Today's Class- Today the class took a brief detour into printmaking, trying the process known as monotype or mono print. Of all printmaking processes, it is the one with most in common with drawing. Images are created on nonporous surfaces, such as glass, plexiglass, or flat metal, using mediums that won't dry right away, such as oil paint or oil based ink. A common approach is to fill the whole plate with a layer of ink and then wipe it away, as in the reductive vine charcoal drawings we did several weeks ago. It is also possible to paint the images with a brush. The wet ink can be modified by wiping it away or adding more any time up to where it's printed. I provided mat cards and cotton swabs, plus vegetable oil to aid in this process. To complete the print, a piece of paper is place on top of the inked surface, and light hand pressure (perhaps supplemented with a wooden spoon) will transfer the image to the paper. Below are some examples from previous semesters.
Today we used black oil paint, since most of our drawing is value drawing using charcoal, india ink, and other black mediums, but as shown in the above example, any color(s) can be used. Color can also be added on top of the dry print with watercolor, pastels, etc.
We also had a quick critique of last week's ink wash final drawings, which were returned graded today.
How to make this up- This is a portfolio exercise and can be made up any time before the end of the semester for full credit. If you are unfamiliar with the process, you may want to wait until you talk to me before trying it on your own.
Homework- As a rule, the sketchbook homework relates to work done in class each week, and while there's nothing about the monotype process that can't be done at home, it can be quite messy, so I'm going to give you a week off from homework. Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday, and maybe use the time to catch up on any missed homework.
***No class on November 25, 2016***
For next class 12/2/16- We try our last new medium of the semester- conte crayon. They are squarish sticks, with a clay base and typically come in black and earth colors. I had put black and sanguine (blood color) on your list, and both types should be available at the college bookstore or any decent art supply store. Bring both colors of crayon, your large 18"x24" pad, and eraser. Blending tools (such as the white paper "stumps") aren't necessary, but may prove useful.
Today's Class- Today we started a new multi-part graded project, involving two new (for our class) mediums. Students were asked to create a small figure out of modeling clay, using a magazine photo of their choosing as a guide. Below is an example in progress from today's class. The clay is not planned to be fired, but just to serve as 3D sketch.
While this was going on I was mixing plaster and pouring it into molds brought in by each student. Nothing fancy, just making blocks, but at our next meeting students will carve their blocks using various tools.
At the end of class the plaster block molds were moved to the shelves in the back of the room, most in the back right corner.
How to make this up- A rare day- everyone was present, and everyone is caught up with this first part.
Homework- The next phase of this project will involve creating a scale model figure based installation style piece. Installation sculpture is art that is not just a single piece, but the whole area around it is accounted for in the artistic vision. Excellent examples from back in the 1960's include work by Edward Kienholz and New Jersey resident George Segal. If you are not familiar, take a few minutes to look them up. You need to look at your figure and come up with an interesting environment to contain it. You may use any materials you like to surround the carved plaster figure. This is based on a similar project my 3D class at Kean used to do, though there the figures were made from bristol board. Below are some student examples of the project:
The installation space will be defined by base of the piece, and that whole area should be activated. Backdrops are permitted a may prove useful to your theme. Other than your plaster figure, the rest of the piece can be made from any material you want, as shown in the above student examples. You may use paint if you like. You need not construct anything yet, as the plaster figure haven't even been started yet. Just start thinking about it and what you might do.
The completed book sculptures are due at the beginning of class on December 2, 2016.
Only four more meetings after Thanksgiving. If you owe any back projects, better get them soon.
***No Class on November 25th for the Holiday***
For next class 12/2/16- We should have some tools in the classroom that can be used to carve the plaster, but any tools that can be used to carve wood, clay, or stone can also carve plaster, so feel free to bring any you have. We will open by looking at the completed books, then spend the day working on the plaster figures. If you have the materials for your installation piece you can start on it, but it won't be due that day.
Today's Class- Today the class completed the third individually graded drawing, the final ink wash drawing. The charcoal drawings were returned graded.
How to make this up-
The subject today was a potted plant hanging within a wooden tripod easel. For this you may substitute any potted plant (real or artificial) resting on the seat of a wooden chair. Have it fully lit- this is more about local value than light and shadow. Draw it at 100% scale (the size of the leaf on the paper should be about the size of a leaf on the plant) using ink wash. You may sketch it in pencil first, or just go directly to the brush and ink on paper. I provided pieces of heavyweight drawing paper, more suitable for water based mediums, so either go to an art supply store and buy some, or you may make use of the 18" x 24" paper in your pad. Paper may be vertical or horizontal. Below are some student examples from today's class.
Homework- Find 3 leaves, one each from three different species of trees. Can still be green, brown and dead, or anywhere in between. Lay them down on a table and draw on a page in your sketchbook, paying attention to size, shape, and value, using pencil contour lines and ink wash. Then rearrange the set and do a second drawing. Total of two pages.
For next class 11/18/16- You will be trying a new process- monotype printing. It is a type of printmaking that most relates to drawing, as there is no fixed block or plate to make the image. You will need a small tube of black oil paint, and a non-porous surface to act as a printing plate. Glass is the most traditional (the glass from an 8" x 10" dollar store frame can work well), but plexiglass and metal can also work- anything that can't absorb water. The drawings will be completed on the plate before being printed on paper. I'll provide tools and solvents (non-toxic cooking oil), but you'll need paper- pieces from your large pad will be fine.
Today's Class- Work continued today on the book carving project started last week, and those present made good progress on their pieces. We looked at the plastics projects that were due today, some examples of which can be seen below-
Some preparations were done toward the next project, which will involve modeling clay and carving plaster. Creation of a plaster block was demonstrated and students learned that curing plaster generates noticeable heat. No one was burned.
How to make this up- See last week's post for information about the book project.
Homework- Just as I gave more in-class time for the book project, I am giving more homework time for students to finish what they've dreamed up. Cutting paper takes a lot of time. Because there is a holiday the week after next, I extended the deadline for the book project to the beginning of class on December 2, 2016.
For next class 11/18/16- We will begin our next graded project, which will involve making something with modeling clay, then reworking it as a carved plaster sculpture. There is clay in the ceramic studio that we can use, and the department has provided us with plaster, but for what I have in mind, we need to cast blocks, which will be started in class next week. Therefore you will need something to act as a mold for the wet plaster. In my demonstration I used a carton that once contained orange juice- which could handle the liquid plaster and support it until the block dried, which took about half an hour. If you don't have one of those, a similar size box lined with plastic will suffice.
Today's Class- Today we moved on to the second value drawing medium of the semester, ink wash. This involves using liquid black drawing ink (such as india ink), diluting it with water, and applying it to paper using a brush. Varying layers of wash produces different overall values. I showed a completed demonstration piece, then set up still life materials (all white objects to keep it simple) and had the class do two portfolio exercise drawings. We also had a quick critique of last week's charcoal drawings.
How to make this up-
The demonstrated ink wash piece from today, showing how things typically look in stages.
Today's in class still life involved a wood easel, white sheets, and some of my white painted vessels that we've been drawing the past few weeks.
The class did two such drawings. Hang a white or light colored sheet from something tall, so that its end rests on a lower surface. Put two white or light colored objects on top of the part of the lower part of the sheet. Light it so that patterns of light and shadow are created. Use a pencil to lightly sketch the set up on a sheet of you 18" x 24" paper. Add a few drops of ink to a cup of water, then test the resulting mix on a spare piece of paper. Use the ink wash to add value to the parts of the drawing that match that value. When all that is done and the drawing is dry, add a few more drops of ink to the water, test again, then add it to the appropriate parts of the drawing. Continue the process until the values in the whole drawing match what you see in the still life, or until you've worked at it for about 90 minutes. When one is complete, change your position, find a new object to place at the base of the sheet, and draw a second time.
Homework- Similar set up as done in class- drape a white or light colored sheet over something tall, or hang from a wall so that the end rests on a flat surface, and place a white or light colored object on top of the flat end of the sheet. Draw on a page in your sketchbook, using pencil for contours, then using ink wash to match the value. Then find a second object to replace the first and draw a second time. Total of 2 drawings.
For next class 11/11/16- We continue with ink, this time doing an individually graded drawing. Bring your container of ink, brushes, pencil and eraser, and a cup for water. I plan to bring heavyweight drawing paper for students to try, but it wouldn't hurt to have your large pad with you just in case.
Today's Class- The class started a new graded project today- sculpting a book. A standard codex (hard covered book with a spine) is a three dimensional object, generally made from products derived from trees, which means we can make a sculpture from it. I posted images of student projects from previous semesters and discussed the specific requirements for this project, then the class got started.
How to make this up-
There are two main categories, and everyone must choose one of them to try.
A. Single View scene-
In this option, the book is opened to a single point to reveal a three dimensional rendition. It can be an object, or a scene. Below are a few student examples from past semesters.
B. Changing View-
Different portions of the pages are carved, creating a sculpture that evolves as the viewer turns the pages. This style takes advantage of changes in positive and negative space, and sets up relationships between both. Below are four photos of one such book, and then two photos from a second such book. These examples are both fairly rectilinear (almost like walking through architecture), but it can work with more organic shapes as well.
The following rules apply to both styles of book sculpture:
1) The book must be able to open and close at all times, as it originally did.
2) You may not paint or draw on any of the pages, though you can take advantage of any color or images printed on the pages by the publisher. Any dark things you see on these pages are shadows created by carving the book.
3) All pages must remain attached to the book by their original binding. You may use glue to repair a torn page, but not to build sculptural elements.
4) No required subject- images can be representative or abstract.
5) There should be at least 4 distinct layers of elements to establish depth of space.
Homework- Although this project seems simple, it takes a long time to do this process, so we will be continuing this in class next week as well. After I see how far you get in class next week I'll decide when the piece will be due. Make sure to have sharp replacement blades for your knife.
The plastics project (repurposed manufactured items) is due at the beginning of class on November 11, 2016. Any other past projects that you still owe should be completed and submitted as soon as possible to receive partial credit.
For next class 11/11/16- The book project continues. Bring a book, x-acto knife and spare blades, and any other items that you might find useful. Bring the plastics project for critique and grading.
