Thursdays Class Review - 8/30

Yesterday we took some time in the gallery at the Longview Cultural Arts Center to discuss Jonathan Dankenbring's art show - LO. Afterwards we spent an hour doing a value drawing of the space and the shadow tones cast by the objects. We discussed shading technique's for developing smoother more consistent value tones.

The second half of class we spent time experimenting with cross-hatching techniques. We used india ink with calligraphic pens to do value drawings of forms.

Assignment: Bring in a printed image (8.5"x11"-standard paper size) of a Renaissance era painting. An example is Michelangelo's Holy Family (see below). We will discuss why on Tuesday. Thanks.

Review Tuesdays Class - 8/28

Last night we continued discussing value and its application. We did three drawings that took the majority of our class period. The first was an exercise in drawing form, beginning with a line gesture, focusing on proportion and the use of visual measurement, and working towards the application of value tones. The second was a positive/negative drawing that forced you to use value rather than line to distinguish the boundaries of forms. In the third and longest drawing, we created a value drawing for which only shading was allowed. This third drawing began with capturing the dark value of the negative space and allowing it to work towards the variety of values that distinguished the detail of the forms. In other words, you were asked to shade and entire image without ever using "the line".

All of these drawings/exercises were intended to force you away from the line and force you to see form in terms of the value. So often we think of drawing as being an illustrative process, focused on the use of technical lines. Neglected is the use of value, which provides the artist the ability to create a greater sense of three-dimensionality in their work.

Opening Exhibit at Longview Cultural Arts Center

LO -

an exhibition
by Jonathan Dankenbring

August 24 - September 29, 2012
MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

Opening reception: August 24, 2012 5 - 8 PM

The exhibition LO - explores reductive image making in a
culture where minimal modern forms engross us on a daily
basis. The works exhibited approach the viewer silently, in
stealth-like fashion, quietly probing the audience to consider
their historic references as well as the viewers’ personal
relationships with recent forms of technology.

http://jdankenbring.com

Review of Thursdays Class - 8/23

Hello Class,

Last night we introduced line as a structural component to creating three dimensional imagery. We started with basic forms, practicing how to create quick drawings intended to inform greater detail. We discussed symmetry and proportion. We also began discussing visual measuring and how we can use our pencil (outstretched) to measure objects in order to create accurate proportions and angles on the surface of our page.

Before we left last night we briefly discussed value. Value is the relationship between light and dark. We discussed both flat and graded value and how they are employed. Flat values are applied to flat surfaces where graded value is used for contours, areas where the surface of the object has curvature or shifts.

Once again, I am very pleased to see where everyone is at in terms of ability. This class is starting from a really good place.

Thanks,

B.

Preparation for Thursday

Please have all of your materials ready for class on Thursday. Once again, Utrecht (Westport) and Creative Coldsnow (Westport and Metcalf) are your best bet for finding what you need as well as receiving discounts. In fact, I just learned that Longview students receive a 40% at Creative Coldsnow, so that might be worth the drive.

On Thursday we will be working with value and basic ideas and techniques for creating form.

Thanks.

Welcome to Drawing - 8/21

Hello everyone,
I am really looking forward to this semester and hope that it will enrich all of our perspectives. Once again, this class will be focused on both formal issues of drawing and technique as well as concept and the development of ideas within our works.

This blog is simply a guide to help you review some of the things that we have talked about in class and to provide an outlet for further conversation.

Below is the Material List for the class. Please be sure to review your syllabus concerning classroom policies.

Materials List / Drawing 1-4

Soft and Hard Charcoal (Charcoal pencils, Vine and Compressed)
H, F and B series pencils *see chart
Black India Ink and drawing tool with nib and Rigger/Liner Brush or Calligraphy (Sumi) Brushes
White square drafting eraser
Kneaded eraser
Scissors
Rubber Cement Glue with Rubber Cement Eraser
Pad of Newsprint (18x24 at least)
Pad of Strathmore-non-charcoal tooth (18x24 at least)
(You can purchase different sizes of paper, just make sure you have this size.)
Tote Box

Optional:
Sketchbook
Ruler
Pins
Painters Tape or drafting tape
Prismacolor pencils and markers ($$)
Micron pens

Your materials list will be dictated by the progression of our dialogue throughout the semester.Your projects will vary dependant on your concept. Be ready to make purchases or use materials that are for specific projects throughout the semester.


Please let me know if you have any questions.

-Brandon