Visual Journal Assignments and Inspirations

Visual Journal Assignments and Inspirations

It is expected that you experiment with many different techniques and research some standard topics in your Visual Journal. The following subjects and subtopics should be researched, and explored within your sketchbook and studio work.

Elements of Art and Principles of Design- line, shape, color, value, texture, space, pattern, rhythm, movement, contrast, harmony, balance, emphasis

Drawing and Painting- observational drawing, line drawing (contour, blind, gesture), perspective, composition and still-life, landscape, self-portraits, color theory, mixing and blending colors

Mixed media- oil and chalk pastels, charcoal, conte crayon, collage

Sculpture- history of ceramics, wood, metal, wire, installation

In general, the work you complete in your Visual Journal should have content that is directly related to your studio work and to your theme or emphasis. For each studio project, you will receive guiding assignments that will help you plan out your studio projects and help you develop as an artist.

The following assignments are guidance for your sketchbook.

1.Your theme: Explain your theme or emphasis

2.Look at all the studio assignments and sketch out ideas for each one: on each page research a little history or culture to incorporate in your sketch

3.Transformation- write about it, research artists that make work about this theme

4. Innocence- what does it mean? Draw a mixed-media piece about it

5. Art with a social issue- research ideas. What social or political issues are important to you?

6. Create a couple of collages based upon your interests, life goals, dreams and future plans

7. Make a vision board in your sketchbook

8. Re-do 2 pages in your book

9. Draw vases- ideas for what you might make in clay if you were assigned vases

10.Design a dinner plate- look at the book 500 plates

11.Draw a self portrait using lots of color

12.Draw hands and feet, shade them in. Practice using charcoal and pencil

13.Pointillism- research and practice it

14.Explore Hindu art and Mhendi designs

15.Interior design- design your dream room or house. Research floor plans, architecture and interior design

16.Visit the MOMA.org website and define the art movements: http://www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning

17.History: Art movements- make a timeline of art movements that interest you

18.Principles of Design- research, list and define, make small 3x3 pictures demonstrating these

19. Murals and Muralists

20.Nature, landscapes

21.Graffiti art

22.Chinese and Japanese brush painting and watercolor