9/29/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started with a critique of the stipple drawings, which were later graded and returned to the students. Then we completed the second graded project of the semester, a line drawing still life of a plant.

How to make this up- The project calls for doing a drawing from a large leafy plant on a full sheet of your 18" x 24" paper. For full details and additional student examples, click here. This is a graded project and must be made up as soon as possible.

Homework- Nothing new, but if you haven't yet completed your stipple drawing or need to make up tonight's drawing, I advise completing the assignments as soon as possible, as the longer the delay in turning it in, the lower your grade will be.

For next class 10/6/11- We will conclude the basic drawing portion of our semester with a portfolio exercise in value drawing. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, either black conte crayon or charcoal, erasers, and spray fixative.

9/22/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we did some portfolio exercises involving contour line drawing. First we looked at some slides of historical art, seeing how lines were used by artists for various purposes. Then the students did a series of drawing exercises involving shoes.

How to make this up- No one was absent tonight, but if someone misplaces their work before the portfolio grading and needs to redo it, full details and student examples can be found here.

Homework- The stipple drawings that were begun in class last week are due at the beginning of class on September 29, 2011. I will need the original photo in order to grade the drawings.

For next class 9/29/11- After we critique the stipple drawings, the class will do a graded drawing involving line. Bring your 18"x 24" pad, pencils, and eraser, along with the completed homework.

9/15/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we began our study of art with the most basic unit of mark making, the point or dot. We did a portfolio exercise involving making patterns with dots, then started a graded project using dots to simulate photographic values.

Wallpaper exercise

For the wallpaper exercise, students used dots to create repeating patterns. I showed a few examples to everyone to illustrate some concepts about how different combinations of dots have different visual impacts.

Stipple Drawing Project

Most of the class period was spent working on our first graded project of the semester, a stipple drawing, which is a value drawing made of nothing but tiny dots of ink. The drawings were based on photographs, either brought in by the students or from my supply of magazines. For the full details and additional examples of completed projects, click here.

Homework- the completed stipple drawing, along with the original photo, is due at the beginning of class on September 29, 2011.

For next class 9/22/11- We will start our study of line. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencils, and eraser. We will be doing exercises involving contour line drawings of shoes, so you must provide your own. Either bring in an extra shoe or be prepared to remove one from your foot.

9/8/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight was the first class meeting of the semester. The syllabus was distributed and reviewed with the whole class. Then all the students filled out a survey about their past art experiences and interests.

Homework- none

For next class 9/15/11- We will start our study of 2D art with the most basic unit, the point or dot. Bring your 18"x24" pad, pencils, eraser, and ultra fine point and larger black markers. If you have a sketchbook, it might be useful. One project will be based on a black and white photo of your choosing. I will have some magazines to look through, but if you want to save some time, bring one of your own.

Welcome to the Fall 2011 Semester

This is the blog that I have set up for my classes at OCC. Each week I'll post information about what was done during class. The title of each post will have the date and the name of the class. For my 2D Design (ARTS 184-E-01) class, the text will be in blue.

Each week I'll provide a list of what was done, including a detailed description of any art exercises or projects from that class. The description will include photos of student examples of the project, if available and applicable. I will also include due dates for homework, and a list of the materials required for the following class. If there is any other important information, it will also be there. About a month's worth of postings will be seen on the main page, but earlier ones can be accessed through the archives on the right.

The main purpose of this is to provide information to students who miss a class- you can catch up on what you missed faster, maybe even before returning to class. However, the site will be useful to students who never miss a class, but just want a reminder of when something is due, or what is needed for the next week. The information is available to you 24/7, without having to wait for me to reply to an e-mail, though if you still need further explanation, you are welcome to contact me directly and I'll likely get back to you before the day is out.