3/31/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started a new graded project relating to the concept of color temperature. I showed a short selection of slides of historical fine art and we debated whether the overall color balance in each was warm, cool, or balanced. After that students began mixing colors for the project, an example of which from a previous semester is shown above. While this was going on, we printed more wood blocks. At the end of class we finally had a critique of all the woodcut prints.

How to make this up- To see the full instructions and more student examples of the color temperature collage graded project, click here.

Homework- The color temperature project is due at the beginning of class on April 14, 2011, however I strongly recommend that you try to finish it (especially the color mixing part) by next week, as we will start a new graded project next week.

For next class 4/7/11- We will start a new graded project involving specific color combinations. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, acrylic paints, brushes, palette, palette knife, water container, pencil, and eraser. The project will require you to work from a black and white photograph, so either bring one with you, or settle for what you can find in the pile of magazines I bring in.

3/24/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we considered the role that text can play in visual arts, seeing examples from art history of words and letters in two dimensional art. We also looked at examples of advertising through the 20th century, discussing the associations with different styles of text and symbolism in the images. Following the slides, students did two exercises involving text and logos. While that was going on, I helped the students print their completed woodcuts.

How to make this up- The full directions and some student examples can be found here. These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit.

Homework- nothing new, but those who did not print their wood blocks tonight should bring them to class as soon as possible.

For next class 3/31/11- We will start a new graded project involving color. Bring you 18"x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, paints, brushes, palette, palette knife, water container, as well as scissors and glue.

3/10/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started our study of color, which will factor into almost everything we do the rest of this semester. We looked at slides of art from cave painting through comic books, discussing the use and effects of color in each. After that we did a series of portfolio exercises involving basic color theory and mixing.

How to make this up- Students did 3 exercises on one piece of paper; a color wheel, a complementary color mix, and a series of tints and shades of a single hue, as in the example above. Complete directions and further student examples can be found here. If the directions are too confusing, wait and ask me about it next time you come to class. These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester.

Homework- The completed cut wood blocks for our woodcut project are due at the beginning of class on March 24, 2011.

*****Spring Break March 14 to March 20, 2011*****

Student Art Show- There will be a student art show held in the Arts and Community Center from March 21 to April 29, 2011. Students who are interested in participating should see Bobbi Krantz in room A 103 (behind the box office in the theatre wing)

For next class 3/24/11- We will work on a few portfolio exercises involving text as a visual element, and I will assist students in printing their wood blocks. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, markers, and the completed wood block.

3/3/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started a new graded project- a black and white illustration from a literary source using the medium of woodcut. I showed slides of the history of printmaking, including some contemporary printmaking, and examples of student prints from earlier semesters, such as the examples above. I distributed wood blocks to all students and did a demonstration of safe and effective block cutting. The rest of the class time students sketched out their compositions on paper or on the block itself.

How to make this up- The full instructions and additional student examples can be found here. Although this graded project isn't due for a few weeks, I recommend that students continue work on it this week so that I can review progress and advise in class next week.

Homework- The woodcut illustration book project block is due at the beginning of class on March 24, 2011. The blocks will be printed in class that evening.

For next class 3/10/11- We will begin our study of color. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, acrylic paints, brushes, palette knife, palette, pencil and eraser, and some kind of water container. We will be doing portfolio exercises related to color theory.