Water Water Color

I just realized the other day as I was cleaning up and getting ready for the semester break that I hadn't posted a finished version of the watercolor landscape that we did, so here it is.

Finals Week Schedule

Sooooooo many of you have been asking me about what we are doing during finals.
On one hand I'm glad you are interested and looking ahead, on the other hand, chilax! Don't stress out so much. For real.

But since you ARE interested, you can find the school's finals shedule HERE.
Unless you are old - read, a senior, you've never had all of your h.s. classes all on one day, and that's what will happen on Monday the 19th ... but the rest of the week is on the above link, too.

Watercolor Landscape Step(s) 5 - ???

note that this example is still not finished, 

though all the steps for finishing the image, I think, are explained below

So there's a lot happening today that you need to be aware of, but I'm loading it on so I can give only reminders next week and (hopefully) you'll be done with demos/notes for this project.

1) Buildings
     color: brown, purple, orange
     technique: wet on dry
     Really we're just finishing these structures. There is a fence in front of the buildings on the right that
     we need to add, and there is some deck work (???) around the lighthouse up towards the windows.
     This is the color you want to use for that.
     Also, don't forget to add chimneys and such - you could use this color, or the same color as the
     shadows from before (blue + black).

2) Rocks - 1st and 2nd layer (see example below)
     Rocks on ground area above water & below the buildings - in the brown area. Really, we're, again,
     just looking for some texture there. Aim for variety of value, brushstrokes, and, slightly, color.
     color: orange, brown, black
     technique: wet on dry

     Rocks in water - this is the second layer on these, using the same color but with a darker value
     color: blue, black
     technique: wet on dry

3) Grassy Hill - below buildings (see example below)
     color: blue, green
     technique: wet on dry
     see notes for brownish rocks above and treat this entire strip in a similar manner while continuing
     to aim for VARIETY

4) Iceplant/Grass (see example below)
     There are two areas here, which should be defined by the difference in color you've already laid
     down - this is where you used salt texture.
     There is the greenish blue area and the greenish brown area.
     Greenish blue
     color: green, blue, yellow
     technique: wet on dry and dry on dry
     Greenish brown
     color: green, brown, yellow
     technique: wet on dry and dry on dry
     make sure you are working from top to bottom in these areas and allowing for slight variations in
     density of value and texture

5) Water
     color: blue, green, purple
     technique: wet on wet/dry
     Again, not aiming for homogenous color or technique, we just don't want the ocean to look flat.
     Really the only thing you have to be careful of is the horizon line and where you are going around
     your rocks. But definitely paint right up to these areas so that it looks like the water is going
     around and behind the rocks.

Counting Chickens???

I'm not normally one to count on things before there is definitive news on the subject as I don't want to get anyone too excited, but as The Discovery Machine is now available in print, and we officially have the wheels in motion for a France/Spain field trip set for April 2013, I thought I'd let you know the newest things I'm excited about.
First, Colleen has had an offer to buy the piece she has hanging as part of the newest installment of art in the guidance office;

and Second, I am meeting with a local resident on Monday the 12th to discuss having the department do some art for a local winery.
Should be very cool, and of course I'll keep you posted.

Mark Your Calendars

The 2013 annual Art in the Council Chambers opening reception is officially announced for January 19th, 2013 from 6-8pm.

I'll be sending out more info once second semester starts, but as usual, we'll be filling up that space below the library with a buncha cool oil paintings.

Watercolor Landscape Step "4"

Today is about a multitude of smaller steps as we have finished most of the "big" stuff.
Remember, watercolor is about layering and going from big areas with light value and little detail and progressively working towards smaller and darker and more detailed areas.

This is the order I did mine in today:

1) Shadows/Windows of buildings - including lighthouse
     color: blue/black
     technique: wet on dry

2) Rocks in water - layer 1
     color blue/black/purple/brown/orange
     technique: wet on dry

3) Trees - layer 2
     color: blue/green/black
     technique: wet on dry
     remember to not cover all of what you put on previously, we are aiming for a textured/dappled effect

4) Ground - layer 3
     color: I didn't mix these to be homogenous, but used brown/purple/black/orange
     technique: splatter
     make sure to cover your water area, and everything above that, so the splatter only goes where the
     sand/dirt and grass areas will be

5) Rooftops
     color: red/orange/brown
     technique: wet on dry
     do the top of the lighthouse as well ... and wait until the shadows are dry BEFORE attempting this

As always, test your value and color on scrap paper in the back of your study drawing book.


    

In Print, In Hand

Pretty stoked that the author brought by a physical copy for me yesterday.
Props again to Joleen and Ariel for having their work published here.

Don't Step On The Fetus

Good times in Art 2.

Lino Lino

Looking forward to what this will look like with ink on paper.

Watercolor Landscape Step "3"

Now that you have the first layer of ground and the rubber cement on the water dry, it's time to move on to an additional layer.


Again, mix up more paint than you think you need for all areas and get ready.


Water, layer 1:
Color: Blue, hint of green, hint of blue
Technique: Combination of wet on wet and wet on dry
Take your brush and brush a small amount of water on the water area of the painting. Don't worry about covering it all or anything like that. Then begin adding your color. I'm pretty loose with this and the only thing I really worry about is the horizon line and where the water meets the ground. Other than that, it's all pretty blendy and just me trying to avoid letting the brush strokes be too obvious.


Did I mention that you need to test out your color/value before you start?
I guess I didn't need to because you know you ALWAYS do that before you begin with watercolor, right?
Right.
Good.


And remember, this is layer one on the water, so don't let the value be too dark.


Ground, layer 2:
Lower portion of ground/iceplant
Color: Green, brown, yellow, smalllllleesssttt hint of orange
Technique: wet on dry and salt
(if you are super super super careful you can do wet on wet, but I'd probably call it more like damp on wet - you really don't want a lot of water here, it shouldn't look the same as the sky).
With a medium-ish size brush begin painting your brown/green on around where the sandy/dirt areas are.
While the paint is still wet !!! sprinkle salt on the area.


Yes, you need to have your salt ready to go BEFORE adding your paint.


Upper portion of grass/iceplant
Color: Green, blue, yellow, brown
Technique: wet on dry (or wet on damp, see above)
Get your paint on being careful not to cover where the brown rocks go just above the water (below the buildings).
While you're at it, get a loose layer of color on where the trees will go.

You can very gently take the masking tape off of the lighthouse, too.
Careful not to rip the paper!

Watercolor Landscape Step "2"

After having the image sketched out; after the addition of masking tape to where the lighthouse will go; after adding rubber cement to where the whitest parts of the waves will go; do the following:

Sky, mix up a healthy amount of blue with a hint of yellow and green in it, testing your color and value, of course. With a BIG brush and clean water, get the entire sky portion of the paper wet - not soaking, but wet all the same, and then, working quickly, use that same big brush to apply your sky color to the paper.
Aim for big paint strokes and evenness.
Wet on wet helps with the even application, and since there is tape over the lighthouse, you don't have to avoid that area ... Just paint right over it.

Ground, mix up a large portion of brown and yellow.
With your big brush, use the same wet on wet technique to cover all of the ground.
As you can see in the pic, the ground below the lighthouse and the foreground all need to be covered.

Note that the color you test out on your acrap
scrap paper will be lighter on your actual painting because of the wet on wet technique - which has the same effect as adding just slightly more water to the pigment.

"Art"

UCSC at its finest.

Cleanup cleanup

Art 4's, I know it is way easier to toss your supplies on the counter when you are finished - whether you are in a hurry or not, but these things actually have a home.
For real.
It will make my life a lot easier if you help out with this, especially as the process of printmaking is pretty cluttered and messy in general.
And ... you do have to share the room with a lot of other students.

1 In 5 Teenagers Will Experiment With Art

1 In 5 Teenagers Will Experiment With Art

The Discovery Machine

So the illustrations that Joleen and Ariel ('10) did for Thomas Procter's book, The Discovery Machine, are now in print. You can get the book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Very cool!

studio 502

One more domain name recently purchased - as in like 2 min. ago ...

studio-502.com

At some point in the (hopefully) not too distant future this site will contain images/art/stuff for ya'll to see and buy.
Be amazed.

3: Oil Painting

If you are one of those painting an 11x14 version of your famous oil copy, your painting will be due on Dec. 9th.

If you are one of those painting a 16x20 version of your famous oil copy, your painting will be due on 15 Dec.
Note: it does not state this in Aeries - say pay some mad attention, por favor.

Parent Reminder

Meeting regarding the possible Euro field trip of April 2013 is tomorrow, Monday, Nov. 21st at 7pm in room502.
Hope to see you there.

Art 2 Due Date

The new due date for the monochromatic oil has been set in Aeries for Nov. 30th.
So you Art 2's, that is the Wed. after Thanksgiving, which means you have 3 class days after this week to work on the painting.

Dates w/Class

hahahaha...
man, I'm funny.

So, Art 3/4's, there are a number of new due dates in Aeries you need to be aware of.
1st, I'll be adding another round of participation next week before Thanksgiving
2nd, Study Drawings will be due on Dec 1st/5th for 4's and 3's respectively.
     Remember, if you want to re-work/add to, or re-do a study drawing from earlier in the year you can.
     Turn in the old s.d. with the new version (if applicable, obviously)
3rd, 4's your 2 8x10 linocut prints will be due on Dec. 7th.
4th, 4's, you need to have three drawings in your sketchbook done for the linocuts for me to see on Tues. These are portraits, skulls, and/or bones.

Smile.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

First, who gets the reference in this post's title? Ten extra credit points if you're the first to tell me.

jk - though I would be interested in knowing if you get it or not.
It shows how old I am.
Sorta.

Anyway, it's Wed., 11/9, and I'm sitting at home with an excellently made cup of coffee - if I do say so myself (the first I've had all week, actually), and thinking about class.
Actually I'm just waiting to go to yoga and don't want to start any big projects since I have to leave in less than an hour.
But anyway, I digress.

I was thinking about today and how busy it kept me.
First, there was the due date for the color wheel painting in Art 1. While there isn't a lot for me to do on such dates besides help those of you clean up when you're in a rush, and wait for the onslaught of grading, it was a good time for me.
Enough of you were done enough ahead of time that I had the chance to talk with some of you some more. Truth be told, that's one of my favorite things about being a teacher  getting to know you students.
You're kind of awesome, I just don't tell you that enough.
And before I get too far ahead, I've graded first period's paintings - will get to 3rd's tomorrow, and they are pretty good overall. Well done.

Second, I was thinking about my 3/4's in 5th period. I know I laid a lot out there today between discussing the impending study drawing changes, and then the photo notes for Art 4, but you all did a pretty good job of hanging in there and being receptive.
I also felt that, overall, it was a fairly productive session even with the chaos of Waffle Wed. happening (thanks again, Megan and Morgan).

You'll have to bear with me as I figure out the mental part of study drawings. I don't think I would have felt comfortable with changing things up as I am if it hadn't been for the overall wonderful dynamic of the group coupled with some really good individual conversations I've been able to have with some of you lately.
I can tell you this, though, yes, there will be more due dates in the next two months. My hope is that your workload will be spread out so that you don't feel one huge crunch, though.
We'll see how it goes.
This will very much be a work in progress and I will most definitely welcome your constructive feedback/criticism.

So the point?
Overall, I give today an 'A'.
Word.

Hmmm, ... really?

 So Andrew was kind enough to donate some not cheap hardware store cans of spray paint to the class this year that you have all been using.

They cam with a bag of nozzles, as you can see above, that are interchangeable between cans.

Now, I know what you are HOPEFULLY thinking. What the hell happened to that can of red?

I know, right!!!

This is what happens when you don't hold the can upside down and clear out the paint from the can/nozzle. S**t gets clogged and messy.

And thus unusable.

Unfortunately, this can/nozzle is basically useless at this point.

The same can be said of other things.

I mention this to make a larger point, though.

While I know ya'll are teenagers and cleaning up after yourself - let alone someone else - isn't exactly your forte, getting better - even incrementally - would be extremely helpful.

I don't mind the room being a little messy since it is, after all, an art room. I don't even mind doing some minor straightening up after you if it means you're being productive and getting better. But I've spent a lot of time cleaning up after my own kids, and I have to clean up after myself too. For reals, that keeps me busy!

I just need you to make a little bit more of a concerted effort to notice things like this and take the extra minute or two that it takes to make me - and this can - smile.

I know you know how to do it, and I have confidence in you.

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Europe Field Trip Parent Meeting

After my meeting with Mr. Autrey today, I've realized I need to call a meeting regarding the proposed France/Spain field trip during April of 2013 for Monday, Nov. 21st at 7pm in the advanced art room - room 502.

Website Update

I have updated some Art 2 Still Life images to the class site in case you are interested.
You can find them here, the question just remains, why is it taking me so long to photograph the stencils?
Weird.

Opportunity at the LG Museum

I just received an email from a rep from the local LG Museum pertaining to an upcoming exhibition they have in the works. Below you'll find the copy and pasted email. If you have any questions, please contact:
Susan Kidd at

 skiddec@gmail.com

Hello Teachers,

I'm writing to offer a special opportunity for you and your students at the Art Museum of Los Gatos. During the month of December we will be exhibiting the work of Kenney Mencher. He is a local artist  who also teaches at Ohlone College. Kenney uses photographs of people as his muse to then paint a stylized interpretation of the individual. From this painting, Kenney's friend, author Patrick Nelson then writes a short fiction about this "person". 

On Monday, December 5, both the artist and author are available for an interactive lesson where your students will join in on the creative writing process.

Other dates are available to interact with the artist alone.

If this is something you might be interested in, please email me and I can give you further details. There is no charge for this experience.

Most Sincerely,

Susan Kidd

If you have other questions, I'd be happy to help, but I don't know anything more than what this email says.

 

Art 4

New Oil Due Date: Nov 14th.

JDRF Walk Pics

 I can't believe all these girls were ready to go by 9am the morning after coronation. Wow.

The organizers that we all love - go team Smoles!

After After After

After coro, after the jdrf 5k, after lunch on an awesomely sunny sf day.

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Namey Name Names

Below you'll find a selection of names I would like you to start thinking about.
I'm asking that you begin giving some opinions on these names via "voting" on your 2-3 favorites in the comments section.
This is preliminary, and I would like to add one wrinkle as well.
You can, at this point, continue to make suggestions in the following manner: by piecing together different parts/words from the options listed below.
For example, you might like the word Awesome from one name, and Studios from another and Smith from another.
Which would give you Awesome Studios Smith - or, Awesome Smith Studios if you rearrange the words.
Or, rather A.S.S. if you are of the funny persuasion.
See what I mean? Good.
Now read carefully and leave a comment.

Barrels of Cats
Piglet Productions
Old Town Press
stART painting
Swagalicious Productions
Tyrant Lizard Productions
Fat Cat Art Corporation
502 Art Press
Students R Us
No Mess Press
Cadmium Awesome
Eloquent Gatos
Artventure Time
Paw Print Press
Sketchy Art Studios
Cat's Rad Art Press
Classy Cats Art
Ruffling Kittens
Lg Smart Art
Total Anarty
Creartivity
Paranormal Artivity
The Company Co.
Innovative Arts Industries
Wildcat Studio Arts
Avant-garde Industries
Paint Can Productions
Wild Art
Incredibart
Put It On Paper
Art and a Half
Laughing Gas Productions
Laughing Cat Productions
Kontrast Studios
Primary Co.
Starving Artist Co.
The Real Smith Shady
(no, you can't choose that one, I just thought it was funny)
CreARTive Inc.
Fetch-a-Sketch
Somewhat Strange Studios
Sleep-Deprived Productions
Sandwich Press
Input Art
Creative Minds Studio
Artistic Minds Studio
Painted Paw Studio
Los Gatos Artists Collective
Studio 502
Pink Elephant Press
Fraction Press
Appetite for Artistry
Infinity Productions
Press 502
Artistic Design
502 Art Studio
OriginArt
Studio LG
502 Crew
Caffeinated Fingers Press


There are some really interesting words to choose from here, and some good ideas.
What do you like? What do you have to add?
Let me know with a comment.

Testing, Testing,...

This is a great example of goodness right here. Sammy has an image to work from so she can try and match her painting's colors to her original inspiration.
In addition to that, though, you can see where she is testing out her mixtures on her scrap paper to test out not just color, but value, too, before committing it to her painting.
Awesome!

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Marge Bustin' It Out

That's a big ol awesome painting in the making. Can't wait to see the finished product.

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Art 1 Painting Tips & Study Drawings

I know, I know, you've heard me say this before.
And trust me, you'll hear me say it all again. But only because it's that important.

Yes it is. Trust me.

Complex color!
Use it and you'll be happier. And seriously, who doesn't enjoy "playing" with the different colors you can make on your palette? That's just straight up fun.
Is it blue, or light blue-green? Is it gray, or dark purple-ish gray?

Value, value, value. Pay attention to lights and darks - which means using black and a lot of white.

More values = more contrast = a happier painting = a happier Smithy = a better grade for you = happier parental units = a happier you because they will applaud you and give you stuff.

See, it works out for all of us!

Work from back to front.
It's easier to paint the stuff that is overlapping after you've painted the stuff that is being overlapped.

Texture. Use it, but not really.,
As in, give us "implied" texture, not actual "physical" paint texture.
We talked about the toothbrush for splatter today, and we'll deal with a sponge later.

Outlines.
Just don't. Really ... DON'T paint in outlines.
We'll discuss how to deal with certain edges and more implied textures later.


Study Drawings for Set 2

There is one study drawing that asks you to do a tempera painting with gradations of tints & shades.
First, note that it says gradations, which means more than one - since it's plural and all.
These are just like in the project you are currently working on with the exception that they do not need to be complementary colors. But I do want to see at least two value scales.
And again, just like in the project, they need to have at least 7 different values - light to dark.

I don't care what the subject is for the painting.

If you don't remember when these are due, check here.

Realism Challenge Video

a very nice.
makes you want to draw something yes?
even if at first it is a "boring" object no?
a that's a what i a thought

New Images

I've added a slough of new images throughout the Art 3 galleries on the class site over at

www.lghsart.com

so make sure you check them out.

Also, the re-sizing of images is taking me forever so I'm going to get my lackey TA's on that over the next couple of days so I can post some more.
Yay for new art!!!

Calendar Specifics

I've noticed that, as is usual for me but not necessarily for you students, I do not have a need to put something on the calendar for every class period.
Why?
Well, if I haven't done an in-class demo or discussion or ... that means we are just working on the current project.
For example, today the Art 2 students are just continuing to work on their grisaille painting. Do you really want me to say that?
I don't think so. Plus, it would just clutter up the look of the calendar and make it harder to find what you really need.
Or at least that's what I'm telling myself.

Great Night

How cool.
Not only did I get to watch our women's water polo teams beat up on Homestead tonight - which was a ton of fun to see, I have to say, but I get home and I have prints from the photo lab waiting for me.

Sweet.

Great way to end the really long day that it has been.

And, again, AWESOME job to all of you water polo players!

Due Dates

There are a ton of new due dates listed for all art levels. Check them out on the calendar on the class site:

www.lghsart.com

or in Aeries.

For reals.

Art 1 Feedback Form

With the warm/cool feedback we did today in class...

In the future keep in mind...
...I would like to get a sense of the "conversations/comments" based on what you write from the others in the group;
...you need to have one unique comment from each member of your group for both the warm and cool sections;
...when you fill out the box at the bottom based on what you heard from others, be kind of specific there so that I know you actually listened to what the others were saying/suggesting;
...and force your peers to give you good comments!

The whole point of this is to expand our idea base, so don't be shy about suggesting changes, just do it in a kind way.
This isn't the last time you'll see this process, and it will get easier, trust me.

Walking the Walk

I'll be participating in the above shown walk for diabetes on 30 October. If you are interested in participating as well, or want any information, please visit the link HERE.
Or, if you are desperate, you can ask me. But truth be told, I don't know that much about it since I'm letting someone else handle the logistics.
But it'll be fun!

Art!

I call this: Awesome Messy Art Seriously, you know you would like getting paid to make a mess like this.

Taking in Mr. Serra

 I found this in the drafts from when I went to the member preview of the Richard Serra drawing retrospective at SFMOMA last week - so here it is.

I think one of.the things that is the most interesting about this Serra drawing retrospective is the process.
Actually, coming from him hat should be expected - and it was, so let me back up.

I most appreciate the pieces where the texture truly takes over and, more importantly, those few pieces where the papers and the pigment join ... and don't join.
There are many places where he has taken two ordinary - though ordinarily large - sets of paper and butted them right up to one another, but the paintstick veers off at some point - though in a straight, or at least straight looking, line.
But there are also times where the pages don't actually meet, even though you expect them to or they look like they do.

Is this him keeping us on our toes? Is this him playing with our expectations? Is it just me?
Truth is that it doesn't really matter. Those particular works are just good.

And I feel totally justified in saying that because not all the work in the exhibition is. Some of it stands out cognitively - rather like a Rothko or a Newman in some regards - even though I don't find myself that terribly fond of it.
But some of it is just flat out stunning and beautiful and amazing.
Awesome!

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If you are interested in this Serra exhibit, it is now open to the public, and the details are here.

San Jose Exhibit

Just read the article from yesterday's paper - thanks to the Sterry's - about the Joan Brown exhibit on view at the San Jose Museum of Art until March.

Joan was a Bay Area painter and had a wonderful handling of the medium. And while I don't want you using as much of the school's paint on your canvases as she did, this would definitely be worth you checking out.

You can get details here.

True Text

In my ramblings around SFMOMA last night I picked up a new book for the classroom called
101 Things to Learn in Art School by Kit White (if you want your own copy you can get it here).
It's published by MIT - which I thought was interesting considering they are not an art school, and goes along in a series of similarly titled works they have published over the past few years - including 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School, which I also have in the classroom.

At any rate, I just unwrapped it this morning and read the titles of a couple of pages, and the very last one caught my eye and made me read the entire page, it states:

"Not every art school graduate becomes a successful artist.
But the training one receives in art school opens avenues to the whole world. Art school teaches one to observe carefully, describe precisely, find solutions to problems through experimentation, keep an open mind to all possibilities, and to accept withering critique in the pursuit of the not yet realized. These are the skills of adventurers, visionaries, and builders of a future we cannot yet fathom."

Now, I realize this - as in LGHS - is not an art school; we all work/attend a public high school, however, many of these things are true for us as well.
I am not looking for you to be the best ever; I am looking for you to be your best. I am looking for you to try new things. To let go of some preconceived notions. To try. To work hard. To enjoy the process. To question in a positive way.

And all of that serious and gushy (yet so true) stuff.

I'm looking forward to seeing what else this book has to say and how I can distill it for you.
Because the truth is, the above statement is so, so true.

And happy Friday!!!

Serra Signs

Really great to have even a couple sentences shared with Richard Serra as he signs my book at SFMOMA tonight.
Such an inspirational person and artist!

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Art 2 Canvas + etc

As we went over today in class, there are several items you will need for class next week, and you need to be working on these things as you are dealing with your grisaille painting.

First, you need a 16" x 20" canvas for your monochromatic oil project.
I have them for sale here for:
$5 for the thinner profile
$9 for the thicker profile
If you want to go purchase your own, no biggie, but you need it here by next Fri.

Also you need at least 3 super cool very high quality b/w pics so we have some options for your oil painting.

As I said in class, it would be sweet if you took the images yourself!
If you want help converting them to b/w in PhotoShop I'm happy to help. Just let me know.
Again, those are due by next Friday.

And that's the same day the grisaille painting is due.
Hint, it shouldn't take you until the end of Fri to finish, so if you are playing your cards right you could have some study drawing time built in there as well.

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Very Cool Illustration

I'm connecting to this post of a linocut done by "Sturdy". Maybe it's because of teh Cousteau stencil from last week, maybe it's because it's a great illustration connecting the person to their life via an image, maybe it's just 'cause.

Sturdy: New Linocut: A lot of people attack the sea, I make love to it. - Jacques Yves Cousteau

Updating

I'm always updating the class site, so make sure to keep checking back.
Lately it's mainly just been the links page, here, but I'm going to attempt to have some work from this year up there, too.
Maybe.
We'll see how it goes.

Digging the Daily

I don't even know how I came across this, but here is a link to a pretty cool blog from a semi-local art guy - Craig Stephens. He's showing off a bunch of small still life paintings ... yeah, yeah, I know, you hate still lives, but look at them.
They are fun and well painted.
Look around you, already. There is some fun stuff in this world for you to take advantage of.

Why Man Creates by Saul Bass, 1968

Good ol', old school video. Hilarious. Totally worth the 12 min it will take you to watch it.

Why Man Creates by Saul Bass, 1968

de Young Field Trip

Great pic from the observation tower at the de Young courtesy of Nicole Gallizioli.
Great day, but I need (another) coffee!

MICA Visit

It's official, a rep from the Maryland Institute College of Art - MICA - will be here in room 502 for a presentation on Sept. 29th during tutorial.
The more adv. students there the better. If you want her to take a look at any work she will be happy to do so and I'll get you a pass to go to class late, too.

Roadworks and National Portfolio Day

As you probably already saw on fb, I officially put the date for this year's Roadworks even on my calendar today.
If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can get the official scoop here, or just keep reading.
San Francisco Center for the Book blocks off a street next to their facility and runs a steamroller over a bunch of linocuts - some as big as 4'x4' - yes, that's feet. There are vendors on the street and hands on stuff for kids of all ages - meaning old people like me and you.
I've done foam printing and letterpress and even come home with a collaborative little book thingy before.
It's fun.
Check it out.

Also, I got my first mailing discussing National Portfolio Day today.
Again, if you don't know what I'm talking about, find more information here.
The date is Jan., 14th, 2012. It's a good thing for juniors and seniors to go to, especially if you are thinking about applying to an art school, have applied to an art school, or are looking for information because you're thinking about maybe applying to an art school.
Yes, you need to bring samples of your work.
Ideally you will make them look all pretty, in your big black portfolio.

Questions on either of these? You know where to find me.

For the Record

Just so we're clear, I have the absolute best former students in the world.
For real.

Field Trip

Adv. Art Students:

In case you or your parents are interested on a little more information about the field trip we will most likely be attending, here are some basics:

Date: 14 Sept
Time: ~9-2:30
Place: de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, SF
Exhibit: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris
Link and other info about the exhibit can be found here.

I know I forgot to mention this to 4th period, so here is the info.

As I told everyone else, I have reserved space for 60 students and 8 chaperones.
Unfortunately this means not everyone will be able to attend. I'm sorry, they just put a cap on the tix I could get from them.
The cost will likely be $20/person and I will probably need 6 parents to chaperone (along with me and Mr. Benz).

If you have any additional questions, please let me know.

Class Opportunities

I was speaking with a guy from Univ. Art yesterday and found out about a really cool sounding set of classes that the Triton Museum in Santa Clara is going to be offering beginning in Nov and running through most of Dec.
Sounds like there will be a drawing intensive, portfolio work/writing, printmaking, etc.
I understand the classes are free, too!
Meaning they will also provide the art supplies. Awesome!
I checked their website and there isn't any information up as of yet, but hopefully there will be soon.
Put it on your calendars, especially you seniors out there, and keep yourself updated.

And did I mention there is no cost?!

SugarSync

I started using a new service this summer for syncing different devices, really, but it also allows so really interesting file sharing options. It's called SugarSync, and here is the link to check it out.

It would work really well for when you are working on a document/project at school and then need it at home, or the other way around, as you don't need to send yourself emails back and forth or use a usb anymore.
You can easily get 5GB of free storage for free and of course pay for more.

Photography Contest

There's a huge photo contest happening tonight in the gym (small gym? I don't remember actually), but if you want to go - and find me while there - I'll get you some extra credit.

Check out the photo class blog for more details.


I think.

Super Cool

Good stuff this week:

First: Fractured Follies. Cool. Fun. Hilarious. There's still time to come laugh at your teachers. Second show tonight.

Second: Prizes! Money! Fame!
O.K., no "fame" ... yet. But from the Blue Coat Systems Community Showcase ...

Grand Prize - Mabelle Bong
(woohoo, 2nd time in four years of participating that someone from LG has won the top honor...Rylee Orr did the same two years ago)
Second Place in Painting - Sarah Gariepy
Third Place in Painting - Lisa Ferguson
Honorable Mention in Drawing - Ellie Foy

Third: Eden Shats. Nuff said.
Kidding.
Anyway, she'll be interning for former LG student Ian Nyquist in his graphic design studios at Nyquist Design.

Fourth: I also found out Catherine Soule will be interning for the graphic design company Mixed Palette, in Campbell this summer.

Awesome, awesome, awesome!

Gooooo artsy fartsy folks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Art Show on KCAT

Check it, check it, 1, 2 ...

Actually, fast forward to 7:30 of this and you'll see some of your favorites discussing the art show reception last week.

Here's the link ....
...
... right
... here!

Enjoy!

Prepping Part 1

Here is what the lower gallery looked like this morning upon arrival.



After a few hours of hard work - fueled by M&M's (peanut, thank you) and Round Table, here is where we left it.


See you all on Thursday night at the reception. It's from 6-8, remember?!

Yes, I know Senior Talent Show is the same night, but you can come by before and hang with the cool kids first!

Art Show Info

The reception for this year's installment of the Los Gatos Museum Art Show will be Thursday, April 28th, from 6-8 pm.

The show will officially open on that day and run through May 19th.
If you cannot make it to the reception, the regular museum hours are Wed. - Sun. from 12-4pm.

The museum is located on the corner of Main St. and Tait Ave. near downtown LG.
If you have any questions, please let me know.

Yes, It's Amazing News Tuesday!

I just received the email from Mr. Autrey.

Beginning next year BOTH Art 3 and Art 4 students will fulfill their applied art credit.

Send him a thank you. Seriously.
This news should ease your stress.
Smile. Be Happy!!!

Contest = Study Drawing

Here is the link for the Black Keys concert poster contest I was telling you about. If you want to use this as a study drawing, fine by me. We can take a pic of it later and all, but you need to pay attention to the specs when coming up with your design.

Hee Hee

Thanks, Kayla.

Acrylic Mahem

So, change of plans. Kind of.
All acrylic paintings from everyone will be due before spring break.
Please, PLEASE, do not wait until the last minute to give them to me. A happy Smithy that will not make - to receive 50 paintings on canvas all at once, each with multiple pieces of paper, etc.

Remember, also, that the week we come back from break your study drawings will be due.

Then on the 25th of April I will be setting up the show at the LG Museum, so that week after spring break will be busy as heck with me getting things prepped.

BTW, the next set, #5, will be the last chance to get some additional pieces able to be viewed for the show.

Smile! But be prepared to work really diligently over the next 2 weeks!!!

Extra Credit

Yes, that's right, I'm offering a totally random extra credit opportunity.

Yes, that's right, it's inspired by the funny "portrait" Griffin drew of me yesterday at lunch.
If you haven't seen it yet, it's posted on fb and on the cabinet door in the room.

So let's get down to business:

Any media
9x12" drawing paper
quality execution
"illustration" of yours truly

if you need ideas you can see the above mentioned
some sort of "activity" or theme would be beneficial

DUE on April 1 or before.

Have fun and make it funny (as in make as much fun as you want ... in a good way)
Think of actions, phrases, objects, etc. that help describe the subject (me) and how they can be incorporated.

Sketch out some ideas in your sketchbook, but please create the piece itself on your own time. It is extra credit after all.

Schools to Schools Meeting

For those of you who will be here next year, we are tentatively planning on doing a couple of collaborative projects with the Day School in Kenya. There will be a meeting in Homa's room on Wed. 3/23 during tutorial if you want some more information.

JumpstArt

I officially received the printed materials from JumpstArt up as OSU in the mail yesterday.
I can make a copy of any of the application materials for you if you are interested.

As always, if you need help documenting your work for the application, let me know as I'm happy to get you set up, too.

More Due Dates!!!

C'mon, you know you love it.
Due dates are on the board. Posted on Aeries. Put in the gradebook.

Good times ahead.

But seriously, a quick overview:
4: get started on that color scheme project; would prefer a split complementary scheme, but you have choices; 9x12" min
3: mix colors with white and mix colors with black; "paint" at this point; don't forget about glazing
2: same as above; make it purty

Smile.

Seriously, smile!

Oh Yeah ...

HAPPY MARDI GRAS DAY EVERYONE!!!

We're at the final week of the 4th grading period, Art 3/4 Study Drawings are due today, acrylic paintings are coming in during the next month, it's only about one more month before spring break, the sun is shining, be HAPPY!!!

Or at least try to be as happy as Ellie.


Or maybe this awesome Mardi Gras Indian has more of the spirit!

Good News

Yes, Ian kinda kicks butt.

Yes, Ian will be going to the Art Center next year.
He came in and told me the good news today.

Way cool.
Congratulate him because he deserves it.
For real.

Due Dates

I may forget to mention this in class, and since I know you are all looking forward to it, don't forget STUDY DRAWING DUE DATES are coming up soon.
Check Aeries.
Check the board.
Laugh.
Be happy.
Draw your butts off.
Have fun!

Back in the Saddle

After a (not necessarily so) short hiatus, Jacob is back on the Close Wagon.
Yes, it looks awesome.
Yes, there is a ways to go.
Yes, you should cheer him on and wish him luck.
You know you mean it.

Nicely Done Henry

Awesome new blog to check out

I know I showed it in class today, but remember to check out Mr. Clark's Kenya blog!
He and Mr. Homa are traveling/teaching in Kisumu and Mr. Clark has some great info and pics from their experiences there.

You can find it on his posterous account, here!

More Summer Opportunities

In addition to JumpstArt, there are other summer opportunities that LG has sent students to in the past.
Some of these include:
CCA - California College of the Arts
SCAD - Savannah College of Art and Design
MICA - Maryland Institute College of Art
(click the above links to go to their pages)

But there are even more:
Academy of Art SF
Otis College of Art
Laguna College of Art & Design
RISD - Rhode Island School of Design (super intense)
and more.

It's good to know your options.

JumpstArt Info Available

I should have the printed materials in the mail some time soon. But the info for JumpstArt can be found online here in the mean time.

Acrylic Season Is Upon Us

Screenprinting and Due Date

Art 3's: Funky Head S.P. Due this Friday!

Henry, Mabelle, Jeff - screen printing stuff next thurs. 2/3 after school.
Check out the "photo" method HERE!
There is, as I mentioned, a different method - just "painting" the image on with a brush.
What you use will mostly be determined by the idea/drawing you come up with.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Getting With The Times

Because I know all of you are really interested in reading this here blog ...
and maybe not so much ...
so follow some soon to come fun stuff ... along with important reminders/announcements on facebook.
Friend it up: Lg Art
(look for the banner pic from outside the art 1 room)

Good Times!

Still Going

Yes, Jacob is still at it. But what progress!

(Same day, different angle)

Town Council Reception

Remember, this Thursday, 1/13 from 6-8pm in the Town Council Chambers (kinda, mostly below the lg public library) will be the reception for the current show of advanced painting canvases.

Hope to see you there.

JumpstArt Presentation

LG Alum Nathan Langner will be in room 502 during tutorial on Friday 1/14 for a presentation on OSU's summer "art camp", JumpstArt.

It's a great program we've had many students attend in the past that would definitely be worth looking in to if you are interested in doing some new and exciting art over the summer.

Town Council Show

It's that time of year again.
For our 2011 installment of our art for the Council Chambers the finishing touches are going on the paintings as we speak.
I will drop off the pieces this Friday, and the reception will be help next week.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, 1/13 from 6-8pm.
Reception will be "below" the library, as usual - or you can just follow the crowd.
Yes, students, there will be extra credit. So make sure to get yours!

Questions? You know where to find me.