4/30/12 2D Design

 Roots

Kerry James Marshall

 Painted Dreams

Vincent Van Gogh

Today's Class- Today we looked at some of the limited palette graded projects, then started on the Final Project of the semester- a reworking of the art of a specific artist, creating a new composition that borrows the format of a board game.

How to make this up- Everyone was in today, so you should all know the project, but here's the basics if you need a reminder.  Choose a recognized fine artist (found in major museum collections and art history textbooks) whose work is representational (not abstract), two dimensional, and in full color.  You will select elements from two or more artworks from this artist and arrange them into a new composition.  That can include figures, landscape, interiors, objects, and backgrounds.  Because this is a game, there must be a theme at least partly related to the artwork, a title, and some kind of game path. The game will be created using a piece of mat board, somewhere between 16" x 20" and 18" x 24", using your acrylic paints.  Above and below are examples from previous semesters, with the game title and artist beneath each.  The example I made, and the details behind how I designed it, can be found here.

 Magritte the Game

Rene Magritte

The Greek Grape Faze

Ancient Greek Pottery

Homework- This board game graded project is due at the beginning of class on May 14, 2012, which is also the final day of the semester.  No work will be accepted after that day.

Some students still owe some back projects (wood cut blocks, season temperature collages, limited palette studies), which can be turned in for partial credit.

Museum papers are also due by the last day of class, two weeks from today.

Spring 2012 Portfolio Exercises 

This is the list of all exercises that are part of the semester portfolio, which will be graded on the last day of class.  If you came to class every day, you probably have it all done.  If not, the list below, along with the dates they can be found on this blog, should help you fill in the gaps:

1/30/12  Wallpaper dots

2/6/12  Contour Lines  (shoes, chair, bottles)

2/27/12  Value (charcoal exercises)

3/26/12  Color Wheel and Mixing exercises

4/2/12  Text and Logo

4/23/12  Color Still Life painting

For next class 5/7/12- This will be a general work day for the class.  Many will use it to work on the final project, but you may use the time and space to do anything related to the class.  That can be one of the back projects, a portfolio exercise, or even the museum paper.  Bring whatever you need to work on whatever you plan to do in class.

Intro to Art- 3D Final Project

How to make this up- The 3D projects will have a specific theme.  The themes for each student's project were chosen randomly during class.  Each student pulled words from two bags, which were put together to create a random phrase.  The student can interpret the resulting phrase in any way that makes sense to them.  In the examples below from previous semesters, the chosen theme is shown beneath each piece.  Those who missed class today should either e-mail me and have me pick their phrase for them, or can wait until next week and choose it for themselves.  Once you have your phrase, you have two options for making the sculptural piece:

A) Open Front Box Sculpture- An open front box sculpture is a standing object meant to be seen from the front only, as if intended to be hung on a wall.  Because it's a box, it has a background, top, bottom, and sides, which can be decorated with painted or collaged materials, or have 3D elements attached.  Within the box there needs to be 3 dimensional objects, which can be found objects (things created by others for different purposes) or things you make yourself out of such materials as cardboard, clay, paper mache, fabric, natural materials, or anything else you can think of.  (craft stores may have many other options)  The box must be a minimum of 12" tall and 12" wide, and 3" deep, but can be a little larger.  The piece at the top was made out of wood, but cardboard is acceptable if you don't have access to wood or the tools to build with it.  If you can't find an existing box that meets the size requirements, you can make one by recutting existing cardboard or combining two boxes, which I can help you with in class next week.

Impasse Changed

Plowing Through The Nation

B) Freestanding Sculpture-  A freestanding sculpture sits on a pedestal or table top and can be seen from all sides.  The sculpture must be at least 12" tall, and may include an attached base if you want.  As with the box sculptures, you can include readymade found objects, but at least some of it should have elements you make yourself.  Below are three examples from previous semesters.

 Troubled Uprising

Fallen Merchant

Planet Gone Wild

2D Design Color Still Life Exercise

Having used paint and color in theoretical ways for the past few weeks, today we used them for a more traditional purpose- a color still life painting. After showing several slides of still life paintings from the Renaissance to the present, and discussing the purpose of still life paintings for artists and viewers then and now, I set up a still life and had the class paint it.

How to make this up- Set up a colorful still life. Put a small/medium box on a table in a well lit room and drape with a multicolored cloth. Arrange 4 solidly colored objects (each a different color from the others and the cloth) on and around the box. Produce a full color painting of the still life, paying attention to shapes, proportions, spacing, perspective, and value, but this time also trying to match colors as closely as possible. You may sketch it first with pencil or paint the set up directly with your brush. Spend about 4 hours on it. Student examples from previous semesters can be seen above and below.

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

4/20/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today we looked at completed comic strip projects from all those students who had brought them in. They were collected and will be returned graded next week. We then looked at slides of the history of architecture from pre-history to the 20th century. After the break, we did an exercise in perspective drawing.

How to make this up- The exercise was to draw a corner of our classroom in two point perspective, an example of which is above. Converting three dimensional reality to a two dimensional drawing always involves a certain amount of distortion of the subject, but a perspective system creates a regulated system of distortions that works well for highly geometric subjects like architecture. A diagram of how two point perspective works, and the specifics of the exercise, can be seen here. The procedure is complex, and if you have no experience with it, you may want to wait until next week and I'll review it with those who missed class today. The exercise needs to be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit.

Homework- Those who haven't yet turned in their comic strip project should finish it as soon as possible- it's a graded project and the longer it takes to arrive, the lower the grade will be.

The museum papers are due on the last day of class, three weeks from today. If you haven't yet made your museum visit, you should get to it soon.

For next class 4/27/12- We will start our final project of the semester, which will be a three dimensional artwork. Next week will be spent developing the idea. Bring some paper for notes and sketches (your 18" x 24" pad or a notebook), pencil and eraser.

4/16/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we started a new graded project dealing with the idea of specific limited color palettes. While artists have traditionally painted realistic scenes by approximating the colors of nature, sometimes artists will purposely choose alternate approaches to color. We looked at a few dozen slides with examples of some of the common variations of limited palettes, then the class spent the day reproducing their chosen photos with different color schemes, as in the student examples above and below.

How to make this up- You will need a black and white photograph of a real scene (person, landscape, interior, still life, etc) and a wide range of value. Divide a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper into 4 equal sized boxes and use pencil to sketch the basic composition of your photo in all four boxes. You will then use your acrylic paints to reproduce all the values in the original photo, but using some specific color schemes. Additional student examples and all the instructions and requirements can be seen here.

Homework- This graded limited color palettes project is due at the beginning of class on April 30, 2012. Those who still owe back projects (wood blocks, color season collages) should get them done as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 4/23/12- We will use our painting experience to explore a more traditional use of paint, a color still life portfolio exercise. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and all your painting materials.

4/13/12 Intro to Art

Today's Class- Today the class continued work on the comic strip autobiographical narrative projects that were begun during our last class meeting. While that was going on, I printed all the collagraph plates that had been made a few weeks ago. Above and below are examples of plates and resulting prints from previous semesters.

How to make this up- If you have a plate and it needs to be printed, bring it to class as soon as possible. I'll collect it, print it at home, and return it the following week. Once printed, it is your option to keep the plate or dispose of it, but the printed image on paper must be kept as part of your semester portfolio. (many students tape it to a blank page in the pad to keep it from getting lost) You also have the option to add color to the dry print, with either your watercolors (as in the above example) or with light pastels, so that the ink and textures show through. It won't affect your grade in any way, but if your subject is not clear from the print, color can help define the shapes and make it a better work of art.

Homework- The comic strip autobiography projects are due at the beginning of class on April 20, 2012. All the details are available on the post for our last class meeting.

Keep in mind that the museum papers are due on the last day of class, four weeks from now, though they can be turned in sooner. If you haven't yet made your museum visit, you should do it soon, before you get hit with all the end of the semester work from your other classes.

For next class 4/20/12- Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and a ruler or at least a straight edge of some kind. We will do a project related to architecture, as well as looking at the comic strips.

4/9/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we returned to color, starting a graded project related to the idea of color temperature. I showed a dozen or so art historical slides, and the class discussed whether the overall perceived temperature of each painting was warm, cool, or balance. Then the class was set loose on the project shown above, a pair of color collages that represent two seasons of the year.

How to make this up- For the first time since January, the entire class was present, so everyone should know the details already. You need to mix 200 colors using your acrylic paints, which will be arranged in two 10" square boxes by temperature. Within each square, no two colors can be alike. Each square will represent a season of your choice- summer (all warm), winter (all cool), spring and autumn (mix of warm and cool) Colors will be cut to 1" squares and arranged in the large boxes. Additional examples and full details for the project can be found here.

Homework- This color temperature graded project is due at the beginning of class on April 16, 2012. Those who have not yet finished cutting their wood blocks should try to finish them as soon as possible for partial credit.

For next class 4/16/12- We will look at the resulting color temperature projects and start a new graded project involving limited color palettes. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, all your painting related materials, and pencil and eraser. You will need a black and white photo for this project (actual scene/place/person), so either bring your own or go through my pile of old magazines to find something.

4/2/12 2D Design

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

How to make this up-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3/30/12 Intro to Art

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

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

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

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

********April 6, 2012 Good Friday Holiday**********

***********No class meeting next week*************

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

3/26/12 2D Design

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

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

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

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

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

3/16/12 Intro to Art

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

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

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

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

********Spring Break March 19th to March 25th*********

**************No Class Meeting Next Week**************

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

3/12/12 2D Design

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

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

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

*****Spring Break March 19 to March 25*****

********No class meeting next week*********

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

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

3/9/12 Intro to Art

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

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

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

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

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

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

3/5/12 2D Design

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

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

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

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

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

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

3/2/12 Intro to Art

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

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

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

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

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

2/27/12 2D Design

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

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

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

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

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

2/24/12 Intro to Art

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

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

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

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

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

2/17/12 Intro to Art

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

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

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

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

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

2/13/12 2D Design

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

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

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

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

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

2/10/12 Intro to Art

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

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

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

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