The ART of Critique

Intro and Advanced Drawing and Painting

The four steps to critique are describe, analyze, interpret, and judge. 

We will be critiquing our own artwork, as well as, some famous works of art as the semester continues. Artists' style evolve over time and can be influenced by the artwork of others.  Maybe the way you view art will evolve as we begin studying the works of artists with varied styles.  Complete the following Journal Entry to help you better understand the following paintings and the art of critique. 

In your sketchbook follow the steps to critique one of these paintings by Marc Chagall.  First you must discover the name of the painting and the year it was painted.  Select the image to see a larger view.  

1.   DESCRIBE:  What do you see?  What are the most obvious elements of design? What is going on or what action is taking place?  Elements of Design:  line, texture, shape, color, space,  (there are more, but refer to these)

2.   ANALYZE:  How have the Elements been arranged into Principles? What are the principles doing?  Is there a storyline?  Principles:  Balance, contrast, emphasis, harmony, movement, rhythm, pattern (there are more but refer to these)

3.   INTERPRET:  What are the ideas, emotions or aesthetics being communicated to you? What do you think the meaning of the ART is, what is it trying to say to do or say to you?   Context of Art: Time and Place; Social/Economic/Political/Spiritual Setting; Mood or Emotion qualities; Life and expertise of the Artist.

4.   JUDGE:  Is the art work visually pleasing/aesthetic?Would you say the art achieved its goal for you or the artist?  Is the work well crafted?

(modified excerpts from,  “The Art of Seeing”)

ART CLUB

Our first meeting will be held after school on September 24th in room C16.  We will discuss the path the club will take this  year so come with ideas and expectations to share!  The meeting will end around 3:15.  If you cannot make it and would like to get involved see or email me. 

Creative Shapes and Text in Photoshop

Designing for the Web

Designed by Tim O.  

In this lesson you will add a shape and then text to your color portraits. Pay attention to the negative space in your work to find a place where you can add these elements.   We are trying to create depth and interest in our piece. The "f/x" tool will help you design and personalize your text.  See the full description of the lesson below.

 Creative Text & Shape Lesson

Self-Reflection and Assessment

Intro to Drawing and Painting

This WEDNESDAY (Sept. 12th) your first self-assessment is due.  You will be reflecting upon your gesture and contour drawing sketchbook assignments and the way you embellished your sketchbook cover.  Please make sure you view the rubrics and let me know what grade you feel you achieved.  There is always some "wiggle"  room when it comes to grading, so if you feel like you accomplished some goals, but not others  and are not clear about what grade you have earned please speak to me about it.  There is also a comment area to clarify why you gave yourself a particular grade. 

Remember always focus and apply yourself. If you feel your artwork isn't at the level you want it to be, remember that EFFORT and ATTITUDE is valued more than the ability to draw a "perfect" contour line.

Sketchbook Assignment Rubric

Scare...spook...FRIGHTEN!!!

 Calliope, our amazing student literary magazine, is in need of some CREEPY or seasonal art (for those that don't feel like being creepy or spooky).  Create a work of art out of any medium and submit photos of your work to Mr Matthiessen.   I will be happy to take photographs of your artwork if I receive it by September 30th.

All of my classes will get extra-credit for any quality artwork that is created for submission.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS OCT. 1

Drawing Ellipses

Intro to Drawing and Painting

Now that you are becoming more observant and have completed gesture drawings and contour drawings we will start creating three-dimensional images by adding values and thinking about perspective.   A good place to start is by drawing cylinder-like objects,  We will be focusing this week on creating representational drawings of cups and flower pots, paying close attention to where the light hits the objects and how highlights, core shadows,  reflected light, and cast shadows create depth on a two-dimensional surface.

Sketchbook Assignment:  Draw 3 objects that are elliptical.  Focus on the value changes that will help you make your drawing have depth.

View the link below  to a wonderful tutorial on drawing ellipses:

http://sibleyfineart.com/tutorial--draw-ellipses.htm

 



small object, LARGE DRAWING

Advance Drawing and Painting

 

Now that you are all back in the drawing mode it is time for a challenge.   Your goal will be to find a very small object to observe and draw VERY LARGE.    The drawing you create will be monumental, in that it will portray your object as “massive”, creating drama. 

A part of this project is going to be about setting the stage for your object.  You will be given a shoe box, a flashlight, duck tape, scissors, and paper.  These materials will help you create a strong light source on your object.  

A photo of object may help you see the values.

Study the shadows, mid-tones, and highlights of your object to see how they relate to the form.   Observe the surface of the object and think about ways you will be able to draw its texture.   Begin by drawing a study of the object in your sketchbook.   Near your sketch describe the reasons you chose the object.  Does it carry any symbolic meaning for you?  Were you interested in the texture or shape of the object?  You should be compelled to create the large drawing, so be invested in the object you choose.   After you have completed your thumbnail sketch decide if you would like to crop your object when you blow it up. 

Your Final Grade for this project will be based on:

·    Completion of thumbnail sketch that accurately represents the proportions and values of the object.

·    Written statements in sketchbook that reflect upon the process of creating this work of art and your thoughts on how you used the elements and principles of design to create your piece.

·    Composition of final charcoal drawing. This includes use of negative and positive space and how the placement and cropping of the object creates movement  and interest  in the piece.

·    Quality of work.  Neatness and the accuracy in which the object was drawn large scale.