Cadavre Exquis

“The exquisite corpse shall drink the new wine.”

Some of you may be thinking, “What in the world is this woman talking about?” Sounds strange, doesn’t it? Apparently I don’t get around much because the exquisite corpse is something that has been around since possibly before the 1920’s.

How did I not hear about it? I don’t know. But luckily the student teacher I mentored this semester taught me how to use it in my art classes.

“The exquisite corpse” is a fun activity to help you come up with fresh ideas. Surrealists used the game to create some crazy art work. There are many websites dedicated to playing the game in some manner. The exquisite corpse can be played with words, images, and even video.

My student teacher gave my Art II students a brief introduction to ” the exquisite corpse” with a power point presentation. The presentation showed some art work that was created or influenced by the exquisite corpse.

If you want to read more about the exquisite corpse go to the sites below:

Wikipedia Article

ExquisiteCorpse.com

For Poets

The students were shown one site that is really quite fun and can be addicting if you are not careful. It is Corpsify.com. If you go to this site you can see images in the gallery of art work that has already been created. It takes three artists to create one piece of work and you are not allowed to see the other artists work until it is finished. If you have time, check it out!

So what did my students create? They created drawings of some crazy looking creatures. This is an easy activity. All you need: pencil and paper. If you want to create colored drawings, then the students could use colored pencil or markers. 

The students were given a piece of paper, 12″ x 18″. The paper was folded into thirds. Each student drew a head in the top third of the paper. I had to remind them to cover their work up when they were done. They also had to make sure at least two lines came down into the middle third of the paper so the next artist could see where to start their drawing. They traded papers.

The next artist drew the torso and arms making sure to make two lines into the bottom third for the third artist to attach to. I taped each section of the paper closed so that people would not be tempted to peek. Then the papers were traded.

The third artist was told to create the bottom portion of the creature. It could be feet or whatever their imaginations came up with. At the end of the class, the students were very anxious to see the artwork that was created. I had different students come to the front of the class and reveal the work. Then the creations were displayed on the bulletin board for all to enjoy.

 In introduction to this activity, my students played a word game. I wrote three words and then covered up the first two. The next person wrote three words after seeing my last word. They covered all the words except their last one. We continued adding words until everyone had been given a chance to contribute.  Some of the things we came up with were:

Blue Polar bears jump rope fast and furiously.

Foxes fainted in the heat .

Burning red leaves falling into my pockets .

Hot, buttered, yummy cookies make you fat.

Little fingers tickle pink kittens.

Slim, tall little pigs bite sweet delicious candy.

Do you get a visual from reading those? I do. Now all the words we put together did not make sense. Another way to play with words is to have a system. The way most people do this is to combine words from many people in a certain order. The order is:

The adjective noun adverb verb the adjective noun.

That is how the saying at the top of this article came to be. The originators of the game came up with that saying as they played the game.

So if you are having trouble coming up with some fresh creative ideas you might want to give “the exquisite corpse” a try. Have fun!

Detail of a Seurat Painting

Georges Pierre Seurat’s work has been a source of inspiration for my Art I classes. I created a power point showing his work and gave a general definition of pointillism. The students were then given an assignment to create a watercolor painting of a flower or butterfly using this technique.

I chose flowers and butterflies as the subject matter because I felt they were well suited for pointillism and relatively easy to draw. I found numerous images on the web of flowers and butterflies. I printed out two photographs of each and made a class set for the class to use a reference. To save on ink I printed them out in black and white with only one copy of each subject in color. The color images were posted on the wall for the students to refer to if they needed help with color choices. Most of my students did not really care about having color influences. They easily came up with their own color themes.

The students drew their chosen subject on a piece of 9 x 12 inch sulphite paper. Then they were told to paint the subject using Q-tips dipped in watercolor. The painting had to be created with dots on the page. This was difficult for some students because it did take more time and patience. The students were also instructed to only use the primary colors. So if they wanted to have green leaves on a flower, they had to paint yellow and blue dots. The combined dots would create the green for them. Many students found this impossible to comprehend and they used the secondary colors in their watercolor palette.  I could easily tell which students followed directions.

All in all the art work produced was vibrant and fresh. I am very pleased with the results of this project and will definitely do this one again next year. I was so inspired by the project, that I started a large watercolor of my own in pointillism. I wanted to see if I could do the assignment myself. I used a paintbrush instead of a Q-tip so I had dots that were much smaller. Plus, I cheated and actually mixed my colors. I have been working on the painting for at least two months now. I really like the way it is coming along. When I get finished I will post it here. In the meantime, enjoy viewing the finished products of some of my students. Maybe you will be inspired to try creating using pointillism.

I love to read. Teaching does not give me much spare time to read, so I usually devour as many books as I possibly can during the summer. I read novels, non-fiction, self-help books, health and diet books as well as ”how to” art books; just to name a few.

I recently finished a book that I discovered in my school classroom. It was left there by a previous art teacher. I took several books home over the summer just in case I found some spare time.  Even though the book is not brand new, it still is full of helpful information.

The book is Colored Pencil for the Serious Beginner: Basic Lessons in Becoming a Good Artist (Practical Art Books)written by Bet Borgeson. Bet has written many art technique books. She has a fine art degree from Portland State Universtiy. I chose this book because I am very interested in colored pencil and improving my own art work.  I also figure that increasing my knowledge about different art techniques will also enhance my classroom teaching as well.

This book was an easy read. Bet Borgeson gives you the basic information such as what supplies you will need to purchase in order to get started and how to set up a studio.  She shows the reader colored pencil techniques such as lifting, layering, and impressed line.

Bet Borgeson discusses how colored pencil is a medium of texture. The texture can be determined by something as simple as how sharp your pencil is. Bet shares her philosophy and insight in how to create beautiful compositions. The book includes several interesting demonstrations of her own colored pencil paintings. These demonstrations allow the reader to follow the thought process from start to finish. 

I have read many art books such as Bets throughout the years. Some books lose me in the demonstrations. Sometimes I end up just looking at the illustrations or skipping them completely. That was not the case as I read this book. I actually read every word and studied every example given.

The book ends with a chapter devoted to encouragement, such as how to handle rejection or self-doubt.  I would suggest this book for anyone that is truly interested in improving their creativity with colored pencil. I would love to hear from you if you have read Bet’s book, Colored Pencil for the Serious Beginner: Basic Lessons in Becoming a Good Artist (Practical Art Books).  What books are you reading this summer?

If you live in Burleson, Lee, or Washington counties or near Lake Somerville in Texas you might be interested in an organization called Arts at the Lake. The mission statement of the organization is as follows:

Our mission is to create a premier Texas art destination where creativity in all art
forms is encouraged, showcased and shared. We will achieve this by attracting
artists, artisans, musicians and performers in and outside of Texas.

The Arts at the Lake organization hosts many annual events throughout the year such as a Festival of the Arts. You can read more about the organization including how to become a member by going to http://www.artsatthelake.org. Monthly meetings are held to plan future events. The organization promotes a mentoring program for children and adults for a wide array of arts and crafts, providing classes, exhibitions and performances, and providing public events so citizens may enjoy, learn about and purchase quality items from artists and artisans.  They also plan to raise revenue in order to purchase land and build a facility showcasing fine arts events.

The organization is planning an Art Trail for this fall.  The Art Trail will run along Highway 36 from Brenham to Milano. The idea of the Art Trail is to bring people from outside and within the area to view, buy and appreciate the works of local artists.  The group is looking for musicians, sculptors, potters, dollmakers, and painters to participate in this two-day event.  There will be extensive advertising of the event.  They are in need of the sponsorship of local restaurants, B & B’s, hotels, and motels along the way.

Be sure to check out their website to get more information. The next meeting will be August 3rd.

Sculptor J. Payne Lara of Navasota, nationally recognized for his talent in sculpting bronzes; small bronzes, large bronzes, and MONUMENTAL bronzes, has added a couple more hats to his hat rack. Alongside his cowboy and artist hats, he now adds those of inventor and manufacturer. Payne has created a new line of products that I believe, someday, will become the standard in sculpture supplies, and this will happen in the near future.

This is not his first invention, but it is the first one to go into mass-production. Payne has improved, and made affordable, the sculpture armature for the human figure… and is working on one for horses as well. Now a sculptor can buy sturdy, flexible skeletons that give them the basic form for several different sizes of human figures, attached to a strong, adjustable steel post that holds the sculpture in a variety of positions. Each skeleton has been slightly reduced to anticipate the addition of clay that will become the muscle and skin and thus the final surface, making each sculpture as accurate as possible.

Long acknowledged as the premier bronze sculptor in the Houston area, Payne has always made accurate anatomy an essential element of his work. As he perfected his own requirements for a decent armature, he invented something other artists need as well.

Payne is understandably cautious about revealing the process he has invented which allows relatively swift molding of fairly fussy materials. The final result was the product of months of experimentation, and not a few beers, as he smilingly explains. He has now manufactured and shipped out scores of the new product, to artists and art supply distributors around the country. He presently employs two crafts persons who help in the molding and assembly.

As a sculptor myself, I cannot wait to try this new product. In fact I will try to keep you posted as I use it in the near future!

So, an exciting product has hit the market that will revolutionize the sculpture process. Congratulations to Payne for years of diligence and successful product development, and for sharing his improvements with the art world!

Artisans craft lifelike foam skeleton parts, stored here until final assembly.

Underneath every figure he sculpts, Payne begins with the armatures like the ones he now manufactures.

You can learn more and contact Payne about these products on facebook. Just go to facebook and search for TruForm Armatures.

A painted picture is like a vehicle.
One can either sit in the driveway and take it apart
or one can get in it and go somewhere.

~Mark Tansey, painter

Thoughts:

I enjoyed Mark Tansey’s quote because it made me think about how I react to art. Sometimes when I look at a piece of artwork I become critical looking for things I think are wrong with the work. Other times I will be mesmerized by a painting or piece of art. I may also become emotionally connected to the work and feel as though I am transported to another time or place as I view the work.

What causes my reactions to be so different?  Is it my mind set? Or does it have something to do with the artist and the subject matter? What do you think? I would love to have my viewers share on this subject.

If you get a chance, search the internet and look at some of Mark Tansey’s work. I had never seen any of his work before and I was impressed. I wanted to put one of his paintings in this article but was unsure about copyright issues so I did not. The painting above is one I did while visiting the island of Molokai. When I view that piece I am very much transported to another place, but what about you? I think the way people react to art depends on their personal experiences.

Prayer:

Lord,

Thank you for art experiences. Thanks you for our reactions to art work that are unique and sometimes a surprise. Thank you for artists that create works that transport us to another place or time. Please pour your blessing down on all artists as they work to create. In Christ’s name.

Amen.

You ought to be able to say that a painting is as it is, with its capacity to move us, because it is as though it were touched by God. But people would think it a sham. And yet that is what’s nearest the truth.

Pablo Picasso

Thoughts:

How do you feel about the quote by Pablo Picasso? Reading his quote I have mixed feelings. I am pleased that Picasso saw God’s hand in artwork. I too feel that God is incredibly involved in the creative process. When you have had an experience where your painting seems to paint itself you can relate to what he said.

The statement that people would think God’s involvement is a sham makes me sad. I hope most people do not think that. I also hope I will always keep in mind that the blessing of creativity comes from the Lord God.

Have a great Easter! Enjoy your family. Thank God for your creativity.

Prayer:

Lord,

You are an awesome God. You reign supreme. I am so appreciative of the blessing of creativity. Thank you for your creative touch as I work through a painting, a drawing, an art lesson, or a blog article. Help others to see your influence. Thank you so much for the sacrifice of Your son, Jesus Christ. I pray I can live a life that is uplifting to others and pleasing to You.

In Christ’s Name,

Amen

Starry Night by Van Gogh

 “Just slap anything on when you see a blank canvas staring you in the face like some imbecile. You don’t know how paralyzing that is, that stare of a blank canvas is, which says to the painter, ‘You can’t do a thing’. The canvas has an idiotic stare and mesmerizes some painters so much that they turn into idiots themselves. Many painters are afraid in front of the blank canvas, but the blank canvas is afraid of the real, passionate painter who dares and who has broken the spell of `you can’t’ once and for all.”

~Vincent Van Gogh

Thoughts:

Has anyone felt the same way as Vincent Van Gogh about a blank canvas? I have. I have had those times I was afraid to start a project. The paper intimidated me. Sometimes I worried about the cost or about messing up. But usually once I took the leap and began the painting or drawing the fear disappeared. I thought it was just me, that I was unique in having this fear. I was surprised to find that Van Gogh had written the above to his brother Theo years ago.

What a comfort it is when you find out that you are not alone. I love the idea Van Gogh has of just getting the canvas dirty. The perfect cleanliness of the page whether you are an artist or a writer can cause anxiety. So mess it up with a little paint or whatever your medium is. What a great idea. Another idea, pray before you begin. Praying always reminds me that I am not alone.

Prayer:

Lord,

Thank you for new beginnings. Thank you for the chance to start new creative projects, paintings, and drawings. Remind us to carry on when we get intimidated. Help us to be passionate about our work.

In Christ’s name,

Amen

Flowers exchange hands on special occasions — during weddings, birthdays, congratulatory messages (mother’s day, valentine’s day etc) and condolences to mention but a few. Have you ever thought of giving yourself a floral painting? At times the day to day hassles and bustle might weigh you down to the point of forgetting the importance of treating yourself as you would want others to treat you. Many times, people forget to remember the good in their life and end up concentrating on the stresses of the world.  However, you can look on the brighter side of life and see to it that you can face the future with boldness and confidence in whatever situation comes your way.

A bright floral painting on your office or home wall will take your mind off the ordinary and lift you to an optimistic and beautiful world.  A floral painting on your wall will not only lift your spirits up but also that of your family and colleagues should you strive to present a warm and cheery stance. All you need to look at to boost your spirits up during those times when you feel down in the dumps is the brightness of a floral painting. This will remind you of your past successes and gain the momentum to base your present on those memories as the strength you need for whatever crisis you might be facing at present.

A floral painting can be an enormous canvas with an extensive grouping of flowers or it can simply be an elegantly small painting, just big enough for the bathroom or hallway. You can even imagine yourself sniffing the delicate perfume emanating from such a tiny example of floral painting.  You can also consider placing a floral painting in your kitchen and watch your visitors smile and brighten up no matter the stressful situations they might be going through. Simply put, a floral piece of art is very conducive for serene communication and by extension, to help in digestion because the kitchen is basically where people meet to eat.

About the Author:
Amy C. enjoys designing indoor fountains.  She enjoys finding new and innovative ways to create calming indoor spaces with optimal energy flow and coordination.  She invites you to browse her water fountains blog to learn more about water fountains, health, and spirituality.

It is that time of the nine weeks. Sketchbooks are due. I both dread and look forward to this day. I look forward to seeing some really wonderful art work. I dread seeing some really badly scribbled drawings that took all of five seconds to complete.

You think I am kidding? I am not. I have watched some of my students scribble a drawing out in the hallway between classes and then turn it in expecting to get a good grade on it.

Grading sketchbooks can be time consuming and difficult. It is so subjective. I had to have some way to show my students what I was looking for in a sketch. So I spell it out for them when I give them the sketchbook list. I tell them how many points each sketch counts and how the points are broken down by value, effort, following directions, etc. If you want to download a PDF file of my sketchbook grading sheet click here. You are welcome to use this system for your grading.

I make copies of this sheet and cut them in half. Each student gets a half sheet and places it inside their sketchbook with their name and class period at the top of the page. If the sketchbook is turned in late the student must put the appropriate deduction at the top of the paper. For example: if a sketchbook is 1 day late, the penalty is 10 points off.

Here is how I break it down:

I require 5 sketches each nine weeks. Each sketch is worth 20 points for a total possible of 100 points. If I see work that exceeds my expectations I will give extra points.

Each sketch is graded as follows:

6 points possible for effort.
4 points possible for shading with at least 4 values.
4 points possible for following directions.
4 points possible for using the whole page.
2 points possible for paying attention to detail in the drawing.

As you can tell, I am not grading on talent. I have many students that would not pass if I graded any other way. I try to give my students a chance to succeed due to effort. The sketchbook counts as a major test grade. You would be amazed at the number of students that will not turn one in.

I would love to hear from other art teachers about this subject. Do you require a sketchbook? How do you grade their sketches? Do you give a list of required sketches or let them turn in what they want? Drop me a note and let’s start a conversation.

You might also like to read: Sketchbook Ideas For Children