Artist Research

Artist Research

2D_Foundations

Thomas Green

Artist Research Papers

As part of the P2, integrated professional practices program at MCA, we will be conducting artist research to stay focused and current in our fields.   Researching artists and looking at what is going on in the contemporary art world is essential to your success.  Furthermore, researching historically important figures in Art and their contributions provides an important historical foundation for the work that is done today.  This semester we will be conducting artist research on a total of 8 artists, and writing artist statement for one of the projects that you will be doing this semester.

What to include in your research papers?

1.     `1. Bio-you may begin your paper by including pertinent information about the artist.  Where he/she was born, where they studied, important relationships that they may have had, and major exhibitions and achievements that they have made.

2.     2. Their work- How is the particular artist that you are researching classified (impressionism, pop art, german expressionism, etc.)  What are some of the distinctive characteristics of the work? Is it expressive, large/small, what materials does he/she use to create the work? What is the content or subject matter of the work? What is the form.

3.     3. Design-finally, discuss some of the techniques and principles of design inherent in your artist’s work.  How do they use line, texture, shapes, pattern, color, balance, figure/ground relationships in their work?

The Artist research needs to be a total of about one page double spaced 12point font.  On another page, you should drag pictures of the artist’s work to your word document for reference.  Print these out and paste them in your sketchbook.  You will need to save this document as you will be turning in the digital files to me as part of your midterm and final grade.   Do not research anime artists or artists that are not famous (your aunt that paints still life, etc).   Your artist should still be living.


SAMPLE ARTIST RESEARCH:

Keith Haring

            Keith Haring is an American artist who was born to Joane and Allen Haring in Reading, Pennsylvania on May 4, 1958 and died of AIDS in New York City on February 16, 1990. Though he was born in Reading, he spent more of his childhood growing up in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Haring graduated high school in 1976 and later was enrolled into the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh. He dropped out of this school after two semesters of attending. After this, Haring continued to study on his own and in 1978, he held his own exhibition gallery in the Pittsburgh Arts and Crafts center. In the same year of 1978, Haring went back to school, this time enrolled in the School of Visual Arts in New York city. Here he made friends with other artists such as Kenny Scharf and Jean Michel Basquiat.

            During Haring’s time in New York, he used his subway surroundings as his canvas for his art work. Though Haring was arrested on numerous occasions for vandalism, his artwork was seen by the many pedestrians and commuters of New York city. His genuine style included rays surrounding infants, figures dancing and other odd mixtures of people with television shaped heads. His style represented the subculture of the time and was a very influential for how people viewed his and other artwork to come. His style can be described as a simplistic pop art. His work is extraordinarily expressive and is both on the small and large scale. His graffiti could be portrayed from small signs to large vast walls in the urban areas of the city.

            In Keith Haring’s design, his largely incorporated techniques include line, shape, pattern, Negative vs. Positive space, and color to convey his forms and meanings. In his work he either chooses to cover the entire picture plane with shapes to form either rhythmic or random pattern; or he chooses a defined focal point and adds his many shapes around it to guide the viewer through the art work. His color choices are generally all prismatic and muted/

Arranging the empty space

Green 2d 02_line from Thomas Everett Green

P_002

Ground Reversal & Arranging "Empty Space"

Objective

To create two compositions using a minimal amount of positive linear shapes (lines) to form large negative areas. The goal is to activate both the positive and negative space using a minimal amount of line. 

Materials 

·       Torn or cut papers

·       Matte knife or scissors

·       Rubber cement or spray mount or gel medium

·       Bristol groundsheet

Procedure

·       Start first composition with a white ground 12" x 16" 

·       Cut or tear one or two positive linear shapes from black paper to create your composition leaving approximately 80% of the white ground showing.

·       Start second composition with a black ground no larger than 12"x16"

·       Cut or tear one or two positive linear shapes from white paper to create your composition leaving approximately 80% of the black ground showing.

·       Mount each composition on 2 ply Bristol 30x22

Note

Look at natural forms for shape ideas: trees,plants,etc.   Your finished composition should have a focal point. 

Be mindful of the ways to create emphasis.

Artist references

Bridget Riley

Victor Vasarely

Franz Kline

Willem de Kooning

Student Examples: 

Syllabus Spring 201

2Ddesign foundations-Spring2016

Instructor: Thomas E. Green (Thomas.green@mca.edu) 
T.A.  Victoria Barrera (Victoria.Barrera@mca.edu)                         

Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00-3:30  (Studio 2)

Office Hours: Directly following this class (or by appointment)

Course Description

This course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of the elements of art and the principles of design. In a sequence of hands-on exercises and projects, you'll be introduced to the concept of the picture plane, figure/ground relationships, scale and proportion, pattern, value, color, shape, texture, line, and spatial illusion.

In addition to introducing formal design strategies, the course emphasizes content issues and the historical and cultural context in which works of art are produced. Regular slide lectures and critiques are structured informally to encourage dialogue and to provide you and your colleagues with an opportunity to translate visual evidence into words.

Course Objectives

The objective of the class is to develop perceptual and conceptual abilities in such a way as to prepare the student for the more personal, creative endeavors to come.  2-D Design is a base to build on and should give the student experience, which will inform and influence all future studio courses.  After the class, the student will demonstrate the ability to

*Define and effectively manipulate the elements and principles of design in non-representational and representational two-dimensional compositions/applications.

*Demonstrate various idea generation strategies effectively to solve problems, particularly using drawing and collage.

*Explore the physical, conceptual and contextual implications of basic materials, craftsmanship, and professional presentation.

*Speak and write critically about personal and peer artworks and propose alternatives

*To increase awareness and understanding about the visual, physical, and social aspects of modern and contemporary two-dimensional artworks.

EPA Mandate – Important!

Memphis College of Art students and faculty are required to follow the standards detailed in the “EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Materials Handling Protocols – September 2007.”

QEP ( Quality Enhancement Plan/also known as P2) Requirements: 
MCA’s QEP is designed to greatly expand the preparation of students for the working world. the college is moving from a single elective Professional practices course to a fully integrated curriculum that embeds essential skills and knowledge throughout the four years of study. Even the most introductory- level classes will begin to address important content previously covered inconsistently, 
if at all, in the various degree programs. MCA hopes to instill in students from the
very start of its BFA programs a mind-set for success as well as the requisite skills and knowledge to pursue a career in a field of their choice, and not to just settle for a day job. 
For this class you will be assessed on the following:
-Students will demonstrate the ability to write a professional cover letter. (will be covered in class) -Students will demonstrate the ability to research to stay current in their field.( sketchbook) -Students will demonstrate the ability to document their work.

P2 Outcomes for this course:

Outcome 4: Students will demonstrate the ability to document their work. 

Outcome 9: Students will demonstrate the ability to conduct research to stay current in their field. 

Course Requirements:

In this class we will have demonstrations, lectures, discussions, critiques and project workdays. A strong work ethic, class participation and problem solving skills are key to developing successful work in a two-dimensional design course.  

Group critiques are the foundation of this course.  This is the time that you share your results with your peers and learn from each other.  All assignments must be critiqued.  Critiques by their nature are very personal.  It is expected that students show respect for the work that is being discussed.  

You are required to keep a sketchbook.  You will be expected to take notes on slide lectures and make use of those notes in solving the class assignments.  It should also be used in working out solutions to problems, and to store assignment handouts and articles of general interest.  All work will be mounted on 22” x 30” 2 or 3 ply Bristol board. 

You will have both in-class and homework assignments.  Students will be required to keep a portfolio of all assigned work in this class.  Do not roll your work.  Respect and protect your work if you expect anyone else to do so.  Portfolios will be graded at the midterm and end of the term.    

Attendance Policy:

There are no excused absences. Missed class time cannot be "made up". If you miss three classes you will immediately fail the course. There will be no exceptions. The reasons behind the absences are not important. Doctors excuses and notes from parents are not relevant. Four absences means too much information and work has been missed for a student to legitimately pass the course.

- Class meets Monday and Wednesday (1:00-3:30) Leaving class constitutes an absence unless an arrangement has been made with me.  If you are having trouble with the course or have outside problems, which are affecting your performance, please talk to me about it so that we can work out a solution. Do not wait until it is too late. I will be glad to help you in any way I can.

- Tardiness not acceptable. Three late arrivals will be counted as one absence.
- All students will work for the entire class period. Excessive talking, walking about or leaving the room will be noted in my grade book and counted against your final grade. Turn you cell phone off!
- If you miss an assignment because of lateness or absence, get it from another student. If you then have questions come and see me or email me.

CLASS POLICY

1.  The cost of materials is not an excuse for incomplete assignments. 

2.  Disruptive behavior will result in your being asked to leave class.  This will be counted as an absence. 

3.  I will only discuss individual grades outside of class privately.

4. I will explain all assignments and due dates in class.  It is your responsibility to take notes and remember information given. 

5.  Students are encouraged to come for extra help or explanation about class work. 

6.  No cell phones (including texting) during class.  Researching through the use of your cell/internet service is permissible, but not during lectures or critique under any circumstance.

Grading will be based on:

1. Development of skills in perception and conception with sensitivity toward original and expressive solutions to course problems

2. Completion of all assigned course problems.  Each problem will have a specific due date, and late work will be penalized.  Problems may be reworked for a better grade if it is turned in to our shelf within two days of the critique (by Wednesday for a Monday class or Friday for a Wednesday class). This does not include work that is simply not turned in or is D or F quality.  Persons not handing in work on time will be penalized one full grade.  The work will be collected and graded as soon as possible.  It will sometimes be necessary for me to hold work for exhibitions or photographing. 

3.  Professional presentation and craft.  Precision is extremely important.  Only tight and clean work is acceptable. 

4.  Participation in critiques and discussions.  Professional art students must develop the ability to articulate their ideas. 

GRADING SCALE

A – Superior

Studio: Strong, exceeding requirements of instructor; project is completely and creatively fulfilled; no significant problems

Initiative: Contributions exceeds assignment, shows independent resourcefulness

Attitude: Positively benefits the class

Cooperation: Leading group activities, constant and spontaneous

Individual Improvement: marked (takes risks in work)

B – Above Average

Studio:  accurate and complete, meets all requirements; well done; some problems remain to be solved

Initiative: good when stimulated by some desirable achievement

Attitude:  proper and beneficial to group

Cooperation: good in group work

Individual Improvement: showing marks of progress and responding to stimulation

C – Average

Studio: Meets assignment requirements to the letter; generally successful; craft is good

Initiative: uncertain and apparent at times

Attitude: generally neutral but not objectionable

Cooperation: neither positive nor very effective and irregular

Individual Improvement: very ordinary, definite marks lacking

D – Poor, but passing

Studio: Assignment not complete or with obvious technical and conceptual flaws

Initiative: Lacking

Attitude: indifferent

Cooperation: Just fair at times and lacking at other times. 

Individual Improvement: Not noticeable

F – Failing

Work is unsatisfactory and is unacceptable in technique or craft or concept (or any combination of these)

Documentation Guidelines You are required to keep a visual log of your work for this class. As mentioned before, you will be assessed on how well you document your work as well as follow directions. You will need to use a camera and not your phone to take your images. We will have a demonstration that will go through this process. 
-Photograph your work when you finish each project -Take clear visible images
-Crop and center images
-Label each image with assignment name. 
-Make sure each image is the same size.
-You will need to save your images in a folder labeled with your name
-You will burn your folder onto a disk or jump drive
-You will turn in the disk or jump drive at the end of the semester to be part of your final grade.

Sketchbook Guidelines

You are required to keep a sketchbook for this class. Think of your sketchbook as a visual journal of your ideas, work, lecture notes and artist research. Make your sketchbook your own!

-Sketchbook should be 9x12 spiral with a heavier weight paper ( no bound sketchbooks) -Include syllabus and any other handouts given in class
-Include sketches, notes and other reference material for each project

-Include 8 artists and color copies of their work (at least two different images). You will need to research each artist and provide a 1 page, double spaced, 10pt font paper for each artist. In each paper talk about what attracts you to this particular artist. I want to hear your opinions about their work. You will be assessed on your ability to research artists as well as critically write about and discuss their work.

As an alternative: You may attend a gallery show or museum and write a paper discussing what you saw, including pictures from the gallery/museum website.  Or, you may attend a visiting artist lecture and review what the artist discussed, including images or her/his work.

MATERIALS

Sketchbook (9” x 12” Strathmore or comparable)

Drawing pencils

Kneaded eraser

Cutting board (self healing)

X-acto or matte knife (with plenty of blades)

36” metal rule or T square

Rubber cement (from the MCA supply store only)

Acrylic Medium (optional for gluing)

Paper, 2 or 3 ply Bristol plate

            or vellum (22” x 30”), multimedia (22” x 30”)

            Arches Black (22” x 30”), Crescent,

            And other papers

Color materials; paper, pencils, acrylic set (optional – outside of studio only), brushes, etc.

Camera/digital camera (you do not have to own, but must have access to this)

Portfolio (large enough to store assignments, at least 23” x 31”)

Tool or tackle box to carry your supplies to and from class. (cheap is fine)

Additional materials may be added as problems arise

There are many stores in Memphis where you might purchase some of the above—including The Art Center (on campus, and Union Avenue), Home Depot (on Union close to campus), Michael’s Craft Store, just off Poplar heading towards Germantown.