10/27/10 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started the class by looking at slides of art through history that made use of text as a visual element and/or for its meaning. We also looked at examples of advertising through the 20th century, discussing how text was used (fonts, colors), symbolism, and general visual appeal. Based on that, students did two related portfolio exercises. While that was going on, I helped students individually print their wood blocks.

How to make this up- No one missed class tonight, so everyone should know the assignments- the descriptively drawn words and the business logos. However, if you want a reminder of what we did, the specifics and a few examples can be found here.

Homework- Nothing new, but if anyone still owes any back projects, try to complete them as soon as possible. Those who did not have their block in class tonight should finish them by next week and bring them in.

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

10/20/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we began our study of color, which will factor into almost everything that we do the rest of the semester. We looked at examples of art in color, from cave paintings to comic books, discussing the evolution of color technology and materials, and how artists have used it for different effects. Then the class did some portfolio exercises involving color.

How to make this up- The class completed three exercises involving color theory and color mixing, as in the above example. The full instructions and additional student examples can be found here. Some of the steps are complicated, so if you find it too confusing, wait and discuss it with me in class next week, and devote your time to finishing your woodblock instead. These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit.

Homework- Nothing new, but the woodcut blocks started in class last week are due next Thursday, October 27, 2011, at the beginning of class. If you still owe one of the previous graded assignments, get it done as soon as possible.

For next class 10/27/11- Students will work on a few text related portfolio exercises, while I help everyone print their woodblocks one at a time. Bring your 18" x 24" paper, pencil and eraser, black markers, and the completed woodblock.

10/13/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight the class started a new graded project- a black and white illustration from a literary source, done in the medium of woodcut. I showed slides of the history of printmaking over the past 600 years (relief, etching, lithography, etc), including work from contemporary artists, and student examples of this project from previous years. I distributed wood blocks to all present, and did a demonstration of safe and effective block cutting. Students spent the rest of the evening working out their designs on paper, and in some cases on the wood itself.

How to make this up- I will have wood available next week for anyone who missed tonight. Meanwhile, work on your design for the 8" x 6" piece of wood. Specific of the assignment and additional student examples can be found here.

Homework- The completed wood block graded project is due at the beginning of class on October 27, 2011. At that time I will help everyone print their blocks. I recommend that everyone work on the blocks before next week, in case you want to show me your progress or ask advice or technical questions.

For next class 10/20/11- We will begin our study of color. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, all your acrylic paints, brushes, palette knife, palette, and some kind of water container. We will do some portfolio exercises related to basic color theory.

10/6/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we finished the basic drawing portion of our semester with a try at value drawing. I showed slides of art from Egyptian to contemporary, and we looked at how value has been used by artists to show volume and form, location, and to build space. After that students worked from a set up with their choice of charcoal or conte crayon. At the end of class I discussed what they'll need to prepare for next week.

How to make this up- Specific instructions and additional student examples for this assignment 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 anyone who still owes me the stipple drawing or the line drawing of the plant should try to complete it as soon as possible. The longer the delay in turning it in, the fewer points it will be worth.

For next class 10/13/11- We will start a new graded project, a black and white book illustration in the form of a woodcut print. I will provide the wood next week. Bring paper (a small sketchbook is fine, or your 18" x 24" pad if you prefer), pencil and eraser, and your various black markers. Also bring your x-acto knife in case you are able to start cutting. Before next week you should select the subject for your book illustration. The book can be fiction or non-fiction, novel, short story, or poem. No children's books, picture books, comic books. I suggest you bring the book itself with you for reference if possible.