Course: 2-D ART / Fall 2018 – Spring 2019
Instructor: Yasmine Samimy – email: ysamimy@bellsouth.net
Sections: R01 010431001 -
Mon/Wed & Tues/Thurs - 1:10pm – 3:45pm
Location: Room 5208
CLASS BLOG: nwsa-2dart.blogspot.com
Course Overview and Objective:
This
Studio course is an introductory exploration of the fundamental principles of
two-dimensional art taught through a series of weekly lectures, projects, and
critiques. The course focuses on developing the ability to skillfully
manipulate and combine core elements of design – line, shape, value, form,
texture, color and space will be explored in relation to principles of 2D-art:
what we do with these elements .We will investigate the use of communicative
tools such as composition, color, hierarchy, scale, rhythm, figure/ground,
balance, unity. Skills are developed in exploring various art-making techniques
using various mediums.
Concepts
developed form the basic building blocks to the fundamentals of visual
art/communication. You will develop a working process that lead to a
comprehensive body of work through assigned projects breaking each concept down
individually. This will develop your awareness and vocabulary of 2-D Art
concepts that allow you to engage in critical analysis in future works. You
will understand the importance of having a strong foundation when developing
your compositional skills important for further study and understanding in the following
years.
There
will be a total of 18-20 final pieces presented for end of semester juries. Each project will be followed by an in
class critique. All projects will be displayed for final juries. Sketchbooks
are an integral part of critiques. They will be a part of your final grades
Understanding the Elements of 2D Art
in composition
Line (defined by point moving in
space/plane. Could have illusion of two- of three-dimension, descriptive,
implied or abstract, perception), Value
(darks to light), Shape as Space (positive
& Negative, figure/ground relationship, framing/framal reference), Form (as 3-dimensional, volumetric,
includes height, depth, width), Texture (implied
or tactile), Color (hue, chroma,
value, color wheel, emotion of color)
Application of Principles of 2D Art in composition
(Both elements and principles work together in
art-making)
Balance
(symmetrical, asymmetrical, overall composition. Equilibrium, stability)
– Movement (guide the viewer’s eye
throughout the work of art. The flow of overall composition) – Contrast (could apply to color
interactions, differences between elements) – Proportion relative size of one part of a whole/scale & dominance relative to
composition. Relative to body – Unity/Harmony/Variety – Emphasis/focal area/hierarchy (could
also be contrasting elements), Rhythm/repetition/sets
tempo of piece
The Course is a guided
investigation of basic concepts and techniques of visual organization in two-dimension format starting
with black and white and moving into color. ALL projects will be based on
developing compositional problem solving, your process and refining your
abstract thinking. You will develop an awareness of the formal elements of
composition, a working knowledge of the fundamental principles and sensitivity
towards the interrelationship between form, content and use of color.
Students will learn to verbalize and express their creative process and
critical thinking.
COURSE GOALS:
Upon completion of this course,
students will demonstrate basic understanding of the following:
- The importance of technical
skills, neatness, good craftsmanship, presentation skills.
- Being
prepared for class and working in a timely fashion. Respect Deadlines.
-
Utilizing in-class time towards the completion of directed exercises assigned
projects
- An understanding of elements, principles, theories and
language used in 2-dimensional arts and its application.
- Abstract & critical thinking. Become familiar with
using art-specific vocabulary and terminology in critiques.
- There
will be no use of shadows and gradients in this course. Most projects will be
used with solid (flat) colors.
- Learn to resolve your work through brainstorming,
thumbnails, doing studies in sketchbook before final pieces
- Importance of experimentation and taking risks in the “Creative Process” to come up
with solutions.
- Creative process and self-evaluation as well as peer
work (Art does not exist in a vacuum).
- Conscious
seeing and visual acuteness. Be aware of your environment in and out of class.
Learn to see.
- Be an
active participant in the studio and learning the importance of communicating
your ideas.
- An
understanding of how creating values scales and applying to compositions.
-
Creating composition through collaging techniques and mixed media.
-
Importance of color wheel and the relationships of colors and theory of
different color combinations.
- Learn
to evaluate and recognize the success of a composition and analyze where
improvements are needed.
- Taking
class notes when needed for specific project instructions
-
Becoming resourceful with different methods of research and using school resources
(i.e., the library, the gallery, museums,
looking up individual artist’s works).
Classroom RULES &
RESPONSIBILITIES
–
Consistent,
prompt attendance (Role will be taken during each class)
–
Cell phones and other electronic
devices are limited to PRODUCTIVE uses (listening to music while painting, or
researching artists and assignments). NO checking email, social networking,
texting, etc… NON-PRODUCTIVE use will result in disciplinary action. Failure to
comply will result in class-wide no phone policy.
–
Students are responsible for
cleaning the work area and returning supplies to the closet (brushes,
containers, cutout paper…) before leaving class.
–
CLEAN UP WILL START AT exactly 3:30
PM. Class will be dismissed only when all materials are cleaned and put away in
proper place.
–
Maintain classroom equipment and
property (Clean brushes well, dry them, put them away.
–
Do not throw out brushes, clean the
sink, do not paint walls, put garbage in trash containers, etc…)
–
Present
assignments on time, and neatly (late work will result in a lower grade)
- RESPECT your work and each other’s work
- Participate in critiques, discussions and
follow deadlines on all projects. Critiques are opportunities to
comment, analyze, and evaluate work in a
supportive and constructive way with the class.
- Come to class prepared with your art supplies. Do
not be wasteful or lose your art supplies.
- Keep
talk volume down while brainstorming on conceptual ideas and creating layouts
while in class
- Must
have written note if you need to leave early or have any appointments
whatsoever
- You
may listen to your own music with headphones when working.
- No
music or earbuds while lecturing and no playing on computers, texting, snapchat,
etc. during class
Maintain a sketchbook
Each of you are required to maintain a sketchbook that
contains all of your research, sketches, ideas, studies, exhibition reviews,
collages, and inspirations. Your sketchbook will be presented during juries and
should be completed. The sketchbook will also serve as a class notebook,
and must be brought to all class meetings. Every project should be represented
in your sketchbook and requires (at a minimum): an inspiration page (including
notes, research and art-historical/cultural references) and a minimum of three
thumbnail sketches (small sketches) and three variations of each.
Always work in your sketchbook. Do
thumbnails/sketches/studies for every project in it. Sketchbooks will be
reviewed in juries! They will be 1/3 of your final grades.
Critiques are an integral part of all classes. All students are brought
together for regular/informal or final critiques—generally when they have major
assignments due. Each student must show his/her work and briefly discuss his or
her intent. The class is then expected to provide positive feedback and offer
suggestions for improvement.
all students participate. The process begins with a recap of
the criteria for the project and a reminder to address the criteria as part of
their discussion. I will interject when I feel that there is something that has
not been addressed or have an idea about a possible solution or suggestion for
a next piece.
The
vocabulary of art is introduced through the foundation classes. Additionally,
there is ongoing dialogue with students on an individual basis during class time.
Each
project will be collected and kept in folders in class and will be reviewed,
refined and returned to you to be presented for final juries at the end of each
semester. ALL your work is important so work through each project diligently
for your presentations.