Wednesday, November 18, 2009

7th grade update

7th grade visual arts students have started their second unit of the year, "Imagining Possibilities." We have studied the art of Romare Bearden, his working methods and inspirations. We have also looked at the art of the Surrealists and the way that Surrealist art has contributed to contemporary pop culture imagery. We have studied work by Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, and Frida Kahlo.

Students are currently working on a project inspired by these influences. They are using the working methods of much of Romare Bearden's work, a combination of paint and collage, combined with the dream-like imagery of the Surrealists to create their own surreal compositions.

photo assignment 1

Photo Assignment 1
The Rule of Thirds

Use your knowledge of the rule of thirds to shoot a minimum of 10 good clear images that utilize the rule of thirds to create a strong composition. Think about the examples that we analyzed in class.

A large part of the job of any photographer is learning to edit your work. Photographers may shoot hundreds of images to get that one perfect shot, especially when it comes to digital photography.

You will use the tools in Photoshop to edit your photos and narrow your series down to your 4 strongest images. These are the images that you will turn in for this assignment.

Step1- Shoot your photos. Ten is a minimum, but it is always better to shoot more. You should think about how your compositions work with the rule of thirds as you shoot.

Step2- Download your photos into the computer.

Step 3- Use the “guided edit” functions in Photoshop to begin to learn some of the basics of Photoshop and edit your photos.

Step 4- Narrow down your edited photos to the four that you feel are the strongest and most interesting images.

Step 5- Print these four images so that you can engage in a peer critique.

Step 6- Turn in your photos along with a brief statement about how you feel that each one uses the rule of thirds.

8th Grade Digital Photography Letter

This is a copy of the letter that 8th grade students received in class. It is to be signed and returned.

ACMS

Digital Photography

Dear Students and Parents or Guardians,

It’s an exciting time in 8th grade visual arts class as we begin our first digital photography class! We will explore a variety of photography topics and use Photoshop Elements software for basic adjustments and digital composite projects.

As a new and unique visual arts course, there are some expectations and requests of which all digital photography students and their parents should be aware.

Required Supplies

Each digital photography student is required to have a spiral notebook, a pen or pencil, and a sturdy 2-pocket folder for handouts and prints. Students may use a sketchbook in place of the spiral notebook if they wish. This notebook will be used to brainstorm ideas, complete journal assignments, and take notes on techniques for using various digital tools. The notebook should be dedicated solely to this class.

*A flash drive is also highly recommended, but not required.

Cameras

Students are not required to have their own cameras. We currently have 8 digital cameras for use in this program. Having access to their own camera will allow students more photo opportunities, since the school cameras will be restricted to use during class time. Any camera used for this class should have a minimum of a four-megapixel resolution (no cell phones).

If the student chooses to use his or her own digital camera, he or she will be responsible for keeping that camera in a secure place during the school day. The student will also need to bring the cable to download images from the camera to the computer.

If the student chooses to use one of the school cameras, he or she will be responsible for the proper handling of that camera. Should the camera be damaged as a result of improper handling, the student will be responsible for replacing the camera with one of equal value in a timely manner.

Wish List for Donations

-AA batteries

-Ink Jet Photo Paper

-Picture frames, especially 8”x10”

-Ink Cartridges – Epson 98 or 99

*These are individual ink cartridges in black, magenta, cyan, yellow, light magenta, light cyan, and light yellow.

All students must return this signed form to Mr. Edmison no later than Friday, November 13, 2009.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this. I’m looking forward to a great class!

Sincerely,

Jacob Edmison

ACMS Visual Arts Instructor

I have read and understand the requirements and expectations outlined in this letter.

_____________________________________________ ________________________________________________

Student’s Signature and Date Parent or Guardian’s Signature and Date

term 2 sketchbook/notebook checks

These are the 7th grade sketchbook due dates for term 2. 8th graders in the digital art class will not have the same sketchbook assignment, but will have notebook checks to make sure they are keeping up with all of the technical and composition related information that they are receiving in class.

7th grade students are expected to continue to complete at least 2 pages per week. At least 10 of these should be life drawings.
If it becomes necessary to change any of these due dates, students will be informed of the change in class. I will also post any changes to this schedule on the blog.

Term 2 2009-2010
Sketchbook Due Dates

12/4-5 7th grade
(at least 6 full-page sketches total, at least 3 life drawings)

12/8 8th Grade
notebook check

1/21-22 7th grade
(at least 16 full-page sketches total, at least 7 life drawings)

1/26 8th grade notebook check


2/11-12 7th grade
(at least 24 full-page sketches total, at least 10 life drawings)

2/18 8th grade notebook check


Late Work Policy
1 day late = 70% of grade earned
2 days late = 50% of grade earned
more than 2 days = 0