Class 3/1/11

Let's see where we stand on the conceptual drawing project tomorrow night.

Show up ready to share ideas and sketches. We will likely break up into small groups as we did during the totem project.

Have a drawing pad and materials ready to go. We may do a small exercise after dinner, and I may give you some studio time to work on your finish.

Conceptual drawing project Part II

Project description:

You will make a drawing that is based on the object you have chosen. The approach may be as literal or non-literal as you choose.

Goals:

To explore and learn the practical and expressive possibilities of varieties of drawing materials. To develop methods for generating ideas and connecting subject to materials and concept.

Materials:

Many materials and techniques are possible.

Requirements:

The drawing has almost limitless parameters. The material, scale, presentation are all entirely dependent upon the artist’s interpretation of the idea map. Consider traditional and non-traditional drawing materials. Your final piece must fit the parameters of a “drawing.” Color is acceptable.

Methods:

Carefully review your mixed media representational drawing of your object.

Develop a series of about a dozen shapes derived from your object. Sketch them out clearly in your sketchbook. These could include geometric shapes found within it, shapes suggested by a movement the object makes, or shapes that this object merely suggests. For example, a pencil sharpener may suggest shapes found in a pencil. These shapes may become the elements used in creating a considered, balanced, linear design. Shapes may be duplicated, enlarged, shrunken, distorted.

Next, refer to your “idea map” and consider it along with the shapes and forms you have just drawn.

Now that you have narrowed down the conceptual possibilities of your object, as well as its physical attributes, start making decisions about what your drawing might look like, what materials might be best to convey the drawing, what the composition might be, what scale you should work in, etc. For instance, if your object were a teddy bear and the overriding theme of your “idea map” was security, then that is what your drawing should convey, regardless of whether you create a literal representation of the object or a more abstracted one.

Execute the drawing.

On critique day, you will be asked to give a brief presentation of your project following an open discussion of it.

Tips:

Be creative and bold!

Make good use of the idea map. Do NOT let your concept get too diffused. The main theme of your concept should be immediately identifiable in your drawing. If the general theme is one of playfulness, but you would like there to be some dark undertones, that’s fine. But we should feel the playfulness first. Think of an illustration of the witch’s house from Hansel and Gretel, or the inside of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The concept should be developed as layers.

Fully explore the possibilities of material. Often material choice is the key to achieving your goals.

Attempt to have ALL aspects of this project driven by your concept. Don’t let anything become haphazard.

Make a museum quality piece, and be ready to present it well. Consider how you will hang it for critique. Leave nothing to chance.

Due date:

Wednesday, March 8. This will be a full critique day. You will have some class time tonight to strengthen your ideas. The remainder of the project must be completed independently.

Examples: (Match these up with the mixed media projects shown on Feb. 14.)

Class reminder 2/22/11

Just a quick update of what is on tap for tonight:

Before dinner we will be looking at the collage projects. Please give yourself enough time to get to class and hang your work so we can begin the crit right at 4pm.

After dinner you will need to present your theme and subplots for the conceptual half of the drawing assignment. Be prepared to work on sketches, discuss options, etc. It will be a workshop day, but I will be interrupting with some important presentations from time to time.

I will post the handout for Part II of this project on the blog later today, and it will be available in class.

Student drawings of objects (not mixed media)

Jim Dine's drawings/prints of objects

Mixed media project Part I

Here is the information on the first part of the new two-part project based on your personal object. You will have studio time in class after dinner to begin this portion.

Mixed media project

Project description:

Develop a drawing of your personal object that incorporates a variety of media, or unconventional drawing medium.

Goals:

To explore and learn the practical and expressive possibilities of varieties of drawing materials. To discover new ways to suggest light and space. Artists should strive to connect subject to materials and concept.

Materials:

Many materials and techniques are possible.

Requirements:

This drawing should concentrate on the physical aspects of your object. Shape, texture, form, line, etc.

The entire object must be shown and drawn in a believable space.

Your drawing must incorporate at least two types of media.

The drawing must be presented in a professional manner. If appropriate, create borders or mount the drawing on board.

Methods:

Use class time to sketch and experiment with materials. Look for materials that “play well together” and are appropriate to your object.

Begin the execution of your final drawing in class. Anything unfinished is homework.

Tips:

· Choose a view that explains the form or function of your object. Consider strongly the design of your page.

· Experiment, experiment, experiment!

Due date:

This is class work. Anything not completed is due Tuesday, February 22.

Examples of Part 1

Idea Map

For 2/8/11

Tuesday night we will begin with the system portrait critique. After dinner we are going to begin discussing the next project, which is mixed media. We will be experimenting with all kinds of materials, so I've asked you to bring in as many things to draw with as you possibly can. This includes a variety of drawing surfaces.

Colored pencils, conté, charcoal, pigment pens, ink, brushes, etc.

Sketch paper, toned paper, charcoal paper, mylar, etc.

DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR PERSONAL OBJECT!

Collage technique book

The name of the book I brought in is:

Creative Collage Techniques by Nita Leland and Virginia Lee Williams

Find it at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Collage-Techniques-Nita-Leland/dp/1581800983/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1296596547&sr=1-1

IMPORTANT UPDATE/SCHEDULE CHANGE

It sounds like some of you are required to attend the seminar in Falvey Hall tonight at 7. The school suggest that all foundation students attend.

Therefore, we will make a slight change to our schedule:

Bring all collage materials with you at 4pm. We will do the collage exercise first, and I will dismiss you to attend the lecture around 6:15-6:30.

We will postpone the system drawing crit until next week.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO BRING YOUR SYSTEM DRAWING TONIGHT!

I will give you more information regarding next week's class, and as always, refer to this blog.