Learning to talk about art...
Ekphrasis
WALT describe the correlation between language and visual imagery and how it relates to the transference of ideas
WALT examine and describe, in writing, what is presented to them in a master work of art.
WALT compose a drawing using the description of a master work of art written by one of their peers.
Ekphrasis or ecphrasis, from the Greek description of a work of art, possibly imaginary, produced as a rhetorical exercise, and is a graphic, often dramatic, description of a visual work of art.
In ancient times it referred to a description of any thing, person, or experience.
The word comes from the Greek ek, meaning 'out,' and phrasis, meaning 'speak'
The verb ekphrazein means to proclaim or call an inanimate object by name.
How did we find out about all the wonderful art in the world before the invention of transportation and modern day technologies?
Think about how the world was different before we could move freely around in planes, trains and automobiles. How about before printed (mass) media? How did we transfer ideas? How did we let people know what was going on in the world? How do you think this affected the world of art?
Example: Imagine, you have traveled back in time and are now a member of the wealthy upper class. Because of your class you are afforded the opportunity to travel abroad where you get to see master artwork. Because of the limited reach of any media (or perhaps before printed media was even available), how did we let our foreign friends know about these artworks that have now become legendary?
This is where word of mouth and the way we use our own words to describe something we see that helps others visualize what they do not have access to. A real life, current day, example would be, imagine you have gone on a family vacation. Where did you go? What did you see? Tell me about it. How would you explain what you saw in such a way that if I close my eyes I can visualize what you have seen?
Let's practice with this well known piece, The Son of Man, by René Magritte:
Now, it's your turn. Pair up with one of your table mates. One of you will choose a piece from the provided copies of master artworks, but don't show your partner!
Student #1 (the student who picked the artwork) will be the speaker and will, orally, create an Ekphrasis about the chosen artwork. Student #2 will attempt to draw/sketch out the artwork based on student #1's description using their pencil and the provided markers/colored pencils
Student #1, remember, the goal is not to trick your partner into not being able to picture the artwork. Your goal is to help them envision the work as closely as possible.
*If time, you and your partner will switch roles.
Be sure to put yours and your partners name on the drawing, as well as the title of the work (or the letter or number on the back if no title). You will be receiving points towards your weekly participation grade for this assignment.
Before we officially start making art, let's take a second
to review a very important element of art...
Value
Value (PowerPoint Presentation)
Shading. Common Beginner "Mistakes." (video)
Graphite or Pencil Drawing Techniques: Shading (video)
Tessellations
WALT
demonstrate an understanding of the 7 Elements of Art, specifically line, shape, and space, as they experiment with transformations in the plane
analyze patterns and relationships
What is a tessellation?
A tessellation is any pattern made of repeating shapes that covers a surface completely without overlapping or leaving any gaps. A checkerboard is a tessellation made of squares. The squares meet edge to edge with no gaps and no overlapping areas. The pattern of bricks on a wall is a tessellation made of rectangles.
Over 2,200 years ago, ancient Greeks were decorating their homes with tessellations, making elaborate mosaics from tiny, square tiles. Early Persian and Islamic artists also created spectacular tessellating designs. More recently, the Dutch artist M.C. Escher used tessellation to create enchanting patterns of interlocking creatures, such as birds and fish.
More on M.C. Escher: Tessellation: The Geometry of Tiles, Honeycombs and M.C. Escher
Into video on how to make a tesselation
How to make a tessellation (Step by Step demonstration of a Translation)
Zentangle Sugar Skulls
WALT demonstrate an understanding of the Mexican Dia de los Muertos traditions through class
discussion and their own designs inspired by what they have learned.
WALT demonstrate an intermediate knowledge of the anatomy of the human face, as we engage in a
guided practice drawing simplified skull designs which will serve as the foundation for our
zentangle designs
WALT create linear based, invented texture and pattern.
WALT combine 3 or more Zentangle patterns in your own original sugar skull designs that
demonstrate an intermediate understanding of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design.
Student Samples (Google Slideshow)
Futuristic Cities: Two-Point Perspective
WALT apply the rules of two-point perspective
WALT evaluate the properties of a good composition using forms present in everyday life.
WALT demonstrate a continued knowledge of line, shape, color, and value
WALT apply an understanding of space and perspectives
PERSPECTIVE
Perspective in Art (Nintendo edition!) (2:02)
A Brief History of Perspective in European Art (3:47)
Still stuck after our demo? Here is a helpful link: Two-Point Perspective by The Virtual Instructor
Two-Point Perspective Worksheet
Futuristic Cities Assignment Packet
CITY DESIGN
The Race to Create the Perfect City. (BBC) (2:10)
Addressing the Worlds Problems by Designing the Perfect City (5:17)
Slab Relief Tiles
WALT demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of slab technique and reduction techniques as we create our own original relief designs inspired by the fractal patterns/textures found in nature.
WALT develop original relief design ideas using three levels for their slab relief tiles
WALT effectively use glazing techniques to enhance the form and function of our pieces
WALT evaluate both theirs and their peers designs and final products in both formal and informal critique
Class Reading: Fractal Patterns in Nature and Art are Aesthetically Pleasing and Stress-Reducing
Video Demonstration: Working Artist, Victoria Ellis Carves Fine Bas Relief Figurative Clay Mural (9:13)
Note: The below example demonstrates technique we will be using
but does not follow the design concept of patterns found in nature
Project Samples
Glazing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzYq2xFBsdM
Quilling (aka Paper Filligree or Paper Rolling)
WALT
understand the origin and growth of the art of paper quilling througout history
demonstrate a continued understanding of line, shape, and color.
create a balanced composition, reminiscent of the natural shapes found in the galaxies, using the art of paper rolling, known as quilling.
coil different shapes of quilled paper, and adhere to a surface to create a 3D relief, using at least 3 different types of quilling shapes.
What is quilling?
https://makezine.com/2013/10/02/quilling-101/
Sample Galleries
https://www.quilledcreations.com/quilling-gallery/allis-quilling-gallery
Quilling- Basic Shapes Handout
These little spirals remind me of something... the shapes of the galaxies. Something I noticed after I realized the funny coincidence of the main characters name in Guardians of the Galaxy, Peter Quill.
Here are a few quilling pieces that actually remind me of galaxy artwork... What will you create?
Chuck Close Inspired Grid Portraits
(Color Theory)
WALT
Describe the events that took place in Chuck Close's life which altered his artistic style
Describe the difference between several color relationships and differentiate between them
Create a .5" x .5" grid on their reference photo and a 1" x 1" grid on their drawing paper and translate the image from their reference photo box by box using their pencil
Analyze and apply the element of color to a single work of art in a planned and innovative manner
Before watching the following video, think about what advice you would have given to your former 5th grade self who was preparing to enter middle school
Note to Self: Chuck Close (video)
What did you take away from the video?
Now, let's take a closer look at the work of Chuck Close and see some examples of how we are going to apply it into our own portraits of our FAVORITE PERSON.
https://prezi.com/v4f2vjib3ilr/chuck-close/
When you're ready, we will be adding color to our portraits, however, instead of just coloring it in a realistic fashion, I want you to explore the world of color. Before you do, let's review a little bit about color theory.
https://prezi.com/pbx3ic5djol3/color-theory-psychology-and-brief-history/
Typography: Theme-Based Font Design
WALT
demonstrate an understanding of the art and history of typography/font design
create an alphabet based on an original, theme-based design idea
build upon our Art Critique
The History of Typography (Video)
Art and Design Careers: Calligraphy and Typography (Class Reading)
Note: Some of the above examples are based on copyrighted ideas/designs, such as the
muppets alphabet. While I will allow you to use existing ideas as the basis for your
theme, all lettering ideas must be original. I encourage you to create a design that is
100% uniquely your own. Have fun with this!