1st Year - Supporting 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.
You need to complete this work to hand in on Thursday 5th October.

1st Year Printmaking + Sketchbook Checklist to date

Printmaking Materials

Next week in your lessons we will begin to explore some printmaking techniques. For these lessons you will need:

• A range (at least 4) of your Journey photos printed out at A4 scale (loose, not stuck down in your book).
• £1 to buy a monoprinting board (the purple sheet of plastic in the photo above).
• A further £1 to buy a lightweight craftknife.

Up to this point you should have the following completed and thoughtfully presented in your sketchbook:

• A range of journey photographs, include a contact sheet (small images) of all your shots, and print out 5 or more of the best shots at A5 or A4. Annotate with brief notes - what you were looking for in the shots, what visual elements might translate well into drawings/other creative responses.
• At least one sustained drawing produced in class based on your journey photos.
• A sustained homework pencil drawing based on a small group of objects representing your journey (see previous post).
• A set of speed drawings produced in class, you can tweak these if you want, but maintain the urgency in the markmaking if you do add anything.

2nd Year Art - Portrait Sketchbooks Inspiration

Adebanji Alade - from 100 portraits in a week series

Adebanji Alade - from 100 portraits in a week series

Adebanji Alade - from 100 portraits in a week series

From looking at sketchbooks this week it strikes me that more investigation and development of your own imagery is what many of you need to be engaging with more vigorously between now and the start of producing your outcomes (from the 2nd October). 

I thought these sketchbook pages by the Artist Adebanji Alade showed a good example of an Artist really getting a feel for his subject matter through drawing, visiting and revisiting portraiture and working with an intensity and enthusiasm that gets results!

1st Year A Level Reminder

In part of Monday's lesson we will be producing some expressive timed sketches, for this you will need at least 6 photos printed out at A5 scale (or larger) to refer to as source imagery.
Select busy images that will translate into drawings well.

1st Year A Level Journey Brief

1st Year A Level Art and Design

Project I – “Journey”

Outline: Over the first few weeks of the course we will explore a range of approaches, producing a series of images around the theme of “Journey”. Through this project we hope to build on your existing skills and introduce new ways of working, the techniques you will learn will also set you up to succeed with the second part of the AS Coursework which starts in November and requires you to work in a more independent fashion. The images we create in this project will explore different aspects of a journey you have made and recorded photographically.

Week 1: Drawing/Photography.

At the outset of the project we will focus on drawing. In class we will be producing sustained and expressive drawings based on the photos you took of your journey (see separate pre-course work brief for full details of this). You will need a selection (6 - 10) of your photographs printed out at a reasonable size (A4/A5) to work from.

Homework: Use your collection of Journey objects (stuff from bags/pockets plus found objects that represent your journey) as the basis to create a sustained and controlled piece of tonal drawing from Direct Observation in pencil. This should take a full page of your sketchbook and really demonstrate your drawing ability, spend around 4 hours on this. Consider the arrangement and lighting of your objects carefully, use a small box to contain and frame your composition.

Week 2/3: Printmaking.

For the printmaking tasks you will be working from photographic sources and exploring two main processes – monoprinting and relief (gold card) printing.

In Week 2 of the project we will concentrate on monoprinting. We will instruct you on the practical aspects of the printmaking techniques you will be tackling.

In Week 3 we will undertake relief (gold card) printing.

Homework: You will need to research the drawing or printmaking of two Artists, presenting the work across at least 4 sketchbook pages, detailed guidance on this task will be issued.

Drawing and Printing References: Alberto Giacometti (Linear Drawings), Frank Auerbach (Expressive Drawings), Leonardo Da Vinci (Anatomical Drawings), Georges Seurat (Tonal Drawings), Alison Lambert (Portrait Heads), Emil Nolde (Woodcuts), Lucien Freud (Etchings), Henry Moore (Shelter and Sheep Drawings).

Weeks 4/5: Painting

For this stage we will be working on A2 or A3 paintings using acrylic paints, inspired by your Journey photographs. You should aim to complete 2 pieces (one controlled and one more expressive).

Homework: A sustained piece of portraiture drawing, this can be completed from direct observation or your source photographs .

Painting References: Chaim Soutine (portraits, objects), Jenny Saville (portraits), Peter Doig (landmarks), Paul Cezanne (objects), Lisa Milroy (objects).

Week 6/7: Collage, Photomontage, Digital Imagery

Using the imagery you have generated in the project to this point (drawings, photos, prints, paintings) we want you to create some collage pieces, in these you should be creative and combine media. Use the photocopier to make duplicates and variations of your existing imagery and then mix with torn papers/acetates/text/paint etc.

In addition to the mixed media work we would like you to create a photomontage inspired by David Hockney’s photographic joiners that explores:

·      Your mode of transport (from your feet to a train/bus/car/bike).

You may need to take some additional photos to achieve this.

Finally you should select some of the best images you have produced over the duration of the project and scan these into PhotoShop, using this software start layering and altering your images to create engaging digitally collaged pieces.

Homework: You will need to research the collage, photomontage or mixed media work of two Artists, presenting the work across at least 4 sketchbook pages, detailed guidance on this task will be issued.

Collage References: Kurt Schwitters, Robert Rauschenberg, David Hockney, Martin O’Neill, Peter Blake, Joseph Cornell, Ben Allen, Eduardo Recife.

1st Year A Level Art Course Notes

A LEVEL ART & DESIGN

You have just started your A Level Art & Design course at Alton College.

Here we have offered some useful information about the course and, we hope, some good advice about how to produce your best work and achieve your potential in this subject.

A LEVEL ART LESSONS/PRIVATE STUDY:

Like all A level subjects, you will have two lessons per week - one morning session of 3 hours and one afternoon session of 2 hours. You are also expected to commit a further 4 - 5 hours of private study time per week. This may be specific assignments set by your teacher, or continuation of your project work. There will be times during the week when the Art Rooms are free for you to come and work in the Studio outside your timetabled lessons if you wish to do so. This is encouraged but you MUST be responsible for clearing away materials and ensuring the Art Studio is TIDY when you leave.

You will be given clear feedback on your level of attainment throughout the course via formal assessments and 1:1 discussions with your teacher.

ART MATERIALS:

Most Art materials are available for you to use in the Art Studios but you should always come to all of your Art lessons with at least a set of pencils (HB, 2B, 4B – sets are available to purchase from the Art Dept. for £1), pencil sharpener and eraser. It is recommended that, as you progress through the course, you also invest in some basic art materials of your own for use at home. Many Art Materials can be purchased through the Alton College Art department and a list of available materials for sale is on display in the Art Studio. You will be required to purchase your own set of 4 paintbrushes (£2) for your own personal use during the course.

Be aware that some processes and techniques such as printmaking and painting that use oil-based inks or acrylic paint can get a bit messy. An old shirt or item of clothing to cover and protect your everyday clothes is always advisable when using these materials.

One essential item that you MUST have is a SKETCHBOOK. This can be purchased directly from the Art Department at a reduced price and may be either A4 (£5) or A3 (£8) in size.

You have been set homework in your first lesson and you will need a sketchbook to complete this.

Much of your coursework will be done in your sketchbook and a good sketchbook will show the full range of your skills including drawings (sustained studies and rapid sketches), development of ideas through experiments in other media/techniques, and research into the work of relevant artists and designers. Your sketchbook should always be presented in a clear, coherent and visually exciting way. You should recognise that your presentation of work in the sketchbook also indicates your understanding and appreciation of graphic skills such as composition and typography.

ART TUTORS:

Remember that your tutor/s are there to help you. Always seek advice and guidance whenever you are unsure.

HOW TO SUCCEED:

Success at A Level Art & Design requires a balanced range of advanced skills: a good level of technical ability; an enthusiastic and industrious approach; a high degree of subject knowledge, and -that quality that is always hard to define but easy to spot - creative flair.

To achieve your potential in this subject: always strive to produce work to the very best of your ability. Push yourself to be experimental and inquiring in your approach. If you have very good skills in any particular area (painting, observational drawing), continue to extend these skills but do not retreat into them as a ‘comfort zone’. The student who succeeds on this course is the student who is open-minded, resourceful, determined and creative. Take pride in your work...and enjoy it!

2nd Year A Level Portrait Project Update

Meg Clarke

Welcome back!
We hope you are ready to get stuck into the second year, for the first half term we will be completing the Portraiture work we started in the Summer term (after your AS exams).
As a quick reminder the work you should have completed so far for the Portraiture is:

• A great set of source portraiture photographs taken specifically for this unit, with a range of these printed out at a decent scale and included in your sketchbook.
• Several sustained drawings in response to these photographs.
• Other drawings exploring expressive technique and mark-making.
• Some experiments with printmaking (Gold Card or Mono) in response to your source imagery. 
• Research into 6 portraits from different historical periods (see the original project brief you were issued for full guidance on this).

Over the first 3 weeks of term we want you to work towards an outcome for this set of work, this will involve purposeful experimentation with colour, composition and media to resolve your ideas and prepare you to start on final pieces from Monday 2nd October. Also during this period you should be adding to your research, find at least 2 Artists whose approach relates to your intentions and gather a range of imagery by them to analyse over several sketchbook pages. 
We will then dedicate 3 weeks to completing your outcomes, which will take us up to half term. 
You will have the half term week to finish sketchbooks off (and/or outcomes if you take them home), before submitting the work for Assessment on Monday 30th October.
To provide a little inspiration here are a few images produced by former Alton A Level students on the Portraiture theme:

Alice Stewart

Amy Perrin

Ben Mollett

Daisy Van der Lande

Emelia Clement-May

Emily Jeffers

Hannah Bussell

1st Year A Level Homework Drawing

This week for homework to complement the work we are doing in class we are asking you to make a sustained full page pencil tonal drawing working from a group of objects associated with your journey. 
These could be the things you generally carry such as phones, iPods, cameras, snacks, drinks, make up, keys, books, sunglasses, wallets, pens etc.
You should aim to spend 4-5 hours on this drawing and complete it by Monday 18th September (when it will be collected in for marking).
Arrange your selected objects thoughtfully in a confined space such as a small box (shoe boxes work well), then use a hand torch or angle poise lamp to light your composition and produce a dramatic range of tones.
Working from direct observation (not a photograph) set your composition out carefully with a B/HB pencil in line then add a range of tones using softer pencils (2B - 6B), make sure your darkest tones use the full depth of tone you can achieve (press hard). Try to avoid using outline to define objects once your piece is finished, instead use different areas of tone adjacent to each other to make it clear where edges are.
This should be a sustained piece that shows off your drawing ability to the full, you might use a rubber to help you pick out the highlights.