Tuesday December 13, 2011

TASK PARTY!
The Tuesday before Thanksgiving break a few of our Art Classes had a first ever TASK party. Kids really enjoyed themselves and we hope to do it again. Take a look at the video that Mr. Johnson put together of this event!

AP Studio Art / Design and Drawing Concerns

Although this post is directed at AP Art students it is relevant for ALL art students. My goal is to keep this as simple as possible and still guide you in your creative design process.

The creative process shares similar steps and parts no matter what you are designing. The beauty of this way of thinking is that there is room for unlimited diversity within some set parameters. This past week the AP students had to polish the "Concentration Statement" for the portfolio. This personal statement will guide their image making process and help them create 12 artworks that illustrate the ability to focus on an idea and, use art elements and design principles to express that focus. Judges will read that statement and use it to assess the Concentration part of the portfolio. The art works will need to show significant understanding of how design principles aid in expression AND artistic growth as they design each work. This is a very difficult and sophisticated task. 

This is one of the best, short explanations of how design elements are used to express ideas. The medium of choice happens to be photography. The visuals are concise and the graphics make a lot of sense. CLICK HERE 

AP Students: Review the chapters in our text book "Exploring Visual Design" that are relevant to your concentration statement.


This should inspire your creativity! 

Creative Thinking: Your Edge

View more presentations from Joanna Maxwell

 Watch this documentation of the growth of an artist! Pay attention to the development of the images. This is what your 12 pieces should show!

An Artist Is Born

View more presentations from alice.thies

Finally: this is a video that highlights Maine designers. It is important to know that Maine has a long, rich history of Artists, Craftsmen and Designers. Creative people choose to work and live here.

2011 Camp Sunshine Pumpkin Festival Art Installment

This year Westbrook High School Students carved over 150 pumpkins for the Camp Sunshine Pumpkin Festival. Our Maine Coast Theme was a big hit! Several art students got into the Portland Press Herald on Friday October 28th. Maggie Harnois, Morgan Maxwell and, Cassie Corkum plus a few students who came in from a study hall! Click here for LOTS more pictures. You can also see the slide show running on the right.

AP ART CONCENTRATION

I found this information about AP Art Concentrations. Click here for the original school in NC. The information is simple and the suggestions are great. As they say "Why reinvent the wheel?"

 

Concentration

A concentration is defined as “a body of work unified by an underlying idea that has visual coherence”.

What the judges are looking for:
Coherence of thought as demonstrated through the art work

—is the work presented actually a concentration?
The quality of the concept/idea presented must show 

evidence of thinking AND a clear FOCUS.
To what degree has the student investigated the idea?  

This also will include the amount of work or number of pieces represented.

Some aspects of an Excellent concentration include:
There is a strong connection between the work presented and the idea described.
The concentration is interesting and attracts the viewer
The work is of excellent technical quality
The work shows feeling; the artist has given something of himself
The work takes risks; the artist has “thought outside the box” and it is successful
The body of work presented attracts viewer attention and makes the viewer think

KEEP IT SIMPLE! If your concentration were a book and each artwork a page, how would all of your images connect together to be unified? How would the viewer be able to visually connect your images? How can you present a visually coherent body of work?

1. If you could define your concentration with one word, what would it be?
2. If you could define your concentration with one sentence incorporating your one word, what would it be?
3. Now, expand your sentence into a paragraph explaining how you plan to investigate your topic sentence.
   
   
   NOW - Ask yourself, do my images have visual coherency? Is there an underlying theme? Is my topic of interest? What can I do to make it more interesting? What “twist” can I give it to make it more interesting?”  Refer to the handout on creativity for ideas of how to push your investigation into something more interesting.
   
   
   Research artists and styles as you develop your concentration.  Why reinvent the wheel?  See if you can find other artists that have illustrated or created works similar to your idea. The “twist” to your artwork could be honing in on a particular style to create a body of work or being influenced by your favorite artist and pushing your work in a new direction.
   
   
   REQUIRED!!!!!
   Look at examples of concentration statements, scores and score rationals click here.

2011 - 12 School Year

Please explore this class blog. 

Each Class has a page with lessons posted including any links that might be helpful. Both Mr. Johnson and myself have youtube channels that we use to support teaching and learning.You can find links listed in the right hand column. Mr Johnson has a class web site.

Familiarize yourself with the resources offered here! We will be using this blog a lot!

The AP/Studio Art 2nd lesson is now posted. Click here.

Feel free to explore what other art classes are doing.

Here is the video we watched in Art One today about creating 3/D value and form on an object.

Define "Sketch"

AP Students:
Have fun with your sketchbook! It is an assignment but don't labor too much and take all the fun out of it.

Sketches often include notes.
Notes can include descriptions of colors, textures or lighting!
Sketches can be inspired by magazine clippings, advertisements or any visual imagery! Add these to your collection in your sketchbook!

Define Sketch?
- a rough idea
- the basic elements
- a quick interpretation of something
- a quick plan for a possible later product
- essential features
- a preliminary layout
- a quick study
- an outline
- a workup

This is an online resource of 100's of links to artists sketchbooks from all over the world. Many of them are master artists. Click here to explore.


This is a cool exploration of a variety of sketchbooks. It is a project started by an artist and teacher. Click any sketch and get an explanation of the work, artist, media and more info links. Click here to explore.


This is an artist living in France and working in a sketchbook every day. Beautiful, fresh drawings of every day things. Click here.


The 2012 Art House Co-op World Tour Sketchbook Project! Click here. Here is my entry for 2012 - think I might do it again!

Here is a small sample of my own personal sketchbook. Click here.

Fantastic Images

Well, we have about one month left! I hope you have been having a restful and productive summer.

Please check out this Polish Surrealist Artist! I want to thank Ryan D. for sending me this link. The images are both beautiful and disturbing, right in line with the concept of Surrealism. Click here to see 28 of this artists fantastic paintings!

Here is the translation for the text on this site.

Jacek Yerka is an artist born in Torun, Poland, whose showy works combine surrealism and fantasy, the hand of a naive and almost childlike style. Crayons and acrylic paint are the preferred materials. Passionate about the details, Jacek confesses that for him the early '50s was a golden age, and for that reason probably choose to transform technological devices with rustic and pastoral.

AP Students: You should be about half way through your summer assignments. If you are not - !!!!!! Assignments do NOT have to be sophisticated work! They do NOT have to be large! They just have to be done. There are 7 assignments, 60 drawings, 1 blog, comment, explore AP site, 2 concentration assignments, 1 art event assignment, 1 principles of design assignment. Can't wait to see them and share.

2011 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Winners

Abraham Hunter, a 17 year old student from Vienna, Illinois is the 1st place winner in the 2011 Junior Federal Duck Stamp competition.  Click here for more info. Check out the judges in action in the video below. They give great tips as to what they are looking for in the art work.
Click here for the top three!

Maine Artist An International Treasure

The state of Maine has a long, rich history of Art and Artists. This clip is but one of many art icons with deep connections to Maine.

AP STUDIO ART STUDENTS:

Please watch this video about Andrew Wyeth (click here) Please make one comment or observation about the clip.

ALIVE PORTRAITS

This artist paints live portraits (on live people) that melt into an artwork. How would you like to try one of these installations at the art exhibition this year? Anyone want to volunteer?

Cranes, Face Painting and Field Day

Short post. WHS had field day today.

I would like to thank Jen Jensen, Angel Simoneau and Victoria Simoneau for doing so much work for the face painting  and origami table. About 20 kids had designs painted and a couple teachers did too! We raised some cash and donated it to Mr. Cards Christmas fund. Thanks guys!!!

2011 Westbrook High School Interactive Art Show

NEW FORMAT / NEW ACTIVITIES

This year, the Art Department decided to make some changes for exhibition. There were many reasons but the biggest one was to focus on the art making process as learning. We wanted to open the rooms where all the action happens and allow people to flow through the studio spaces. We also added several new components including prizes, Art One exhibition boards, and a hands on activity - Artist Trading Cards. This new change was very well received by students and teachers and we had many repeat visits.

SEE THE GREAT FEATURE ARTICLE IN THE AMERICAN JOURNAL - CLICK HERE



This fall, students worked on a project for Camp Sunshine which in turn helped to fund prize awards for our exhibition. There were 12 categories, two of which were online votes. Voting was done by several parties. Students had to choose what to enter and could not enter everything. The winners are a broad range of students. For the complete list click here.

Be sure to check out the winners list! G. Emery receives his Student Choice Award.

Art One Display Boards.

Art One students were required to create a display that included the students name, best work and, an artists statement. Students will be graded on the displays. Overflow work was in the hall along with Art 2, AP, Studio Art, Photo and Computer Art. If you are interested in what goes on in an AP Art class, click here.

Mr. Guerrette's US History Class

Mr. Snows Spanish 3 Class

One of the best things about our new format was that other content areas got involved. Mr. Snow's Spanish 3 class had a demonstration of how to make an image with a pinhole camera. Gabrielle Ledue went through the whole process including developing the image. Mr. Guerrette's U.S. History class had an assignment for the cold war.

The Artist Trading Card room was a huge success! The room had kids in it working every period, during lunch and after school. We estimate that over 150 cards were made. Students arranged specific trades and made appointments to work together. Mr. Gousse came to view the show and made a card himself. Mrs. Goan and Ms. Harmon sent up two boards with Grade 8 ATC cards that were made in celebration of our show!

ATC's have been around since 1996 and are a popular artist activity all over the world. For more info on ATC's click here.

ATC Packed House

Mr. Gousse joins the ATC room.

Mr. Johnson and M. Harnois check out the ATC Swaps table to snag mini artworks for collections. Mr. Johnson's ATC's were very popular and flew off the table as soon as he made them! Two students check out the Grade 8 ATC board in the corner to see all the beautiful works the middle school sent up.

B. Palmer - "This is FUN"

Westbrook Student Wins 1st In Div. 4



Susan and Art Director Carol Connor



Congratulations go to Art Student Susan DeRoche! Susan entered the Junior Federal Duck Stamp contest and took first place in her division for a beautiful Prisma Color Pencil drawing of a Canadian Goose. Susan received a beautiful blue ribbon, a $50.00 gift certificate from Bean's, a reference book for next years contest and a beautiful Reeve's Artists Supply box. Great job Susan!



Place of Honor



Mr Ross Looks on As Susan opens the prize package.

It has been a busy two weeks in the WHS art department. Student teacher Mr. Johnson has rejoined us and has started a lesson on Styles in Art. Students will be working on final portraits along with several other projects including clay. Students will learn about cubism, expressionism, pop art and the contemporary work of artist Chuck Close.


Students are getting ready for the new format for the High School Art Exhibit! The show will feature open studios, awards, and a hands on creative art activity for the whole school. ARTISTS TRADING CARDS!
 

2011 Art Exhibition

The 2011 Art Exhibition be a totally new format. 

This years exhibition and open house will be held in the Art Suite the week after April break.

Some new features will be:

- faculty choice award (online voting and significant award)

- student choice award (online voting and significant award)

- multiple category art awards

- open studio visits during the block days

- hands on art activity for anyone who wants to participate

Artist Trading Cards Whole School Activity

The art department will provide instruction, space and some supplies for a whole school ATC activity. If you are interested in participating in this hands on activity this post will provide online support. You can also come to my room for hard copy handouts and clarification starting Tuesday, March 29th.

In short, ATC's are very small art works (the size of a playing card) that express an unlimited array of subjects and ideas. Think of an ATC like a "visual tweet".

This activity was started by Swiss artist M.VÄNÇI STIRNEMANN in 1969 and it has spread all over the world. This is a flickr ATC group pool - take a look! I have the book "Artist Trading Card Workshop" in art room 315 if you want to see some ATC's that inspire. This is a collection of videos that will show some ATC's techniques and demos.

Resources:
Basic Artist Trading Card Info 
How can I use ATC's to supplement teaching and learning in my content area?
Simple steps: How to make an Artist Trading Card.

More info please!!! Links and Resources.
Materials list. The art dept will provide SOME items but you can supplement.

2011 Westbrook Woman's Club Art Contest

Each year, the Westbrook Woman's Club sponsors a local art exhibition. The winner goes on to the regional and then state level. You can see the whole slide show here.

This year, the following students were recognized:

Jenifer Ha, Watercolor "Tropical Landscape in Green"
Brianna Palmer, Colored Pencil Still Life "Shells and Flowers"
Molly Dorn, Pen and Ink Illustration "Scribble"
Morgan Maxwell, Watercolor "Maine"
Nicholas Tremblay, Graphite Perspective Drawing "Voc Hall Way"
Haley Hooke, Pen and Ink "Geometric Abstract"
Victoria Simoneau, Pen and Ink "Hearts and Lines"
Susan DeRoche, White Pencil on Black "Gourd" 3rd Place
Kimberly Duong, Pen and Ink Illustration "Infinity"
Maggie Harnois, Pen and Ink Illustration "Run" Honorable Mention
Thomas Crawford, Watercolor "Water Landscape"
Daria Semenov, Watercolor, "Greece" Honorable Mention

Marissa Lawson, Watercolor, "Tropical Landscape in Pink"
Calgary Randall, Prisma Color Pencil "Apple Still Life 2nd Place
Angel Simoneau, Prisma Color Pencil, "Surreal  Asian Still Life"

Glen Emery, Colored Pencil, "Triple Portrait" 1st Place 

Glen Emery 1st

Cal Randall 2nd

 

 

Susan DeRoche 3rd

Maggie Harnois

Daria Semenov

Youth Art Month at Portland Museum of Art

Artworks from students all over the state are on display for the Month of March in celebration of Youth Art Month. Come see WHS students work as well as Westbrook students from every school on display.

Over 100 artworks, K-12 from school children all over the State will be on display. This is the Maine Art Education Associations 17th year sponsoring Youth Art Month. Friday nights are free!

Click here for Exhibitions and Events

 WHS students Maguire Harnois and Tyler Michaud will be in this exhibition.

Click here for Youth Art Month Schedule

Great Art Teaching Blog

I cant seem to get this to post on my list of great art class blogs so this post is to remind me to try later!

Images for Mid Term Exams

These are the images that are referenced on the mid term exams in case you want to get a better look.

ART ONE

Escher, Hands Drawing Hands

ART ONE 
Van Gogh, Fishing Boat

DRAWING AND PAINTING
Homer, Blue Boat

Youth Art Month at Portland Museum of Art

Congratulations to Maguire Harnois and Tyler Michaud for being chosen to represent Westbrook High School at the Portland Museum of Art in celebration of Youth Art Month 2011.

 Each year Art teachers from all over the state who are members of the Maine Art Association get to choose one work to be on exhibition for the Month of March in the Portland Museum of Art.

 Maguire Harnois, Indian Corn, Prismacolor Pencil on Black Ground

Tyler Michaud, Encaustic on birch panel

What's happening in class?

Back from break! Keeping up with a blog takes a lot of time so this will build slowly. My plan is to have a larger representation of work available as time goes by. For now, this will be small.

Art One students are working on colored pencil projects. After learning a handful of techniques, students had four project choices.

1. A framed landscape using depth techniques. 
2. A still life set up. 
3. A personal mandala. 
4. The Junior Federal Duck Stamp Competition with a $5000.00 cash Grand Prize.

Here is some of the progress so far.

Students do mandatory practice and then apply what they have learned to a final project choice. The 1st three are practice and the last one is progress on a final still life, all by Maguire Harnois.









Drawing and Painting Students are working on watercolor techniques and are just about to start final projects. Here are some the the required practice samples.

  

Brush Work by Jennifer Ha

Brush Work by Kim Duong

Hard Edge Soft Form by Marissa Lawson