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