Unit Concepts: Studio Problem/approaches

October 3, 2009- Welcome- Info and Drawing Unit Concepts - Syllabus Review - Contact Info - The NEW GT blog -Student critique and pre-drawing

Studio Problem/Approaches - Students will create a pre-drawing of a figure using their prior knowledge of proportion, value, and observational skills. Students will have the opportunity to work with charcoal and gesso to complete the problem. Class critiques will be held to help the student discover their personal goals for the year in GT art.

Homework: Pack a small bag for our field trip to the Howard Peter Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens! Include pencils, pens, colored pencils, and other dry media the student enjoys drawing with, and a sketchbook, snack, water bottle, and a $3 donation for the conservatory.

October 24, 2009- Field Trip- Botanical Gardens Unit Concepts -Sketching on site -Observational drawing -Depicting interior angles in a drawing -Contour line work to define edges of objects

Studio Problem/Approaches - Students will experience drawing on site in their sketchbook. Students will have approximately 2 hours to make 3 small drawings of the plant life and crops available in the gardens, and at least 1 sketch of the interior building itself. These sketches will be used for a print composition in the next session.

Homework:Using the sketches from the gardens, plan 1 composition that is 6 x 9 inches to be used for a print. You may need to make more than one sketch to get a successful composition!

November 7, 2009- Botanical Linocuts Unit Concepts - Composing a composition -Understanding negative/positive shapes or space -Line variety to show value, texture, and edges

Studio Problem/Approaches - Students will examine the composition they have developed from the botanical gardens and make a relief linocut print of the image. Students will learn the correct use of a printing press and make multiple copies of their to create a varied edition. This problem may continue to the next session.

Homework: None required for the next session.

November 21, 2009- Linocuts-Varied Edition Unit Concepts -Edition and varied edition in printmaking -Color theory and color layering

Studio Problem/Approaches - Students will continue their linocut started during the last session. Students will

complete proofing prints, and complete the relief printing plate. Editions will be discussed and made as well as varied editions with an emphasis in color and layering. Students will also prepare for their next field-experience.

Homework: Pack a small bag for the B & O Railroad Museum! Bring pencils, pens, charcoal, sketchbook, a snack, and drink.

December 5, 2009 B&O Railroad Museum Unit Concepts Artists work from a variety of references, studying through direct observation. Utilization of different media can yield different results and effects.

Studio Problem/Approaches Students will visit the B&O Railroad Museum to sketch the collection. One study will be completed with each charcoal/pastel., pen, pencil, and pen to create a series of at least four works.

Homework: None required for the next session.

December 19, 2009 Still Life Narrative Unit Concepts Working from Observation Manipulating the Elements of Art to emphasize a narrative

Studio Problem/Approaches Students will personally select a still life object that can be recorded as it changes environment, or a group of objects that can be arranged to have a personal narrative.

Homework: None required for the next session.

January 9, 2010 Costumed Figure Unit Concepts The human figure has been studied by artists and a subject for artwork throughout history.

Studio Problem/Approaches Students will work from a live costumed model and complete a combination of short studies and longer well-developed work. Homework: Sketchbook entry: Find 5 ‘connection’ examples of objects and faces.

January 23, 2010 Visual Analogy Unit Concepts Working from observation Using imagination to create visual connections between portrait and object

Studio Problem/Approaches Using oil pastel or paint students will create a work that illustrates a visual connection between a portrait and ordinary object.

Homework: Sketchbook Entry: Find 3 artists with a style you wish to apply to your painted object. Attach images in sketchbook.

February 6, 2010 Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Painted Object Unit Concepts Transforming the surface of and object using paint and other media. Adapting another artist’s style to one’s own personal application

Studio Problem/Approaches Students will use a master artist as inspiration to transform the surface of an ordinary object.

Homework: Sketchbook Entry: Find 5 examples of interiors that interest you in preparation for the Mall Field trip next week. We will meet at the Mall in Columbia next week.

February 20, The Columbia Mall Unit Concepts: Figure/Ground is the relationship between the model and the surrounding environment. Studio Problem/Approaches Capture a figure, or groups of figures, interacting inside an interior space. Students will meet near the Carrousel at the Columbia Mall Homework: None required for the next session.

March 6, Book Binding Unit Concepts: Books are bound using various techniques that help keep the spine and form intact over time. Studio Problem/Approaches Choose one of the binding techniques discussed in class to create a Visual Journal.

Homework: None required for the next session.

March 20, Collaborative Drawing Unit Concepts: Prompts are a chance for artists to respond to different materials and problems. Collaborations are a chance to work with other artists.

Studio Problem/Approaches: Collaborate with other artists to create experimental drawings in your newly bound visual journals. Homework: Prepare to work in Old Ellicott City.

Make at least 1 practice piece of art using the material of your choice that you would like to work with during this field experience.

April 17, Old Ellicott City Unit Concepts: Storefronts are a popular theme amongst landscape artists for their depth as well as their reflective quality.

Studio Problem/Approaches: Explore Old Ellicott City to find an eye-catching storefront or display to paint. Students will meet near the Train Station, on site.

Homework: None required for the next session.

April 24, Preparation for the GT Art Exhibition/ Final Critique Unit Concepts: An Art Show is the best way to showcase the work students have done over the course of the program.

Studio Problem/Approaches: Students will choose the artwork they would like to display in the GT Art Show, matte work, and write out labels.

Homework: Students will email an artist Statement to instructors.