Over the course of 5-7 class periods, you will be experimenting with different media from pencils, charcoal, chalk pastel, paint, and possibly more! You will create an original piece of art that comes straight from your own subconscious, tapping into your raw feelings and emotions.

We will begin with a very structured, teacher-lead approach that includes specific prompts, and gradually give you more freedom and autonomy.

Watch this short TED Ed video on the basics of abstract expressionism.

• In your words, describe abstract expressionism

• Relate the process and tenets of abstract expressionism to what we have already done in class. What similarities and differences have you noticed?

An in-class activity.

Peruse through this collection of Abstract Expressionist artwork, curated by Google Arts & Culture.

In your sketchbook:

1. Pick one piece of artwork that catches your eye

2. Using colored pencils, sketch it as best as possible

3. Describe it using the elements of art

4. Identify one principle of design that this artwork shows well. Explain.

Once you have completed your piece of artwork, it will be displayed around the school.

You will submit a written reflection using the elements and principles of design.

My painting uses many elements of art, such as line, value, color, and texture. I used white lines in organic shapes going from one side of the page to another in the middle to create a design that contrasts the background. The background has a wide range of value. I created this by blending dark blue, gray, and black together to create contrast behind the lines. I used color in the top of my painting. I painted it white and then added a black paint splatter and outline to create contrast and texture with the colors. Lastly, I created some interesting textures. I splattered paint onto my painting and when it dried it created tiny bumps in the painting you can feel if you run your hand over it. I also would poke my brush onto the page while drawing lines instead of one stroke to give it a cooler shape and some texture. In all I really liked how it turned out and I combined many elements of art to create the art piece I have today.

I choose contrast as my principle of design, because I really like that part in my painting. I have a colorful background with bright white boxes outlined with heavy dark lines, that encase the planets. This is not only a contrast in color, but also contrast of shape, since my background consist on mostly organic fast flowy shapes and lines, and then theres the strong boxes and circular planets. A lot of the colors of the planets are also opposites on the color wheel to at least one color in the background, and this also creates contrast.