Thank you for the card

Just a quick note to say thank you for the special notes in my card.  They made me smile.  I hope you traveled safely to your homes and are ready for R & R. I will email you when to send in your transcript request. Don't forget to send your artist's statement if you haven't already. Keep in touch, ML

Process photos

Sorry I am a bit late with this...

I am working on a plaster sculpture, and due to the awesome weather we have been having, it is taking much longer to dry and making it harder to work on.

I began with a large rectangular collum of plaster and am now carving away...

Looking Forward to seeing everyone in Spartanburg

I returned to SC late last night from the reading. I am currently reading and checking your syllabus, museum and CLIA lessons you have been busy working on while I was gone.  I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow at 8:30.  Please bring back your large notebook to class. I have lots of secrets to share about the reading.

Kathy's posts

Question #5

I have to say that I am excited about all of it!--but, like everyone else I too feel a bit more comfortable with the breadth section of the portfolio.  Seems as if the breadth section is an extension of what I already do, now it has an even higher purpose!  My brain has been on overdrive thinking of new lessons/ideas to encourage even more sophisticated problem solving and creative thinking.  I also feel like the breadth section is THE avenue for formulating ideas for the concentrated production.  I think I'll do as Robert talked about, and save the concentration section of the portfolio until the end.  This way the students have a lot of resources and ideas from which to work.

Question #6

There is no question that I will have a selection process for the AP class!  It will include prerequisites, teacher recommendations, and a preview of artwork.  I think all of these will aid in assessing ability along with work ethic.  I also like Robert's idea of having 2 summer assignments due on the very first day.  I think this will be another opportunity to evaluate the student.

Question #7

I'm at the back end of completing my syllabus!--I still have to add summer assignments, overview of class assignments, and a rubric.  I added specific sketchbook instructions and suggestions that encourage growth as an artist.  The sketchbook/journal is a tool to encourage thoughts and ideas and could be incorporated in all areas of study.

Question #8

Vintage Paper Art

Step 1:  I did a contour sketch of the image onto the canvas--making sure to include even the most subtle value changes.  In the end it will look somewhat like a "paint-by-number" drawing.

Step 2:  I organized my papers in a value scale.

Step 3:  I began applying the small cuts of paper (overlapping edges) to the darkest values if the image first and then working my way to the lightest values.  I use Mod Podge to adhere the paper to the canvas--this not only works as a glue, but as a sealer as well.

Step 4:  After completing the image, I began working in the negative space.  I kept all of the paper cuts in the background running horizontal in contrast with the image.

Step 5:  I applied a final sealer coat over the entire canvas.  I used Mod Podge for this piece, but have used spray acrylic sealer as well.

Mixed Media art piece

I had so much fun doing this project!  While the actual making of the work only took several hours, I have been walking around with the "story" in my head for over a week!  I am come to the quiet conclusion that I really love working in/with mixed media, and plan to do more .. I have dozens of these "stories" in my head, just waiting for the medium to express it.

Process:

1.  Decide the "story" or idea for your piece. 
2.  Look around your surroundings for various items that can work to express your idea - whatever you lack, go shopping!  I fell in love with Hobby Lobby.
3.  While shopping, I made sure that I chose items that "felt" right .. they worked with the color scheme and time era I was after. 
4.  From my family photo album, I chose some old photos.  My husband scanned them in, photoshopped little blemishes, then printed them.
5.  I laid out all my gathered materials - including the 'sandwich frame' I already had - then began to make some aesthetic decisions about what got layered where.
6.  I cut, tore, collaged, wrote, placed and re-placed, and layered all of the chosen elements.
7.  Took a break for dinner! 
8.  After coming back to it, I made sure I liked the layout before gluing.
9.  Secured all framing.
10.  Done!