4/19/12- Basic Drawing

Today's Class- Today we went back to value drawing, but with a new medium- conte crayon. These crayons are harder than charcoal, and can make clean hard edges that don't easily smear, but can still be blended to create gradual value changes. They come in a variety of colors, but we tried black and a reddish color, as in the examples above.

How to make this up- You'll need to set up a still life with a variety of white and colored objects, and light it with direct light to create shadow patterns. First do a value drawing with the black crayon, which will look similar to a compressed charcoal drawing. Then you need to do a drawing with just the red crayon. The values won't be quite as dark, but still keep relative values in mind. Blending stumps (tortillions) work best for blending, though a bit of paper towel will do- fingers don't have the abrasive quality to do the job. Pencil erasers work better for erasing than kneaded erasers. The full instructions for the portfolio exercises can be found here.

Homework- Gather some silverware- a fork, knife and spoon. Arrange on a table in front of you so that none of them are parallel to each other. Light with direct lighting to create patterns of light (reflections) and shadow. Draw the still life on a page in your sketchbook using your black conte crayon, including any shadows cast on the table surface, paying attention to shape, proportions, perspective and value. Draw the same set up again using the red crayon. Rearrange the three utensils, but still with none parallel to each other, and draw two more times, once black and once red. Total of 4 drawings.

For next class 4/26/12- We will continue using conte crayons, but this time using the red and black together to try a variation of chiaroscuro drawing. Bring both crayons, erasers and blending tools, and your 18" x 24" pad.

4/12/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started a new graded project involving a themed mixed media collage. We looked at examples of mixed media collage through the 20th century, as well as examples of this project from previous semesters. Then students were randomly assigned their collage subjects and began work on them. We also looked at the completed color temperature collages to see if we could guess what seasons were represented.

How to make this up- The starting point is a randomly generated phrase, created by picking words out of paper bags (one containing nouns, the other modifying words and phrases). You may either e-mail me and have me pick the words for you, or wait and do it yourself in class next week. The examples on this post include "City of Zoo" above and "Everything Turns to Thinking" below. Full directions and requirements, as well as several additional examples of completed projects, can be found here.

Homework- This mixed media collage graded project is due at the beginning of class on April 26, 2012. The limited palettes graded project started last week is due at the beginning of class on April 19, 2012. Anyone who still hasn't turned in their wood block to be printed or the season collage should do so as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 4/19/12- We will explore a more traditional function of paint by doing a color still life painting. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, all your paints, brushes, palette, etc, and pencil and eraser. I'll provide the still life subjects.

Basic Drawing- Monotype Exercise

How to make this up- The process involves using oil based paint or printing ink on a smooth non-pourous surface. Students in class used glass, plexiglass, or zinc. Something from 5" x 7" to 8" x 10" works best.  The paint was spread out in a smooth thin layer over the whole surface, and then wiped away with a variety of tools, similarly to when we did value reduction drawings with vine charcoal. In this case, paint was removed and manipulated with such tools as Q-tips, mat cards, paint brushes, and paper towels, with a little vegetable oil used to loosen the ink if needed. To print the image, a piece of paper (at least a little larger than the plate) was carefully placed on top and the back of the paper lightly rubbed to transfer the painted design to the paper. I set up a simple group of still life objects (shown above) to provide something to work from. Students did at least two prints using the still life as inspiration, then had the option of creating something from their imaginations. Below are some examples of student prints.

This is a portfolio exercise that should be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit. To do this at home, choose three simple objects and light to create light and shadow patterns. Then do the following-

1) print with drawing of one object

2) print with drawings of two objects together

3) print with one more added object, or rearranging the two objects from the 2nd print. 

4) print with something from your imagination.

Let them dry, then tape them to a page in your big pad.

If you are unclear as to procedure, wait to ask me about it in class next week.

4/5/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started a new graded project, working with the idea of specific limited palettes. I showed a few dozen slides of historical art, demonstrating examples of monochromatic, complementary, split complementary, analogous, and triad palettes. Then students began the project, adapting the composition and value structure of a black and white photo to 4 such color schemes.

How to make this up- Use pencil to divide a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper into 4 equal sized boxes. Then choose a black and white photo of an actual thing or scene, and with a wide range of values, and sketch the basic composition in all four boxes. The composition can be in either a vertical or horizontal format, as in the above student examples. Then use your paints to convert the values from the photo into the required color combinations. All the specifics of the color palettes, along with additional examples, can be found here.

Homework- This limited palettes graded project is due at the beginning of class on April 19, 2012. The color temperature graded project begun last week is due at the beginning of class on April 12, 2012. Those who still haven't turned in their woodblock to be printed should bring them as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 4/12/12- We will begin a new graded project involving mixed media collage. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, markers, all your paint related materials, scissors and glue. If you have any old magazines that you wish to make available for the collage, bring them in. Also bring the completed color temperature project.

4/5/12 Basic Drawing

Today's Class- Today the class continued working with ink wash, completing the third graded project of the semester. The drawings were collected, and will be graded and returned next week.

How to make this up- The assignment involved using ink wash to draw the set up, a plant hanging within a wooden tripod. The room was lit normally (all lights on), so the value studies were based on local colors as well as whatever shadows could be found in the set up. Examples from previous examples can be seen above and below. Additional examples, and the full directions on how to make this up, can be found here.

Homework- The subject will be flowers. This can be an arrangement of cut flowers, artificial or dried flowers, or a living flowering plant. There should be a minimum of three flowers in the set up. The light can be just whatever ambient light is in the room, or you can use a more direct light if you wish. Sketch on a page in your sketchbook with pencil and reproduce the values with ink wash. Include the flowers, and whatever parts of stems, leaves, flowerpot, vase, etc that are part of the view. Do one such drawing.

For next class 4/12/12- We will try another new process, monoprints. Bring paper (either your big pad or a large sketchbook), a printing plate (glass or plexiglass is best, about 8"x 10"), and a small tube of black oil paint. Brushes suitable for oil or acrylic paints are recommended if you have any.

3/29/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started a new graded project involving the idea of color temperature. I showed a dozen or so slides of historical artwork and we discussed whether we felt the overall temperature of each painting was warm, cool, or balanced. After that we started the project, an example of which from a previous semester can be seen above. I returned the graded woodcut prints from last week and we reserved time at the end of class to look at the text exercise we did last week.

How to make this up- You'll need to mix up to 200 different colors of your choice, which will be arranged into two 10" square boxes on a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper, which will represent two seasons of your choosing. All warm colors depicts summer, all cool colors for winter, and a mix of warm and cool for autumn or spring. Full details as to how to complete the assignment, and additional examples can be found here.

Homework- This color temperature graded project is due at the beginning of class on April 12, 2012, however I strongly suggest that you get it done by next week, as the project that we start next week will require far more work than this one.

Those who haven't yet turned in their woodblocks to be printed should complete them as soon as possible.

For next class 4/5/12- More color, this time a graded project involving specific color palettes. You will need your 18" x 24" paper, pencil and eraser, acrylic paints, brushes, palette and palette knife, and water container. The project will be based on a black and white photo, so either bring one (actual person/object/scene, something you feel comfortable drawing, value range from light to dark) or go through my pile of magazines to find one.

3/29/12 Basic Drawing

Today's Class- Today we continued our study of value, but starting a new medium- ink wash. The process involves gradually building values by adding gradually darker washes of ink (ink diluted in water). I showed a few historical and student slides of ink wash drawings, and showed some actual student drawings and a provided an example of three stages of a value drawing. After that, the class did two ink wash value drawings from the still life, and I returned last week's graded charcoal drawings.

How to make this up- Set up a simple still life as in the student examples above, white objects in front of a hanging white cloth. Create a light ink wash with a few drops of ink in water, and use brushes to apply it to the page. For additional student examples and the instructions as to how to make up today's classwork, click here.

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

Homework- Take a white or light colored cloth and attach it to a wall or hang it on something so that it hangs down and onto a table top. Find a white or light colored object to place in front of the backdrop cloth and light the set up to create strong light and shadow patterns. Sketch lightly with pencil, and then use ink wash to draw the set up on a page of your sketchbook, paying attention to shape, space, and value. Replace the object with a different white or light colored object and draw again in your sketchbook. Total of two drawings.

For next class 4/5/12- We will continue with ink wash, doing a graded assignment. Bring your 18" x 24" pad (or optional equivalent sized piece of watercolor paper), pencil and eraser, black waterproof drawing ink, watercolor brushes, and containers for water.

3/22/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Today we opened with some slides of fine art that made use of text in some way- sometimes to provide information, sometimes as a purely visual element in the composition. We also saw slides with examples of WW II era propaganda and early 1960's advertising, noting specifically the style and use of text in the ads. After that, students did two portfolio exercises, one involving text, the other business logos. While that was going on, those students who had completed their woodblock prints had the blocks printed and had the option to try the process for themselves. Above are tonight's impressive set of student woodcut prints.

How to make this up- The specifics of the two exercises can be found here. These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit, but we will likely review the results in an upcoming class, so you may want to get to them sooner.

I won't likely bring the printing stuff back to class, but if you bring in your cut block, I'll collect them and just print them in my own studio before the following week.

Homework- Nothing new, but if you still owe a back homework (including the woodcut block), or need to make up tonight's exercises, I suggest doing them this week. After tonight there will be one homework or another every night until the end of the semester.

For next class 3/29/12- We will go back to working with color. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, acrylic paints, brushes, palette, palette knife, water container, and also scissors and glue.

Basic Drawing- Final Charcoal Drawing

How to make this up- Set a box on a table and drape with both a white cloth and a darkly colored cloth. Select 5 objects of roughly similar size- either 3 white/2 colored or 2 white/3 colored, and arrange on and around the box. Shine a light to create patterns of light and shadow. Draw the still life using charcoal (vine or compressed), filling a whole page of your 18" x 24" paper, paying attention to shapes of objects, sizes, proportion, perspective, and of course matching values as closely as possible. Spend up to 3 hours on it.

3/8/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started our study of color, which will be a part of almost everything we do the rest of the semester. We looked at slides and talked about the history of color, materials and use, from cave paintings through comic books. After that we did a few exercises involving the mixing of colors.

How to make this up- You will need your acrylic paints and related materials. You will make a color wheel, mixing everything from the three primary colors. Also a complementary color mix, and an exercise in tints and shades. Above is an example from a previous semester. Additional examples and the detailed instructions can be found here.

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

Spring Break March 12 to March 18, 2012

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

Homework- Nothing new, but the completed woodblocks for the black and white illustration project are due at the beginning of class on March 22, 2012. Blocks should be fully cut in the design you've created.

For next class 3/22/12- We will print the wood blocks while students work on exercises involving text. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and your black markers. I'll provide the ink and tools for the printing.

3/8/12 Basic Drawing

Today's Class- Today we continued our study of value through charcoal. Unlike last week, the still life included both white and color objects, so students had to convert local colors to values, in addition to showing light and shadow. Above is a student example from an earlier semester.

How to make this up- The assignment requires you to set up a still life in our usual manner- a draped box on the table, but this time use both white and dark cloth, and both white and dark colored objects. You'll do one drawing each with vine and compressed charcoal. Full instructions and an additional example can be found here.

This is a portfolio exercise, but portfolios will be graded at our next class meeting, so you should complete it by then to receive full credit, as well as for the practice.

Spring Break March 12 to March 18, 2012.

No class meeting next week.

********1st Half Portfolio Collection********

At our next meeting, March 22nd, I'll grade the first half of the semester portfolio- all the work done in class that wasn't individually graded. If you've been to every class, you're already caught up. If you've missed any time, the list below will help you make up the assignments. Go back through this blog to learn the details.

Contour Line (shoes) February 2

Reductive/Gesture (bamboo) February 9

Negative Space (chair/bottles) February 9

Perspective (boxes) February 16

Perspective (boxes and cans) February 16

Value drawing- white objects (vine/compressed) March 1

Value drawing- mixed value (vine/compressed) March 8

Homework- Place a box on a table and drape with a cloth that has some kind of pattern (stripes, checks, etc). Arrange two white and two solidly colored objects on and around the box. Shine a direct light source on the still life to create strong light and shadow patterns. Draw in your sketchbook with pencil, matching values along with shapes and proportions. Then either move yourself to different position or rearrange the objects, and draw a second time, for a total of two full value drawings.

For next class 3/22/12- We will do our next individually graded drawing, our final charcoal drawing of the semester. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, vine and/or compressed charcoal (not charcoal pencils), erasers, and spray fixative. Portfolios will be graded while you draw and returned by the end of class.

3/1/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started the design phase of the class, with a project that explores black and white compositions in the form of a book illustration done as a woodcut print. I showed slides of the history of printmaking from the early Renaissance to contemporary art, explaining the process and role that prints served in societies. I also brought in a pile of illustrated books for people to look at. Wood was distributed and safe and effective cutting techniques were demonstrated.

How to make this up- You won't be able to start the print until you get a piece of wood, which I'll make available next week to people who missed tonight. Meanwhile, you can work out your composition on paper. The design will be 8" x 6", and can be horizontal or vertical format. It must be an illustration from a literary source. Above and below are examples from previous semesters. Additional examples and the full details and requirements can be seen here.

Homework- This woodcut graded project is due at the beginning of class on March 22, 2012, at which point they will be printed in class. If you didn't finalize your design by the end of class tonight, I strongly recommend that you bring your idea to class next week for me to look at.

Those who still owe me the stipple drawing and/or the plant drawing should get them turned in as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 3/8/12- We will start our study of color, with some basic color theory. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, acrylic paints (black, white, red, yellow, blue), brushes, palette, palette knife, and water container.

3/1/12 Basic Drawing

Today's Class- Today we started our study of value, which will be part of our drawings for the rest of the semester. We began with the traditional medium of charcoal, using both vine and compressed in different ways. After a few dozen slides demonstrating how value has been used historically in two dimensional art to imply form, volume, and space, students did two portfolio exercises.

How to make this up- You will need to set up a still life. Put a box on a table, drape with a white cloth (sheet, towel, etc), and arrange 3 white or very light colored objects of similar size on and around the box. Shine a directional light source to create patterns of light and shadow. You will then do two drawings based on it. Additional examples and full details can be found here.

These are portfolio exercises that must be made up by the 1st Portfolio Collection on March 22, 2012.

Homework- Set up a still life as described above in "How to make this up" (box, drape, 3 objects, light). Draw it in your sketchbook using a soft pencil (4B or 6B), matching values in the still life as closely as possible, as well as shapes, proportion, perspective, etc. Without changing the still life, move to a different position and draw it again. Total of two drawings.

For next class 3/8/12- We will continue to work with charcoal. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, both vine and compressed charcoal, kneaded eraser, and spray fixative.

2/23/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we looked at value- the use of light and shadow in a two dimensional artwork to imply volume and space, to focus attention, and to reveal details. We looked a few dozen slides of art historical works and discussed the role that value played in each. After that, we did a value still life drawing, as in the example above. Last week's graded line project drawings were returned.

How to make this up- Set up a still life of your own, with all white or light color objects, and a direct light source to create patterns of light and shadow. Additional student examples and full directions can be found here.

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

Homework- Nothing new, but several students still owe me their stipple drawings and/or the plant drawing. These should be made up as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 3/1/12- Next week we enter the design phase of the class, which will begin with a woodcut print that will take book illustration as its subject. You'll need to select a book- fiction or non-fiction, novel or short story, poem, etc, anything of literary merit. No kids books or fully illustrated books. Bring the book if possible, along with some paper to sketch on (a small sketchbook will be fine, but you can use your large pad if you prefer), pencil and eraser, black markers, and your x-acto knife. I'll provide the wood and demonstration of cutting techniques.

2/23/11 Basic Drawing

Today's Class- Today we did the final line drawing of the semester. I set up a still life with a variety of objects, some we've drawn before, some we haven't.

How to make this up- You will need to gather a particular group of objects and set up a still life of your own, as in the student example above. The list of objects and the other particulars of the assignment can be found here. This is a graded project, and must be made up to receive partial credit.

Homework- Set up a still life. Put a small box on a table, drape with a sheet or towel, and then arrange any 4 dissimilar objects of approximate size- one on the box and three around it. Draw the set up on a page of your sketchbook using pencil line only. Leaving everything exactly where it is, move yourself to a different position and draw it again on a new page using pencil line only. Total of two sketchbook drawings.

For next class 3/1/12- We will start our study of value. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, both vine and compressed charcoal, kneaded eraser, and spray fixative.

2/16/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started with a group critique of the stipple projects, which were graded and returned. Most of the class period was spent working on our final line drawing of the semester, which was also the 2nd graded project of the semester.

How to make this up- The subject for the project will be a large leafy plant and some kind of stand to hold it up, as in the example above. Additional examples and the full directions and requirements can be found here.

This is a graded project and must be completed as soon as possible. The more weeks it is late, the lower your grade will be.

Homework- Nothing new, but if you still owe the stipple drawing, make sure you bring it in as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 2/23/12- We will explore the idea of value in art with an exercise in value drawing. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, and either charcoal or black conte crayon, along with the proper eraser, any blending tools you might have, and spray fixative if appropriate.

2/16/12 Basic Drawing

Today's Class- Today the focus was on the idea of perspective, an artistic tool that allows the logical and accurate portrayal of deep three dimensional space and relative position of multiple elements on a two dimensional surface. I did a quick demonstration of one and two point perspective on the board, but all the exercises were devoted to the idea of natural perspective, using careful observation of the relative positions of each object and the shapes of all regular surfaces.

How to make this up- We did two exercises in observing and drawing, using simple geometric objects. The first involved groups of identical boxes. The second replaced some of the boxes with cylindrical forms- mostly gallon sized paint cans. Full instructions for both exercises can be found here.

These are portfolio exercises that must be completed by the first half portfolio collection in order to receive full credit.

Homework- You will need a cereal or cracker box and 3 bottles of similar size. Lay the box down on a table on one of its broad sides. All three bottles will be laid down flat, one pointing right or left, one pointing toward you, and one at an angle relative to you. One of the bottles should be on top of the box, the other two in front of it. Draw the whole set up using pencil contour line on a page in your sketchbook. Switch positions so that a bottle facing a different direction is on top of the box and draw again. Make one more switch so that the bottle facing the third direction is on top of the box and draw one more time. Total of 3 pages of sketches with 3 bottles in each.

For next class 2/23/12- We will end our study of pencil contour line with our first graded project of the semester- a still life grouping with a variety of objects. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencils and eraser.

2/9/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started our study of line. After a slide show of art using line, from cave painting to the 20th century, students did a series of portfolio exercises involving variations of contour line, with drawings based on shoes.

How to make this up- No one was absent tonight, so everyone completed the work. However, if you lose your drawings and need to redo it before the portfolio collection, or just want to relive the experience, examples and details can be found here.

Homework- The stipple drawings begin in class last week are due at the beginning of class on February 16, 2012. You must bring in your original photo source as well. Information about the assignment can be found in last week's 2D posting.

For next class 2/16/12- After a quick critique of the stipple drawings, the rest of night will be devoted to our second graded project, a pencil still life drawing. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencils, and eraser.

2/9/12 Basic Drawing

Today's Class- Today we continued our study of line, completing a series of exercises involving gesture drawing and negative space.

How to make this up- The class started with a short exercise involving gesture drawing from plants. Next was an exercise in pure negative space drawing, where students drew all the spaces within a wooden chair. Finally, we applied the concept of negative space to a more practical application, a still life drawing of bottles. Full directions for these exercises and student examples of each can be found here.

These are portfolio exercises and must be made up by the midterm portfolio collection in order to receive full credit.

Homework- Arrange 4 bottles of similar size (four wine bottles, four water/soda bottles, four perfume bottles, etc) on a table, relatively near each other. Draw the set up on a page in your sketchbook, using pencil line, to the level of detail in the image above. Leaving the bottles exactly where they are, move to another position and draw the 4 again. Move one more time and draw it a third time, for a total of 3 drawings of the 4 bottles. (if you would prefer, put the four bottles on something that can move, and rotate the set up without disturbing the bottles between drawings) Pay attention to the shape of individual bottles, the proportion of one to the next, and the spacing between them.

For next class 2/16/12- We will continue to work with line, dealing with some approaches to perspective. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencils, and eraser.

2/2/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight we started our study of 2D art with the most basic of all marks- the point or dot. We used dots in an portfolio exercise involving patterns, and then started a graded project.

How to make this up-

Wallpaper exercise

Take a piece of your 18" x 24" paper, and use a pencil to divide it into thirds. Then use your various black markers to create patterns made of nothing by dots. You can use one of both thicknesses of marker. The patterns can be pure geometry, or form representational images. The only other rule is that the patterns must repeat at least once from the top to bottom. Above is a student example. This is a portfolio exercise, and must be made up by the end of the semester to receive credit.

Stipple Drawing graded project

A stipple drawing is a value drawing made completely from tiny dots of ink. By varying the concentration of dots, values can be made lighter or darker. The goal in this project is to exactly match the level of value (light and dark) in a black and white photograph. In the above example, the photo is on the left and the student drawing on the right. To get the full directions and see additional examples, click here.

Homework- The stipple drawing graded project is due at the beginning of class on February 16, 2012. You must have both your drawing and the original photo.

For next class 2/9/12- We will start our study of line. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser. We will do some exercises involving drawing from shoes, and since I have none to give out, you are responsible for bringing your own. You may bring an extra, or take one off your own foot.

2/2/12 Basic Drawing

Today's Class- Today we started our study of line. I showed a selection of art from cave paintings to the present day, discussing how line was used in each case and the effect it had on the art. Then we did a series of portfolio exercises involving types of contour line.

How to make this up- You will need a shoe, something that is relatively enclosed (sandals don't work well). Using your 18" x 24" pad, follow the directions for the various exercises. You may draw multiple shoes on each page and use the backs of the sheets if you like. Full directions for the exercises and photo examples can be found here.

These are portfolio exercises, and must be made up by the 1st half portfolio collection in order to receive full credit.

Homework- Draw 10 sketches of shoes in your sketchbook, one per page, using pencil line. The drawings can all be of the same shoe, or from different shoes. The sketches should break down this way-

8 simple contour line sketches (exterior, simple details)

1 cross contour line drawing

1 full detail rendering of a shoe

For next class 2/9/12- We will continue with line. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencils and eraser. I'll provide the subject matter for the day's exercises.

1/26/12 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight was the first meeting of the semester. The course syllabus was distributed and reviewed. The students filled out a survey about their artistic backgrounds and interests, which we discussed as a class.

Homework- none

For next class 2/2/12- We will start our study of 2D with the most basic of marks, the point or dot. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and ultra fine point and permanent black markers. A smaller sketchbook may be useful, but is not required. You will need a black and white photograph for one project, a photo of something real and three dimensional (person, still life, landscape, interior), not digital artwork or line art. An image with a wide range of value works best. I will have some material to pick through for those who don't bring anything, but you will save yourself a lot of time if you arrive with something you like.

1/26/12 Basic Drawing

Today's Class- Today was the first meeting of the semester. The course syllabus was distributed and reviewed. The students filled out a survey about their artistic backgrounds and interests, which we discussed as a class.

Homework- none

For next class 2/2/12- We will start our study of line. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, pencils, and eraser. We will do some drawing exercises involving shoes, so each student is responsible for bringing a shoe to draw. Either bring an extra shoe or be prepared to remove one that you are wearing.

Welcome to the Spring 2012 Semester

This is the blog website that I have set up for my classes at OCC. Following class each week I'll post information about what we did. The title of each post will include the date and the name of the class. To make things easier to follow, information about my Basic Drawing class (ARTS 183 04) will be written in green text, while information specific to my 2D Design class (ARTS 184 E01) will be shown in blue text. Information, that applies to both classes, will be posted using black text.

Each week's post will include a description of what was done in class that day. That will include a detailed description of exercises and projects. Photos of student examples from previous semesters will be included if available and applicable. I will also list homework assignments and due dates, as well as all the materials required for the following week's class. About a month's worth of postings will be shown on the main page, but earlier postings can be accessed through the archives to the right.

The main purpose of this site is to provide information for students who miss a class for whatever reason. They can get caught up quickly, perhaps even before returning to class. It is not meant to be a substitute for actually coming to class. However, the site can be useful even for those who never miss a day, but just need a reminder of what to bring the next week, or when a particular assignment is due. It is available to you 24/7 without having to wait for me to reply to an e-mail. If anyone has additional questions or needs further explanation, you are welcome to contact me by e-mail, and I'll generally get back to you within 24 hours.

12/15/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight was the final meeting of the semester. We spent some time doing a critique of all the final projects- the Board Games. After that I dismissed the class while I graded the final projects, the semester portfolios, and a few late arriving projects from past weeks. All work that was unclaimed at the end of the night was placed on a marked shelf (2D Bonelli), the top one just to the left of the classroom door. Inside each pad/pile is a grade slip with the grades for the final project and portfolio, and your attendance. I can't guarantee the long term safety of work on the shelves, so if you care about getting your art back, try to get it as soon as possible.

Final grades will be calculated in the next few days and submitted to the school. They'll be available when the school makes them so.

Enjoy the break.

12/8/11 2D Design

Today's Class- Tonight the class filled out the course evaluation forms, and we looked at a few late arriving palettes and collage projects. Otherwise the rest of the evening was spent working on class related projects- for most students that was the board game project started last week.

***************Semester Portfolio****************

Next week the semester portfolio will be graded. This consists of all the work that has not been otherwise collected and graded. If you haven't missed any classes, you should have it all done. The following items are expected to be part of it, along with the dates each can be found on this blog.

9/15/11- wallpaper patterns in dots

9/22/11- contour line shoe drawings

10/6/11- value drawings (charcoal or conte crayon)

10/20/11- color wheel and color mixes

10/27/11- words and logos

11/22/11- color still life painting

Homework- Nothing new, but several students still owe the palettes or collage project, and of course the Board Game Final Project is due at the beginning of class on December 15, 2011.

For next class 12/15/11- Our final grading day. If you want to be safe, bring everything you did for this class this semester, but at least have the above portfolio items and your final project. If you still owe a back project, bring those as well. Anything that is not turned in next week for grading will be worth zero points. We will have a critique of the final projects, then I will dismiss the class for a while I finish grading everything. Students will be able to return later during the class to pick up all the graded work.

12/1/11 2D Design

Warhall

Andy Warhol

Roots

Kerry James Marshall

Today's Class- Tonight we looked at completed projects, first the limited palettes paintings, then the mixed media collages. After a break, we introduced the final project of the semester, a board game based on the artwork of a well known fine artist.

How to make this up- You will need to select an artist, someone from the world of fine art (appearing in art history textbooks, major museum collections, etc) who works representationally and in color. The assignment is to design a board game based on the paintings of one artist- using the specific images of the artist in a new composition of your own. Above and below are examples from previous semesters, with the title of the game and the source fine artist. Another example, with explanation of how it was created, as well as all the specific instructions for the project in general, can be found here.

Homework- This game board final project is due at the beginning of class on December 15, 2011, which is our last day of class. Those who still owe back projects, such as the color temperature collage, the mixed media collage, or the limited color palettes, should get them completed as soon as possible to receive partial credit.

For next class 12/8/11- We will likely look at a few more late arriving projects, but otherwise the class period can be used to work on anything related to this class. Most will use the time to work on the final project, but you may also use the time to make up any back work. If you know that you missed class meetings and aren't sure if you made things up yet, check back through the blog archives.

Bari Master

Ancient Egypt

Anxiety Clue

Edvard Munch

The Greek Grape Faze

Ancient Greece