Project:
Create a radially symmetrical design that integrates abstract design elements as well as shapes/forms from the real, observable world (natural or man-made). The things you include should be related in theme (i.e. nature in the Burlington environment, machinery, etc.).
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Focus on all the things you would normally focus on in a finished design. PRESENTATION COUNTS.
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Radial symmetry emanates from the center of the circle, with a reiteration of shape and arrangement in its various sections. Think of a kaleidoscope, but more organized.
Concentrate on the formal (design) aspects of the piece. Include pattern and/or repetition of motif. Use Art Nouveau and Art Deco as guides to your style (See references below.).

Due: One week

Parameters:
Circular, 9"” diameter
Color using watercolors, color pencils, and/or oil pastels.
Stylized -- Include pattern and ornamentation

Grading Criteria:
Visual Impact -- Design/Composition
Integration of representational elements in an abstract design
Technical Quality/Craftsmanship/Refinement
Work Habits


Style References:
Look these styles up to figure out how to incorporate stylistic elements into representational art:

• Art Nouveau
• Art Deco

Art Nouveau

• Artistic style that originated in 1895.
• Inspired by the artist Alphonse Mucha.
• Found throughout the architecture, painting, sculpture, and other forms of Art Nouveau design.
• "Sudden violent curves generated by the crack of a whip”
• The term "whiplash" is frequently applied to the characteristic curves employed by Art Nouveau artists.
• Decorative "whiplash" motifs, formed by dynamic, undulating, and flowing lines in a syncopated rhythm.

Art Deco
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Art Deco (/ˌɑrt ˈdɛkoʊ/), or Deco, is an influential visual arts design style which first appeared in France during the 1920s, flourished internationally during the 30s and 40s, then waned in the post-World War II era.[1] It is an eclectic style that combines traditional craft motifs with Machine Age imagery and materials. The style is often characterized by rich colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation.
Deco emerged from the Interwar period when rapid industrialization was transforming culture. One of its major attributes is an embrace of technology. This distinguishes Deco from the organic motifs favored by its predecessor Art Nouveau.
Historian Bevis Hillier defined Art Deco as "an assertively modern style...[that] ran to symmetry rather than asymmetry, and to the rectilinear rather than the curvilinear; it responded to the demands of the machine and of new material...[and] the requirements of mass production."[2]
During its heyday Art Deco represented luxury, glamour, exuberance, and faith in social and technological progress.
                                                                                (All of the above is from Wikipedia.)
Some of the images below are examples of Art Deco from the time period, while others are more recent works inspired by Art Deco.

Student Exemplars

These drawings and paintings were created by former BHS students.

Project:
Using oil pastels, "paint" a still life comprised of two cereal boxes or other packages. Include the table surface, wall, and cast shadows in your drawing.

Set up a cereal boxes on a table top. Light the set up with a single light source, so that there are clear changes in darkness on each of the sides of the box.

This is to be done from direct observation, not from a photograph.


Objectives:

• Improve observational accuracy
• Build a strong composition
• Mix specific colors with accuracy - Blend oil pastel colors
• Establish 3D form through chiaroscuro and color changes
• Improve your ability to create a rich range of tonal value
• Become skillful with the oil pastel "painting"

Materials:

• Boxes (two package designs)
• Sketchbook
• Pencil
• Oil pastels

Grading Criteria:

• Composition
• Accuracy of line, shape, and color
• Three-Dimensional Form through Chiaroscuro - Shifts of tonal value and color
• "Completeness" - Craftsmanship

Below are some contemporary painters to look and to learn from. Remember to concentrate on the changes in color even within the same surfaces/planes. Also remember that every change in direction (every plane) will have a shift in value and in color temperature. Typically, shadows will be cooler in color (bluer) and where the light hits will be warmer (more yellow, orange, or red), but not always.

Dik Liu
https://www.dikliu.com/food
https://www.dikliu.com/trolls 

Wayne Thibaud


To Start:

1. Set up your cereal boxes on a table top. Light the still life with a single light source, so that there are clear changes in darkness on each of the sides of the box.
2. Draw thumbnails and/or rough drafts of the composition, in pencil, blocking out the basic arrangement of lights and darks.
3. On a piece of sketchbook paper, use pencil to lightly draft the outlines of your major shapes.
4. "Paint" with oil pastels.

Project:
A large scale charcoal drawing of a single, everyday object.

Objectives:

• Proportion! Proportion! Proportion!
• Use a full range of tonal value to establish structure and form
• Imbue an everyday object with importance.

Media:

• Large craft paper
• Willow charcoal
• Compressed charcoal
• (Eventually) Chalk

Tips: 
View the works of these contemporary artists:

• Wayne Thiebaud
• Jim Dine

Grading Criteria:

• Accuracy of proportion
• Accuracy of line
• Accuracy of tonal value: 
  • Full range of tonal value from white to deep black, and full, varied range of grays; 
  • Rendered subtle transitions and nuances; carefully drawn tonal shifts/gradations
• Form / Three-Dimensionality - every part of the object should have light, middle, and dark sides
• Design of the page (Composition): Filling the page; working on the area around the object to make it look like part of the drawing
• Detail
• Personal Investment:  Challenging yourself in your choice of object; staying focused on your drawing,