Week 3: Artistic Elements - writing & creating abstract art

Purpose

You will complete both of the prompts below, one written and one creating art. Through writing about and creating art based on the prompts, you will: 

• Demonstrate your understanding of the information in this module by using the concepts and definitions correctly. 
• Demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing, conceptualizing, synthesizing, and communicating the concepts in this module through both writing and creating art.

Task

You are to complete both of the prompts listed below.

Prompt 1 - Writing:

1. Answer all of the questions under the prompt.
2. Meet the writing specifications for length:
   
   • 1.5 line spacing
   • 12 point font

Writing Prompt: Objective Description & Subjective Analysis

Using any of the External Links (link also found under module: Start Here - Week 1) find two works of art:

• the first artwork is two-dimensional, list title and artist, include the image of the artwork in your document
• the second artwork is three-dimensional, list title and artist, include the image of the artwork in your document

1 - For each artwork, write four sentences describing the elements present in the work using the Formalist Method. This method describes what you see in a totally objective way. Do not refer to any subject matter. Remember, be objective in your descriptions. An example might be; “The work uses a majority of organic shapes”, or “It uses the complimentary colors yellow and violet for contrast”.

Use the Analysis Notecards at the end of this module as a resource for questions that will help you begin critically analyzing each artwork. 

2 - Then, for each work, write at least one sentence that describes your subjective reaction. An example might be “The artwork has a chaotic feeling to it”, or “Looking at the work made me feel lonely”

Remember to include for both artworks: title, artist name, and include the image of the artwork in your document.

Prompt 2 - Creating Art:

1. Meet the specifications under prompt 2.
2. Create an abstraction of a realistic image
3. Submit both the original and the abstraction 

Creating Art Prompt: Abstracting a Realistic Image

Find a realistic image using the external links or use an image of your own. 

Translate this image into an abstract composition of lines, shapes, colors, textures, using the principles covered in this module.

As you have already read, to create a piece of art you will probably have to do multiple iterations before you create something you are proud of, give yourself time to experiment! Use the materials you have around your home that you can make marks with: pencils, pens, lipstick, sewing thread (you can sew paper), rip newspapers to collage, use coffee to tint and stain paper or cloth, melt wax, use masking tape as a collage element. What else can you find around your home to make marks with and create shapes with?

You will submit a photo of both the original image and the abstraction. 

• I cannot open HEIC image files! You must convert HEIC files to jpeg files!

Criteria

You will receive all 50 points by meeting the specifications and the deadline.

• 20 points for the Written prompt
• 30 points for the Creating Art prompt