4/29/13 Visual Thinking

Today's Class-  Today we looked at the mixed media collage pieces that were due today, and a few late arriving behavior changing posters.  I returned some previously graded work.  Much of the day was spent working more on the final project that we introduced last week- something linked to a specific culture.  

How to make this up-  As a group, the class created a word association tree.  We started with a single example term that could have many associations (HOME), then selected 5 related terms.  Above is a photo of this morning's chalkboard (click on the photo to enlarge), starting with Home, which branched into Family, House, Safe, Bed, and Community.  For each of these words we found 3 related terms, and for each of those 3 more associations, so that at the end we had 45 words at the end of the branches, all of which had a relationship to our original word.  

Last week I had asked everyone to come up with a list of 3 cultures that would be possibilities as a subject for this last project.  Today each student chose the one they liked best, and came up with a list of 6 branch words and at least 3 words branching off that.  This was the basis of this week's homework.

Homework- Chose 3 of the initial branching words from your original chosen culture to be basis for some sketches.  Use the branch word and any of the terms that branched off it to serve as the subject for a small pencil sketch.  There may be some overlapping concepts between the three sketches, but the focus of each should be different.  The sketches should be done in pencil, and can either be a full page in your sketchbook or half a page in your large pad.  These may change before final piece due in two weeks, but use this opportunity to work out compositional ideas and gather as many related details.  Do a total of 3 sketches.

Any graded projects that students still owe, including the museum paper, should be turned in as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 5/6/13-  Bring the sketchbook, pencil and eraser.  If you would like to use some class time next week to work out the final idea, make sure to have your 18" x 24 pad as well.  We will discuss the homework sketches and look at any late arriving projects.

4/22/13 Visual Thinking

Today's Class-  Today we looked at the behavior change posters and a few late arriving previous projects.  I returned graded projects from previous weeks and more students picked the words that will be the subject of their mixed media collage.  I also introduced what will be the final project of the semester.  

How to make this up-  Our final project will be based on a subject explored by many artists- their experience in a specific culture or subculture.  Among the artists I showed was Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (above), whose paintings featured the subject of the tawdry music halls and bars he frequented.  I also showed examples of my own work, series of prints about life in supermarkets and at New Jersey's boardwalks.

Students are being asked to pick some cultures they have experience being part of, one of which will eventually be the subject of the final piece.  These cultures can be geographic, family/ethnic, occupational, hobby-related, etc.  Over the next few weeks we will gradually focus attention to one specific culture on your list, with a specific aspect of that to be the subject of your final artwork.   

Homework-  For this cultural final project, select 3 specific cultures that you have first hand familiarity with, things that you don't share with everyone in the class.  In your sketchbook list as many associations as you can think of for each culture- words for sure, and sketching objects and locations if you have ideas.  

The mixed media collage projects that we began last week are due at the beginning of class on April 29, 2013.  The museum paper is also due on that same day.

For next class 4/29/13-  Bring your completed collage pieces and your sketchbook with potential ideas for the subculture final project.

4/15/13 Visual Thinking

City of Zoo

 Dangerous Roots

Today's Class- Tonight we started our second to last project of the semester, a mixed media collage.  We also spent some time discussing progress on the behavior changing posters, and looking at more late arriving projects from earlier in the semester.

How to make this up- The project makes use of a few aspects of the early 20th century art movement Dada, specifically the use of collage and of randomly generated art.  We looked at a few slides of art from that period, and then students selected words (subject and modifier) from paper bags, the words forming random phrases that became the subject of the collages.  You can't begin without your phrase, so either contact me and have me draw one for you, or wait until next week and choose from the bags yourself.  Once you have the phrase, create a mixed media collage with a theme based on the phrase.  The piece must use collaged elements, painted elements, and drawn (pencil, markers, etc) elements.  You may use any of those media in any way you want in the creation of your piece.  In grading these, I'll be looking for the use of all three media, addressing the theme, and how you compose the space (use of value, color, balance, etc).  Examples from previous semesters can be seen above and below with the chosen theme underneath each one.

 Untamable Deluge

 Give us the Pragmatic

Tangled Men

Homework-  This mixed media collage graded project is due at the beginning of class on April 29, 2013.

The poster to change behavior is due at the beginning of class on April 22, 2013

The museum assignment is due at the beginning of class on April 29, 2013.

Any earlier assignments not yet turned in (symbolic language, symbolic self portrait, synthesis project) should be turned in as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 4/22/13-  We will have a class critique of the Behavior Changing posters, and I'll return items collected tonight for grading.  We will also begin discussing what will be the final project of the semester, due the last day of class.

4/8/13 Visual Thinking

Today's Class-  Today we held a group critique of the Synthesis projects, the work based on ideas from the recent student show in the Howe Gallery downstairs.  We went back to that gallery again today, not for an assignment, but just to see the new current show (above), art from graduating students in our MA program.  We also looked at some late arriving projects from earlier in the semester, discussed the Behavior Change project again, and filled out the semester's course evaluation forms.

How to make this up-  We didn't start anything new tonight, but the details about the current graded project can be found in last week's blog post.

Homework- The finished Behavior Changing poster project is due at the beginning of class on April 22, 2013.  However, I want to see ideas, including sketches of possible images to use in your poster by next week, April 15, 2013.  

Those who still owe any of the previous projects (symbolic language, symbolic self portrait, synthesis) should turn them in as soon as possible for partial credit.

For next class 4/15/13- We will start our last new graded project of the semester before the Final Project.  Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, markers, acrylic paints and brushes and other painting supplies (palette, palette knife, water container), scissors and glue.  

4/1/13 Visual Thinking

Today's Class-  We looked at a few late arriving projects, and discussed the upcoming Synthesis project, but most of the time was devoted to what will be our next project, the idea of using art to change behavior.

How to make this up- I introduced the idea of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols and how their meanings are interpreted.  Although these signs can be found in fine art, I chose to demonstrate using examples from the world of advertising, a mix of World War II era government propaganda and 1960's magazine advertisements, as in the above examples.  I had the class bring examples of contemporary magazine advertisements and we took them apart the same way, looking at some of the associations carried by names, text, and images.   

This gave us the frame of reference for the next graded project, a poster designed to change a person's behavior.  Use your 18" x 24" paper and acrylic paints to provide full color.  The purpose of the poster will be to try to convince someone to either start doing something that they are not, or to stop doing something that they are doing.  The behavior can be something serious or trivial.  You may use text to help carry your message, but this is an art class, so the visual image should be the primary means of communicating the idea.  If you use text, size, shape, style, and location of the lettering should be specifically considered.  In grading I'll be looking for all the formal issues (composition, value, color) and how you use visuals to try to to convince us of your point of view.

This graded behavior changing project is due at the beginning of class on April 22, 2013.  

Homework-   The Synthesis Project, combining aspects of two or more artworks from the recent student show, is due at the beginning of class on April 8, 2013.

This new Behavior Changing Project is due at the beginning of class on April 22, 2013.

Any back projects that you owe should be completed and turned in as soon as possible to get partial credit.

For next class 4/8/13-  We will critique the Synthesis project and further discuss the behavior project.  We will also probably complete the course evaluation and maybe visit the grad student show in the gallery downstairs.  Bring your completed project, sketchbook, pencil and eraser.

3/25/13 Visual Thinking

Today's Class- Despite yet another Monday with threats of winter weather, the real snow never came and both sections met.  We looked at the Symbolic Self Portraits and a few late arriving Symbolic Language projects.  After the break, I spent a little more time talking about collaborative artistic processes, showing examples from my own experience (like the one above), and discussing how it relates to the current project introduced last week.  I also talked a little bit about the process of developing an idea over time to make it better, again showing a recent example of my own.  Work collected last week was returned, graded.

How to make this up-  All the details regarding this Synthesis Project can be found on last week's posting.  The last day for the Student Art Show (your starting point for this project) is Tuesday, March 26th, so you must see it by then.  

Homework-  The Synthesis Project, combining aspects of two or more artworks from the student show, is due at the beginning of class on April 8, 2013.  I encourage students to bring their progress in next week to discuss their ideas and receive some feedback before the week that it's due.

Those who still owe either of the first two projects should complete them as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

Bring in 3 print ads (from magazines or newspapers) each advertising a different type of product or service.  Choose ads where you specifically like the approach to selling the product.

For next class 4/1/13- We will have a discussion of semiotics and talk about art being used to influence or change points of view.  Bring your sketchbook, pencil and eraser, markers, and the three advertisements.

3/18/13 Visual Thinking

Today's Class- Today we had a critique of the first project of the semester, the Symbolic Language project.  We also spent a little time reviewing the next project, the Symbolic Self Portrait, and ended the class in the gallery downstairs visiting the Student Art Show, which will be the basis for our third project.

How to make this up-  Artists are often influenced by other art they see, including subjects, styles, and mediums.  The above artwork is a piece of mine from several years ago in which I visually build a tower of all the influences, both in and outside of fine art, which influenced the art I have made and still make today.  The process of combining influences from other artists is known as Synthesis.

You won't be doing something quite so large, but instead producing an artwork influenced by two or more artworks from other artists.  The class visited the Annual Student Art Show in the James Howe Gallery, down on the 1st floor of Vaughn-Eames.  The show is all art from current Kean students, representing many of the classes taught here.  You need to select two pieces, made by two different students and of two different mediums (such as metals and painting, ceramics and drawing, etc).  You are to use aspects of each piece to create a new artwork.  I don't want you to just copy bits directly from two works, but to look for aspects to bring together.  You may get an idea for a subject, use of a medium, style of depiction, etc.  Your new piece should be unique, not something either of your chosen artists would have done on their own, or something you would have done yourself without borrowing those elements.  Most will choose to do paintings on your 18" x 24" paper, but you may choose any medium that relates to at least one of your chosen influences, including sculpture.  If you are not sure, talk to me about it in class or by e-mail in between.

Most students in each section were there today and saw the show as part of the class.  If you missed that, the last day for the Student Art Show (your starting point for this project) is Tuesday, March 26th (11am to 4pm I believe), so you must see it by then.  

Homework-  The Symbolic Self Portrait (see 3/4/13 on this blog), making use of at least 6 of the personal symbolic objects drawn in your sketchbook last month, is due at the beginning of class on March 25, 2013.  

The Synthesis Project, combining aspects of two or more artworks from the student show, is due at the beginning of class on April 8, 2013.  I encourage students to bring their progress in next week to discuss their ideas and receive some feedback before the week that it's due.

Those who still owe the Symbolic Language project should try to complete it as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 3/25/13- We will have a group critique of the Symbolic Self Portraits and any late arriving language projects.  We will also go over the details of the Synthesis project again in the classroom and discuss examples of artistic collaborations.  No art materials will be required for the class meeting.

3/4/13 Visual Thinking

Today's Class- Today we addressed the use of symbolism in art, specifically how recognizable images can be used to represent other concepts.  We looked at a slightly edited (for time) film from Alfred Hitchcock, "Spellbound" (noting the protagonist's reaction to things he sees and the symbolism of the whole Salvador Dali created nightmare sequence), and at a few examples of historical art.  After that, I introduced our next graded project of the semester, a symbolic self portrait.  I also reviewed the symbolic language project from last week, for those who had missed class or needed further clarification.  Remaining class time was spent working on ideas for one of the two projects.

How to make this up- A few weeks ago I assigned the class to do a group of 10 pencil sketches of personal symbols, objects that you own and that are strongly associated with you, by yourself or others.  For this graded assignment, you are to take at least 6 of those (you can use all 10 if you want) and rework them into a new full size drawing.  Rather than just reproducing the objects by themselves, or arranged in a pile like a typical still life, you are to show the objects in a more creative context.  Above are two examples from a previous semester.  In the top drawing, the student imagines herself as a posable fashion doll, and the symbols as part of a boxed set of accessories.  For the bottom drawing, the student put her symbols on and around a human heart.  Without copying either one of these, try to come up with a similarly creative approach.  Do the drawing in pencil on a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper.  In grading these I'll be looking at the drawings of the individual objects, the overall composition, and your idea for a context to show the symbols in.

Homework-  This Symbolic Self Portrait Graded project is due at the beginning of class on March 25, 2013.  The Symbolic Language Graded project that we started last week will be due at the beginning of class on March 18, 2013.

***Spring Break  No Class March 11, 2013***

For Next Class 3/18/13- We will critique the Symbolic Language projects, which I will collect to grade later.  I expect that we will also visit the Annual Fine Arts Student Exhibition down in the James Howe Gallery on the 1st floor.  It's always a good idea to bring your sketchbook, pencil, and eraser with you.  We are not going to be starting any new projects that day, so you won't need the 18" x 24" pad unless you want some feedback on the self portrait piece.  

2/25/13 Visual Thinking

Today's Class-  Having concluded the basic drawing and design portion of the semester, today we moved onto the creative problem solving aspect of the class.  Today's topic was constraints and structures as part of the artistic process.  I read some examples of constraint fiction (books in which the authors give themselves special rules to follow) and discussed how many ancient and modern written languages were originally derived from visual symbols.  I also discussed and showed slides of art that used structures and systems to organize or even generate visuals, as in the example above.  After that we spent the rest of the class working on the first graded project of the semester, the creation of a symbolic language and a system to use it to make a piece of visual art.

How to make this up-  For our purposes, a symbolic language is a series of at least 10 symbols that do not literally refer to items that they may resemble, but represent other objects, conditions, or concepts.  In the above example (an artwork of mine from many years ago), prints of arm and hand shapes are arranged with different orientations, colors, and combinations to represent words, and the words expressed specific concepts.  None of the words or concepts have anything to do with arms or hands.  Similar symbols were used to create other words in the "language" that were used to make a sentence.  
     Your 10 or more symbols can be derived from images of objects, or be completely abstract shapes, but there should be a visual relationship between them.  I recommend making the symbols simple shapes, as you may need to reproduce it identically many times.  You also need to create a system that would determine how these symbols will be distributed on the paper.  The formula would dictate the specific symbols and the order in which they appear.  Anyone who knows the formula and has a key to translate the symbols should be able to determine the conditions that created it in the first place. My example was based on language, but some of the ideas students were exploring today included systems where symbol order will be determined by such things as weather patterns, state lottery drawings, and stats in specific sporting events.  Today we were working in the small sketchbooks, but the final piece will be done on your 18" x 24" paper.  You have a choice of designing the final piece using just black and white (markers) or using color in your symbols (paints, etc).  In grading the project I'll be considering the design of the symbols, use of a standard system, and the overall composition of the final artwork.  

Homework- This symbolic language graded project is due at the beginning of class on March 18, 2013.  We will hold a group critique of the pieces, and they will be collected for grading.  I recommend starting it before our next meeting on March 4th, so I can check your progress and let you know if you're on the right track.

For next class 3/4/13-  We will start a new graded project, based on images of personal symbols of your choosing.   If you have not yet completed the homework assigned on 2/11/13 (sketches of 10 personal symbols- objects you own that are symbolic of your life and interests), get it done before our next meeting. Bring your sketchbook, 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser.

2/11/13 Visual Thinking

Today's Class-  Today was our second day of basic design principles, a quick review of art fundamentals that will be helpful once we start the more complex graded projects.  I showed about two dozen slides of historical art, discussing how different compositional strategies were used by the various artists.  Then we did two exercises relating to considering color, shape, value, and intensity in two dimensional composition.

How to make this up-  We spent a little time as a group playing a few rounds of the composition game (above photo) with paper and pushpins on the wall.  Then I had student take out their sketchbooks with the homework from last week, sketches from the show of quilts at the Human Rights Institute gallery.  Each student selected one of their quilt sketches and reproduced the line composition on a larger scale on a sheet of their 18" x 24" paper.  I selected some of the resulting shapes within the composition, the students outlined them with a black marker, and filled in the shapes with the colors of their choice, using crayons or colored pencils I provided.  The last step was to use the same marker and create one or more new shapes on the page- not using the original pencil lines, but shapes of a similar nature to the chose quilt shapes- and complete the composition.  Below is an example:

Above is an original piece of the quilt.  The student reproduced the composition as a drawing, treating the edges of each color shape as a contour line.  Below is a student example.  Notice the remaining pencil lines from the original composition.  Five pieces were chosen to be colored- parts of hair on each figure, an arm and hand, and a piece of clothing of the figure on the left.

Then the student chose to create a single shape (the yellow crescent moon) and place it in the lower right corner.  

Go through your sketches from the quilt show and choose one that has a fairly complex group of shapes, and draw it in your 18" x 24" pad, more or less filling the page.  Bring that to class and I'll select the shapes to be outlined and colored.  This is a portfolio exercise and must be made up by the end of the semester, but I recommend completing it before the next class, as we'll be starting the more complex graded projects with our next class meeting.  

Homework- Choose 10 objects that can be considered personal symbols.  They can be items that are rare or unique, or things that are very common.  (think about the Cosplay show in the Dryfoos Gallery; the objects in each photo can be considered personal symbols of those characters)  Do pencil contour line drawings of each object in your sketchbook, one or two per page.  

***2/18/13  President's Day.  No class next Monday***

For next class 2/25/13- We will discuss the use of structures and constraints in the creation of art, and begin our first graded project of the semester.  Bring your 18" x 24" pad, sketchbook, pencils and eraser, and black markers.

2/4/13 Visual Thinking

Today's Class-  We began our study of art for real today, with some exercises in line drawing.  We started with few dozen slides of historical art, discussing the use of line from prehistory through the late 20th century.  Then we did exercises involving contour line- an introduction for those with little or no art experience, and a review for more experienced artists.  I also distributed the museum assignment.

How to make this up- Select a shoe.  Use your 18" x 24" paper to do several line sketches of your shoe using the pencil of your choice.  You may have multiple shoes on the same page, and even use the back of the sheet if you want.  Spend 20 minutes doing exterior contour line sketches, just the outer silhouette of the shoe, as in the example above on the left.  Pay attention to the details of the edges, the proportion of height to length and front to back, the curve over the toes, and the relative position of different shoe parts.  Most did 3 or 4 in the 20 minutes.  Then use the same shoe and do one more drawing, this time also drawing interior lines, such as laces, the line between sole and upper, etc, like the above drawing on the right.  Again spend 20 minutes on the one drawing.  Then select another object of similar size, such as a hat with a brim, a small tea kettle, a hand tool (hammer, wrench, etc), or a wine glass.  Using the same paper, draw the object once, still using pencil line only, paying attention to the same concerns as we use in the shoe drawings, once again spending about 20 minutes.  

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

Homework- You will need to take a trip to our library on campus to visit two art shows.  A) Pass through the main entrance, into the lobby, and then look for the doors on the left.  This is the Human Rights Institute.  There is an exhibition in the gallery called Advocacy Quilts, in which different groups of people from places around the world created quilts to tell people about issues they faced.  Choose three of the quilts, and on each quilt, one of the individual panels that tells a story.  In your sketchbook, use pencil line to to reproduce the basic composition of the panel- the shapes within and the space around it.  One such drawing per page.  B) Go back to the lobby and through the doors into the library.  Make a quick right, just before you reach the StarBucks, and enter the Nancy Dryfoos Gallery.  There is an exhibition called Cosplay in America, large color photos of people engaging in cosplay, the tradition of dressing in  costumes of favorite cartoon, comic book, sci-fi, and fantasy characters, and gathering with like-minded individuals.  Again using pencil line in your sketchbook, choose three of the photos and do sketches of objects used as parts of the costume.  The homework is due at the beginning of class on February 11, 2013.  

The Human Rights Institute is open noon to 7 pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, noon to 4 pm on Wednesday and Friday.  The Nancy Dryfoos Gallery is open 10 am to 8 pm on Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sunday.

For next class 2/11/13-  We will discuss the basics of composition.  Bring your 18" x 24" pad, sketchbook, pencil and eraser, and black markers.

1/28/13 Visual Thinking

Today's Class-  Today was our first meeting of the semester.  The possible snow and ice never showed up, so both sections were able to meet.  I distributed and reviewed the syllabus with the class.   After that, students filled out a survey related to their art interests and experiences, which we discussed as a class.  We also talked a little about art in general, and the nature of the Visual Thinking class.

Homework- none

For next class 2/4/13- We'll spend a little time on some basic drawing exercises that will prepare us for the work that we will be doing later in the semester.  Bring your 18" x 24" pad, and pencils and eraser. Among the exercises will be drawing from shoes, and since I don't have enough to go around, you are responsible for bringing one of your own to draw from.  Either bring an extra shoe, or be prepared to take one off you foot.

Welcome to the Spring 2013 Semester

This is the blog that I have set up for my art classes at Kean University.  Each post title will contain the date for the class meeting and the name of the course.  Because I teach a variety of classes here, to avoid confusion, all posts for my Visual Thinking classes (FA 2300  01 / 02) will be printed in purple text.  All posts that can apply to all students, like this one, will be printed in black text.

Each week I will create a post for the class, usually later that evening.  Besides the date and name, I will include a description of the day's activity and photos of student examples of the projects if applicable and available.  If there is any related homework, I'll provide the details, including the date it's due.  I will also include a list of all the required art materials for the following week's class.  About a months worth of posts will appear on the main page; posts from earlier in the semester can be seen by clicking on 'older posts' at the bottom of the blog, or by using he archives in the right hand column.

The purpose of this blog is to provide information to students who miss an occasional class, so that they may quickly catch up.  It is not intended as a substitute for coming to class-  this is not an online course and you are expected to show up each week.  However, even students who never miss a week may find this site useful, as a way to see additional examples of current assignments, check homework due dates, or get a quick reminder of what to bring to the next class.  It is available to  you 24/7, without having to wait for me to respond to your e-mail.  If you have any questions that are not answered here, send me an e-mail and I'll usually get back to you within the day, but most of the information that students typically seek will be found here.

12/19/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today was the last class meeting of the semester.  We spent much of the class looking at the 3D projects.  After that, I dismissed the students for a while so that I could grade those projects, some late arriving comic strips, the semester portfolios, and museum papers.  Because so many were late in arriving today, I didn't get to all the papers before the end, so if you chose not to wait, e-mail me and I'll send you the grade for the paper.  Most students did return to pick up their work and learn the grades on the 3D projects, the portfolios, etc.  Unclaimed work was put over on a table in the niche on the side (under where it says "art" in the above photo)- I can't guarantee how long it will remain there, so if you want it, you should try to pick it up soon.  (keep in mind that the room is often locked when not in use)  Final class grades will be available online, probably in early January.

Enjoy the holidays

12/17/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Today was our last meeting of the semester.  We opened with a critique of the Board Game Final Projects, as well as a few other late arriving projects.  Then I dismissed the class while I graded those, the semester portfolios, and the museum papers.  Most students returned to pick up their work.  Work not picked up by 3:00 pm was placed, as stated during class, on top of the metal cabinet in the back corner of the classroom (by the windows)- it is recommended that you pick it up as soon as possible.  Final class grades will be available online sometime after Christmas.  

Enjoy the holiday break.

12/12/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class-  Today was a general work day for the class.  Students chose such options for themselves as working on parts of the 3D project, working on their museum papers, or finishing a back exercise from the portfolio.  We also looked at a few late arriving comic strips, and took a walk to the gallery down the hall to see the current Kean Fine Arts Faculty Exhibition.

Homework-  The 3D Final Project is due at the beginning of class on December 19, 2012.  

The museum paper is due at the beginning of class on December 19, 2012.

The semester portfolio (all the otherwise ungraded work) is due at the beginning of class on December 19, 2012.  The full list of what is expected in the semester portfolio (and the dates they can be found on this blog) can be found on last week's blog post.

For next week 12/19/12-  Our last meeting of the semester.  We will open with a group critique of the 3D projects, then I'll dismiss everyone while I grade those, the portfolios, and any back projects or museum papers I haven't seen yet.  At a time I'll tell you that day, you can return and collect all the graded work.  No work for the semester will be accepted after the end of the class.

2012 Faculty Exhibition

Currently on view in the James Howe Gallery in Vaughn-Eames is the 2012 Fall Salon / Kean Fine Arts Faculty Exhibition.  It features artwork from 21 members of the art department faculty, including prints, paintings, photographs, sculptures, drawings, ceramics, video, and mixed media.  

My 2D Design class saw the show a few weeks ago, and my Intro class will likely see it tomorrow.  However, if you find yourself on campus on Wednesday, December 12th from 4 to 6 pm, you are invited to stop by the gallery and enjoy the official reception.  Many of the participating artists will be present, along with free refreshments.

The show will remain on display through Wednesday, December 19, 2012.

12/10/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we opened with a critique of the limited palettes graded projects, and we took time to take the department's 2D Design Assessment test.  The rest of the day was a general work day, for students to work on anything related to the class.

******Final Portfolio*******

At our last class meeting next week I'll be grading the semester portfolio, which is all the items that weren't individually graded.  If you missed no classes, you should have them done.  (the wallpaper and color wheel/mixes have to be complete, the others only need to be as much as we got done in class)  If you missed time, or aren't sure of what is included, below is a list, along with the dates they can be found on this blog:

9/17/12-    Wallpaper patterns with dots
9/24/12-    Contour Lines (shoes)
                  Negative Space (chair, bottles)
10/8/12-    Value drawing exercises (charcoal)
11/12/12-  Color Wheel, Complement Mix
11/26/12-  Color Still Life painting

Homework-  The Board Game final project is due at the beginning of class on December 17, 2012.  

The museum assignment is due at the beginning of class on December 17, 2012.

If you still owe such back assignments as the color temperature collage (seasons), or limited palettes project, they can be turned on at the beginning of class on December 17, 2012 for partial credit.

For next class 12/17/12-  Our final class meeting of the semester. We will have a group critique of the final projects, and perhaps some late arriving other graded projects.  Then I'll dismiss the class temporarily while I grade those items, the portfolios, and the papers.  If you return at the designated time that day (I'll let you know that morning), you may pick up all those items and learn the grades they earned.  Final class grades will come out online when the college releases them.  

Make sure you are on time.  The sooner we start, the sooner we will finish.  No work will be accepted after that.

12/5/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class-  Today we covered the last new topic of the semester, sculpture.  I showed slides of three dimensional art stretching from prehistoric to contemporary, and then I assigned the final 3D graded project.  We also held a brief critique of all the 2D projects, the comic strips.

How to make this up- You will base your sculpture on an individualized theme, randomly chosen.  Students in class today chose words from paper bags to create a random phrase to be the inspiration for the sculpture.  Once you have the theme,  you choose the type of sculpture to make, either an open front box sculpture (like the example above) or a free standing tabletop sculpture.  Student examples of each type, and all the specific directions and project requirements, can be found here.

To get your specific theme, you can wait until next week's class and pick from the bags yourself, or contact me by e-mail and have me pick a phrase for you.

Homework- This 3D graded project is due at the beginning of class on December 19, 2012.  This is the last day of class.  Any work not turned in by then will not be accepted for your final grade.

Museum papers are also due on the last day of class, but will be accepted next week.  Turning it in a week earlier means I can let you know if there are issues that you can fix, and then resubmit it for a better grade  on the last day of class.

If you haven't turned in your 2D graded project (comic strip), bring it as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

Next week, December 12th, is the last chance to bring in your collagraph plate to be printed and included in your semester portfolio.

For next class 12/12/12- The class period will be a general work day for the class, which you may use for any class related work.  Most will work on the 3D Final.  If you want to do that, bring with you whatever materials you plan to use in the creation of your sculpture.  (having your theme before you come to class will help you to know what kinds of things to bring with you)  Another option is to work on a back project from earlier in the semester.  The full list of portfolio exercises can be seen below.  If you can complete it without any assistance from me (setting up a still life, providing specific music), you can work on it next week.  Another possibility is working on your museum paper, if you've completed your visit.

Semester Portfolio
9/12/12  Contour Lines (shoes)
9/19/12  Negative Space
9/26/12  Value Drawing (charcoal)
10/3/12  Mosaic Collage
10/10/12 Color Wheel and Mixing
10/17/12  Photography
10/24/12  Rhythm (music)
11/7/12  Collagraph

Next week I will also return the graded comic strip projects and we'll visit the Faculty Exhibition down the hall.

12/3/12 2D Design

Today's Class-  We spent the first half of class today exploring the idea of composing with color.  We reviewed some general rules and concepts from the textbook, and looked at a few dozen slides of historical art, considering the compositional strategies in each.  Then the class did a group exercise, playing the composition game (above), balancing with shape, color intensity, value, etc.  Most of the rest of the class was devoted to the Final Project, creating a board game out of the work of a chosen fine artist.  We also took some time to see the Faculty Exhibition downstairs in the gallery.

Board Game Final Project

Roots
Kerry James Marshall

Painted Dreams
Vincent Van Gogh

How to make this up- You are asked to create an original composition that makes use of the artwork of a recognized fine artist from the 20th century or earlier, someone found in museums, art history textbooks, etc, who works in two dimensions, uses representational imagery (no total abstraction), and full color.  You are to use elements from two or more of the artist's works, such as figures, objects, interiors, and landscapes- the shapes, colors, and style of painting.  Arrange these items as part of your new composition, considering the various principles of design.  Because this is a board game format, your piece must include some kind of game path, a game theme (player goal) related to the chosen artwork, and the name of the game must be part of the board.  You will create this game board on a piece of mat board or the equivalent, between 15" x 20" and 18" x 24", using your acrylic paints.  Above and below are examples of student projects from earlier semesters, with the name of the inspiring artist and the game.  More details of what is required, as well as my example and the story behind its development, can be found here.

Love Story

Roy Lichtenstein

Magritte: The Board Game

Rene Magritte

Homework-  This Game Board Final Project is due at the beginning of class on December 17, 2012.  This is our final class meeting.  No projects will be accepted after this date.

The limited palettes graded project that we started a few weeks ago is due at the beginning of class on December 10, 2012.

The museum assignment is due on December 17, 2012, though it can be turned in next week.

For next class 12/10/12-  We will critique the limited palettes projects, take a brief vocabulary and art concepts test, and spend the rest of the day working on the final projects.