Value Scale Project

Nine Step Value Scale

Using a number 2 pencil and a Sharpie marker, recreate the 9-step value scale pictured on the left.  Be careful to create smooth areas of value with even transitions between each step.

Abstraction, Line and Fragmented Collage

Tom Sandberg, Untitled, 2003

Here are some links to help you better understand today's collage project.  Remember, this project focuses on abstraction and visual economy.  Abstract: We want to make images that represent real things in the natural world, but only vaguely.  Visual Economy: We want them to contain just enough marks and information, not too much and not too little. 

Visit the websites of Tom Sandberg, Jessica McCambly, Ann Bottcher, Mary Emma Hawthorne for examples of Visual Economy. Visit 10,000 Pages for examples of Abstract Linear Drawings.

Your homework assignment due Monday, September 12: View the links listed above and make at least two sketchbook drawings of your collage.  These drawings can be of portions of the collage.  Bring your collages with you to class.

Working With Line: Part One

Although line is the most fundamental of all the formal elements, it is perhaps the most powerful tool an artist can use.  The following is a series of experiments with no real right or wrong results.  Allow yourself to experiment and play.  Be brave and intentional, regardless of your perceived outcomes. 

Using a pencil or pen and your straight and curved edges, create the following:

A series of geometric forms with your straight edge
A series of geometric forms with your curved edge
A series of organic forms with your straight edge
A series of organic forms with your curved edge

A scene from your imagination with your straight edge
A scene from your imagination with your curved edge

A dramatic line composition with your straight edge
A dramatic line composition with your curved edge

An aggressive line composition with your straight edge
An aggressive line composition with your curved edge

Supplies for Wednesday, August 31:

Remember to bring these supplies on Wednesday:

Pencils, markers, pens
Straight edge (ruler, or anything that will allow you to trace a straight line of at least 6 inches)
Curved edge (this can be a drinking cup, bowl or flat circular piece of cardboard, plastic etc.)
Paper (posterboard, several sheets of unruled printing paper, etc)

I'm waiting to hear from the bookstore about the final price for our supply kit.  I'll send it and the syllabus as soon as I get it.

Welcome to 2D Design

Hello students!  Welcome to the Fall 2011 semester of 2D Design at Eastfield College.  Let's get started!  First we'll review the course syllabus.  Then we will take a brief tour of the department.  On Wednesday we'll review the safe use of course materials and equipment before we get started working on our first project.  You will need a pencil, something to use as a straight edge, something that has a curved edge, a bottle of Elmer's glue and some cotton yarn (provided).

Check out the paintings and sculptures by Paul Booker.  Come back to class prepared to talk about the lines in his artworks.  What do they do?  What do they do to you?


Paul Booker, Current: Blue Rectangles on Green, 2010