Ms. Bean's Art Class

SEMESTER 2!!

2012-01-30T11:19:00.000-08:00

Thank you for checking out my teaching blog. I plan to update this site every couple of weeks so that students and parents can keep track of each course and it's progression.

Foundations of Art:
Students need to bring a 9"x12" sketchbook to class so that they may complete drawing exercises.
Students are midway through finishing the Cut Paper Project. The objective of this assignment is to create symmetry in their design using positive and negative shapes. Students should focus on having good craftsmanship.

Illustration
Students need to bring a small sketchbook to class so that they may do research and work-out ideas for projects. Students are required to turn in their folded paper projects this week. (A-block was due on Monday and H-block is due on Tuesday.) The focus for the next two weeks will be on composition, and the illusion of depth on a two dimensional space. Students will be required to take notes on the class lectures.

Painting 2
Students need to bring a small sketchbook to class so that they may do research and work-out ideas for projects. The first section of the class is "Painting Boot Camp." Students were asked to complete 2 out of three challenging painting assignments.
1.) Painting From Observation
2.) Painting Using Pattern and Rhythm
3.) Painting Using Texture
All of the paintings require completing a preparatory drawing and color sample before carrying forth the final piece. Students must exhibit an aware of color harmony and compositional balance.
(A homework assignment will be assigned requiring the students to choose an artist who exemplifies the painting style of the assignment option that the student did not select.)

PAINTING 1: Quarter 2 Homework

2012-01-04T05:48:00.000-08:00

Assignment: BEGIN ACONVERSATION ABOUT PAINTING

Objective:

Think critically about the artisticprocess.

Reflect upon subjective opinionsverses objective observations.

Gain a better understanding ofappreciating art.

Directions:

Choose a piece of artworkfor you and at least one other person to have a conversation about.

1   Gaze at the image for a minute in silence.

      Record all responses to theartwork and submit these notes to Ms. Bean. (This could be jotted down on a piece of paper or it couldbe printed out from a computer if you would prefer to converse on-line.) STAPLE RESPONSES TO THISPAPER AND TURN IN FOR WEDNESDAY 1/11/12.


      Glanceover the artwork. With a quick once-over, is there anything you noticethat stands out? If something jumps out at you that is probably importantto the artist’s message. In contrast, the exact opposite can be telling: isthere little or nothing that stands out?

   Think aboutdifferent elements of art. Select one at a time and go through as many ofthem as you like. Elements include: Line, Texture, Color, Shape (square is anexample), Form (box is an example), Space, and Value (shading). Startwith color and ask yourself, for example, is the blue in the artwork moody orbright and happy?

     Connectartistic choices to meaning. What is the context of this painting? Do you think it is personal? Political? Historical? Emotional? Experimental?

Talk about what elements in thepainting that have connotations that you can connect to?

Last step (optional): Pass judgment. Knowing a bit more about theartist’s toolkit, do you feel s/he was effective in conveying a message oridea? Why or why not?

Deconstructed Spongebob Project Results

2011-09-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Alicebob

Amandabob

Anniebob

Brendanbob

Bronwenbob

Charlottebob

Davidbob

Elizabethbob

Jackiebob

Justinbob

Krishnabob

Kristenbob

Lisabob

Margobob

Raybob

Tobybob

Cubism and Spongebob

2011-09-13T06:39:00.000-07:00

Braque and Picasso were friends who both agreed that Paul Cézanne had some interesting ideas. They took those ideas and start their own type of painting which became known as Cubism. Who was a nicer guy? Braque or Picasso?

SpongeBob Squarepants was created by Stephen Hillenburg who was first a marine biologist and then decided to switch careers and become an animator.

ASSIGNMENT: DECONSTRUCTING SPONGEBOB

UNDERSTANDING CUBISM

MATERIALS: Tracing paper, drawing paper for sketching ideas, watercolor paper for final piece, pencil, eraser, and pen (Painting classes may paint their ideas.)

OBJECTIVE:

After discussing Cubism in class, demonstrate an understanding of the concept by creating an abstract composition from repeated parts of Spongebob SquarePants as well as any other imagery that will help unify the composition.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Doodle on some scrap paper possible patterns that may make an interesting composition. Use your tracing paper to bring in the "spongebob elements" that you plan to integrate. Be aware of negative space and using repetition to lead the viewers eye all around your page.

PLAN YOUR COMPOSITION USING DESIGN PRINCIPLES:

Balance

Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium, and relates to our physical sense of balance. It is a reconciliation of opposing forces in a composition that results in visual stability. Most successful compositions achieve balance in one of two ways: symmetrically or asymmetrically.

Variety

Variety (also known as alternation) is the quality or state of having different forms or types. The differences that give a design visual and conceptual interest: notably use of contrast, emphasis, difference in size and color.

Contrast

Contrast is to provide an artwork with something interesting to break the repetitions. It creates interest by manipulating the difference between objects.

Proportion

Proportion is a measurement of the size and quantity of elements within a composition.

In ancient arts, proportions of forms were enlarged to show importance. This is why Egyptian gods and political figures appear so much larger than common people. The ancient Greeks found fame with their accurately proportioned sculptures of the human form. Beginning with the Renaissance, artists recognized the connection between proportion and the illusion of 3-dimensional space.

Rhythm/ Repetition

Rhythm (also known as repetition) is showing consistency with colors or lines. Pattern can be used to create visual rhythm.

Putting a red spiral at the bottom left and top right, for example, will cause the eye to move from one spiral, to the other, and everything in between. It is indicating movement by the repetition of elements. Rhythm can make an artwork seem active.

WHEN YOU HAVE A GOOD CONCEPT BEGIN USING YOUR TRACING PAPER WITH THE WATERCOLOR PAPER.

FIRST DRAW LIGHTLY WITH PENCIL THEN GO OVER YOUR FINAL DESIGN WITH PEN WHEN YOU ARE READY.

GET INSPIRED BY SOME CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS WHO USE ABSTRACTION AND CARTOON IMAGERY IN THEIR WORK:

“I view my paintings as monsters; messy, captivating, silly, but irrevocably prodigious creations unconcerned with being anything in particular.”

-Artist Sean Foley 2008

German-based artist Markus Hofko (A.K.A. Rainbowmonkey) breaks down Disney characters to their fundamental building blocks.

Foundations of Art Syllabus

2011-08-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

FOUNDATIONS OF ART

CARA BEAN, Room 210

Email: cbean@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us

Course Description

Students in this course will learn the fundamental principles of creating 2-D visual arts. The course teaches basic drawing and design principles, which are used throughout all LHS visual art classes. Students will begin the year with assignments that focus on completing specified objectives and are later given projects that allow for greater creative freedom. For all assignments, students will be expected to put forth their best effort and to hone their creative skills.

Course Objectives

To gain a basic understanding of 2-D art concepts and practices
To develop a vocabulary of visual art terminology
To learn the basic design elements and principles related to making quality artwork
To acquire and hone basic visual arts technical skills
To learn how to effectively evaluate one’s own work, as well as to intelligently critique the work done by others

Section 1 Concepts : Symmetry/ Asymmetry, Negative Shape, Composition, Craftsmanship, Critique

Section 2 Concepts: Drawing Skills, Illusion of Space and Perspective, Gesture and Contour, Still Life Composition, Observation and Proportion, Shading

Section 3 Concepts: Color Theory, Complements and Neutrals, Warms and Cool Tones, Tint and Shade

Section 4 Concepts: Technology / Adobe Photoshop, Personal Expression, Using the Grid

Supplies:

Students are required to have a sketchbook, which they will use to complete their bi-monthly sketchbook assignments. The sketchbooks should be spiral bound and approximately 9”X12”. One set of drawing pencils and an eraser will be given to each student. Students who lose these materials will have to buy their own.

BASIS OF TERM GRADES

There will be a number of projects assigned throughout the semester.

Each project will be graded with a rubric and basic grading criteria will include:

1. Effort

2. Attempt to utilize new knowledge

3. Willingness to re-work/modify/improve piece

4. Product craftsmanship/attention to detail

5. Overall success of the finished product.

In-class projects will be worth 70% of your semester grade.

Students will also be assigned eight sketchbook assignments for homework during the semester. Sketchbook assignments should each take approximately one hour to complete and are worth 30% of your semester grade. Students will also have the opportunity earn extra credit points by completing additional assignments.

At the end of the semester, students will be given a final exam. The final will be worth 10% of your semester (final) grade.

MS. BEAN’S CLASSROOM RULES!!

1.) No disrespect to teacher or fellow students. Use appropriate language. Be nice.

2.) Clean up after yourself and alert the teacher if there is a spill or equipment malfunction. Be honest.

3.) Do not eat food in the art classroom. Keep food away from art supplies and materials. Water is OK, but RECYCLE empty bottles.

Do not put containers that still have liquid in the recycling bin. (Gross!)

4.) Technological distractions are not allowed and will be confiscated.

5.) Alert the teacher if you need to leave the room during class. (Bathroom breaks, etc.)

Make eye contact with the teacher when you notify her that you are leaving.

6.) Here is an attendance scenario. You are more than two minutes late and you…

A.) Have a pass and hand it to the teacher (good job)

B.) Quietly enter the room with no pass and then sign the LATE BOOK. (The late book is a record that you are not absent and will save you from getting a detention for skipping class.)

C.) Realize it is the second time you are late to class. YOU GET A DETENTION WITH THE TEACHER! Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7.) Refrain from lining up at the door at the end of class.

PAINTING 1 SYLLABUS

2011-08-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

PAINTING 1

Cara Bean, Room 210

Lexington High School

What materials will we use in this class?

We will be using watercolor and acrylic paint

You will be given a set of brushes that you must maintain for the entirety of the semester. You will also have access to canvas, paper, an easel, and a painting board. You are expected to treat all classroom materials with respect.

Sketchbooks:

In your sketchbook you will sketch ideas for projects as well as collect text and imagery that is meaningful to you. Your sketchbook should illustrate an ongoing sense of exploration. Project ideas will begin flowing into your head more easily the more you continue working in your sketchbook.

What painting concepts will be covered in class?

Color Theory and Color Relationships

You will learn how to mix colors and understand how color relates to space.

Painting Techniques

You will learn different manner of paint application, blending, impasto, glazing and scumbling, wet into wet, and stippling (to name just a few.)

Compositional Skills

You will create images with interest and tension as well as pleasing relationships of color, scale, texture, value and line.

Rendering / Observation

You will learn how to minutely observe surface detail and color and light to "paint what you see."

Art History

You will research and learn about master artists.

How do I achieve in this class?

Come to class ON TIME and ready to work every day. Never skip class.

Put forth your greatest effort every day.

Tell the teacher if you are having a hard time focusing on doing your best work.

Take care of your assignments and materials. Make sure that assignments are clean and presentable for evaluation. Turn your assignments in on time. A thoughtfully completed reflection sheet should accompany each of your assignments.

MS. BEAN’S CLASSROOM RULES!!

1.) No disrespect to teacher or fellow students. Use appropriate language. Be nice.

2.) Clean up after yourself and alert the teacher if there is a spill or equipment malfunction. Be honest.

3.) Don’t eat food in the art classroom. Keep food away from art supplies and materials.

Water is OK, but RECYCLE empty bottles.

Do not put containers that still have liquid in the recycling bin. (Gross!)

4.) Technological distractions are not allowed and will be confiscated.

5.) Alert the teacher if you need to leave the room during class. (Bathroom breaks, etc.)

Make eye contact with the teacher when you notify her that you are leaving.

6.) Here is an attendance scenario. You are more than two minutes late and you…

A.) Have a pass and hand it to the teacher (good job)

B.) Quietly enter the room with no pass and then sign the LATE BOOK. (The late book is a record that you are not absent and will save you from getting a detention for skipping class.)

C.) Realize it is the second time you are late to class. YOU GET A DETENTION WITH THE TEACHER! Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Part One: Fieldtrip to the Museum of Fine Arts

2011-05-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

There is nothing I love more than a good field trip with a great group of students. It was fun snapping pictures of my gang in the Dale Chihuly exhibit. It was also fun to squeeze too many of them into an elevator on Newbury Street that was supposed to take us to the Alpha Gallery and instead brought us down to a basement level where a janitor scared us silly.

Painting 1 Project

2011-04-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

One of the most challenging projects that I assign at the high school involved three steps. First you must create a paper sculpture, draw it, and paint it. As tough as it is to get it right, it is worth the effort because at the end, students learn to understand proportion, contrast, color, and how to blend. I am always impressed with the final results.

Student Spotlight: Jamie Kishimoto

2011-03-07T08:53:00.000-08:00

Here is watercolor and ink painting that jamie made based on one of her dreams.

Painting 2: Generating Your Own Ideas

2011-03-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

My Painting 2 class is venturing forward into pursuing independent projects. There are countless way to creating paintings and not having an "assignment" from a teacher can be liberating, however it can also be a daunting task. There are so many variables to consider when planning your composition.

Color palette

Will you use neutrals, highly saturated color, or monochromatic color?

Subject matter

Will you paint animals, people, landscapes, still life, abstract imagery, political imagery, or religious imagery?

Application of paint

Will you painting in thin transparent layers, thick gooey blobs, with lots of brush marks, or many drips?

Format

Will you work on a series of small paintings, one large painting, or paint on non-traditional objects?

Concept or reference to an art movement

Are you interested in the Renaissance, Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Pop Art, or Post Modern Art?

In order to organize their ideas, my student were required to do some work in their sketchbooks:

Choose three artists that you admire who will inspire ideas for your project.

Write and sketch about the qualities that relate to your idea.

You will likely need to do some research at the library or on your computer to learn more about Accomplished artists and look at images of their work.

Write A papragraph about what inspires you about the artist and make some sketches. (these will be handed into Ms. Bean)

You can mix and match the styles and techniques of the masters. (For example you may want to do subject matter similar to salvador Dali but want to emulate the softer color palette of Pierre Bonnard.)

Student Spotlight: Anna Bystricky

2011-02-10T04:36:00.000-08:00

Check out this very technically astute painting by my lovely student Anna. She spent so many hours observing and refining the lights and shadows in this still-life. I am so impressed with the results.

PILES!!

2011-01-28T17:15:00.000-08:00

One homework assignment that I gave my Illustration class was to create a drawing of a "pile" of something. The instructions were very loose and open. I was so happy with the results and have been meaning to post them here for some time. My idea partially came from Philip Guston's amazing paintings.

And the idea also came from a comic book artist named Colleen Frakes who left this "bear pile" in the recycling bin at the Center of Cartoon Studies over the summer. ( I hope that she doesn't mind that I swiped it and used it as a teaching tool in the fall.

Here are my student's PILES:

Tim Bagby

Jenny Liu

Anna Parker

Allessandra Carpinito

Eric Wong

Eli Mattingly

Eric Lam

Harry Ames

Josh Kang

Katherine Mirani

Patrick Burke

Rebekah Estrada

Sage Dumont

Tyler Wesseles

The Illustration class that created these and many other amazing drawings ended abruptly last week. Because of the snow-day I never got to say goodbye to them. Those crazy teenagers will never know how much I enjoyed and admired them. Thanks everybody!

Student Spotlight: Jenny Liu

2010-11-22T05:44:00.000-08:00

I'm so pleased with the contrast of the hard edged pen lines and the ink stained ceiling in this piece that was completed for my illustration class by the talented Miss Jenny Liu who is as cute as her name suggests. The assignment was to choose a still shot from a favorite movie and put yourself somewhere in the scene.

The Metropolitan Museum and Ji-In Jeong

2010-11-09T09:00:00.001-08:00

We made field trip booklets while visiting the Metropolitan Museum and galleries in SoHo last Friday. I was impressed with the off of the top of her head response from my student Ji-In Jeong to the following prompt:

Pick a Stranger in NYC and imagine what their life is like:

“George Polvich sighed. He was leaning against the white walls of the Metropolitan Museum Painting Wing, where he worked as a security guard. His curly brown hair lay against his cheeks. He needed a cut. His beard was out grown as if he didn’t care about the rash that was spreading on his chin. He always asked himself why he had accepted such a routine job. What had happened to his dreams of becoming an astronaut or a pilot? He reminisced about his childhood. His father Jimmy was a pilot. He remembered how he had traveled across the Atlantic, flying to London from Greece. The memories flooded his mind until a child learned in close to the Monet and began running his fingers along the surface. George walked over to him and violently yelled “PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE ART!” (His voice raspy thanks to a continuous smoking habit.) The frightened child ran to his mother from which he received a disapproving look..."

Student Spotlight: John Murphy

2010-11-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

John has made some great technical drawings for his application for architectural programs for next year.
I am particularly impressed with the car engine. Nice work!

Student Spot Light: Quincy Snelling

2010-10-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

Quincy was a student in my Painting II class last year and is now compiling her portfolio for college. Check out her disassembly and reassembly of text books. I was really excited by the way she invented something new and thoughtful out of something old and stress inducing. Quincy has helped demonstrate that there potential for art in everything.

Student Spot Light: Eli Mattingly

2010-10-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I want to highlight the work of a particular student. This week I have chosen Eli Mattingly's folded drawing. He stayed after school until 5:30 in the evening to finish it. I was very impressed with his dedication. The drawing has very spooky yet playful imagery just in time for Halloween. Nice work Eli!

FOUNDATIONS OF ART SKETCHBOOK ASSIGNMENTS

2010-09-23T05:10:00.001-07:00

Now that our art class is well underway, it is time to begin using our sketchbooks on a regular basis. We will begin by learning the basics about creating images and about drawing. There are 12 assignments that you will be completing in your sketchbook for the first quarter. Many of them will be presented in class, however you may need to finish them for homework. When we enter the “Observation” section of the course you will be asked to complete three assignments at home using the skills that you have learned in class.

FOUNDATION OF ART

QUARTER ONE SKETCHBOOK SCHEDULE:

1.) Introduction to the Principles and Elements of Art

2.) Line, Shape, Form and Mark Making Techniques (using artist pencils)

The Illusion of Space:

3.) Overlap, Scale

4.) 1 Point Perspective

5.) 2 Point Perspective, Atmospheric Perspective

OBSERVATION:

6 and 7.) -Contour and Blind Contour (one drawing in class, and one for homework)

8.) -Gesture

9 and 10.) -Arranging a Balanced Composition (one drawing in class, and one for homework)

11 and 12.) –Shading (one drawing in class, and one for homework)

I will be will checking your sketchbook on a daily basis. Sketchbooks will be collected for grading at the end of the quarter. Please include any “extra credit” drawings for consideration.

Looking forward to drawing with you,

Ms. Bean

Welcome To Art Class!

2010-09-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hello New and Returning Students!

Did I mention how happy I am that I get to have you in my class this year? It was nice to finally see you in person last week. I am really looking forward to teaching you all my artistic tricks of the trade. As I've said on the first day of school, I like to keep a peaceful and happy classroom, -a place for you to feel relaxed and inspired. Well, maybe not too relaxed, because there are so many great projects that I can't wait to share with you. Fire up your creativity!

This blog will soon have posts that include the syllabus for each of my classes: Painting 1, Illustration, and Foundations of Art. Homework worksheets and schedules will also be posted here in case you lose your copy. If you need to contact me, the best way is through my school email: cbean@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us

On occassion I will also create posts about interesting artistic happenings and websites that I would like you to know about. Check out some of last year's posts for some examples.

2010 Senior Art Show

2010-04-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

I am so happy that we have begun a tradition of celebrating the art of our Lexington High School seniors. The opening which took place on April 8th was a fantastic event which included so many wonderful people, a spectacular jazz band, and an opportunity to give feedback to the talented artists who participated in the show. The exhibit will continue to be on view until May 6th at the Lexington Public Schools Central Office. Stop by and write a note in the comment books that accompany each display. (Thanks to Ms. Durocher for taking photos and being a part of this exciting evening.)

Character Design In Illustration

2010-04-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

Stevie Jick

Taylor Patch

Jacob Bragen

Caroline Fitzgerald

Simon Golovcsenko

Gabe Chiu

Olivia Howry

Senior Art Exhibit

2010-03-07T15:47:00.000-08:00

Come celebrate with us! The Lexington High School Fine Arts Department will host the first-ever graduating Senior Art Exhibit to be held in the Lexington Public Schools Central Office gymnasium. We will highlight the extraordinary work of Lexington High School seniors as a capstone experience for them. Artwork will be exhibited from all classes, including those classes that are technology-based (animation, web design, and TV production).

The opening reception is Thursday, April 8th from 5:00-8:00pm. The celebration will include refreshments, a small student music ensemble, and lots of young exciting artists. The exhibit will be on display to the public until May 6tth. Visiting hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from

10:00 am-3:00 pm.

Face It! Teen Exhibit at the Arlington Center For the Arts

2010-03-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

My students are amazing. I am very proud to say that I have a whole bunch of painting students who are included in a self-portrait exhibit at the Arlington Center for the Arts, Gibbs Gallery. The exhibit will feature innovative, imaginative and accomplished self-portraits by middle and high school students from Arlington, Lexington and Belmont. Drawing, painting, ceramics, mixed media and more. A reception will take place March 4th from 6:00-8:00. Below are the Lexington pieces that have won awards for excellence:

Nikita Nadkarni

Lindsay Koso

Ha-Young Kang

Tim Bagby

Katie Burke

YAAAAAAAAY LEXINGTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Golden Books at the Eric Carle Museum!

2010-03-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

I was able to visit the Eric Carle Museum with some pals last weekend. There was an exhibit of classic original illustrations from the Golden Book Series. The Richard Scarry peices tugged at my heart the most. I loved seeing the work in person! The cuteness was overpowering.

Book By Its Cover

2010-02-03T06:30:00.000-08:00

I have a good friend names Leah Bearce that is a really talented potter. You can check out her beautiful ceramics work here. Anyway, lovely Leah just pointed me me toward a great website called Book By Its Cover that was created by artist Julia Rothman. The website features all kinds insight into great illustrators and artists. The sketchbook section is especially wonderful because it reveals so much about the artist's process. This is a way for us to explore other artists brains and view the sources of their ideas. I could spend all day looking through this site...

I should probably get some school work done though....

SEMESTER 2

2010-01-26T15:09:00.000-08:00

I just want to say hello to my new classes. You seem very cool indeed and I am looking forwards to torturing all of you with endless creative exercises in the coming weeks. Remember, effort is what it is all about. Show up and try hard, that is all that I ask. Ask me about this painting when I see you in room 210.

Analog battles Digital

2010-01-03T08:46:00.000-08:00

So, here is a neat thing that I discovered today. Graham Roumieu is a hilarious Canadian illustrator who is currently teaching a class called New Directions in Pictoral Design at the Ontario College of Art and Design. He has created an 'analog' social networking site called paperbeatsinternet.com in collaboration with a company called Grand Creative.

The site is a digital home for entries that focus on exploring the use and relationship between hand-rendered type and images. The work is a dialog between students and guest contributors with professional backgrounds in design, illustration, fine art, writing, and other disciplines.

It is a pretty innovative idea and one that I would love to figure out how he went about doing it. It reminds me of drawing on a friend's sketchbook and passing it back and forth, but in a much more sophisticated manner. Something we might think about doing in the future...

Searching for Inspiration

2009-12-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

Ms. Bean stayed home sick today, but that does not stop her from still thinking about making all of you into more thoughtful artistic types. Here is a little nugget of goodness that I wanted to share with you thanks to my dear friend Kathleen Kennelly who works at Harvard University Art Museums.

Today, in between my naps I worked on a few sketches and then kind of froze up with artist block. What to sketch about? I was out of ideas. Did that blank feeling make me throw up my hand and give up? No way. It just meant that I needed a little bit of inspiration.

Thanks to my computer, I had a vast assortment of imagery available to me from the Smithsonian Institution. The Collections Search Center provides easy "one-stop searching" of more than 2 million of the Smithsonian's museum, archives, library and research holdings and collections. (The access to more Smithsonian collections via this Search Center is increasing over time.) When doing research for projects or for your own work, this is a great resource because you are getting reliable information about the artist, context, and time period. The images are really large and crisp , which makes it easy to zoom in for detail. A lot of the collection is not regularly on exhibit, so it is a treat to have this kind of access.

Here is my picture of the day:

A lithograph by Howard Cook called "Mexican Family" created in 1940.

Fantastic!!

2009-11-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

Chris Appelhans has posted some of his concept art for Wes Anderson’s animated film Fantastic Mr. Fox. Check it out.

I am really looking forward to seeing this movie in the theaters. How fascinating to see the formative imagery for the film. What a cool job for an artist!

Here is what Wikipedia had to say about concept art:
Concept art is a form of illustration where the main goal is to convey a visual representation of a design, idea, and/or mood for use in movies, video games, animation, or comic book before it is put into the final product. Concept art is also referred to as visual development and/or concept design.

Will Ms. Bean quit her job as a high school art teacher to move to LA and become a concept artist?
Hmmm???? No, I love you guys too much.

Spooky Illustration

2009-10-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Halloween is tomorrow and I thought it was important that you know about a really cool artist that I admire named Mister Reusch. He is an Illustrator who lives in the Boston area and is a creator of all things spooky. You can take evening classes with him through Mass College of Art. Right now he is teaching a class called "Spooky Illustrations" and it sounds really fun. Unfortunately it is too late to sign up this year, but if it comes around again you should hop on board.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course explores 100 years of spooky-themed illustration, from vintage greeting cards to snowboard art, and gives students experience working in the "scary art" field. Among the works studied are children’s book illustrations, from the Brothers Grimm, Arthur Rackham, and Maurice Sendak to Edward Gorey, Tim Burton, and Gris Grimly, and horror comics, from the notorious EC titles of the 1950s to modern anthologies such as Doomed. Assignments include a graphic novel adaptation of Stephen King’s short story, "One for the Road;" constructing an oversize 3D mask and spook show prop for a monster mask; and creating full-color storybook illustrations as well as images for multiuse merchandise licensing (e.g., greeting cards, apparel, 3D products). Basic drawing and painting skills are required. Below is a picture of him playing guitar with a zombie mask on.

NYC Field Trip

2009-10-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

We are hitting the big apple a week from Friday. Come by my classroom if you want to join us.
The bus leaves school at 6:00 AM and we don't return until 11:00 PM. It is a whirlwind, but a whole lot of fun and inspiration. The Metropolitan is having an exhibit on Vermeer's painting "The Milkmaid". It is a treat to see a masterpiece such as this in person, not to mention the thousands of other gorgeous master works. You have to see this painting to appreciate the craftsmanship. Breathtaking! You must come with us!

"Influenced by the detailed realism of Gerrit Dou (1613–1675) and his followers in Leiden, Vermeer created his most illusionistic image in The Milkmaid. To modern viewers the picture may resemble a photograph. However, the composition is exquisitely designed, as is evident from several revisions made in the course of execution and from subtle relationships of light and shadow, color, contours, and shapes. A low vantage point and a pyramidal buildup of forms from the left foreground to the woman's head lend the figure monumentality and perhaps a sense of dignity. And yet, like milkmaids and kitchen maids in earlier Netherlandish art, and like other young women in Vermeer's oeuvre, this figure was meant to attract the male viewer and to have her own thoughts of romance."

-Metropolitan Museum of Art Website

We will also be visiting galleries in SoHo and perhaps the Museum of Comic Book Art.

This is what happens when you don't follow Ms. Bean's rules.

2009-10-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

Favorite Artist

2009-09-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the school year I ask my students to ask me questions. I receive a bunch of different responses that range from finding out how old I am, to whether I have any pets. The most common question by far though was "Who is my favorite artist?" I wasn't able to answer that one in class though because I simply couldn't narrow all the artists that have impacted me throughout my life down to a single favorite. I thought I might take some blog time now to show what artists have been important to me at different periods of my life. Let's begin with my teenage favorite artists:

When I was your age, in high school my three favorite artists were Vincent Van Gogh (after reading Lust for Life), Frida Kahlo (I also read her journals), and Gustav Klimt because I loved how he captured dramatic figures encapsulated within many shapes. Then I went off to college and was introduce to a lot of artists I had never known existed and I was especially smitten with the following:

Leonardo daVinci - amazing drawings, love his sketchbooks!
Kathe Kollwitz - heartbreakingly sensitive imagery. Witness to the destruction of war.
Alberto Giacometti - existential sculpture and painter that I continue to worship.
Max Beckman - uses the color black in his paintings like no other. Dramatic and intense imagery.
Phillip Guston - love his brushwork and sense of humor/sadness.
Lucien Freud - amazing draftmanship, really intense observation skills (Sigmund's grandson).
Paula Modersohn-Becker - ahead of her time and also very sweet. (Read her journals too.)
Andrew Wyeth - made me appreciate watercolor as a medium.

From that point I went forward into graduate school and was introduced to artists who stretched my brain in entirely new and different ways. Here are a few that come to mind:

Alexander Calder - he INVENTED the mobile!

Kevin Appel -because he gave good advice and was so particular about materials.

Denzil Hurley -a favorite professor who taught me to think inside out and upside down.

Antonio Lopez - amazing disciplined painter. Can spend up to 12 years on just one painting.

Sarah Sze - made me appreciate installation art.

Finally I would like to share a few of may favorite contemporary independent comic book artists:

These artists make small edition comic books and lots of other kinds of artwork.

Lauren Weinstein -invents weird worlds and captures strange moments.

Renee French -cute plus creepy equals awesome.

Jim Woodring -excellent draftsman. Crazy psychedelic cartoon imagery.

Gipi -beautiful use of watercolor in his stories.

Anders Nilson -I really like the way he breathes thought into his animal characters.

Jeffrey Brown -so funny and sad and funny.

So, there you have it folks. Those are a bunch a favorites from different categories, and I am sure I have left a few major favorites off of this list that will painfully occur to me later. The main point is that these artists have inspired me to try to create my own art work. If you want to learn more about any of the above, stop by room 210 and we can chat.

Animal Morph

2009-09-12T05:52:00.000-07:00

Combining different animals into one new animal is a drawing game that I like to kick off the school year with. I always get some really interesting creature inventions out of this exercise.

With that thought in mind, I wanted to introduce you to an Illustrator named Irena Zaboltska who mixes and matches to create her playful and thought provoking imagery. (Thanks to drawn.ca for introducing her to me.)

Embrace Negative Space

2009-09-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to school. I am really excited to have met my new and returning students last week. Everyone seems very cool indeed. We are going have a very creative and productive year, especially now that I have moved into the spacious and temperature controlled art room 210. I love my new room!!

If you know me, then you'll remember that I always emphasize manipulating negative space in all of my classes. (Negative space, in art, is the space around and between the subject(s) of an image. Negative space may be most evident when the space around a subject, and not the subject itself, forms an interesting or artistically relevant shape, and such space is occasionally used to artistic effect as the "real" subject of an image.)

A favorite art blog of mine called Drawn recently featured an artist/illustrator named Noma Barr who created the images above. She was able to brilliantly use negative space for design purposes. What do you think?

Obey Andre the Giant

2009-07-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last night I visited the Shepard Fairey exhibition for a second time at the Institute of Contemporary Art in South Boston. (On Thursday nights there is free admission.) Two LHS alumni came along and we had a fun time looking through looking all of the great work. The show closes August 16th and I would try to catch it if you haven't already. It amazes me how this artist began by playing around with graffiti and stickers and over the years his art has continued developing and has led him to fame and recognition. Proof enough for me, that if you stick with something your passionate about, exciting things can happen.

Gorillas

2009-07-21T11:51:00.001-07:00

So, there I was, looking through the wacky pictures of art installations at the 2009 Venice Biennale when I came upon Spanish artist Miquel Barcelo and his giant gorilla paintings and my eyes nearly popped out of my head. You see, when I was in graduate school many years ago I also made giant monochromatic gorilla paintings with really thick paint. I had taken an Animal Behavior class at the University of Washington and was allowed a semester pass to the Woodland Park Zoo. Everyday I was allowed to watch the animals before all of the visitors would arrive and I did as many drawings as I possibly could. What fascinating subjects to observe and try to capture. I will try to find some pictures of my paintings so that you can see them next to Miquel's.

Nelson Mandela Comic Book

2009-07-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

From the website ArtisanCam (which is a fascinating place to look around) comes a short documentary about South African comic book artist Umlando Wezithombe who was commissioned to draw about the life of Nelson Mandela. Check it out here. There are also all kinds of activities and images to browse.

Behind The Scenes

2009-07-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

It is interesting to see how animated films are created. There seems to be an entire army of artists who bring an idea into a completed production. The Museum of Modern Art in New York has a great educational website for teens called The Red Studio. They have put together an interview with wonderful images and videos from Pixar's Ralph Eggleston. Click here to see.

Art Museums Are Cool

2009-07-08T05:20:00.000-07:00

I'm really enjoying how the internet has been a vehicle for learning about artists on a more personal level. I am discovering that most major art museums have great educational outreach via their web pages. If you feel like you need more art in your life, spend some time browsing. Check out how the Tate Modern allowed the public to ask David Hockney questions in this interview. If you have never heard of David Hockney, he is an extremely influential contemporary artist and you can check out his website here.

Where The Wild Things Are

2009-07-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share how excited I am that Where The Wild Things Are is being made into a movie and the trailer is so good it practically brings tears to my eyes when I watch it. You can can play it here on the Apple website. Maurice Sendak tapped into the unconscious language of our hearts when he wrote and illustrated the book. It is an all time favorite of mine. I hope I like this movie as much as I liked the trailer. If I have an Illustration class in the fall, then this piece of work will definitely be a centerpiece to my teaching. Field trip in October?

Also...
There is a fantastic image blog called Terrible Yellow Eyes that celebrates Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak with artwork from loads of great contemporary illustrators. It is fun to see how various artists respond to the story in different mediums and styles. None of the art has been done for any profit but has all been created out of admiration for Maurice Sendak and Where the Wild Things Are. Check it out here.

Color Magic Trick

2009-07-06T04:26:00.000-07:00

I just discovered a great science blog called Bad Astronomy which presented this amazing color illusion. Believe it or not, the blue and the green spirals are actually the same color. They appear to be separate colors because they are surrounded by different hues. If you don't believe me, test it in Photoshop. Click here to learn more.

Welcome Students

2009-03-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

I hope to post interesting art related things to inspire creativity or at the very least pass the time.