FUNDAMENTALS September 13th, 14th (Day 3)

WARM UP

We will begin class continuing our investigation of Art Synectics.

When you enter class you will acquire your accordion book and open to the next page. On the projection screen will be the following image:

This is a drawing by Henri Matisse. This drawing has an especially effective use of LINE which we have discussed in our previous classes.

You will, on today's page, alter the image through some form of REPETITION. You are being asked to spend 10 minutes copying and changing the image by REPEATING some element in order to develop an interesting image. Consider the following in preparation for this activity:

Your artwork will be an alteration of this image that clearly demonstrates REPETITION. At the end of this activity some students will be asked to share their work with the class. You may be chosen at random so be prepared.

LESSON FOR THE DAY

For our studio activity you will need to begin with an understanding of an art concept known as FIGURE/GROUND REVERSAL. This is one term made up of two important terms.

The first is FIGURE.  In the FIGURE/GROUND relationship we refer to elements of the foreground as the FIGURE.

The second term is GROUND. In the FIGURE/GROUND relationship we refer to the elements of the background as the GROUND.

FIGURE/GROUND is a type of perception where you can identify an image (or figure) as it stands out from a background

FIGURE/GROUND REVERSAL is a design process where the images of the foreground and background purposefully swap in order  to create new images. The following image is one of the most basic examples of this concept:

The FIGURE and GROUND switch places to create new images. We can see the FIGURE of two black faces on a white GROUND. When reversed we can see the FIGURE of a white vase on a black GROUND. The FIGURE and GROUND... REVERSE. Thus, we have FIGURE/GROUND REVERSAL.

Explore the concept further by identifying both the woman's face and the saxophone player in this image:

AFTER PARTY

We will finish class with a brief critique of our work and submit a written reflection of what learning took place. You will grade yourself based on established criteria.

I look forward to our next session. Remember, always come to class prepared with a sharpened pencil.

Mr. Voelker

FUNDAMENTALS September 11th, 12th (Day 2)

WARM UP

We will begin class continuing our investigation of Art Synectics.  Remember; Art Synectics is about making connections,  mentally taking things apart and putting them back together to furnish insight into new solutions to visual problems.

In short, Art Synectics will expand your creative options in art making.

When you enter class you will acquire the accordion book you assembled during our previous session and open to the second page. On the projection screen will be the following image:

You will, on today's page, alter the images through some form of COMBINATION. You are being asked to spend 10 minutes copying and changing the images by COMBINING them. Consider the following in preparation for this activity:

Your artwork will be an alteration of this image that clearly demonstrates SUBTRACTION. At the end of this activity some students will be asked to share their work with the class. You may be chosen at random so be prepared.

LESSON FOR THE DAY

For our studio activity you will need to begin with an understanding of two important terms.

The first is SHAPE. Shape is an art element that we will define as: a two dimensional area with a defined boundary; may be geometric, organic, or free-form.

The second term is SPACE. Space is an art element that we will define as: the length, area, or depth shown in a work of art; the open areas between, around, or inside shapes and lines.

The following work by Henri Matisse is an excellent example of shapes and spaces in a composition.

So for our studio activity you will need to demonstrate your understanding of SHAPE and SPACE.

AFTER PARTY

We will finish class with a brief critique of our work and submit a written reflection of what learning took place. And just like last class, you will grade yourself. There will be established criteria and you will reason your way to a fair grade.

I look forward to our next session. Remember, always come to class prepared with a sharpened pencil.

Mr. Voelker

FUNDAMENTALS September 7th,8th (Day 1)

WARM UP

During this class we will begin our investigation of Art Synectics.  What is Art Synectics, you ask? Art Synectics is about making connections. They are a way of mentally taking something apart and putting them together to furnish insight into new solutions to visual problems.

In short, Art Synectics will expand your creative options in art making.

When you enter class you will acquire the accordion book you assembled during our previous session and open to the first page. On the projection screen will be the following image:

You will, on the first page of your book, alter the image through some form of SUBTRACTION. You are being asked to spend 10 minutes copying and changing the image by SUBTRACTING. Consider the following in preparation for this activity:

Your artwork will be an alteration of this image that clearly demonstrates SUBTRACTION. At the end of this activity some students will be asked to share their work with the class. You may be chosen at random so be prepared.

LESSON FOR THE DAY

For our studio activity you will need to begin with an understanding of two important terms. The first is LINE. Line is an art element that we will define as: a continuous mark that has tone, weight, and direction. The following work by Paul Klee is an excellent example of lines in a composition.

The second term you will need to understand is ERASURE. Erasure is the removal of something. It could be lines drawn or words written, but once it has been removed it is an example of ERASURE.

So for our studio activity you will need to demonstrate your understanding of LINE and ERASURE.

AFTER PARTY

We will finish class with a brief critique of our work and submit a written reflection of what learning took place. You will also grade yourself. There will be established criteria and you will reason through your work to arrive at a fair grade.

I look forward to our next session. Remember, always come to class prepared with a sharpened pencil.

Mr. Voelker