Art 2 Sketchbook

It is December. There are just two weeks before finals week. Does that mean six class times together?
Yikes.
Obviously your painting is your priority. This should be enough time to finish it, so look at the rubric online, and plan to turn it in during finals.

Regarding your sketchbook, though, I still want you to be working in it with an eye towards quantity between now and the end of the semester. Even just a few minutes each day is amazing. I will view them while you work on your paintings (likely) more than once before the semester is over.
For now, if you want some inspo, consider the below.

  

It is very likely that you will see at least one of these in the future, but for now I wanted to throw out a few different views of animal images. Not because I want you to copy these, but because they are very different ways of looking at the same topic/prompt/idea.
If you are stumped as to what to do, you might use one of these ideas as a jumping off point.

A Few More Oil Comments

Sometimes coming up with the content can be a challenge.
I know the more straight forward path is to find an image online and just go with that.

Remember, you can always take your own photograph and have your own personal dynamic composition. Referencing the foreshortening images that I sent out last weekend is a great place to start, and I'll put a few other ideas at the end of this message*.

I have tried to throw out a lot of ideas and options, and sometimes we have to just humor ourselves and go through the motions of drawing many different versions out in our sketchbooks to see what might work. As you heard me say many times as you came up with thumbnails in Art 1, your first idea is rarely your best.
You also do not want to have a totally blank or boring background. One immediate thing you can do to help this is to create a foreground and background by putting something in front of your focal point and behind your focal point.
Another fun thing you can think of is to figure out a way that you can play with the perception of proportion by making one object visually appear much larger or much smaller than we would expect them to be compared to something else.
For example: a small bird next to a large donut (that's like 10 times bigger than the bird).

I have to admit that I am pretty uncomfortable with the idea of you drawing your image out on your canvas before I have had the chance to work with you individually. Ideally you would come show me some ideas at tutorial today if I didn't see a workable concept from you yesterday.
If that isn't possible, I'm asking that you email me your idea/sketch/collage/etc. before beginning to draw on your canvas.Not that I have all of the answers, but a few times yesterday I definitely had to say something to the effect of "that won't work". Too often students want to do what they think is the easy thing, but that ends up not being the best option...or easy. Or they think something is funny, but that doesn't always translate into a good painting.
Not everything that works in one media will work in another. I have experience with this, and I'm asking for your trust.
If you have already gotten the "OK" from me, great. I know at least four or five of you have, but everyone else, please let me discuss with you in tutorial or via email.

tsmith@lgsuhsd.org

Once you know what you are doing...
You need to draw your image out on your canvas. Include shapes for light and dark areas just like you were asked to do in the still life drawing...and in the grid drawing from Art 1. Be specific, but actually, not quite as specific as in the grid drawing. The concept is the same but because it will be a painting you don't have to be quite so detailed.

There is a portion of the module that will walk you through how to get a 2" grid on your 16x20" canvas if you need it. If you have a photo or digital collage on the ipad, use the "grid" app to get a grid of squares so that you have 8 and 10 in your columns/rows.
If you can't figure out how to use the app, try doing a google search. That usually clears things up pretty quick.

You do not have to grid the image, but most do.
Now, you can approximate a grid by simplifying it.
To do this I would draw a diagonal through the corners of my canvas (and my image), and then follow that with vertical and horizontal lines and then use those pie shapes to get my proportions more accurate. It's just a simplified version of a grid, and you can see kind of what I mean below.

*student created images that could give you ideas of what to create for yourself;
remember to pay attention to composition and use of light and dark

I know this seems like a lot, but honestly, as I was thinking about this project, and the ones that you were all able to create in Art 1, I know you have it in you to go far. Your ability and ideas are superior, and the only thing I wish there was more of is time to work as a small group and also one-on-one to make your initial drawing/idea as great as possible.
I'll do my best to be available via email though! Did I mention that yet ;)

But remember back to how you set up your first tempera painting last year, and think about how this is pretty much like that, but it's in oil, and you are using photo references for pretty much everything.

Also remember that if you take your own photo, or have a family photo as Annelise did in class...this works.
Yes, I still want you to show it to me so we can make sure the composition and values will translate, but that route is completely doable for this project!
I've had many students use photos of their own pets - and you can see this in the folder of examples via Canvas. Have a photo shoot with your dog/cat. Have fun!

A2 Oil Intro Info 2019

As I have said in class, for many years the main oil painting the Art 2 students have completed is a monochromatic piece from a b/w photograph.
This allows you to get stronger at some skills worked on in your past (recognizing value and using the grid method for enlarging an image) while at the same time getting better and more familiar with painting with oils without dealing with color mixing.

I am totally fine with you doing this for your project. I will always prefer if it is an image you (or someone you know) have taken yourself, but finding a b/w image online also works.
One thing to remember is that painting from the photograph you find online without altering it in a decently significant way isn't ideal for a future portfolio you may want to create.

It is with this in mind that I want to put the following together.

First option: as stated above, you find a b/w image and use that for your painting; from here the only decision you really need to make is which color to use.

Second option: you use a photograph that you (or someone close to you) have taken. I can work with you in class to get the best b/w conversion for this, then you will pick your color and you will be off to the races.

Third option: you create your own image.
But wait, isn't that what the second option is? In part, yes. Maybe.
I have used these foreshortening examples with students for a project in the past, and as generally "straight" photographs to work from, the ideas would work really quite well. It would require you to put some thought ahead of time into the images though, and get some photo options taken ahead of time.
I do want you to be able to bring some of your own creativity into the composition and not be solely limited to working strictly from ONE photograph if you would like. That's why I was showing a lot of the examples from pinterest in class the other day.
I still want you to work from photographs though. You can have a series that you draw from, or you can even select out certain parts and "collage" them together in procreate (which would give you one photographic image to work from).

If you create your own image - whether it is as one original photo or as some sort of collage, please refrain from having too much blank space in the background. Think about how you can create a dynamic composition - which we have been working with since our first painting in Art 1, actually.
Some of you feel as though you kind of intuitively "get" how to create an interesting composition with a clear focal point, use of depth/space, etc., but if you do some simple google searches you can find some interesting ideas that might help. Of course, pinterest has a lot of the same things available, so if you want to start creating an easy place to keep ideas, that isn't a terrible idea.

I know a lot of the image examples include figurative work, but you don't have to use a human figure. There are plenty of ways that animals, nature, machines, etc. can be used.

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And if you are interested in going deeper...

One thing you might find interesting - and what I hope to get into later in the year - is to think about the symbolic meaning behind certain items. Now, if you google this content you'll get information that is all over the map, and we must remember that different cultures (and times in history, even) associate different meanings for the same (or similar) object(s), but to plow into this idea can be absolutely fascinating.

For example some symbolic meanings of the following are easily found:
Blackbird = wisdom, power, beauty;
Cardinal = responsibility, balance;
Oak = honor, nobility, wisdom;
Hand = strength, power, protection;
Cairn = balance, safe travel;

The list goes on (nearly) infinitely.

You may start with images or ideas that you think are just fun or interesting, but you can also begin to infuse what you make with additional meaning/layers if you choose to. IMO this just makes it all the more interesting.
There is an artist, Kirsten Francis, that has changed her making process a lot over the years, but when I first found out about her (and bought her art, oh, and some postcards of hers are in the display cases between rooms 501 and 502 now), she was doing these interesting woodcuts that have often "simple" compositions, but interesting use of imagery that you could possibly get some ideas from (in terms of combining images in a way that is creative and not like a "straight" photograph).

What I would do is think about using photographs to draw/paint from, but think about how you can use those references to create a personal and unique image. I do want you to aim for realism in terms of the representation of the elements of your image, but the layout and way they are combined can be unique.

This is all a lot to unpack, but I believe in all of you, and the curiosity you have. You can go quite deep with your art making and imagery and I get really excited by that part of the process - much more than the purely technical aspect of it.
I would add that I don't want you to lose the fun in image making. Make if fun for yourself for sure! But I know you have it in you to add more layers to your image too!

Let's see some ideation and sketches and talk about where you are going before the end of the week!

Opening Some Options and Wrapping Up

I know we just started our final grading period, but there are a couple of things I feel it is important to bring to your attention.
First, as it says in Canvas, nothing that has a due date in May will be accepted past the class period it is due. It simply takes too long for me to address those loose ends and wrap up the semester in a substantial way for that to work.

Second, if you have any Sketchbook work from Ch. 4 or 5 (for Art 1), or any Independent Practices (for Art 2) that were due earlier this semester, regardless of how long ago they were due, I will accept them between May 1st and May 13th. This gives you more than three weeks to work on the work. But, make sure you are following the following directions:

Art 1:
Send me an email that says "Ch. 4 redo" or "Ch. 5 redo" in the subject line.
In the body of the email tell me if you are doing work that was never turned in, or is a do-over of something you turned in earlier ( you must be making significant and noticeable changes if it is a do-over).
If the work is a do-over, include a before and after photo so that I have comparisons I can make, and then physically see me when you are ready to turn it is so I can give additional directions then.
Please send a separate email for Ch. 4 and Ch. 5 if that applies to you.

Art 2:
Send me an email that includes the title/topic of the piece you are turning in, and what number it was, in the subject line.
In the body of the email please tell me if you are doing work that was never turned in, or is a do-over of something you turned in earlier (you must be making significant and noticeable changes if it is a do-over).
If the work is a do-over, include a before and after photo so that I have comparisons I can make, and then make sure to include the topic on the back of the piece (with your name) when you turn it in.
Please send a separate email for each I.P.

For both Art levels: there will be no feedback and "redo" opportunities for work that falls into this category. Also, do not spend class time "catching up" and working on this. You may absolutely use tutorial, lunch, before/after school to do this work, but not class time.

If you have questions about the above, please send me an email. Unfortunately I know not everyone reads these messages, and since I want to focus on current work while in class I will not be discussing this content with the classes as a whole.
I will say, though, that I have been really impressed with some of the work as of late, and I want to allow the ability that I see in you to be shown. I know for some of you this isn't applicable, but for others of you it is. If this helps you, great. If it isn't applicable, thank you for making my life easier on me. I truly, truly, appreciate it.


One other thing I do want to address is the overall use of time. Several of you spend more time on extraneous "things" than are necessary in class. So my request, please be very mindful of how you use class time for the next four to five weeks. This is often with the ipads, so think about things like:
How long is it taking you to log in and select your playlist?
How long are you taking to clean up at the end of class?
But it can also be:
How long are you giving yourself to clean up at the end of class (you probably need less time than you think)?
How many times are you turning to your friends in class instead of having your focus be on your work (Yes, I still want you to feel free to converse with those in your table group, but you still need to get the work done)?

It is easy for any/all of the above to eat up 5-10 minutes of class time, and that is valuable time lost, so be very mindful of your expenditures especially as we work our way into May and June.

Even More Extra Credit

Tomorrow, 4/24, is the reception for the county wide exhibition that Sofia Kuta and Franny Lin had work accepted into. The reception lasts from 6-8, with awards at 7.

I would like to encourage you to attend the show not only to see their work, but to see the work made by other local high school students. I have yet to see the show and am looking forward to it.

The show is up until May 11 and if you take a selfie in front of either Franny or Sofia's art while it is on display and email it to me I will give you some extra credit for attending.
Ideally you would go tomorrow, but any day between now and the 11th with work.

Additionally, don't forget that there is a call for student art for a smaller show at the museum which closes on April 30th - next week.
If you copy me on the email you need to send the museum I will get you points for that as well - regardless of if they choose your piece or not.

There is a lot of good work from this year that you should be proud to show so do it! Now!
Or now!

If you need help getting a decent pic of your work, let me know.

Cheers.

Art 2 + Update (the ec is for all adv art students)

Yeah, I know, the end of the semester is approaching way faster than any of us would like.
Well, I want another break, but I feel the pressure of finishing the semester strong and continuing to get a lot of stuff done.

So here is what you, Art 2's, need to know for the remainder of the semester.
First, keep checking the calendar to keep up with the due dates.

We will work on our advertising project for a few class periods, and you have until Tuesday, Dec. 10th to finish it. That is 4.5 hours of class time - give or take.

You must:

• make it visually appealing
• include hand-drawn typography
• encourage students to take art - or at the very least, pique their interest
• use different parts of ads/ad styles from your assigned decade for inspiration
• have thumbnail sketches in your sketchbook
• print out some inspirational pieces and tape them into your sketchbook

Know that I will be looking at your sketchbooks as you work and I will be looking at them for a grade on Friday of this week.

Extra Credit for this semester will be due before you leave class on Monday, 12/16.
You have two options for this extra credit.

• take a study drawing you have completed this semester and have a do-over;
• meaning, think about what didn't work; how can you make it better; was it the idea you liked, but the execution suffered; was it just straight up rushed; etc.
• you must include the original study drawing as well as the new one, side by side
• take one of the ideas from the back of your study drawing sheet (section 5) that we haven't gotten to yet, do one of those topics.

I will say this though: they need to be awesome. For real.

If I am giving you extra credit I expect you to really go above and beyond. Wow me. Turning in your average pencil line drawing isn't going to cut it. If you turn something in I will give you extra credit, but I will give you more extra credit the more fantastic it is.

Also know that you may get class time to work on this, but don't count on it. We still have other things to cover that are not yet on the calendar so you will probably need to count on doing the extra credit outside of class.

Finals Finale

Here are the things you need to know, broken down by level of art, for finals next week:

Art 1
You need to make sure you have your watercolor technique sheet finished and ready to turn in on Monday.  I will give you some class time to work on it, but not a ton of time. Just fyi.
On Monday you need to have a horizontal, color, landscape photo that DOES NOT contain a silhouette.
You need to have your sketchbook with you in class.

Art 2
You need to have your re-do study drawing.
You need to have your original, crappy, study drawing.
You need to have your sketchbook.

Art 3
You need to have your re-do study drawing.
You need to have your original, crappy, study drawing.
You need to have your sketchbook.
You will be turning in your group art advertising poster.*

*note, Art 3's can turn in their study drawing or their poster on Monday and the other on Wed

Art 4
You need to have your sketchbook.
I would also like for you to bring your Art 1 sketchbook in to class as well.

Note: I will possibly be updating this as I get my memory more solidified. Check back more than once to see if anything has changed. I will have this completely updated by Monday night.

If your name is EVB, Saoirse, Mara, Bronte, Carolina, Aaron, Mary, Justine, Will, or Mady I have it in my records that you owe me something - probably money and/or supplies. You need to see me about this asap.

Also, don't forget to visit Studio 502 on Society6 if you need some cards or other holiday gifts.

New New New Stuff

I am so happy to have worked with Ms. Pearson (of leadership and history fame) to have designs that some of the Art 2 and Art 3 students hand drew on some apparel in the student store. I will attach some pictures and details below, but a big pat on the back goes to Clair Farmer, Grace Hur, Serena Kang and Mary Stone. Way to go, you all rock!

There will be a sale on Friday, Nov. 30th at tutorial, lunch and after school in the main hall outside of the Guidance Office.
Normal hours to buy the items will be Tues and Thurs during tutorial in the student store.
If you can't make it to school feel free to send some dollars and information about what you want to school with your student to pass along to me and I will make sure you get what you want.

Why am I finally offering all of this up?
Good question and thank you for asking.

A portion of the profits from the gear the art students have designed comes back to benefit the art program, one.
Two, Ms. Pearson and her leadership students have put a lot of energy into getting some really great pieces into the store and the proceeds from those items go to help benefit the school as a whole.

Plus, I know you just want you some LG gear. All the cool kids are wearing it. Mostly.
And...the holidays are coming up and you know you know or know someone who knows someone who may or may not want something LGHS related. For real.

Here are the pictures of the pieces the students have designed.

Design by: Claire Farmer

Item: Super soft 1/4 zip black sweatshirt

Price: $40

detail

 Design by: Mary Stone

Item: Short sleeve black T

Price: $15

detail

Design by: Serena Kang

Item: Women's V neck black T

Price: $18

(this item is printed on both sides; paw print on front; text on back)

front 

 back

 detail

Design by: Grace Hur

Item: Long sleeve white T

Price: $20 

 detail

Note: It is very possible I mixed the prices of the last two items up. I am human, I make mistakes. But at some point the real prices will be listed on the student store website so I'm not exactly heartbroken over it.

Basically, please buy stuff from the store; please buy stuff from the art students. They work hard and are so very talented and it would make them feel amazing to have their designs desired.
Your pocketbooks make us all happy.

Also, if we're speaking of gifts, don't forget to check the Society6 shop Studio 502 has online, too. There will be some new items added within the next month, too, so keep checking back.

In the Works

Those designs the Art 2 & 3 classes made this week? Yes, those designs. Ms. Pearson came and picked them up today and the judging has begun. There are a few meetings to discuss them next week and they may be in production in the very near future.

I don't know how many designs are going to be printed, but I am very impressed by the quantity of outstanding work that was turned in.

Stay tuned.

Art 2, Round 2

Art 2's, the next round of Study Drawings, due on Wed, Sept. 26th have the following topics:

A tree(s)
A self-portrait
Adventure

Have fun. Be awesome.

Tutorial

Yes, you know you are supposed to be doing something "academic" with your tutorial time.
That's just the way it is.

If you don't think so, imagine this scenario: All of your classes are 10-12 minutes longer each. Meaning, a MINIMUM of 100 minutes in each of those classes that definitely aren't as cool as art.
I know, sounds terrible.

So during tutorial, go hang out in a classroom. It's not rocket science.

At any rate, I'm going in to thing just to remind you of the following:

Wednesday, August 22 - Senior assembly in the theater during tutorial.

Thursday, August 23 - Junior assembly in the theater during tutorial.

Friday, August 24 - Sophomore assembly in the theater during tutorial.

For the rest of the week you have places to be. Freshman are busy in different ways, but I don't remember those right now.

This is all.

Besides: Cash Money.
Word.

Art 2

Forgot to tell you all, with your 3 study drawings that are due next week, one MUST  be done in pen & ink.
Thanks for playing.
Smile.

Calendar

Don't forget to check the calendar on the class site, but here are some of the due dates coming up:

• Jan 18th - EF Meeting in the Adv Art Room
• Jan 19th - AICC Reception 6-8pm
• Jan 19th - Art 3 - 2 study drawings due; sketches for next project/painting due; art/502 advertising stuff due
• Jan 19th - Art 4 - 2 study drawings due; art/502 advertising stuff due???
• Jan 20th - Art 2 - Vintage Art Advertising Posters Due
• Jan 23rd - Art 1 3 study drawing sketches due
• Jan 23rd - Art 3 - canvases for next painting due, drawing on them
• Jan 23rd - CT Visit - Josh and Siobhan, don't forget
• Jan 23rd - Art 4 - Studio 502 website due
• Jan 24th - 3's from periods 2/6, advertising stuff due
• Jan 24th - 8th grade orientation in big gym, 7-8pm, I NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR HANDOUTS
• Jan 26th - Art 2 - 3 study drawings due, one must be pen & ink
• Jan 27th - Art 4 - Portfolio Due

Don't Step On The Fetus

Good times in Art 2.