For your second homework for third quarter, I am asking you to do one visual journal response.  You can choose from the following themes:
- Buoyant
- Wistful
- Home
- Heinous
This is worth 40 points and I am expecting you to SPEND TIME on it!  You need to use at least THREE different materials such as paint, photographs, pen, oil pastels...  Use good composition and think about: rule of thirds, going off the page, zooming in.  Above all, be creative and don't do the first thing that pops into your head.  For example, I do not want you to think HOME = House.

Also, if you want to do additional visual journal responses, you can get up to 20 points per page in extra credit!

Due:  Monday, March 12

Find a small object that fits in your hand.
Super zoom into the object and create an interesting composition by:
1. using the entire page
2. accurately drawing the object (add as many details as possible)
3. adding a full range of values using a pencil
4. creating shadows
Due:  4B: Thursday, February 7
            3: Thursday, February 9
                                                                                4A: Wednesday, February 8

The prompts for this month are:
When I .....
Abhor

You have three visual journal entries to do between now and the end of the quarter:  truth, discovery, I will...

You are expected to fill the page, use at least three different kinds of materials, come up with a creative way of illustrating the prompts, and spend some time and do a neat job.  Check out the visual journal page on my website for inspiration. 

Here are three websites where you may also find inspiration for your own journal pages:
Altered Books
Dan Eldon's Journal Pages
Flickr: Visual Journals

Graffiti began in the 1960's as a form of political protest and a way for gangs to mark their territories.  However, it transformed into an underground art movement.  At first artists tried to write their names as much as they could in as many public places as possible (like on the subway) all over their cities, but then tags were created.  Artists wanted their names to be recognized and they created their own fonts or drawing styles. 

We have just spend a few weeks learning about fonts and creating symmetrical designs from our initials.  Now I want you to look at some graffiti art and create your own tag.  You are encouraged to include color in this design- not just black and white.  For a challenge, you may also include other things in your drawings, not just text.

This drawing is due Wednesday, Sept. 21st and is worth 20 points.
You will be graded on:
Objectives- You have responded to all aspects of the problem, and own it in a personal, in-depth, or sophisticated way.
Design- You have used the entire page in a way that visually enhances your idea clearly.
Studio Skills- You have used a variety of art material and processes in sophisticated ways to visually enhance your ideas. 
Presentation- All aspects of your response have been carefully handled in a way that demonstrates an investment of time and care.

I am excited to be back full-time at Reservoir teaching art.  I hope you guys had a relaxing summer and are full of creative energy for this up-coming year. 

This blog is how I will be passing on information to you about homework.  I have a separate blog for our classwork.   Please bookmark this page and check it often!  Your comments and opinions are also greatly valued.  Don't be shy about posting a comment. I encourage you all to post your opinions about the art that we study.  Talking about art is almost as important as making it. 

In fact, I want all of you to post a comment to this post and let me know that you have read the syllabus and understand it. I also want you to tell me why you signed up for this class, if you have anything you really love to make in art, and anything else that you would like to share.  Don't forget to sign with your full name to get credit. (Due Tuesday, September 6-10 points). 

If you need additional information, please contact me via the website through the comments sections, or contact me by email: [email protected].  There is also a TON of information found on Reservoir High School's Art Department website:  http://web.mac.com/gregenglish/RHS/RHS_Art_Dept..html.  Check it out!  There are many cool examples of artwork done by past students.

I am giving you a copy of the art syllabus in class.  Please read it carefully!   Next, have your parents or guardians read and sign it too. (Due by Tuesday, Sept. 6- 10 points)  

Also, a sketchbook is HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended for this class.  I would get one that is hardcover or spiral bound.  They are much more durable (and look cooler too!)  Please do not get sketchbooks that are taped together because the pages fall right out.  We will be using our sketchbooks often during class and they will become our art textbooks as well as journals. If you cannot get a sketchbook, please talk to me privately or send me an email. (Sketchbooks needed by Tuesday- 10 points)