Abstract Journal Entry

Advanced Drawing and Painting

There are different degrees of abstract art but most tend to take realistic imagery out of the picture focusing more on color, lines, space without reference to literal images. View the paintings below. They all move away from reality. Mark Rothko's color field painting is pure abstraction while Willem De Kooning's expressionistic painting gives us a glimpse of a figure.   Which painting do you find intriguing?  In your journal describe the painting thoroughly. Does it evoke an emotional response?  What do you think is the meaning of the painting?  Finally, write a brief description about the artist and his life.



Wassily Kandinksy



Barnett Newman



Franz Kline



Jackson Pollock

Robert Motherwell

Mark Rothko

Cy Twombly

Willem De Kooning

Abstracting from a Still-Life

Advanced Drawing and Painting

Notice how a portion of this photo was cropped to make an interesting composition.  When planning your abstract painting refer to the principles and elements of design.  Which principles and elements are you going to concentrate on? Look below at the caption under the abstract image to see how elements and principles of design are used to describe the work.  Create a thumbnail sketch of your abstract painting to work on the composition. 










Depth is created by having an object in the lower-left portion of the composition.  There are different values and lines on the garlic that help create the form of the garlic.  The lines on the garlic create a pattern and movement.    The negative space in the lower-right leads you into the center of the image.  There is a dark area of negative space in the background which adds interest and contrast again creating depth.   The different textures on the negative and postive space adds interest.  The cast shadow brings you into the center , meeting the light mass (hill-like shape), that leads your eye to the back...thus creating movement.

 

Surrealism in Photoshop

Designing for the Web

Now that you have completed your research on Surrealism and are familiar with Photoshop, it is time for you to create your own unique work of art.  Your artwork could make a statement about a global issue or you could focus on something more personal.  Some students in the past have created light-hearted works of art and others delve into more somber issues...it is totally up to you.  We will be animating this photoshop image in Flash so think about ways you will add movement and sound in the future.  The images you see below all include the artist...you can be in your art as well. 
Please read the Surrealistic Lesson Document for more details on the assignment.

Jamie G 2011

Walter K 2011

Josh D 2010

Paintings in Progress

Advanced Drawing and Painting

Students have created a still-life by finding assorted objects they felt compelled to paint.  After setting up their objects in an arrangement they photographed the composition adding an artifical light source when needed.  They then completed a thumbnail sketch (to make sure they could accurately draw the objects in proportion).  Finally, they drew a light sketch on their watercolor paper and began to add the lightest values. 

Surrealism in Photoshop

Designing for the Web

Surrealistic works of art create a dream-like environment. To learn more about this art movement research this intriguing style of art...then start thinking about an image you can create in Photoshop.  Complete the following journal entry on Surrealism and view previous student work for inspiration.

Surrealism Journal Entry

Created by Luke S

Created by Tim O.

Created by Brandon M.

Who is Shepard Fairey?

Fairey "Andre, the Giant" 1989

Designing for the Web

When designing our digital images we need to be aware of copyright laws and what  "fair use" or "public domain" means.  Shepard Fairey reached millions of people when he designed the "Hope" poster using an image of President Obama.  There was a lot of controversy 
amongst artists when it came to how Fairey acquired the image he used for the poster.  Your assignment is to discover more about the controversy, Shepard Fairey, and copyrighting.   Complete the following assignment and be prepared to talk about your findings in class.

Shepard Fairey and Copyrighting Journal Entry

Fairey "Hope" 2008

Discover the Artist

Advanced Drawing and Painting



Discover the name of each watercolor painting. Find out who painted it and when it was painted.  Which one do you like the best and why?  Research the artist of your favorite painting and write about their life in your sketchbook. A little hint... the artists names are John Singer Sargent, J.M.W. Turner, Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth, Georgia O'Keeffe and Albrecht Durer. 

Student Postcard for the "Looking for Good" Project

Created by Jane B

A beautiful ink drawing created using the stippling method. 

Read more about the "Looking for Good Project" under "Creative Opportunities" in this Blog.