FUNDAMENTALS OF ART November 27th, 28th (Day 2.7)

WARMUP

This session will mark our 22nd Art Synectic Trigger investigation. When you enter class, as usual, you will acquire your sketch book and open to the next available page. The following image will be on the screen:

This work by Alex Katz will frame the work for today's investigation. Today you will experiment with this image through EMPATHY

You will, on today's page, alter the image by generating a sense of EMPATHY. You are being asked to spend 10 minutes copying and changing the image increasing the amount of EMPATHY in the images and elements in order to develop an interesting image. Consider the following in preparation for this activity:

LESSON FOR THE DAY:

Today we begin our exploration and study of the Art Element, VALUE. You will develop an understanding of the concepts and porcesses associated with developing images with a full TONAL RANGE.  You will use drawing techniques in order to RENDER objects with HIGHLIGHTS, SHADOWS, and a LIGHT SOURCE. You will do so through the use of several techniques including BLENDING, HATCHING, CROSSHATCHING, and SCUMBLING.

VALUE is a simple concept at a glance, but as you can see by the bold terms in the paragraph above, there is a lot to learn and use in your images. Lets begin with the foundation concepts of VALUE and TONAL RANGE:

VALUE is the relative lightness or darkness of a color in an image.

TONAL RANGE includes the various shade of gray between absolute black and absolute white

Examine this work by Edgar Degas:

The VALUE and TONAL RANGE are apparent. There is an absolute white (the dress), an absolute black(under the left arm), and a full range of gray in between.

This effect was created through the use of HATCHING, which involves placing a series of parallel lines of varied weight in a manner that describes the change in VALUE

Examine this work by Giorgio Morandi:

The VALUE and TONAL RANGE are apparent. There is an absolute white (the jar in the foreground), an absolute black(the shadow in the middleground), and a full range of gray in between.

This effect was created through the use of CROSSHATCHING, which involves placing a series of crossing lines of varied weight in a manner that describes the change in VALUE

Examine this work by Kathe Kollwitz:

The VALUE and TONAL RANGE are apparent. There is an absolute white (the forehead), an absolute black(the eye), and a full range of gray in between.

 This effect was created through the use of BLENDING, which involves altering the pencil weight and pressure in a manner that describes the change in VALUE

Examine this work by Vincent van Gogh:

The VALUE and TONAL RANGE are apparent. There is an absolute white (the moon), an absolute black(in the buildings), and a full range of gray in between.

This effect was created through the use of SCUMBLING, which involves placing a series of scribbles and scratches of varied weight in a manner that describes the change in VALUE

We will explore these concepts and processes through a number of activities in class. For this unit it will be very important that you come prepared to class with a pencil every day. This particular skill is best developed through the use of a pencil.

AFTER PARTY

We will, at this time, use the seesaw app to upload images of our artwork and continue building a digital portfolio.

Remember to come prepared for class with a sharpened pencil.

Mr. Voelker

FUNDAMENTALS OF ART November 21st, 22nd (Day 2.6)

WARMUP

This session will mark our 20th Art Synectic Trigger investigation. When you enter class, as usual, you will acquire your sketch book and open to the next available page. The following image will be on the screen:

These two works by Charles Sheeler will frame the work for today's investigation. Today you will experiment with these images through the action SUPERIMPOSE

You will, on today's page, alter the image SUPERIMPOSING one over the other. You are being asked to spend 10 minutes copying and changing the image by SUPERIMPOSING the images and elements in order to develop an interesting image. Consider the following in preparation for this activity:

ART FILM:

We will finish class with a discussion of works by a contemporary artist. We will watch a short film and seek to uncover themes, intent, and meaning in the contemporary works of a specific artist.

The artist will remain unnamed. The themes, intents, and meanings will remain for you to discover in class. Until then you are simply to consider this image:

AFTER PARTY

We will, at this time, use the seesaw app to upload images of our artwork and continue building a digital portfolio.

Remember to come prepared for class with a sharpened pencil.

Mr. Voelker

FUNDAMENTALS OF ART November 17th, 20th( Day 2.5)

WARMUP

Today you will acquire your sketchbooks and review the five most recent Art Synectic Triggers that we have explored.

PARODY
ANALOGIZE
HYBRIDIZE
METAMORPHOSE
MYTHOLOGIZE

After reviewing the work you will determine which of your sketches has the most potential to be developed into a final artwork. You will need to have your selection made at the start of class. Be on time, be prepared, and be smart about your choice. you are going to take your chosen sketch and refine it into a finished drawing.

The task is a 6x9 pencil drawing based on the example of Art Synectics that you chose from your SKETCHBOOK. This work will require you to examine your sketch and develop a large final drawing based on the specific Art Synectic trigger represented. For your reference before beginning this drawing you will need to understand the following expectations:

• Your drawing must clearly show the original image altered to highlight the Art Synectic trigger.

• Your drawing must fill the entire picture plane.

• Your drawing must be well crafted and free from unsightly errors

• Your drawing must show evidence of original thought and risk taking

LESSON FOR THE DAY:

Today we resolve all of the learning accomplished during this unit of study with a critique. This lesson will finish with our first full group discussion of the works produced. We will touch on many topics from developing ideas, to craftsmanship, to risk taking.

Since this is a full group critique we will need to first prepare ourselves by organizing all of the information that we could possibly discuss. You will need to be prepared to answer any or all of the following questions in class. You will write some answers and you may be called upon to speak out loud on any of these topics as well. Review the following items carefully:

You will have the first 15 minutes of class to refine your work and complete your self evaluation should you need it.

Remember to come prepared for class with a sharpened pencil.

Mr. Voelker

FUNDAMENTALS OF ART November 15th, 16th (Day 2.4)

WARMUP

This session will mark our 20th Art Synectic Trigger investigation. When you enter class, as usual, you will acquire your sketch book and open to the next available page. The following image will be on the screen:

This work by Andrew Wyeth is the frame work for today's investigation. Today you will experiment with this image through the action MYTHOLOGIZE

You will, on today's page, alter the image through some form of MYTHOLOGY. You are being asked to spend 10 minutes copying and changing the image by developing a MYTH around the images and elements in order to develop an interesting image. Consider the following in preparation for this activity:

INFORMATION FOR REVIEW (new info starts below)

The Art Elements are the building blocks of art. They explained in more detail in the graphic below:

The Design Principles are used to organize the Elements of Art in a composition. They are explained in more detail in the graphic below:

LESSON FOR THE DAY:

We will be using the Art Elements and Design Principles in random combination with one another. A few examples of such are as follows:

MOVEMENT through the use of LINE

         (Where-in LINEs are used to demonstrate MOVEMENT)

BALANCE through the use of SHAPE

          (Where-in SHAPEs are used to demonstrate BALANCE)

VARIETY through the use of TEXTURE

         (Where-in TEXTUREs are produced to show VARIETY)

The combinations are many. You will be randomly assigned a combination to experiment with throughout the course of the unit.

Here are a few visuals to help your understanding of the assignment and its concepts.

The above image is an example of how to show CONTRAST through the use of SPACE. The face of the sailor has been removed creating a new SPACE. That SPACE is filled with a bright colorful sunset which is in CONTRAST with the black and white photograph.  Again, CONTRAST through the use of SPACE.

The above image is an example of how to show EMPHASIS through the use of VALUE. The strip of blue changes in VALUE from light to dark. This strip stands out in front of the dull background gaining EMPHASIS i the composition. Again, EMPHASIS through the use of VALUE.

This image uses VALUE in a different way. There are many different strips of color changing in VALUE form light to dark. Due to the number of strips and the differences represented, this composition shows VARIETY. This si a demonstration of VARIETY through the use of VALUE.

This is another example of CONTRAST through the use of SPACE. Can you see how that is accomplished?

This example has a wide range of options but is a solid example of BALANCE through the use of SHAPE. The SHAPES are distributed across the composition in a manner that is BALANCED. 

In all of the above examples you could argue a case for other uses of art elements and design principles. It is your ability to define and defend the choices you make in a composition that will set ti apart as successful.

Remember to come prepared for class with a sharpened pencil.

Mr. Voelker

FUNDAMENTALS OF ART November 10th, 13th (Day 2.3)

WARMUP

This session will mark our 19th Art Synectic Trigger investigation. When you enter class, as usual, you will acquire your sketch book and open to the next available page. The following image will be on the screen:

This work by Gustav Klimt is the frame work for today's investigation. Today you will experiment with this image through the action METAMORPHOSE.

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

LESSON FOR THE DAY

The Art Elements are the building blocks of art. They explained in more detail in the graphic below:

The Design Principles are used to organize the Elements of Art in a composition. They are explained in more detail in the graphic below:

LESSON FOR THE DAY:

We will be using the Art Elements and Design Principles in random combination with one another. A few examples of such are as follows:

MOVEMENT through the use of LINE

         (Where-in LINEs are used to demonstrate MOVEMENT)

BALANCE through the use of SHAPE

          (Where-in SHAPEs are used to demonstrate BALANCE)

VARIETY through the use of TEXTURE

         (Where-in TEXTUREs are produced to show VARIETY)

The combinations are many. You will be randomly assigned a combination to experiment with throughout the course of the unit.

Here are a few visuals to help your understanding of the assignment and its concepts.

The above image is an example of how to show CONTRAST through the use of SPACE. The face of the sailor has been removed creating a new SPACE. That SPACE is filled with a bright colorful sunset which is in CONTRAST with the black and white photograph.  Again, CONTRAST through the use of SPACE.

The above image is an example of how to show EMPHASIS through the use of VALUE. The strip of blue changes in VALUE from light to dark. This strip stands out in front of the dull background gaining EMPHASIS i the composition. Again, EMPHASIS through the use of VALUE.

This image uses VALUE in a different way. There are many different strips of color changing in VALUE form light to dark. Due to the number of strips and the differences represented, this composition shows VARIETY. This si a demonstration of VARIETY through the use of VALUE.

This is another example of CONTRAST through the use of SPACE. Can you see how that is accomplished?

This example has a wide range of options but is a solid example of BALANCE through the use of SHAPE. The SHAPES are distributed across the composition in a manner that is BALANCED. 

In all of the above examples you could argue a case for other uses of art elements and design principles. It is your ability to define and defend the choices you make in a composition that will set ti apart as successful.

We will, at this time, use the seesaw app to upload images of our artwork and continue building a digital portfolio.

Remember to come prepared for class with a sharpened pencil.

Mr. Voelker

FUNDAMENTALS OF ART November 8th, 9th (Day 2.2)

WARMUP

This session will mark our 18th Art Synectic Trigger investigation. When you enter class, as usual, you will acquire your sketch book and open to the next available page. The following image will be on the screen:

These works by Jim Dine is the frame work for today's investigation. Today you will experiment with this image through the action HYBRIDIZE.

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

INFORMATION FOR REVIEW (new info starts below)

For our next unit of study we will be combining Art Elements and Design Principles as the foundation for an abstract collage. There is a great deal of information in that statement that will need to be explained.

We start with Art Elements:

LINE
SHAPE
COLOR
TEXTURE
VALUE
FORM
SPACE

The Art Elements are the building blocks of art. They explained in more detail in the graphic below:

And now the Design Principles:

BALANCE

CONTRAST

RHYTHM

MOVEMENT

PATTERN

EMPHASIS

VARIETY

UNITY

TRANSITION

The Design Principles are used to organize the Elements of Art in a composition. They are explained in more detail in the graphic below:

We will be using the Art Elements and Design Principles in random combination with one another. A few examples of such are as follows:

MOVEMENT through the use of LINE

         (Where-in LINEs are used to demonstrate MOVEMENT)

BALANCE through the use of SHAPE

          (Where-in SHAPEs are used to demonstrate BALANCE)

VARIETY through the use of TEXTURE

         (Where-in TEXTUREs are produced to show VARIETY)

The combinations are many. You will be randomly assigned a combination to experiment with throughout the course of the unit.

Remember to come prepared for class with a sharpened pencil.

Mr. Voelker

FUNDAMENTALS OF ART November 6th, 7th (Day 2.1)

WARMUP

This session will mark our 17th Art Synectic Trigger investigation. When you enter class, as usual, you will acquire your sketch book and open to the next available page. The following image will be on the screen:

This work by Norman Rockwell is the frame work for today's investigation. Today you will experiment with this image through the action ANALOGIZE.

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

LESSON FOR THE DAY:

For our next unit of study we will be combining Art Elements and Design Principles as the foundation for an abstract collage. There is a great deal of information in that statement that will need to be explained.

We start with Art Elements:

LINE
SHAPE
COLOR
TEXTURE
VALUE
FORM
SPACE

The Art Elements are the building blocks of art. They explained in more detail in the graphic below:

And now the Design Principles:

BALANCE

CONTRAST

RHYTHM

MOVEMENT

PATTERN

EMPHASIS

VARIETY

UNITY

TRANSITION

The Design Principles are used to organize the Elements of Art in a composition. They are explained in more detail in the graphic below:

We will be using the Art Elements and Design Principles in random combination with one another. A few examples of such are as follows:

MOVEMENT through the use of LINE

         (Where-in LINEs are used to demonstrate MOVEMENT)

BALANCE through the use of SHAPE

          (Where-in SHAPEs are used to demonstrate BALANCE)

VARIETY through the use of TEXTURE

         (Where-in TEXTUREs are produced to show VARIETY)

The combinations are many. You will be randomly assigned a combination to experiment with throughout the course of the unit.

Remember to come prepared for class with a sharpened pencil.

Mr. Voelker

FUNDAMENTALS November 2nd, 3rd (Day 19)

WARMUP

This session will mark our 16th Art Synectic Trigger investigation. When you enter class, as usual, you will acquire your sketch book and open to the next available page. The following image will be on the screen:

This work by Jasper Johns is the frame work for today's investigation. Today you will experiment with this image through the act of PARODY.

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

LESSON FOR THE DAY:

The first quarter is over y'all.

Lets finish well!

FUNDAMENTALS October 31st, Novermber 1st (Day 18)

WARM UP

Acquire your accordion books and review the first five Art Synectic Triggers that we have explored.

CONTRADICT
TRANSFER
ANIMATE
SYMBOLIZE
FANTASIZE 

After reviewing the work you will determine which of your sketches has the most potential to be developed into a final artwork. You will need to have your selection made at the start of class. Be on time, be prepared, and be smart about your choice. you are going to take your chosen sketch and refine it into a finished drawing.

LESSON FOR THE DAY

1.

The FIRST task is a 6x9 pencil drawing based on the example of Art Synectics that you chose from your accordion book. This work will require you to examine your sketch and develop a large final drawing based on the specific Art Synectic trigger represented. For your reference before beginning this drawing you will need to understand the following expectations:

• Your drawing must clearly show the original image altered to highlight the Art Synectic trigger.

• Your drawing must fill the entire picture plane.

• Your drawing must be well crafted and free from unsightly errors

• Your drawing must show evidence of original thought and risk taking.

2.

Today we will continue our experiment in observational drawing. Yesterday you composed your hands in transition across a field of practice drawings. You finished by emphasizing these hands with white paint. Let us again look at an example of the eventual finished product.

Lets examine this drawing in order to clarify what will take place in class today.

1. You can see the background is made up of a variety of drawings, much the same as you created during our last session.
2. The five hands in the foreground are an example of what you will produce today.
3. The five hands are organized to fill the picture plane.
4. The five hands are posed to show gradual transition from each to the next.
5. The hands in transitions are painted white in order to emphasize them from the background images.
6. The hands are further re-stated in colored pencil to enhance the contrast and emphasis of the subject matter.

We will begin class by re-stating the lines and contours of the hands in transition in order to complete the artworks.

You will then need to write an artist statement that reflects upon the learning that took place during this process. You can see the artist statement graphic organizer her, it will look familiar.

We will organize our thoughts in small groups before the critique. You and your peers will look at the finished work to determine...

How do we break the piece down into parts for understanding?

If you were to do a series or a variation on this piece what would it look like?

How could you change the medium and materials to change the effect of the final piece?

What advantages are there to drawing within constraints? (think about how the background was produced.)

Which compositions are strong and successful and why?