1st YEAR Research Homework

Drawing/Print Research

You need to research and analyse at least 4 different drawings or prints (etchings or woodcuts) by at least 2 different Artists. The work should be thoughtfully presented over at least 4 sketchbook pages. Some suggested Artists to research include:

Alison Lambert

Alberto Giacometti

Henry Moore

Georges Seurat

Emil Nolde

Lucian Freud

Alberto Giaccometti (Linear Drawings), Frank Auerbach (Expressive Drawings), Leonardo Da Vinci, Georges Seurat (Tonal Drawings), Alison Lambert, Emil Nolde (Woodcuts), Lucian Freud (Etchings), Henry Moore (Shelter and Sheep Drawings), Jim Dine (Tools).

RESEARCH

1.  Identify each Artist.

2.  Find examples of artworks –get good copies, list dates, dimensions and media used.

3.  If you can find them, include quotations from the Artist. Try www.artquotes.net

ANALYSIS

1.  Give a detailed description of the artwork.

2. Analyse – comment on use of tone, line, composition, technique, scale etc.

YOUR RESPONSE

1.  Give an opinion on the Artworks, but ensure you justify what you say. Avoid simple value judgements (‘I really like/dislike…’) or vague, meaningless statements (’This piece is really effective’). Comment upon how successful or unsuccessful you find the artwork, and give specific reasons why you hold this opinion (I find this drawing particularly successful due to the way in which the Artist has created a soft and atmospheric image by exclusively using tone to describe form).

2.  What is the relationship between this work and your own? Identify and explain connections between this artist’s work and your own.

VISUAL RESPONSE

1.  It is important to also include your own visual responses to artists’ work. This can either be a copy of an artwork (or a detail of a work) with the purpose of analysing technique; a diagram or study that investigates certain formal elements of the artwork (composition, brushwork); or a piece of your own work that clearly uses some of the techniques, methods or aspects of this artist’s work. In your response use the same materials as employed by the original Artist wherever possible.

OVERALL PRESENTATION

1.  Take pride in the overall presentation of your research, it should not be rushed. Consider each element carefully:  type/text, layout, titles, backgrounds, visual responses etc.