Ceramics 2- Tang Dynasty

This amazing era of work is known for it's highly detailed work and limited palette of color.  Begin your research with the links below and then begin your sketch.  Animals are a central focus during this period and you will need at least two photo references of a horse or the animal you choose from different angles.

For this project you will only need to produce one piece and doing so will require you to create several pieces and assemble them to represent the animal.  

Your work must be freestanding so it will require consideration of how to structure your piece so that it stands.  Consider using the tail or even an environment to ensure that it helps support your work.

 https://www.comuseum.com/ceramics/tang/#:~:text=The%20Tang%20Dynasty%20(618%E2%80%93907,officials%20have%20become%20immensely%20popular.

http://ceramics.chalre.com/collection/tang_ceramics/ta_005108.htm

Ceramics - Slabs

 Ceramics students will work on the third of the 3 basic construction techniques- slabs.  

Slabs are pieces of clay that are rolled out flat.  Please copy/paste the 2 links and watch the first video below.  The second link will give you some additional examples of how you can utilize slabs. 

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=AwrEePBOlHNeJqYAeQcPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTB0N2Noc21lBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNwaXZz?p=using+slabs+ceramics&type=RVMC_80801240&hspart=Lkry&hsimp=yhs-SF01&param1=mT_XLPzrBGkHGuSNN-3BW_JnafRYo-5WhfaRZyU2oxwW2hPv2uAMR7Guq_uZjoiMdgaoyKLh1lO0WSjgJOcE-02vH-8ody3-LrSotuYi_GZInMu3liSYszSTElfzT_0zMgGED0h62o8-i8bRqEPbKLgfQzUEZHxnOQIterm0uJeog9qHjQOYkjDkdLkyH1pL7FrikQSfSDa-mUPOEJmc2Rv8xCvCnip8SV7WPT-oTB_xzBEjPOgpCk-MSRKNKW31vwNdG8S8_hljbA%2C%2C&ei=UTF-8&fr=yhs-Lkry-SF01&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9zZWFyY2gueWFob28uY29tL3locy9zZWFyY2g_aHNwYXJ0PUxrcnkmaHNpbXA9eWhzLVNGMDEmdHlwZT1SVk1DXzgwODAxMjQwJm9idDlicGR5ZWQ9MCZwPXVzaW5nK3NsYWJzK2NlcmFtaWNzJnBhcmFtMT1tVF9YTFB6ckJHa0hHdVNOTi0zQldfSm5hZlJZby01V2hmYVJaeVUyb3h3VzJoUHYydUFNUjdHdXFfdVpqb2lNZGdhb3lLTGgxbE8wV1NqZ0pPY0UtMDJ2SC04b2R5My1MclNvdHVZaV9HWkluTXUzbGlTWXN6U1RFbGZ6VF8wek1nR0VEMGg2Mm84LWk4YlJxRVBiS0xnZlF6VUVaSHhuT1FJdGVybTB1SmVvZzlxSGpRT1lrakRrZExreUgxcEw3RnJpa1FTZlNEYS1tVVBPRUptYzJSdjh4Q3ZDbmlwOFNWN1dQVC1vVEJfeHpCRWpQT2dwQ2stTVNSS05LVzMxdndOZEc4UzhfaGxqYkElMmMlMmM&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALubfZ7FRH8EUBTnJKaNtsOls4TjrnfGZMwKo5teYdfyy5bsoBdukMQsmn_WH6dZJl6TxyAu9z7KYBJoX7mDHnnK38_bLn6rADp7JEPLcX1IsFi4HXcipKDkUI7ql1RPRLTlJTN47qvYSsx0kiP12SKySmDSRAjiR1n1TfhCqpJ5&_guc_consent_skip=1584632944#id=55&vid=541c381922f08660a670fad385236d46&action=view

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=AwrEePBOlHNeJqYAeQcPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTB0N2Noc21lBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNwaXZz?p=using+slabs+ceramics&type=RVMC_80801240&hspart=Lkry&hsimp=yhs-SF01&param1=mT_XLPzrBGkHGuSNN-3BW_JnafRYo-5WhfaRZyU2oxwW2hPv2uAMR7Guq_uZjoiMdgaoyKLh1lO0WSjgJOcE-02vH-8ody3-LrSotuYi_GZInMu3liSYszSTElfzT_0zMgGED0h62o8-i8bRqEPbKLgfQzUEZHxnOQIterm0uJeog9qHjQOYkjDkdLkyH1pL7FrikQSfSDa-mUPOEJmc2Rv8xCvCnip8SV7WPT-oTB_xzBEjPOgpCk-MSRKNKW31vwNdG8S8_hljbA%2C%2C&ei=UTF-8&fr=yhs-Lkry-SF01&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9zZWFyY2gueWFob28uY29tL3locy9zZWFyY2g_aHNwYXJ0PUxrcnkmaHNpbXA9eWhzLVNGMDEmdHlwZT1SVk1DXzgwODAxMjQwJm9idDlicGR5ZWQ9MCZwPXVzaW5nK3NsYWJzK2NlcmFtaWNzJnBhcmFtMT1tVF9YTFB6ckJHa0hHdVNOTi0zQldfSm5hZlJZby01V2hmYVJaeVUyb3h3VzJoUHYydUFNUjdHdXFfdVpqb2lNZGdhb3lLTGgxbE8wV1NqZ0pPY0UtMDJ2SC04b2R5My1MclNvdHVZaV9HWkluTXUzbGlTWXN6U1RFbGZ6VF8wek1nR0VEMGg2Mm84LWk4YlJxRVBiS0xnZlF6VUVaSHhuT1FJdGVybTB1SmVvZzlxSGpRT1lrakRrZExreUgxcEw3RnJpa1FTZlNEYS1tVVBPRUptYzJSdjh4Q3ZDbmlwOFNWN1dQVC1vVEJfeHpCRWpQT2dwQ2stTVNSS05LVzMxdndOZEc4UzhfaGxqYkElMmMlMmM&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALubfZ7FRH8EUBTnJKaNtsOls4TjrnfGZMwKo5teYdfyy5bsoBdukMQsmn_WH6dZJl6TxyAu9z7KYBJoX7mDHnnK38_bLn6rADp7JEPLcX1IsFi4HXcipKDkUI7ql1RPRLTlJTN47qvYSsx0kiP12SKySmDSRAjiR1n1TfhCqpJ5&_guc_consent_skip=1584632944#

Our goals will be:
 to create 3 different pieces using photo references for each.
 Demonstrate at least 3 different textures in each. (smooth clay can count as 1)  Each piece should be a minimum of 6 x 6 inches.

A good example for one piece would be to create a beach scene.  You could create texture for the sand, water and a surfboard.  We can make impressions with objects, carve in texture with our tools or any other creative solutions you can come up with.

Create 3 finished sketches using the same process that we always use.  
 Please make sure you spend at least 2 hours working on these so that the ideas are clearly thought out and construction will be easier.

Please message or email with questions!  Be creative and have fun!

texture- the degree of roughness or smoothness of an object

Ceramics/Ceramics2/Advanced Art- Last one

For our final week please make sure to hand in any work that you have not done so yet by Thursday June 18 by 2 PM.  
There is no art assignment but a simple one page paper (12 point type, no images) describing your experience with remote learning and how it could be improved if we were to have to do it again next year.  Do not focus on the negatives as we all know it was not our ideal situation, but stay constructive and let me know what is attainable and what would make it work better for you.
Please email it to me by Thursday at 2 and I appreciate your thoughts and constructive criticism!

Foundations and Foundations 2 (week of June 8-12)

If you have not handed in the watercolor project please get that to me this week.  In closing for the school year I am asking for a one page reflection (12 point type, no images) on the remote learning experience.  We can all agree that this is not the ideal situation so we don't need to focus on that, but specifically what I am asking you for is:
Based on your experience with remote learning what do you think can be done to make it more effective for you?  We will likely be dealing with more remote learning next school year, so there will be more accountability for getting work done. Understanding that, what would be helpful for you to make that happen?  Try to approach this constructively and help me and other teachers understand how we can help to make this a better experience as we move forward.
Please get this document to me by Monday 6/15.

ALL Middle School Exploratory Classes (week of June 8-12) LAST DRAWING

For our last drawing I would like you to create a drawing from observation or photo reference that demonstrates what you feel like you have learned or added your visual arsenal as we approach the end of this class.  I do not have specific expectations because I imagine many of you took away different things from the class, so do what feels right to you and have fun!  

Ceramics (week of June 8-12) Wheel Throwing

I am really sorry that we can not have the opportunity to do wheel throwing this year but I wanted to make sure that you had some basic introduction to the principles.  Please watch all three short videos.  The first one features our own Mr. Black who is a master ceramist.  The second two show you two beginner approaches for wheel throwing and are easy to understand.  Hopefully if some of you take Ceramics 2 next year I can give you some demonstrations and time to practice.  

https://www.pbs.org/video/arts-and-culture-shorts-tomas-g-black/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9-hAJ8IrmU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmgMKbHyDFw

Ceramics- Gargoyles/Knights (week of June 1-5)

Please take this week to complete your drawings and react to the feedback I have sent.  If you have not turned in last week's assignment please of so asap.

Foundations and Foundations 2 Watercolor from observation (week of June 1-5)

Take the four techniques that we practiced last week and apply it to a finished piece this week.  Set up an object or objects that you can leave in place for at least two hours so you can draw and hopefully paint. Think about choosing a variety of textures and water so that you can incorporate all 4 techniques.  (I recommend trying a glass halfway filled with water and put an object into the glass.) 

Begin by drawing the object(s) from observation with basic shapes, center line, construction lines as always and then develop it into a finished drawing.  

When the drawing is complete, begin painting and apply all four techniques to your piece.  Think about the hard edges and soft edges of all elements and what the best techniques would be in order to represent them accurately.

If you do NOT have watercolors at home draw with pencil and again, focus on the hard edges that you could use the tip of your pencil to represent and the side of the pencil, blending and erasing to create soft edges.

Email me your image in whatever state it is in by Monday June 8 for feedback.

Have fun!

ALL Middle School Exploratory (week of June 1-5)

Practice drawing a hand by using your own as a reference.  If you are right handed, place your hand in a position that you can hold still for a half hour.  As always, begin by focusing on structure with basic shapes and once you have those shapes accurate, move on to developing and "sculpting" those shapes into a finished piece.  Make sure shading is last, so if you do not finish the drawing, do not add shading.  Do your best, hands are challenging and take practice.

Design FINAL assignment for seniors (week of May 26-29)

For seniors this will be the final assignment and it is in place of a final project. This will take some thought but you will not have to put many hours in.  
First, I wanted to tell you that I am sorry your senior year unfolded this way but I am happy that you are moving upward and onward to bigger and better things!!  

For the rest of us at Frontier we are likely to continue with remote learning, at least in some way and for some of the 2020-21 school year.  I am asking for a minimum of one full typed (12 point type) page double spaced reflection.  

Discuss the following of your experience:

What were the most effective aspects of remote learning for you?  Why?
What would you suggest to improve the process if you had to continue forward with remote learning?

You can approach this by focusing on your overall experience and/or specific classes as I am certain that they varied for you in different ways.

Please share this with me by the end of next week.

ALL Middle School Exploratory (week of May 26-29)

This week practice your observational drawing skills by drawing an outdoor scene.  This could be outside of your home or anyplace outside that you feel safe drawing for a half hour.  Remember to always use our drawing technique beginning with basic shapes, constructions lines, center line etc...
Have fun and email me the image by Monday June 1

Foundations and Foundations 2 watercolor exercise (week of May 26-29)

Now that you are familiar with the four basic watercolor techniques from last week, we are going to practice them.

If you have watercolors at home:
Divide a sheet of paper into four different sections and attempt to demonstrate each of the four techniques (one per square)  using a single color:
wet on dry
dry on dry 
dry on wet
wet on wet

Each one should be distinctively different but on your first attempt it is possible that may not happen.
Repeat the process a second time and compare the first attempt to the second.

Please email me a picture of both by Monday June 1

If you do NOT have watercolor at home:

Explore soft and hard edges with a pencil and paper
sharp edges are defined edges that are often made with a straight edge.
soft edges are often soft and faded and can blend into a surface

Divide a sheet of paper into four sections and attempt to demonstrate the four techniques by using pencil to emulate them:
wet on dry
dry on dry 
dry on wet
wet on wet

Each one should be distinctively different but on your first attempt it is possible that may not happen.
Repeat the process a second time and compare the first attempt to the second.

Review last week's links if you need to refresh your memory on the differences between the techniques.

Please email me a picture of both by Monday June 1

Ceramics- Gargoyles/Knights (week of May 26-29)

After sending me your four photo references for texture we can move on to creating the sketch for your knight or gargoyle.  Use the same drawing process as always utilizing basic shapes and construction lines.  For this week, draw ONLY basic shapes, and center line and construction lines for your design. If you chose to draw a knight and are using chainmail as a texture, look at how you can organize that design with rows and oval shapes.  NO shading or values yet, we will do that next week.  Take your time and focus on structure, think about the pose and maybe even include a little environment.  Envision the piece as one that will stand upright , not flat.  Consider ways to help the figure stand if you were to actually build it.  As an example, maybe the gargoyle has long wings that touch the ground and act as a brace to help it stand. Again, keep in mind that you should put in about two hours on his week's first part of the sketch.  Make all of your shapes as accurate as you can and have fun with it!
Please email me an image of your sketch by Monday June 1

Ceramics- Gargoyles/Knights (week of May 18-22)

For this next project we are going to focus on texture which is the degree of roughness or smoothness of an object.  You are going to research your choice of either knights or gargoyles and create a sketch that demonstrates at least 4 different textures.  Find photographs of at least 4 different surfaces that have different textures that you can incorporate into your piece.  For example if you choose knights, find photo reference of chain mail (not a drawing or painting).  You can find strong references for knights online and specifically at museum websites.  Gargoyles are trickier since they do not really exist so you can have more flexibility with them but you still need photo reference for the four textures.  So for example, maybe you find photo reference of bat wings to create texture for the gargoyle wings.  The gargoyle could be sitting on rough jagged rocks, so find photo references of that.  Email me the 4 photo references that you intend to use for your sketch by Tuesday the 26th.  Make sure each texture is different and have fun!

Design- complete FLW (week of May 18-22)

Take this week to complete your architecture piece and make sure to go back and refer to images of FLW interior spaces to get ideas.  None of the spaces should be plain/ordinary and they should all reflect his trademark design elements.

frank lloyd wright interior spaces

Foundations watercolor mixing and blending (week of May 18-22)

This week we are going to look at watercolors and different approaches about how to control them and not necessarily painting any specific subject.  Some of you have watercolor at home and some do not.  If you have them, I strongly recommend trying them out and if not, carefully watch the videos and see what you can learn from these.  If this appeals to you maybe you can buy some watercolors and paper experiment and play around with them.

The second video is my friend, Yong Chen, who is a master watercolor artist and has an amazing Youtube channel if you are interested.  He does beautiful portraits and makes them look effortless but he has put in endless hours of practice.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgeFzJMAtIAmfg7kP5fMUVw

The four basic watercolor techniques are:

wet on dry  this is what most of you have experienced in school where you apply paint with a wet brush to a dry surface

dry on dry is also referred to as scumbling in which you can create a rough texture or create very delicate layers in a staccato manner.

dry on wet is when you put clean water on the painting surface and dry your brush with just enough water to pick up some paint.  When you apply the brush to the page you will get some bleeding but can still see the stroke that you make.

wet on wet gives you the least amount of control but also some amazing effects.  Begin by putting clean water on the painting surface and then wet your brush, grab some paint and apply it to the areas that you wet on your surface.  The paint will bleed within the wet area and depending on how much paint and water you used, will bleed with different intensities.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJPQLd6UYz8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uvsLGU2qF8&feature=em-subs_digest

ALL Middle School Exploratory (week of May 18-22)

I know after talking with you this semester that some of you like going to the movies, sporting events and concerts.  What are those live events going to look like in the fall and winter with social distancing restrictions in place?  Draw what you think one of those events will look like in an arena.  Keep in mind human nature.  If you assign seats 6 feet apart at a basketball game are people in the nosebleed seats going to respect the rules and stay there or sneak down to closer open seats.  How will venues organize to allow for groups to safely gather?  Use your imagination and have fun!

NATIONAL DRAWING DAY- SATURDAY MAY 16

Share a drawing in the comments for National Drawing Day 2020!  Here is Mandalorian piece I drew!

ALL Middle School Exploratory (week of May 11-15)

This week let's use our imaginations and project towards the next school year.  Create a drawing depicting what you think the next school year will look like at Frontier.  Think about all of the changes in our lives since the pandemic started.  What do you think might change about going back to school?  New rules? New ideas?  New ways of presenting and receiving information?  Be creative and let's see what you think about the fall of 2020.

MC Escher Tessellations

This week we are going to continue exploring MC Escher's work by creating a tessellation.  You need a piece of white paper, a pencil, tape, a straight edge and scissors.  Please follow these four steps which I think is a simplified version of what we looked at last week.  Once you have completed this four step process and have your shape create a series of five that are inter-connected.  

After you have the five tracings of this shape create a transition of shapes/designs/drawings on the first one with organic lines and on the last one with geometric lines (make sure to use your straight edge).  Do your best to create a gradual transition using the remaining three shapes in between.  

Please go back and refresh your memory for ideas by looking at Escher's work before you begin.  

Have fun and please email with questions.  Email me images of where you are at my Monday the 18th.