Our annual Maryland Institute College of Art visit will happen this Thursday during tutorial.
The invitation is officially extended to all art students, even though I forgot to announce it during the Art 1 classes yesterday.
If you don't know much about the school, come and check them out.
Or go here: www.mica.edu
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Misc. OIl Project Notes
It's dawning on me that there is a drawback from moving to the block schedule for projects that include a very new media. With us working on our oil paintings, and trying to figure it out as we go through the process in art 2 for the first time, painting every other day isn't the best. Consistent practice is. While I recognize that everyone has other classes to worry about and do work for, if you (Art 2's) can use at least 1-2 tutorials each week to come in and work on your paintings, it will make you a better painter in a shorter period of time. There are a lot of subtleties required in handling the paint (making sure to eliminate "halos", dealing with canvas texture, blending, details, correct values, edges - the list goes on) and practice, practice, PRACTICE is what you need to make you better.
And art 4's: Wed. Yes, Wed., the painting is due. No, I will not move the due date. You have had 6 weeks to work on the project and many of you did exactly what I warned against, and that was using two to three weeks to work on study drawings and idea preparation. Yes, I expect a lot from this project as you have completed five oil paintings for me in the past and you all have a facility with the medium that should just be getting better.
Art 3's: You're just getting started, and one of the main things that will help is for you to really look at your picture and try to notice what colors are there as "base coats". Often you'll notice that there is something painted underneath the final color you actually see, and being able to use that same method of painting will make the process much easier for you to match colors and textures later on.
And art 4's: Wed. Yes, Wed., the painting is due. No, I will not move the due date. You have had 6 weeks to work on the project and many of you did exactly what I warned against, and that was using two to three weeks to work on study drawings and idea preparation. Yes, I expect a lot from this project as you have completed five oil paintings for me in the past and you all have a facility with the medium that should just be getting better.
Art 3's: You're just getting started, and one of the main things that will help is for you to really look at your picture and try to notice what colors are there as "base coats". Often you'll notice that there is something painted underneath the final color you actually see, and being able to use that same method of painting will make the process much easier for you to match colors and textures later on.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Moving in to oil painting
As we prepare for the larger oil paintings, of course everyone needs something to paint on. The minimum canvas size for everyone (Art 2,3,4) is 16" x 20". Yes, canvases can be traded for cash ($5 or $9) here in class, or you can get one from the art supply store (University Art or Aaron Brothers are both good places).
Art 4's - as ANOTHER reminder, you need to supply your own oil painting brushes this year. I am supplying the white oil paint (which in years past art 4's needed to get themselves), though.
Art 2's - you need to bring your canvas and photographs to class BY Friday. Bring options, please.
Art 3's - you have options for your oil painting project. Traditionally the first oil painting of the year has been a Master/Famous Reproduction. To explain, the reasons are for duplication of color, texture, and painting style. In studying the masters (which is a centuries old exercise) you have the chance to expand your knowledge, and the bottom line is that it will make you a MUCH better painter in the long run. As I mentioned in class, there is one drawback. That reproduction usually isn't good to use in a college portfolio. You can still use it as an exercise and do a second painting afterwards - which the classes have also done the past two years.
In terms of the other options for the oil painting (for art 3's) please think those ideas through and have concrete options to discuss next week in class.
Art 4's - as ANOTHER reminder, you need to supply your own oil painting brushes this year. I am supplying the white oil paint (which in years past art 4's needed to get themselves), though.
Art 2's - you need to bring your canvas and photographs to class BY Friday. Bring options, please.
Art 3's - you have options for your oil painting project. Traditionally the first oil painting of the year has been a Master/Famous Reproduction. To explain, the reasons are for duplication of color, texture, and painting style. In studying the masters (which is a centuries old exercise) you have the chance to expand your knowledge, and the bottom line is that it will make you a MUCH better painter in the long run. As I mentioned in class, there is one drawback. That reproduction usually isn't good to use in a college portfolio. You can still use it as an exercise and do a second painting afterwards - which the classes have also done the past two years.
In terms of the other options for the oil painting (for art 3's) please think those ideas through and have concrete options to discuss next week in class.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Art 2's
As we begin our oil painting unit there are some things you need to do in preparation of the second painting we will do. One: get b/w photographs (high quality) for us to choose from in class. This can be from a magazine or one that you have taken (preferred). Two: get a canvas (which I have here if you cannot make it to the art store - 16x20" min.). Three: those must be here by Friday 10/9 at the LATEST!
We'll begin our grisaille project on Monday, and it will be due on 10/9 as well.
We'll begin our grisaille project on Monday, and it will be due on 10/9 as well.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Completely Random
“A poster the recipient completes by revealing spot-varnished type with hands made dirty by handling the poster,” by Roland Tiangco.
Random thing I found from the Printeresting blog, via the NewLights Press blog...
Due Date Reminder(s)
Art 2's: Hand/Head studies are due on Friday. This will be the final component of your drawing packet, and the final grade will go in Aeries following this piece.
Art 2's also need to begin looking for a b/w photograph for our monochromatic oil project. You have two weeks before you need it, but I would strongly suggest looking now. If you can take your own picture, that would be even better (hint, hint).
Art 1/2/3/4H: EVERYONE has study drawings due next week!
Art 1 on Monday
Art 2 on Tuesday
Art 3/4H on Wednesday
Do not forget, do not forget, do not forget...study drawings are not accepted late! If I don't have them on the due date, and on time, you will get a zero.
Art 2's also need to begin looking for a b/w photograph for our monochromatic oil project. You have two weeks before you need it, but I would strongly suggest looking now. If you can take your own picture, that would be even better (hint, hint).
Art 1/2/3/4H: EVERYONE has study drawings due next week!
Art 1 on Monday
Art 2 on Tuesday
Art 3/4H on Wednesday
Do not forget, do not forget, do not forget...study drawings are not accepted late! If I don't have them on the due date, and on time, you will get a zero.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
National Portfolios Day(s)
Just received a poster for this fall/winter's National Portfolio Day(s) around the country.
In Jan. they will be in:
San Francisco @ San Francisco Art Institute on 1-16-10
Los Angeles @ Art Center College of Design on 1-17-10
More information can be found @:
http://portfolioday.net/
You'll see art from different art schools there, as well as have the opportunity to get some feedback on some of your art. Essentially, it's a good place to scope out potential schools without having to go to them.
From the poster:
"What should I bring?
Your portfolio can include finished pieces, work in progress, and sketchbooks. We ask you to bring your original artwork whenever possible. We suggest that you do not spend time and money matting or framing your work. Keep your presentation simple; the work itself is what is of interest."
So there you go.
In Jan. they will be in:
San Francisco @ San Francisco Art Institute on 1-16-10
Los Angeles @ Art Center College of Design on 1-17-10
More information can be found @:
http://portfolioday.net/
You'll see art from different art schools there, as well as have the opportunity to get some feedback on some of your art. Essentially, it's a good place to scope out potential schools without having to go to them.
From the poster:
"What should I bring?
Your portfolio can include finished pieces, work in progress, and sketchbooks. We ask you to bring your original artwork whenever possible. We suggest that you do not spend time and money matting or framing your work. Keep your presentation simple; the work itself is what is of interest."
So there you go.
Steamroller in SF
So I finally decided to go to the "Roadworks" event that San Francisco Center for the Book puts on each fall. I've known about it since I first took a bookmaking class there three or four years ago. Honestly, it was much more interesting than I thought it would be. There were handmade vendors hawking print related works they had made (all very reasonably priced), guest artists inking huge (must have been at least three feet square) linoleum block prints, smaller twelve inch square lino blocks that you can pay to have printed (maybe next year? - I didn't know that "anyone" could participate), free letterpress workshop/bookbinding workshop, foam printing, and of course hours of a steamroller gliding over lino cuts just for the heck of it. Not all of the prints weren't perfect (it is a steamroller and not a press by the way), but it was a good time!
I'll show some photos in class, but here is a glimpse.
Here is a photo of my "book". I used the "is you is or is you ain't" line - lyrics from an old friend/musician in New Orleans, John Fohl (great acoustic blues guitarist who also plays for Dr. John).
I'll show some photos in class, but here is a glimpse.
Here is a photo of my "book". I used the "is you is or is you ain't" line - lyrics from an old friend/musician in New Orleans, John Fohl (great acoustic blues guitarist who also plays for Dr. John).
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
College Visits
For right now I know of two art schools that will be on campus before October is over.
On Oct. 5th SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) will be in the career center before 5th period.
On Oct. 29th, MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) will be presenting in room 502 during tutorial.
On Oct. 5th SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) will be in the career center before 5th period.
On Oct. 29th, MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) will be presenting in room 502 during tutorial.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Drawing Packets
As I figure out the timing of projects as we transition from 50 to 90 minute classes I can sense that it may not be uncommon for due dates to change. I assign due dates based on past experience with specific projects, and if a project is new, based on personal experience with that style/type of working method.
Which brings me to Art 1. The good news is that there are some really great drawings coming along for the "final pencil still life." I have decided to move the due date to Wed., though I probably won't change the date in Aeries.
Art 2/3 There are some good things happening, but most of you need to pick up the pace and/or use tutorial. There are a few that have come in for work time outside of class, and it has made a significant difference in your first two pieces of the year - in a very positive way.
Art 4's need to have matboard here this week in order to get their drawing presentation ready. As will some of the other levels, there is some great work, but a couple of you still have a ways to go. Time is really the only issue you are facing, but on the bright side, you'll have plenty of time to devote to study drawings before they are due. The first painting of the year will be due in Oct., approx. half-way through the second grading period.
Which brings me to Art 1. The good news is that there are some really great drawings coming along for the "final pencil still life." I have decided to move the due date to Wed., though I probably won't change the date in Aeries.
Art 2/3 There are some good things happening, but most of you need to pick up the pace and/or use tutorial. There are a few that have come in for work time outside of class, and it has made a significant difference in your first two pieces of the year - in a very positive way.
Art 4's need to have matboard here this week in order to get their drawing presentation ready. As will some of the other levels, there is some great work, but a couple of you still have a ways to go. Time is really the only issue you are facing, but on the bright side, you'll have plenty of time to devote to study drawings before they are due. The first painting of the year will be due in Oct., approx. half-way through the second grading period.
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