Course Information: 2D Design

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PROJECT: CUTOUTS

The focus of this project was working with positive and negative shapes. Students were to create a design on a small piece of construction paper using both geometric and organic shapes and cut those shapes out from the paper. Next, they needed to rearrange the shapes on another piece of contrasting construction paper. They were able to choose what way to rearrange the paper, as well as choose to create more shapes using the second piece of construction paper.

PROJECT: PATTERN AND COLOR

This project focused on the student's recent project on color theory and color harmonies. Students were to create four thumbnail drawings of pattern. Students were able to choose shapes, lines or other elements to repeat to create those patterns. The students then chose their favorite pattern and recreated it larger. Students then chose a color harmony that they thought would fit their work and used those colors as well as their tints and shades to create different effects with their pattern such as depth.

PROJECT: PHOTOGRAMS

In this project, students will learn how an image can be affected by placing an object on top of the paper during the paper's exposure to light. In a plain sense, the students are creating silhouettes of objects. One variation is allowed in this project: the use of transparent or partially transparent objects. If an object is at least partially transparent, light is allowed to pass through it and onto the light sensitive paper.

The students create two images using this technique. One will be what is called a single exposure photogram. The paper is exposed to light only once and then developed. The second image is exposed to light once, then the objects are moved to a different location, then the paper is exposed once more. This is called a double exposure photogram and the images are often much more interesting.

EXAMPLES: Single Exposure Photogram

EXAMPLES: Double Exposure Photogram

PROJECT: PINHOLE CAMERAS

A pinhole camera is simply a dark box with a tiny hole at one end and photographic paper on the other end. There is no lens to focus the light. Instead, the pinhole projects a dim upside-down image on the paper. The image below is an example of a pinhole camera, again, this is just a box with a tiny "pin-hole" at one end. These cameras must be reloaded after each exposure because they can only hold one piece of paper at a time.

The images that are made by the pinhole camera are negative images and must be used in the darkroom to create a positive image.

PROJECT: CHECKERBOARD PORTRAIT

The checkerboard portrait is focused on teaching students proper proportion for facial features as well as creating value in their drawings. Students are given a portrait printed on normal paper and create a grid on top of that portrait. They then cut the grid and paste every other block onto another piece of paper create a checkerboard pattern. Students then fill in the empty spots on the grid with their own drawing.

PROJECT: PHOTOSHOP-SELF-PORTRAIT GRID

The self portrait grid is used to help students learn the more advanced features of Adobe Photoshop Elements. This program allows students to edit photographs however they want to. This grid consists of nine different variations of self-portraits by the student. They may use the same photo for all nine or nine different photos. No two photos may use the same treatment, and only three of the images may use ONLY a photoshop filter as the treatment.

EXAMPLES:

Project: Expression Portraits

Students were to draw a self-portrait using a photograph taken in class. Students are given a lecture focusing on facial features and facial expressions. They focus on how to read facial expressions and how to draw these expressions. Students then use oil pastels to redraw their portait, using different color variations to slightly abstract and exagerrate their portrait.

Project: Collage

Students are to use magazines as well as one other art medium of their choice to create a cohesive collage work. Emphasis is, well, emphasized in the project, as well as theme.

Project: Watercolors and Perspective

Students choose an exhisting work of art to use as inspiration for this watercolor project. Using perspective drawing that we have learned, students create works that are abstracted representations of the work they are looking at. The inspiration may come from paintings, photographs, sculptures or other works of art. Students are encouraged to use watercolor techniques taught for this project to help create the effect that they wish to achieve.

Project: Stencils

Students study the art of printmaking though stencils. We look at the techniques used to create images quickly and repeatedly with media such as spray paint. Students will create three total projects: one, a single image of their stencil, two, a work that includes multiple images of their stencil, and lastly, a work that the entire class will create. Students are encouraged to try overlapping and rearranging their stencil to create visual interest.