4/21/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we started by looking at the completed comic strips, which were collected and will be graded and returned next week. Then we looked at slides covering the history of sculpture, from prehistory to the present. After that we looked specifically at the work of Joseph Cornell, whose open front boxes are the inspiration for the final 3D project. Examples of student boxes from previous semesters can be seen above.

How to make this up- For full details about the project and further examples, click here.

Homework- This final graded project is due at the beginning of class on May 5, 2009, the last day of class. The museum paper is due at that time as well, if not turned in sooner. Those who did not turn in the comic strip project yet should turn them in next week. Anyone doing the extra credit assignment must turn it in by 4/28/09 to receive credit.

For next class 4/28/09- Next week is a general work day, where you can work on the Final 3D Box project or any other work from this class. Bring the appropriate materials for what you wish to work on.

The class portfolio is due on the last week of class. As a reminder, here are the portfolio exercises you are expected to turn in at that time-

Contour line (shoes)

Negative space (chair and bottles)

Value drawing (charcoal)

Mosaic Collage (magazine paper)

Color Wheel and complement mix

Abstract paintings (music)

Photography

Collagraph print

4/20/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started by looking at the completed color temperature projects, then began a new graded project that deals with specific limited color palettes, an example of which can be seen above.

How to make this up- All the details, and further examples of the completed projects can be found if you click here.

Homework- This color palettes graded project is due at the beginning of class on May 4, 2009. Those who still owe me back projects, such as wood blocks or the season collage, should get them in as soon as possible. The semester's end is coming soon.

For next class 4/27/09- Next week we begin the final project of the semester. It will involve an adaptation of a painting from the history of fine art. You should bring with you a book with color reproductions of paintings from a favorite artist or period, or a general book about the history of painting. In addition you will need your 18"x24" pad, all your painting supplies, pencil and eraser. The project will also require a piece of matboard, about 20"x30" should be enough, any color.

4/14/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we continued with the comic strip graded project started last week. We also printed the collagraph plates created the week before. I also went over the specifics of the Feldman Method of Art Criticism, which was to be used for the research assignments, and is to be used for the museum assignment. In addition, I gave out an optional extra credit assignment.

Information about the extra credit assignment can be found here.

How to make this up- Those who have not yet printed their collagraph plates should bring them to class next week.

Homework- The graded comic strip projects that we started last week are due at the beginning of class on April 21, 2009. There will be grade penalties for projects not turned in on time.

For next class 4/21/09- Bring your completed comic strip project to class. Also bring paper (can be your 18"x24" pad or a smaller sketchbook/notebook) and pencil. We will discuss the final 3D project.

4/13/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started a new graded project, involving color temperature, examples of which can be seen above. While students were working on this, I helped all the students individually print their woodcut projects. We also critiqued the woodcuts and visited the exhibition at the CAS Gallery.

How to make this up- To see detailed instructions and further examples of the completed project, click here.

Homework- The completed color temperature collage project is due at the beginning of class on April 20, 2009. Those who did not have their wood blocks available to print today should bring it to class as soon as possible.

For next class 4/20/09- We will start a new graded project, dealing with specific color combinations. Bring all the paint materials (paints, brushes, palette, etc), your 18"x24" pad, pencil and eraser. You will also need a black and white photo (should have a nice mix of light, dark, and gray tones) to be the image source for this project. Those who don't bring a photo will have to find something in my usual bag of magazines.

4/07/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we looked at slides of artwork that featured examples of narrative (story telling) and symbolism. Then we started our first graded project, which is also our major 2D project of the semester, an autobiographical comic strip, examples of which can be seen above (click images to enlarge).

How to make this up- Today was just the start of the project. You will also be given time to work on it in class next week (4/14/09) while I help students print the collagraphs started last week. For details as to the specific requirements of the comic strip assignment, and for some supplementary material, click here.

Homework- This comic strip project is due at the beginning of class on April 21, 2009. The collagraph plates started in class the previous week are due in class on April 14, 2009.

For next class 4/14/09- Bring the completed collagraph plate, your 18"x24" pad of paper, pencil, and pastels. We will continue to work on the comic strip projects while students print the collagraphs.

4/6/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we looked at slides of artwork from cave painting to the the present, considering the use of color in each. Then we did some portfolio exercises in color theory and basic mixing.

How to make this up- To learn the specifics behind the day's work, a sample of which can be seen above, click here.

Homework- Nothing new, but the carved wood block for the woodcut project is due at the beginning of class on April 13, 2009. The work done today is a portfolio exercise, so must be made up by the end of the semester.

For next class 4/13/09- Bring your 18"x24" pad, all your painting materials (paint, brushes, palette, palette knife, water container), pencil, scissors, and some kind of glue (white or rubber cement). A smaller sketchbook may also be useful. We will start a new graded color project and print the wood blocks.

3/31/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we looked at slides of the history of printmaking from the Renaissance to contemporary, and began a new print related project. We also took a brief trip to see the new print exhibition (Rauschenberg and Rosenquist) at the CAS Gallery and looked at some of the results of the photo assignment.

How to make this up- You need to make the printing plate that will allow you to make images like the above student examples. Details as to how to create a collagraph plate can be found if you click here.

Homework- The completed plate is due at the beginning of class on April 14, 2009. At that time I'll provide ink and help students print the plates. Any students who still haven't brought in their photos or research assignment should bring them in next week.

For next class 4/7/09- We will be beginning our first graded art project of the semester. Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencil and eraser, and pastels.

3/30/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started the woodcut project discussed in class last week. I handed out pieces of wood to all the students. Everyone came up with designs on paper, drew them onto the wood, and began cutting. I also did a demonstration of proper and safe cutting techniques.

How to make this up- More examples of previous student woodcuts and details about the assignment can be found if you click here.

Homework- The completed cut block for this woodcut illustration project is due at the beginning of class on April 13, 2009. At that time we will print them in class.

For next class 4/6/09- Next week we start our study of color. Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencil and eraser, and all your painting related materials- acrylic paints, brushes, palette, palette knife, and some kind of water container.

3/24/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we looked at slides with the idea of rhythm and movement as elements of art. We also reviewed the research assignments, which were graded and returned. For the art project, we did a class exercise involving listening to different kinds of music and creating abstract paintings that reflect the feeling of the music. At the end of class we looked at one from each student and tried to guess which piece of music inspired it.

How to make this up- Details as to process and kinds of music and other examples of student abstract paintings can be found here. As a portfolio exercise, this should be completed by the end of the semester.

Homework- If you haven't yet finished and turned in your research assignment, you should get it done as soon as possible to get partial credit. The photography assignment is due next week.

Next class 3/31/09- We will start a printmaking project involving collograph. Bring a variety of materials that can be cut up and/or glued down. These things can be natural or artificial, and should be relatively flat. Also bring scissors and glue. In addition, bring your printed photos for the photography assignment.

3/23/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we did a final charcoal drawing, this time as a graded project. After that we looked at slides of printmaking in preparation for next week's woodcut project.

How to make this up- Put a box on a table and drape it with a white or light colored cloth. On and around it place the following:

1) a shoe
2) a bottle
3) a piece of sports equipment (such as a ball, baseball mitt, etc)
4) any white colored object of similar size to the other items

Light the set up with a direct light to create strong light and shadow. Draw the set-up on your 18"x24" paper, using either vine or compressed charcoal, whichever you prefer. Pay attention to matching the values of the objects, as well as the proportions of individual objects and the relative scale of items in the still life. Bring the completed drawing to class as soon as possible.

Homework- Next week we will be starting a graded woodcut project that will take the form of a book illustration. You need to choose the book. It can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc. No kids books, comics, fairy tales, nursery rhymes, or anything fully illustrated. The illustration can be a specific scene or something that captures the general spirit of the book. You don't need to come up with the idea before next week, but you can give it some thought if you want.

For next class 3/30/09- Bring the book that you will do the illustration for, paper (can be your big pad or a smaller sketchbook), pencil and eraser, markers, and your x-acto knife. I'll provide the wood for the block.

Printmaking Exhibition

For anyone who may be interested, I have several artworks in a current show in Union County. The exhibition is a curated show of relief printmaking (woodcuts, linocuts, etc) at the Arts Guild of Rahway. For more information about the show and the gallery, go to the gallery website.

This exhibition does not count for your museum visit requirement, and going to it will not get you extra credit. Just announcing it for anyone curious about the art.

3/10/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at the history of photography, seeing examples ranging from the experiments of the 1820's through the present. A photo assignment was distributed and reviewed. We also visited the student arts show currently on display in the gallery down the hall, and took a tour of the building to visit the art studio classrooms and learn what goes on in them.

Homework- The photo assignment handed out today is due at the beginning of class on March 31, 2009. The specifics of the assignment can be found here.

Those who have not yet turned in their research assignment should bring it in next class. Points will be deducted for each week it's late.

SPRING BREAK MARCH 16 TO MARCH 21 NO CLASSES

Next class 3/24/09- We will be using the paints again. Bring your 18"x24" pad, watercolors, brushes, water container and palette.

3/9/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started by looking at slides of art from Ancient Greece through the present, discussing how value (light and dark) was used to show form, volume, location, space, and time. We then did two portfolio exercises involving charcoal. We also visited the Student Art Show in the Howe Gallery on the 1st floor.

How to make this up- We did two drawings from a still life set up, one with vine charcoal and one with compressed charcoal. Details as to how to make up these exercises can be found here.

Homework- None, unless you still owe me one of the back projects- dots or line drawing still life.

SPRING BREAK MARCH 15TH TO 21ST NO CLASS NEXT WEEK

For next class 3/23/09- We will do one more charcoal drawing, this time as a graded project. Bring your 18"x24" pad, charcoal of preference (vine or compressed), kneaded eraser, and spray fixative.

3/3/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we started our study of color. We looked at slides, covering art from prehistoric to the present, talking about how color was used. Our exercise was creating a color wheel, mixing all the colors from the 3 primaries, and doing a complement pair mix. Above is an example of the project.

How to make this up- It's too much to explain here, so I will have a handout to give to anyone who missed class this week. This is a portfolio exercise, so should be made up by the end of the semester.

Homework- The research assignments are due at the beginning of class on March 10, 2009. If you haven't yet cleared your artists/artworks/book with me, you may want to contact me by e-mail and do so soon. If you don't check with me first, the responsibility for choosing appropriate artists and artworks falls completely on you.

For next class 3/10/09- Next week we will be discussing photography. Because the photo assignment will be done completely on your own time, we will use the rest of the class to do other things. Therefore, you do not need to bring any of your art materials next week.

3/2/09 2D Design

By now you should all know that the university is closed for the entire day, cancelling our class. Next week we will do what we would have done this week, so bring the same materials- 18"x24" pad, vine and compressed charcoal, kneaded eraser. Spray fixative is recommended.

2/24/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we looked at examples of monumental art, which I defined as two dimensional art that is designed on a large scale and can cover walls, floors, and ceilings. Most of these were frescos and mosaics. We also looked at a short video showing the process of painting a modern mural. Today's art project was a mosaic style collage inspired by a magazine photo and made of other magazine paper, an example of which can be seen above. Details as to how to complete this assignment, and further student examples, can be found here.

Homework- Those who have not yet provided me with their list of artists and artworks for their research paper should get them to me as soon as possible, either by e-mail or in class next week. The paper itself is due in 2 weeks, at the beginning of class on March 10, 2009.

For next class 3/3/09- We will be beginning our study of color. Bring all the materials related to painting- watercolor paints, brushes, mixing palette, water container, as well as your 18"x24" pad, pencil, and eraser.

2/23/09 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we began by critiquing the dot drawings. Then we finished our study of line with a graded project- a contour line still life with a variety of objects.

How to make this up- Those who missed class today need to make this project up as soon as possible. The specifics of the assignment can be found here.

Homework- Nothing new, but those who have not yet turned in the dot drawing or today's line drawing should turn them in next week.

For next class 3/2/09- We will begin our study of value drawing. Bring your 18"x24" pad, both vine and compressed charcoal, and kneaded eraser. Spray fixative is recommended as well.

2/17/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we looked at slides with examples of art from antiquity through the present, with a focus on value, the use of light and dark to create the illusion of volume and space. Then we did a charcoal value drawing based on a still life set up.

How to make this up- To learn what you need to do to make up this exercise, click here. This is a portfolio exercise, so it must be completed by the end of the semester.

Homework- The list of artists and artworks for your research assignment should be brought to class next week, along with a book that you'll use as part of the research.

For next class 2/24/09- Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencil, eraser, scissors, and glue, and some old magazines that you don't mind cutting up, if you have some you can bring in.

2/10/09 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Tonight we reviewed the museum assignment, then the research assignment. After that we did two exercises that make use of negative space. To learn how to make up tonight's drawing exercises, click here. To learn the specifics fo the museum assignment, click here.

Research Assignment- Students drew numbers for a hat for draft positions, and picked from the list of topics. Those who missed class need to choose their topics. This can be done by e-mail or in class next week. The following topics are still available:
Northern Renaissance
Dutch Baroque
18th Century Portraiture
Neoclassical Art and Architecture
Academic Art (19th century)
American Realism of the 20th Century
Political Art
German Expressionism
Dada
New Objectivity (Germany, 1920's)

If you wish to pick one by e-mail, send me your two top choices. The first person to contact me gets his first choice. The second person gets first pick of whatever remains. The assignment is to choose 3 prominent artists from your assigned period in western art, and analyze one artwork by each, in addition to answering some general questions about the particular art movement. The specifics of the assignment are available on a handout that you can get at the next class.

List of 3 artists and artworks is due on February 24. Research Assignment is due on March 10.

For next class 2/17/09- Bring your 18"x24" drawing pad, drawing charcoal, and kneaded eraser. We will begin our study of value.

2/9/09 2D Design

Today's class - Today we started our study of line. We looked at slides showing the use of line through the history of art. After that, we did some exercises in contour line drawing involving shoes. We had a lunch break, then did some exercises involving negative space.

How to make this up- Details about the contour line exercise can be found here. Details about the negative space exercises can be found here. These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester, though to get the most benefit from the exercises, they should be done now rather than later.

Homework- The dot (stipple) drawing begun in class last week is due at our next class meeting on February 23, 2009.

Reminder- School is closed for President's Day on Feb 16th. No class.

For next class 2/23/09- Bring your completed dot drawing and the original photo. These will be critiqued. Also bring your 18"x24" drawing pad, pencil, and eraser. We will do a graded project involving line.