Weekly Assignment: Bob Ross & Jackson Pollock

Consider these videos of artists at work. Think about what you see and what each artist says. What similarities and differences do you see in their styles, approaches, and philosophies?

Bob Ross

 

Jackson Pollock

Weekly Assignment: Art News Round-up (revisted)

Once again, I'd like you to look over the "Art News" sites for a story from the art world that you think is interesting or important. Then, read the entire story. Paste a link to the story in a comment followed by a brief write-up (50-100 words) with your reactions. What aspects of the story do you find most important or interesting? Tell us about it.

Weekly Assignment: More Recreation

Step 1: Recreate this image
Recreate this image with members of the WH community. Try not to use students from this class. You may show your models the image and you are responsible for coaching them on how and where to pose. Two things to keep in mind:

1. Pay close attention to the original. Include whatever elements you decide are most important.

2. Be creative. Think about fun combinations of people and interesting settings.

Once you've taken the picture, follow this link to upload it. Email Jason with any technical difficulties.

Step 2: Write a brief response (Aim for 150-250 words)

Look at your photograph and the original side-by-side. How are they related and how are they different? What has Step 1 caused you to notice about the painting? What conclusions can you draw about it? Paste your response below your image.

Weekly Assignment: Shea Hembrey: How I became 100 artists

Watch the video, view some of his works, and read the excerpt of the NY Times Magazine article on Hembrey (handout distributed in class).  Then, respond to the following...

Here are two quotations from the comments stream at TED.com:

"This is brilliant, it challenges us to think about what art is. Surely one of the most important functions of contemporary art. The entire work is both playful and incisive and each piece is beautifully skilled and crafted."

"I don't know which of the following three facts is more depressing: 1. The fact that this guy can produce something so utterly flippant, facile, superficial, trite and inauthentic with such obsessiveness and then present it with a bit of camp showmanship; or 2. the fact that it is lapped up with such enthusiasm by an audience on TED; or 3. the fact that it is presented on a forum like TED at all. It's profoundly sad."

 What do you think?  Do you agree with either of the comments above? Is it art? Who gets to say?

Weekly Assignment: Painting Profiler (Wk 8)

Select two paintings from the current image bank. Complete the "Painting Profiler" for each. Then write a paragraph (100-150 words) that describes one aspect you profiled and explains how this is important to the meaning of the piece. This is described in detail on the assignment sheet.

You should not consult outside sources. Your "Painting Profiler" sheet is due in class on Friday. Bring your typed, double-spaced, printed paragraphs to class on Monday.

Here's a link to the image bank.

Here's a link to the study guide for this unit.

Weekly Assignment: Spring Break Edition (Wk 6)

Over break, sketch three pieces of art -- giving yourself at least 10 minutes to view and record each work. These may be pieces that you visit in a museum, a local gallery, or find on the street; or they may be pieces you find online.

Whether your sketches are excellent or clunky, use them to help you patiently view the work. Let your interest guide you. Take the time to really see each piece. We'll discuss your experiences when you return.

Weekly Assignment: David & David (Wk 5)

David, Donatello, 1440s

David, Michelangelo, 1501-1504

Consider the following as topics for discussion and investigation. How are the two figures similar or different? How does each relate to the Biblical story? In what ways do they look back to Greek or Roman figures? (Note: You don't have address all of these questions).