HS Art/Year One: Elements and Principles of Design

Tutorial Description

Everyone needs to know the tools of their trade. For artists, those tools come in the form of the elements and principles of design. Throughout the year, the students will come to understand and incorporate these elements (line, shape, color, value, space, texture and form) and principles (balance, unity, contrast, emphasis, pattern, rhythm and movement) into their work.

This tutorial will combine tutor-directed subjects (such as still-life) with assignments that allow more artisitic decision-making on the part of the student. Mediums will vary widely, with pencil, charcoal, acrylic paint, and watercolor being among them. Keeping a sketchbook of weekly homework assignments and taking part in group and individual critiques will teach students the important habits of consistency and self-evaluation.

Overview of “Elements & Principles of Design” projects:

Blind Contour
We will review blind contour drawing and contour drawing, doing more advanced and detailed versions of blind contour drawings. Students will be encouraged to explore ways of incorporating blind contours into other drawings (abstract, in-depth studies, mixed media, etc…)

(Blind contour drawing involves looking only at the object that is being drawn and not at the paper. Blind contour drawing forces students to be more concerned with the process of looking and observing than with the way that the final drawing actually turns out. )

Line Weight
Students will learn the value of varied line weight through exercises in which their line weight must vary greatly. Heavier, bulkier objects will generally be represented by thicker line weight, while lighter, finer objects will be drawn with a thin, delicate line weight. We will also discuss and practice how line weight can indicate and illustrate depth of field.

Still Life
As an exercise in both observation and value, students will paint still lifes of various objects (some possibilities: paper bags, crumbled paper, shoes, reflective objects, etc.) They will use black and white paint to shade and create varying shades of gray to indicate the wide range of values that are seen in the actual still life. This monochromatic study will allow them to focus on the highlights and shadows, without having to deal with color
mixing just yet.

Abstraction
Using Georgia O’Keefe as inspiration, the students will explore the ways that real objects can be abstracted and monumentalized to create a piece that includes aspects of both abstraction and realism.

Branding and Design
As part of a graphic design study, the students will learn about branding, marketing, and how to create their very own unique brand. Part of this process will include designing their own logo, creating their own designs, and “manufacturing” a product (whether that be a clothing line, a greeting card collection, a board game, etc…)

Sketchbook Studies
Throughout the year, consistent sketchbook work will be very important. This will be a chance for the students to continue to explore both newly-learned techniques and self-discovered inspiration outside of class. The sketchbook will be an excellent way to look back and chart progress while also serving as a record of sources of inspiration.

Color Studies
Students will learn how to mix more complex colors, using an exercise in color matching (mixing colors from the paint tubes to match an existing color swatch). They will then progress to studies in complementary colors and tertiary colors by doing painted studies using limited color schemes (example: a complementary color study using only shades of blue and orange).

Mixed Media
Students will be given the chance to combine two or more techniques learned throughout the year. This will be a chance to really experiment and see what works and what doesn’t. There will be a time for trying new things and then a time for perfecting the technique(s) that are chosen for the finished art piece.