10/20/14 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we concluded our study of value drawing with a graded charcoal project, a still life drawing with mixed value subjects.  These drawings were collected and will be returned graded next week.  The last hour of the class was reserved for a slide presentation about printmaking, as we will begin our woodcut project next week.

How to make this up- To make up today's graded project you will have to set up your own still life with a variety of mixed value objects.  Use either type of charcoal to produce a full value drawing of the set up on a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper, and spray with fixative.  Additional student examples and the full directions can be found here.  This same page includes important information for next week's woodcut project.

This is a graded project and must me completed as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

Homework-  Start working on ideas for your woodcut book illustration.  You may bring in sketches if you want, but I hope you'll at least have some notes.  The sooner you are ready to start drawing on the wood, the more time you'll have in class to work on it.  Examples of previous student woodcuts can be found on the linked page in the above "How to make this up" section.

For next class 10/27/14-  We will begin the next graded project, a woodcut print illustration from a literary source of your choosing.  I will provide everyone with a piece of wood.  Bring paper for sketching (a small sketchbook will be fine, but you may use your 18" x 24" pad if you want), pencils and erasers, black markers, and your x-acto knife.  If you have a copy of your literary source, bring that a well in case you wish to consult it for details.

10/6/14 2D Design

Today's Class-  Although the stipple drawing dealt with value, our study of value in 2D art really started today.  I reviewed definitions from the textbook related to value- the use of light and dark in two dimensional art to imply form, space, volume, time, and to focus attention.  I showed several dozen slides of historical and contemporary art and explained how value contributed to each.  Then I set up two simple still life groupings and had the class draw each with a different kind of charcoal and technique.

How to make this up- You will need to set up a still life with simple monochromatic objects- first all white, then mixed value.  Each drawing will require a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper.  One will be done as a value reduction- first fill the page with an even tone of vine charcoal, then use your kneaded eraser to draw the lights in the still life.  The other will be a more traditional value drawing, using compressed charcoal to draw on a sheet of white paper.  Student examples of both assignments, along with specific directions, can be found here.

These drawings are portfolio exercises and must be made up by the end of the semester to receive full credit, but if you have little or no experience with charcoal I recommend doing them before out next meeting for the experience, as the next charcoal drawings that you do are for a grade.

Homework- Nothing new, but if you still owe the stipple drawing or line final , the longer it takes for you to finish them, the more points will be lost.

****Columbus Day observed on 10/13/14-  No class next Monday***

For next class 10/20/14- We will finish up our study of value with one last charcoal still life drawing, using subjects of assorted values.  Those drawings will be collected to be graded.  We will also devote time at the end of class to discussing our next graded project, a woodcut print.  Bring your 18" x 24" pad, both kinds of charcoal, kneaded eraser, and spray fixative.  Tools for blending the charcoal are optional.

9/29/14 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we opened with a quick critique of the dot drawings, which were graded and returned by the end of class.  After that we finished our study of line with a graded project- a still life involving a variety of complex objects.

How to make this up- You will need to set up a still life grouping of your own with a variety of objects.  Then complete a line drawing of it using pencil on a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper, as in the above student example.  The specific instructions for how to set it up can be found here.

This is a graded project, and the amount of points it will be worth will go down with each week that it is late.

Homework- No new homework, but those who still owe either of the graded projects should make them up as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 10/6/14-  We will begin our study of value, the use of light and dark in art.  Bring your 18"x 24" drawing paper, both compressed and vine charcoal, kneaded erasers, and spray fixative.

9/22/14 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started our study of line.  After discussing characteristics of line I showed several dozen slides with examples of how line has been used in art through history.  Following that, the class did a series of portfolio exercises involving aspects of contour line and negative space.

How to make this up- Information about the three portfolio exercises can be found below.  Follow the links at the end of each section to get the details.

Contour Line

We did a series of drawing exercises dealing with contour line, the simple line that surrounds a shape and helps define it.  We used shoes as the subject, simple objects that have similar characteristics to bodies.  Detailed descriptions of these exercises and see student examples of each can be found here.


Negative Space

Positive shapes are spaces surrounded by contour lines.  The empty spaces around and between the positive shapes are considered to be negative space.  The positive and negative each define the other, and thus are considered equally important in two dimensional art.  We used contour lines in two exercises that can be found here.

All the drawings done today were portfolio exercises that must be made up by the last day of the semester to receive full credit.


Homework-  Nothing new today, but the stipple (dot) drawing project begun in class last week is due at the beginning of class Monday, September 29, 2014.

For next class 9/29/14- We will open class next week with a critique of the first project, the dot or stipple drawings, then move on to our second graded project, a pencil line still life of mixed objects.  Bring the completed dot drawings and your original photo, your 18" x 24" pad, pencils, and eraser.  The dot drawings will be graded and returned before the end of class.

9/16/14 Printmaking

Tonight's Class-  A very busy night, just like a print studio should be.  Regular professor Julie was back and took over the class.  However, the parkway being what it is that time of day, I decided to hang around a while and help get everyone started on the linocut projects, with the first crit scheduled for next week.  Over the part of the class when I was there, the students got to see a demonstration of cutting linoleum, and demonstration of inking and printing, both by hand and with a press.  I also gave out a lot of tips and tricks on print related topics.

How to make this up- If you missed any of this information, you'll have to get it from Julie.

Homework- For undergrad printmakers, the first linocut project will be critiqued at the beginning of class next week September 23, 2014.

For next class 9/23/14- My official involvement with this class is now over, so this is the last weekly update for the print classes.  However, if there is anything that I need to share with everyone, this is the easiest place to post it.

9/15/14 2D Design

Today's Class-  Today we began our study of two dimensional art with the most basic unit of mark making, the dot or point.  We used these as the basis for a portfolio exercise and our first graded project of the semester.  I also distributed the museum assignment.

How to make this up- The details for each are below.

Wallpaper Exercise

For this exercise you will need a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper.  You don't need to tear it out of the pad.  Use a pencil to divide the sheet into 3 roughly equal columns, as in the student examples above and below.  Then make 3 different patterns using nothing but dots.  They can be any size.  You may use either the fine point or large markers, or mix both in the same image.  The patterns must start to repeat at least once between the top and bottom of the page.  In these examples the patterns are purely geometric, but you may use the dots to make patterns based on recognizable images or objects.  This is a portfolio exercise and must be completed by the end of the semester to receive credit.

Graded Stipple Drawing Project

For this graded project you need to select a black and white photograph of a three dimensional object or scene, ideally one with a wide range of values from light to dark.  Reproduce the image or part of the image as a compositional sketch using pencil line on paper.  Once you are satisfied with the shapes, using your ultra fine point marker to duplicate the value shapes using nothing but dots.  More dots make darker values, fewer make lighter tones.  In the above example, the original photo is on the right, and the student stipple drawing made from it is on the left.  (click on the photo to enlarge) Additional examples of this project and further instructions can be found here.

Homework- The graded stipple drawing project is due at the beginning of class on Monday, September 29, 2014.  You must bring in your original photo and the stipple drawing.

For next class 9/22/14-  We will start our study of line drawing with a series of portfolio exercises.  Bring your 18" x 24" pad. pencils and eraser.  The first exercise involves drawing from shoes, and since I may not have enough to go around, I recommend that everyone bring one with them.  It can be an extra, or take it off your foot.  It should be a closed shoe (dress shoe, sneaker, boot, etc), so avoid sandals and flip flops.  I will provide the subjects for the other exercises.

9/9/14 Printmaking

Today's Class-  Tonight we started working on projects.  I opened by bringing in more stuff to show to students, such as a variety of papers, and how things looked printed on them, such as the above large woodcut on kinwashi.  I also showed different states of some of my prints, from initial sketch to early proofs, to final version, to demonstrate the value of seeking opinions of other artists while developing an image.  After that, everyone worked on what they wanted to work on.

How to make this up- Students who are in the introductory class should at least have their face/portrait sketches worked out on paper.  Even better would be to have started drawing it on the linoleum.  

Homework- Finish the sketch for the linoleum print project, so you'll have time to cut and hopefully print them by next week.

For next class 9/16/14- If I am still teaching this class, we will open with a demonstration of how to cut linoleum, and later in the class there will be a printing demonstration.  Bring your linoleum, cutting tools, printing ink, and print paper.

9/8/14 2D Design

Today's Class-  Today was the first day of Two Dimensional Design.  I distributed the syllabus and reviewed the contents.  Then the class filled out a survey about their artistic background and interests, which we reviewed as a class, with me using the same form to let them know about my background.  After that, I went over some of the principles of design, things we will be dealing with in class this year.

How to make this up- Everyone was in today, so everyone has it done.

Homework- Nothing this week, except to be prepared for next week's class

For next class 9/15/14-  We will do a portfolio exercise and start a graded project making use of the most basic 2D mark, the point or dot.  For the project you will need a black and white photograph to work from.  The image must be a photo of a real three dimensional object or space, such a person, object, landscape, interior, etc.  You will be doing a drawing based on it, so choose something you feel comfortable working from (if you don't feel confident drawing a face, don't choose a face)  It should not be an artwork in itself.  What works best for this process is a photo that has a wide range of values- lights, mediums, and darks.  Your source photo can be an actual photographic print, or something you find in a book or magazine.  I will bring in a pile of old magazines that have some suitable photos, but I recommend that you bring something in with you, so you have an image you like and don't have to waste a portion of the class looking for something.

In addition to the photo, bring your 18"x 24" pad of drawing paper, pencil, eraser. two ultra fine point black markers, and larger black sharpie type marker.

9/2/14 Printmaking

Today's class- Tonight was the first meeting for this combined printmaking class and so everyone did the same thing.  I used my four rosters to gradually take attendance and distribute the appropriate syllabi for each student.  These were reviewed.  Then I showed slides, historical and contemporary, of prints in the same mediums as those you will be exploring this semester.  I also brought in several print exchange portfolios from my collection, so the class could see numerous examples of contemporary prints from professional printmakers from around the country, including several artists who are in the New York Public Library's print collection.

How to make this up-  If you are not familiar with these artists, take a few minutes to look up print work from Durer, Piranesi, Goya, Masereel, and the German Expressionists.

Homework- Think about ideas for next week.  Beginners will be doing portrait pieces, advanced students will be coming up with plans for the semester.

For next class 9/9/14- Students working on linocut should have a piece of unmounted linoleum, linocut tools, a sketchbook, pencil and eraser.  Black oil relief printing ink and proper print paper will be needed, but probably not until the week after.  The subject will be a portrait (self or someone else) so bring a mirror or photo to work from.  Advanced students are welcome to join the others in working with linoleum, or can bring in a sketchbook and start working on ideas for more complex print projects to be done this semester.

Welcome to the Fall 2014 Semester

This is the blog that I maintain for my classes at Kean University.  To avoid confusion between the various classes I teach, information for my 2D Design class will be written in blue text, while information for my Printmaking classes will appear in maroon text.  Information for both classes will use black text.

Following class each week I will post the details of what happened in that class.  I will included a description of what was discussed, exercises, and projects.  I will include photos of that work in applicable and available.  I will also include a description of any homework assignments, and the due dates.  

The purpose of this site is to help students catch up quickly if they have to miss some class time.  It is not a substitute for coming to class.  If you have to miss a week, this will allow you to quickly learn how make up the work covered.   Even students who never miss a class find it useful- seeing images of previous student examples, or just verifying the date that homework is due.  It is available 24/7 without having to wait for me to reply to your e-mail.  Of course, if you need more information than what is available on the site, you are welcome to e-mail me with questions and I'll get back to you within a day usually, but in my experience, most of what students are looking for will be here.

5/13/14 3D Design

Today's Class- Today was our final meeting of the semester.  Some arrived bright and early, others drifted in over the course of the day.  Some were ready to inflate their final projects, some still had some work to go.  Below are photos of all of today's completed Final Projects:

With the inflatable pieces done, and a few other late arriving projects completed and graded, class came to an end.  Anything not claimed on the class storage shelf was disposed of, the room swept and locked up.

Final semester grades will be calculated and submitted to the university later this week.  They will be available to students whenever it is that the school decides to do that.  

Enjoy the summer.

5/6/14 3D Design

Today's Class- Today was a general work day.  Most students took on the main construction of their inflatable animals.  It was almost like a surgical clinic for clear plastic animals.  Almost everyone finished the main body of the animal and was able to successfully test inflate it.  Some were able to also spend time finishing up some late projects.

How to make this up- Next week is our final meeting, the last chance to have your work graded. Some people are completely caught up, but most of you are missing one or two items.  Here is a list of everything we have done this semester, and the date on the blog where it was introduced:

Portfolio Exercises-

Feb 4  Asymmetrical
Feb 25  Planes  (cars)
Mar 4  Coffee trays
April 15  Canons of proportion
April 22  Figures in room proportion

Individually Graded Projects-

Jan 28  Modules
Feb 11  Relief panels 
Mar 18  Found Objects (plastic)
Mar 25  Book sculpture
April 8  Found Objects (natural
April 29 Final Project- inflatable

The Museum Paper (Useful Links at the top of the column on the right.)

Homework-  Everyone needs to finish their Final Project and bring it to class next week for the final critique.  If there is anything on the above list that you haven't finished yet, get it done for next week. If you have any excuse notes, this is your last chance to bring them in.

For next class 5/13/14- You may use the time to finish your Final Projects, and whenever you are ready to inflate it, they will be graded.  Show up early and you'll be finished early.  No work will be accepted after the end of the class.

4/29/14 3D Design

Today's Class-  Today we began the final project of the semester.  You will be creating a large scale inflatable sculpture with the subject being some kind of living thing.  The first step was to do pencil sketches of potential designs.  The second step was to create a scale model using foam core or bristol board, so you could think about the design of parts to make it.  Construction of the sculpture will begin next week.  

Everyone was there for at least part of the day, so you all should know the assignment.  Above is an example from last semester of some pencil sketches of animals and plants, as well as a 3D model of one of the creatures, a shark.  Below is a photo of the inflatable shark that was eventually made by a group of students.

Use the scale model to determine what kind of pieces of plastic will be required to make the sculpture.  You'll be needing to get some clear plastic drop cloths (available wherever house paint is sold), and they'll be held together with clear plastic sealing tape, sold in home centers and wherever packaging materials are sold.  Use your model to estimate the required square footage of plastic and length of tape needed.  What you make must be at least 8 feet long in one direction, and it must have some kind of articulations- legs, fins, wings, so you're not just making a simple tube.  More details of the assignment and more student examples can be found here.

Homework- This Final Project is due on May 13, 2014, our final day of class.  The sooner that day that you have shown me your inflated sculpture, the sooner you will be done, so try to get there early.

For next class 5/6/14-  This will be a general work day for whatever you need to do, and I imagine most will use it to construct their inflatable sculptures.  However, you may also use the time for anything related to class, such as any back projects that you sill owe, or portfolio exercises that you haven't completed yet, or to work on your museum paper.  Bring with you whatever you need to complete whatever you plan to work on.

Images for Final Project 4/29/14

The Final Project will require creating a large sculpture.  The process will begin with sketches, and then expanding one of the sketches into a small 3D bristol board model.  The subject must be a living thing.

The last part of the project will be to build an inflatable sculpture based on the model, using clear plastic drop cloths and plastic sealing tape.  The final piece should be at least 8 feet in one dimension and must include articulated projections.  You may work in groups of 2 or 3 on one inflatable piece.  You will have the next two weeks to work on it as well and it will be due the last day of class.  Below are examples of pieces made in last semester's class.

4/22/14 3D Design

Today's Class-  We opened today by looking at completed projects, particularly the natural found objects pieces that were due today, but also any back projects that had come in , such as book sculptures or plastic found objects.  The rest of the day was spent working on a portfolio exercise, a sort of a continuation of last week's proportions exercise, this time involving creating an environment for the figures.  I also collected and reviewed museum papers, letting students know what needed to be done in order to complete the assignment.

How to make this up-  We started by looking at slide examples of installation art involving figures, specifically examples from  Edward Keinholz and New Jersey sculptor George Segal, each creating environments for life size figure sculptures.  You need to select some portions of our classroom to reproduce at the same proportions as the first constructed figure, the one that looks like the figure in the original photo from last week.  You need to make one major piece of furniture, such as one of the work tables, or one of the big power tools (table saw, drill press, etc), a cabinet, a portion of the wall with a specific feature (chalk board, doorway)  If you make the work table, include the top, the base, and one of the mounted vice clamps; if not the work table, bring what you make to a similar level of detail.  Also make one small piece of furniture, such as one of the stools.  

The furniture/classroom pieces should be to the same scale, and should be of the same scale as your figure.  You need to decide how tall your figure is.  The tops of our tables are 5' 6" long, a very typical human height, so if you make that your figure's height, you have a handy measuring resource.  Some students used their own bodies, standing next to items and noting where parts lined up with knees, hips, etc.  Construct the pieces using foam core, and when showing it, include your first figure in the created environment.  Above are examples created last semester, a project that required two major pieces of classroom, but you only need one and the stool for today's assignment.

This is a portfolio exercise that must be made up by the last day of the semester to receive full credit.  You may need to wait until next week to gain access to the classroom and select what parts you'll be reproducing.

Homework-  Nothing new, but anyone who still owes a back graded project or the museum paper should get them done as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 4/29/14- We will be starting on the Final Project of the semester, where we'll take something from sketch, to scale model, to large three dimensional sculpture.  For the first stage you'll need a sketchbook (or equivalent paper for drawing), pencil and eraser, bristol board, scissors or knife, and suitable glue.  

4/15/14 3D Design

Today's Class-  Today we talked about the idea that cultures often establish a set of idealized proportions for portraying the figure.  Sometimes it's very rigid, like the 18 fists = 1 body ratio favored by the Ancient Egyptians, or just advocated by influential artists, as in the varying head to figure ratios found in different phases of Classical Greek sculpture.  I also showed a few examples of this in two dimensions, such as the extreme distortions of the late 15th century Mannerist painting and some contemporary advertising.  Then the class worked on a portfolio exercise involving varying proportions of figures, which will be the starting point of something we do in class next week.  We also did the course evaluation forms.

How to make this up-  Start with an image of a full figure.  It can come from art history, but most students just got one from advertisements from a pile of magazines there in the classroom.  Can be male or female, but should be standing and we must see head to toe.  You will construct two figurines based on the chosen image.  For the first one start with a piece of foam core of the same proportions and pose, and then glue pieces of bristol board around it to approximate the assumed 3D proportions of the figure.  Use educated guesses to create parts of the body we don't see directly, such as partially hidden limbs.  It needs to stand on its own, so if it doesn't, you can fix it to base.

Above is an example of a reproduced figure in progress, bristol board adding roundness to the flat core.  When the first one is done, you need to create a second figure based on the same source, but this one with specific parts of the body changed to different extreme proportions.  Below is an example from today, the figure on the right being the original, the one on the left the altered version.  Additional student examples from a previous semester, as well as the specific alterations to make, can be found here.

This is a portfolio exercise and must be made up by the end of the semester to receive full credit, but the original scale figure is needed for next week's assignment, so get that one done by then.

Homework-  No new graded project this week, but the natural found objects assemblage and the museum paper are due next week.  Students who still owe the plastic found object project or the book sculpture should turn them in as soon as possible for partial credit.

For next class 4/22/14- We will continue with an exercise related to proportions.  Bring the first figure from today, sheet of foam core, pencil and eraser, sketchbook or notepad, x-acto knife, and glue.  

4/8/14 3D Design

Today's Class-  Today we began a new graded project involving found object assembly, but unlike the plastic (manufactured) version from a few weeks ago, this time the requirement was all natural materials.  I showed few slides of cave art, including figures and animals carved from stone, wood, bone, antlers, and other materials available to, and workable by, people of that time.  The subjects of these pieces often took forms that resembled the shapes of the materials.

How to make this up-  In class today I provided an assortment of shells collected from my local beach, and dried bamboo from a grove behind my home.  As with the coffee trays, I asked students to take some shells, consider the shapes and what they might resemble, and then come up with an idea of what might be made from them.  Also available were small pieces of wood from the scrap boxes in the room, and some went out foraging for stones, or brought in things from home, such as pine cones, twigs, etc.  Our one nod to the 21st century was to allow hot glue to be used to assemble things.  

Since the most common subjects of the cave period were human figures or animals, your subject must be one of those. They can be whole, a recognizable portion (such as a human hand, an animal's head), or even a mythological creature (human animal hybrid, unicorn, etc).  They don't have to be anatomically accurate, but recognizable to average person.  All materials must be found in nature, and can be used whole or broken up.  Wood can be carved.  At least one of your materials must be something hard (not easily carved or modeled) like stone or shells.  Although not required, paint may be used on the sculptures if you want.  Below are some student examples from a previous semester:

Above, a bull made from classroom wood scraps, shells, and bits of bamboo.  Below, a spider made from acorns and sycamore seed pods.

Additional instructions and student examples of this project can be found here.

Homework- This natural found object graded project is due at the beginning of class on April 22, 2014.

The book sculpture project begun a few weeks ago is due at the beginning of class on April 15, 2014.

The museum assignment is due on April 22, 2014.

For next class 4/15/14- We will return to using foam core and bristol board, with an exercise and project involving proportions.  Bring those items, plus scissors or x-acto knife, glue, and pencil and eraser.

4/1/14 3D Design

Today's Class-  Today was a continuation of last week, continuing work on the book sculptures.  We also devoted some time to critiquing the found object (plastic) assemblage sculptures, which were graded and returned.  We also were given a new water collection system for our ceiling leak.  They haven't stopped the leak itself yet, but they are looking into it.

How to make this up-  The specifics of the assignment and some student examples can be found at last week's blog post.

Homework-  The book sculpture graded project is due at the beginning of class on April 15, 2014.

The museum assignments are due on April 22, 2014 for those who want to get the maximum points available.  Paper will be accepted at dates after that for partial credit.

For next class 4/8/14- We will be starting our second assemblage project, this one using exclusively natural materials- things not created by humans.  I will provide an assortment of sea shells and bamboo pieces to get everyone started, and you'll have to gather whatever else you might need on your own.  Last semester, students continued their pieces using such items as stones, wood, acorns, seed pods, leaves, and pine cones.  You may bring such things with you to class, or add them later when you continue work on the projects on your own time.  Bring hot glue sticks, the one artificial material you will be allowed to use.

3/25/14 3D Design

Today's Class-  Today we started a new project using a new material for the first time. a traditional codex, or a book with a spine with pages bound on one side.  You will be carving the block of pages to create a contained sculpture.  As for the above photo, if you were there you know what that was about.

How to make this up- The rules include that the book must be able to still close and open normally, that all pages must remained partly attached to the original binding, and that no glue can be used.  Besides that there are two options, and I have good student examples of each below:

A) Positive Shape Form-  

For this option you will be carving away what you don't want to create a positive shape or arrangement of positive shapes.  (a scene, for example)  You may use the whole block of pages as your starting point, or create something that extends onto both covers.  In this portrait piece, all the dark shapes shown are shadows created by light in the classroom.


B) Negative Shape Form-

For this option, you would need to think more in terms of negative space.  Divide the whole block of pages into roughly 4 equal sized thicknesses.  You will create shapes that change, alter, disappear, and newly appear between the different sections.  For example, of the shapes that start cutting through the first section, some must continue through to the second section, while some most stop, but new negative shapes must be revealed as viewers continue to move through the book.  Those shapes must remain connected to themselves, a continuous void, but can change dimension from beginning to end.  Above is a view inside the front cover, below we can see how the negative shapes on the right side have started to change from the ones on the left.

This example uses abstract geometric shapes, but if you have an idea for doing this process with a representational scene, that is also acceptable.

This book sculpture graded project will continue in class next week.  Due date will be announced by the end of next week's class.

Homework- Nothing new, but I did review with some students which items that they still need to turn in.  Exercises can be done at any time, but there is a time factor in the graded projects, so those should be completed as soon as possible.  

I also reminded people today that the museum assignments are due on April 22, 2014, about one month from now.  I recommend getting the visit out of the way soon, before all your classes start hitting you with other papers, projects, and tests.

For next class 4/1/14-  We will look at the found object (plastic) sculptures that we started in class last week.  They will be critiqued, graded and returned by the end of the day.  The rest of the class period will be devoted to continuing work on the book sculpture project, so bring back the books you were working on, knives, and anything else you might need.