Create a Message in Mixed-Media

                                                                                  

                                                                    

You can  decide to make a work of art that is related to a cause you feel passionate about. Or you could make a whimsical piece that reflects an interest or subject. A cause could be related to something close to home, in your own community, or it could be an issue that affects the entire world.  When you create this work of art it should be something you feel personally invested in.

In your sketchbook:

·         Describe why you are interested in this cause or subject.

Make a list of words or symbols that could or do represent your cause or subject.   For instance if you were going to make a work of art about families or people being homeless your list might look like this:  $$, people, children,  empty boxes, broken homes??,  sad, pain, loss, bad economy, mental illness,…etc.   If you were  creating a work of art about birds decide what you want to include in the piece.

·         List some colors you think will help you portray the mood you want to relate to the viewer.

·         After you have your list start drawing thumbnail sketches of ideas of any overall composition.  We will be mixing-media to create this work of art, but it is a good idea to start with some kind of composition.  

Outside of class look for articles or written words about your cause or subject.  You could also type something up yourself and pick and interesting font that supports or reflects your cause or subject.  Maybe there are lyrics to a song that are suitable.  You need to have writing or words somewhere in your work (they do not have to be legible). Contemplate what texture paper you might want to add to your work. Finally, draw an image you want to repeat in your work of art.  This could be a symbol or an actual object, person, animal…etc.   You will repeat this image either by replicating it smaller or larger or cutting it out of paper. 

Putting it all together 

 Now that you gathered all the materials and ideas for your work start composing.   How can repetition of an image have an impact on the movement and interest in your piece?  What are you going to emphasize?  Is there a focal point?   How are you going to place colors, textures, lines, and shapes to create a visually balanced piece?