Kt's Influences

While the inspirations listed are generally not solely related to the system drawing, they influence my work as a whole.

Since Elliott Smith is my subject I'll begin with him. I think his music is beautiful. It's incredibly solum, but flows wonderfully.

Lindsay Campbell is one of my favorite painters. She's not an artist by profession, but she incorporates it into her main work, dog rescue. Her recent show, Ador-a-bull, was composed of paintings of dogs she had encountered from rescues. The money raised from the show went towards the shelter.

http://lindsaycampbell.weebly.com/index.html

William Kentridge

Special Materials for February 2nd class

All system drawings are due at the beginning of class.

After the critique, we will be doing a small collage exercise. You will need to have the following:

Support paper, about 11 x 14 inches. This can be cardboard, craft paper, charcoal paper, or any other material slightly heavier than regular sketch paper. It should be neutral in color, and close to middle gray in value.

Prepared collage paper in 3-5 different values, including black and white. You can prepare this paper by hand or purchase appropriately toned paper. Cut or tear the paper into manageable pieces, approximately 1/2 inch square and store them in separate containers.

Scissors or X-Acto knife

Some kind of paper adhesive. Glue sticks, rubber cement, acrylic matte medium, Mod Podge are all fine. Make sure you bring a disposable brush if necessary.

The Frankenstein Drawing

For next week

1. Be well underway in the creation of your sketchbook. Bring it in. It may continue to evolve.
2. Choose subject for system portrait project. Be sure it is someone of notoriety.
3. Experiment with at least 3 different systems using a variety of materials and approaches. Bring your best 3 mock-ups for discussion. Don't do them in your sketchbook, as they are going to be presented.
4. Gather materials needed to begin the finish in class next week.

Our Mantra

Elevate and Surprise

Project 1: System Portrait

Project Description:

This is to be a portrait of a person you select, either real or fictional. You are to develop some type of drawing system for the execution of this drawing. This can be many things. Chuck Close’s grid-based system is a prime example. Seurat’s pointillism can also be seen as a system. The goal of the project is to choose a system and materials that relate in some way to the subject. For instance, the architect Buckminster Fuller was known for his geodesic structures, which were comprised of triangular forms. For this project you might devise a system for creating triangles that you could use to create a drawing of him. Or perhaps you could capture the grungy, dour characteristics of Kurt Kobain by throwing charcoal dust onto paper, tearing it to pieces, and reassembling them into collage. It is to be an ambitious drawing.

The system can be many things, and is entirely up to you. Will you use only straight lines? Will they be hand-drawn or will you use a straight-edge? Does randomness play a role in your system? Will it be more mathematical? Will you listen to a symphony while drawing and only make a stroke when you hear the bassoon? Whatever it is, be consistent. Most systems have built-in limitations. The trick is to embrace them. For instance, if your system involves dipping a ping-pong ball in ink, then bouncing it off a tabletop and onto a sheet of paper, you will have to give up a certain amount of control. You will not be able to achieve the same results as a portrait rendered in graphite.

Materials:

Many materials are welcome. Consider the possibilities of NON TRADITIONAL materials (hair, sand, thread, etc.) Color may be used.

Requirements:

The image of the head should dominate the page, so think relatively close up. There is no size limitation, but use scale to enhance the conceptual possibilities of your image. Use good paper. There must be a minimum of a one inch border.

Methods:

The method is entirely up to your own creativity. Photographic references may be used. Be aware that not all photographs translate well into drawing, and avoid strictly copying photographs.

Tips:

• Plan out and practice your system in advance of the actual execution of your finish.
• Use materials wisely, and think creatively. Food products are not usually a good choice (spoilage, bugs, etc.)

Whatever your system, BE CONSISTENT! Don’t change midstream.

Welcome to the spring semester!

Drawing II is about merging creativity with technical drawing skills and concept. This blog will serve as an open forum for the students in this course to share ideas, get feedback, and add to the weekly discourse of our class. It will also serve as a news and information source. Check back frequently to get more details on upcoming classes and projects.