray fixative.

Friday, February 10, 2012

2/10/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we spent the day considering the use of value (light and shadow) in art. We looked at slides of two dimensional art from Ancient Rome through the present, seeing how value was used by artists to imply volume, distance, weight, and time of day, to focus attention, and to provide more details of surfaces. We also looked at a few examples of student charcoal drawings. For the art project, students used charcoal to draw from a still life set up of white objects, lit with a directional light source.

How to make this up- You will need to set up a still life with some white or light colored objects, and use charcoal to match the level of light and dark in the objects as closely as you can, as in the above example. The details of how to set it up and some additional student examples can be found here. This is a portfolio exercise and must be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit.

Homework- Nothing new, but I am asking students to provide me with a list of artists and artworks for their research topic by next Friday. Students who don't clear their choices with me will have to take their chances that they have chosen work appropriate to their paper.

For next class 2/17/12- We will do a project involving collage. Bring your 18" x 24" paper, pencil and eraser, scissors, and glue. (glue stick is recommended) If you have any old magazines to cut up, bring them in, though I'll have a pile of them for you to go through.

Monday, February 6, 2012

2/6/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started our study of line. We did exercises involving contour lines, and later looked at negative space.

How to make this up-

Contour Line Exercises- For these the students drew from shoes, doing exercises involving exterior contour lines, cross contour lines, and blind contour line drawing. Examples of each exercise and the specific directions can be found here.

Negative Space Exercises- Negative space is the area in a two dimensional artwork that is between and around the positive shapes, the obvious subjects in the art. For this I had the students draw the negative space in a complex object, and then draw a still life of similar objects. Examples of each exercise and the specific directions can be found here.

These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester to receive full credit.

Homework- The stipple drawings begun last week are due at the beginning of class on February 13, 2012. You must bring the original photo as well.

For next class 2/13/12- We will critique the stipple drawings, then begin a new graded project involving a line drawing still life. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil, and eraser.

Friday, February 3, 2012

2/3/12 Intro to Art


Today's Class- Today the focus was on the concept of negative space- the spaces in a two dimensional artwork that are between and around the positive objects. Also, the research assignment was distributed and students chose their topics for the paper.

How to make this up- The class did two exercises related to the idea of how artists see and make use of negative space. Examples and directions for each can be found here. These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester.

If you did not select a research paper topic in class today, you must either contact me for a list of available topics, or talk to me in class next week.

Homework- A list of 3 artists and an artwork from each for your chosen research topic is due by February 17, 2012, though you can bring it or send it to me sooner, to get faster approval and more time to work on the paper. The completed paper is due at the beginning of class on March 9, 2012.

For next class 2/10/12- We will start our study of value. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, drawing charcoal, and kneaded eraser. Charcoal is very messy, so you are advised not to wear white to class.

Monday, January 30, 2012

1/30/12 2D Design


Today's Class- Today we started our study of two dimensional art with the most basic unit of mark making- the point or dot. We did a class exercise and started a graded project, both using only dots of ink. Everyone came to class today, so no one needs to make up anything, but if you need a reminder of what we did, see below.

Wallpaper Exercise

The first thing we did was an exercise involving patterns of dots. It took the form of wallpaper, meaning vertical patterns that repeated at least once over their length, as in the student example above. Patterns could be pure geometry or form into recognizable images.


Stipple Drawing Graded Project
Most of the class period was spent working on our first graded project of the semester, a stipple drawing. It is a value drawing made from nothing but tiny ink dots. By varying the concentration of dots in a given area, the value can range from light to dark. Students started with a black and white photograph of a three dimensional object or scene, with the goal of matching the exact values in a drawing. In the student example above, the original photo is on the right, and the resulting drawing on the left. To see additional examples and to review all the specific requirements of the project, click here.

Homework- The stipple drawing graded project is due at the beginning of class on February 13, 2012.

For next class 2/6/12- We will start our study of line. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencils and eraser. One of the things we do will involve drawing from shoes. Since I don't have enough to give to all the class, each student is responsible for providing their own shoe. I suggest you bring an extra, or be prepared to take one off your foot. I'll provide the subjects for the other drawing exercises.

Friday, January 27, 2012

1/27/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we started our study of line. We looked at a few dozen slides of art, spanning from cave painting, through ancient civilizations, to the Renaissance, and modern and contemporary art, discussing how each artist used line. After that we did a series of exercises in contour line drawing using shoes as the subject. In addition, the museum assignment was distributed and discussed.

How to make this up- Find yourself a shoe. It can be a formal shoe, sneaker, boot, etc, as long as it's an enclosed shoe. (sandals don't give you a lot of structure to work with) Using either pencil (2B or 4B or try both), you will do a series of line drawings of the shoe in your 18" x 24" pad. You may put more than one shoe on a page and use the back of the sheet if you want. Full directions for the assignment and examples of student drawings can be found here. This is a portfolio exercise, and must be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit.

Homework- Nothing immediate, but the museum assignment was distributed today. It's officially due on the last day of class, but I strongly recommend finishing it sooner, so you have one less thing to worry about at the end of the semester, and if there are any problems with it, you can redo it for a better grade. Museum papers turned in on the last day will be graded as is.

For next class 2/3/12- We will continue our study of line. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencils and eraser. I'll provide the subject matter. The research assignment will be distributed.

Monday, January 23, 2012

1/23/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Today was the first meeting of the semester. The course syllabus was distributed and reviewed. That included the materials list and textbook. The students filled out a survey regarding their artistic backgrounds and interests, which we talked about as a group.

Homework- None

For next class 1/30/12- We will start our study of 2D art with the most basic unit of mark making, the point or dot. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and the black markers (large and ultra fine point). One of the projects will involve working from a black and white photograph, so you should bring one to work from. It should be a photograph of something real (portrait, landscape, interior, still life, etc), not digital or line art. It can be from a published source, or a photo you took yourself. A wide range of values from light to dark work best. I will have a pile of magazines with black and white photos that student can pick through if necessary, but you will save yourself a lot of time if you have one of your own.


Friday, January 20, 2012

1/20/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today was the first meeting of the class. The course syllabus was distributed and reviewed. The students filled out a survey about their artistic background and experiences, which we discussed as a class.

Homework- None, but those who did not purchase the textbook from me today should bring $3 to buy one next week.

For next class 1/27/12- We will start our study of line. Bring your 18"x 24" drawing pad, and pencils and eraser. We will be drawing from shoes, and since I don't have enough to distribute to everyone, each student must provide their own shoe. You may bring an extra one with you, or remove one that you are wearing.

Welcome to the Spring 2012 Semester

This is the blog that I have set up to post information about my classes at Kean. To avoid confusion, information about my Introduction to Art class (FA 1000 12 Fri 9:30 - 12:15) will be written in red text, while information about my Two Dimensional Design class (FA 1100 02 Mon 9:30 - 3:15) will be posted in blue text. Information meant for both classes will be written in black text.

Following each week's class (usually by evening) I will post information about the day's activity. I'll provide information about what we did, including directions and photos of student examples from previous semesters, if available and applicable. I will also post any homework, and when that homework is due. I will also list the art materials needed for the following week's class.

The main purpose of the blog is to help students who miss a class for whatever reason to get caught up quickly. It is not meant to be a substitute for actually coming to class- this is not an online class. However, this blog may also be useful to students who never miss a class, but need a reminder about a deadline or what to bring to class. It is available to provide all this information 24/7 without having to wait for a reply to an e-mail. If you have questions that can't be answered here, you are welcome to send an e-mail and I'll likely get back to you within 24 hours.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Final Grading Fall 2011

Final Class Grades were submitted to KeanWise today. I don't know how long it takes before they will be available to students, but probably not too long.

Monday, December 19, 2011

12/19/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Today was our last class meeting of the semester. We opened with a critique of all the Final Projects. After that, I dismissed the class while I graded the final projects, semester portfolios, and remaining back projects and museum papers. Everyone who came to today's class returned to pick up their work, learning their grades for all of the above. Final class grades will be calculated soon and submitted to KeanWise. If tradition holds, they'll post them in early January, but if I hear something different I'll post an update.

Enjoy your break.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

12/14/11 Drawing I


Today's Class- Today was our final class meeting of the semester. We held a critique of all of the final drawings from last week, and then all the 2nd half portfolios, sketchbooks, and museum papers were graded. Most students returned and picked them up, along with the graded final drawings. Art not picked up as of 3 pm was stacked on one of the paper cutters in the corner by the green chalk board. The classroom is heavily used, so if you care about getting your stuff back, you should pick it up as soon as possible.

Final grades will be calculated next week and submitted shortly after that. I don't know yet when they will be posted by the school. If I learn something, I'll post it on the blog.

Enjoy your break.

Monday, December 12, 2011

12/12/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Today was a general work day for the class. Most put in time working on the Board Game final project. Some used the time to work on back projects still owed, or their museum papers.

**********Semester Portfolio**********

The semester portfolio, all work that wasn't an individually graded project, is due at the beginning of class next week. If you haven't missed any classes, you should be all caught up. If you're not sure, here is a list of what is expected and the blog dates where details can be found.

9/19/11- Wall paper (dots)
9/26/11- Contour Lines (shoes)
9/26/11- Negative space (chair, bottles)
10/17/11- Value drawing with charcoal
10/17/11- ( 1 each vine and compressed charcoal)
11/7/11- Color wheel/Color Mixing
11/28/11- Color Still Life Painting

Homework- Nothing new, but the Final Project is due December 19, 2011 for everyone, and almost everyone still owes the museum paper. If you still owe a back project (seasons, limited palettes), next week is your last chance to earn partial credit.

For next class 12/19/11- Our final meeting of the semester. We will spend some time doing a full critique of the final projects and some late arriving work. After that I will grade the final projects, museum papers, and portfolios. Bring all those items to class. Be on time- the sooner we can start, the sooner we will finish.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

12/7/11 Drawing I




Today's Class- Today we did our final still life drawing of the semester, which serves as the class Final Project. A few minutes were also spent filling out the course evaluation forms.

How to make this up- Set up a still life. Place two low boxes on a table, drape with a white or light colored cloth. Arrange 5 objects on and around the boxes and light with a directional light to create patterns of light and shadow. For the objects, choose one each from among the following list:

a bottle
a hat
a shoe
a power tool
a large sports ball (basketball, football, etc)
a piece of sports related equipment (baseball mitt, golf club, etc)

For the drawing, you may use your choice of charcoal (vine or compressed), ink wash, or conte crayon (black, red, or combined). Spend up to 5 hours working on it. Above are a few examples from a previous semester.

Homework- Nothing new, so use the opportunity to catch up on any back homework you may have missed, or get that museum paper done.

**************2nd Half Portfolio******************
The following items are expected to be part of your 2nd half portfolio. The dates indicate where those things can be found on this blog.

11/2/11- Ink wash drawings of white objects (2)

11/16/11- Black Conte Crayon still life
11/16/11- Red Conte Crayon still life

11/23/11- Monotype prints of still life objects
11/23/11 (most students did 3 to 4)

11/30/11- Mixed red and black conte crayon
11/30/11- One from mannequin, one from live model


For next class 12/14/11- Our final meeting of the semester. We will have a detailed critique of all the final project drawings, and then everyone will be dismissed temporarily while I grade the final drawings, the museum papers, the 2nd half portfolios, and the sketchbooks. If you don't bring in the museum paper, portfolio or sketchbook, I can't grade them and you will get a zero for those items. No art supplies needed. All student work will be returned by the end of class that day.


Monday, December 5, 2011

12/5/11 2D Design

War Hall
Andy Warhol


Roots
Kerry James Marshall


Today's Class- Today we started working on the final project of the semester, using the two dimensional color artwork of an established fine artist to design a board game with a theme based on the artist and/or the work. We also devoted time to looking at the completed limited color palettes projects that were due today.

How to make this up- You will need to select a fine artist, one who works with representational images and is a recognized fine artist- appearing in textbooks, major museums, etc. Images from one or more paintings from the artist will be used to create a new composition, which is built around the concept of a board game of your devising. Examples from previous semesters, with the name of the game and the source artist, can be seen above and below. To see all the requirements for the project, along with another example and all the specifics of how it was created from the original source painting, click here.

Homework- This final project of the semester is due at the beginning of class on December 19, 2011, which is our last class meeting and the last day of the semester. If it's not turned in then, it will not be graded. The museum paper is also due that day, if it hasn't been turned in yet.

Those who still owe one of the back graded projects (seasons, palettes, etc) need to get them done as soon as possible to earn partial credit.

For next class 12/12/11- The class period will be used as a general work day. Most students will use the time to work on the final project, but you may use the time to work on anything related to class, such as back portfolio work, late graded projects, or even the museum assignment. Bring whatever materials you need to work on whatever you plan to work on.



Anxiety Clue
Edvard Munch


Bari Master
Ancient Egypt


The Greek Grape Faze
Ancient Greece