Prepared for class on 10/30

Hey Everyone,
The last two class periods we have been working on portraiture. We have discussed the use of principles in aiding with accurate representations of the human face. We have done a series of drawings of faces as a way of preparing for the self-portrait we will be doing this coming week.

Please print the photo that we took in class and bring it on Tuesday 10/30.

Thanks,
B.

October 11th - REVIEW + NEW ASSIGNMENT

Hey gang,
Last class period we discussed several approaches to drawing the human figure. We discussed anatomy and considering rules to help us create a framework for understanding proportions. Primarily though we discussed how the use of visual measurement should inform a structural mark making. We also discussed the idea of setting pivot points for parts of the body such as shoulders, elbows and other joints. These "pivots" represent areas of the human figure where angles diverge from one another, for example; a bent knee that is perpendicular to the thigh. Using visual measurement can help determine those angles so that they are easily translated to the flat surface of your page.

We did several timed drawings in the last class, including gestures and contour lines. We also used several types of media.

Tonight, October 11th, we will continue doing exercises to help us better understand the human figure and how to approach it in terms of figure/ground. We will also work towards more expression in our mark making.

Next Tuesday, October 16th, class is cancelled due to MCC instructional service meetings.

Next Thursday, October 18th, class will be cancelled due to personal meetings.

Assignment/due October 23rd: Since we will have next week off from class, I am asking you to do two, one-hour figure drawings. You can use friends, classmates, family or strangers as models, its up to you. You may also draw in whatever setting you see fit (a coffee shop or a living room for example). What I will be looking for in your drawing is an understanding of figure proportion as well figure ground relationships and an understanding of value & texture contrasts. These drawings should be as accurately rendered as possible. I will be grading them when we return on the 23rd

Thanks,
B.

What is Art Criticism?

Art Criticism is crucial to an artist’s growth and ability to contribute to a larger dialog within art. In our class, critique happens both through the daily formative assessment of the instructor but also in the conversation between classmates. Through constructive analysis the individual artist should gain a more complete perspective concerning their own work.

After a project is completed we will conduct class critiques where students will display their work in front of their peers. The class will discuss each piece individually addressing both formal and conceptual aspects of work. Within these critiques students will be focusing on the successes of the work as well as potential room for improvements. Each individual viewer/critic must participate in the class conversation as it will have a direct reflection on class grade.

There are four major characteristics of art criticism that must be taken into consideration as we conduct critiques: description, analysis, interpretations and evaluation.

Description: In this step you will be asked to discuss formal aspects of the work that you can identify while viewing the work. This should not necessarily include personal opinion but describe the subject matter as well as artistic elements used within the composition.

Analysis: In this step you will discuss how the compositions formal elements have been organized and are interrelated. How do the components of the work interact? What are the similarities or contrasting elements? How are basic principles or techniques being used within a work.

Interpretation: The information described and analyzed is used to identify meaning or sub-text within the work. Through "interpretation" the viewer may seek to understand the ideas and expressive qualities of the work as experienced by the artist. The viewer/critics primary focus should be on how the work affects their personal thoughts. Personal interpretation should always be justified by evidence gathered from analysis.

Evaluation: Based on ones description, analysis and interpretation, how does the viewer judge the quality or success of the work? The following criteria may affect ones personal judgment: execution of technique, expressiveness, personal response, originality or position within cultural and historical contexts.

Regardless of how one responds to a work, constructive dialog must be the result. Through critical dialog artists’ grow and are stretched to consider their work less subjectively and with greater intention.