- Lay out all your concentration pieces so far so that you can see them all at once.
- In your visual journal, re-explain your concentration statement . Now, look over all your pieces and analyze if they fit into what you have stated. Do any of your pieces need to be tweaked so that they are a better fit? Are you happy with your concentration so far, or would you like to make changes? (its not too late)
- Looking at your pieces critically, take an inventory of what is working and list that in your visual journal. (for example, do you have good composition, color schemes, proportions, mark--making, layered backgrounds, figure/ground relationships, a good sense of space, etc.)
- Next take an inventory of what is NOT working. (Are you having problems with strong focal points, composition, lack of depth, lack of layers, etc.)
- Okay, now its time to think about where you want to go from here. Try to focus on what you are doing well and stick with that. Avoid or change the things that you are struggling with. For example, if you are great with movement and mark-making, keep doing that in your compositions and figure out ways to feature that strength even more.
- Also, be sure to look back at the Drawing and 2D design rubrics and be sure you are including the “issues” that are expected in your portfolio for your future concentration pieces.
Part 2: Preparing for Tuesday
- Pull up your blog on the computer and pick out the summer photo that has the best COMPOSITION!! (if you are not happy with one, feel free to edit yours until you like it by cropping, etc.)
- Next, print out a black and white version of that photo. Be sure it is a 5x7 image. Keep this image for tomorrow.
- Be sure to turn in Concentration #3, along with the self-critique sheet.
- Then you can start working on concentration #4. Use your notes from your visual journal to get you started. If you need to research or print out reference images, feel free to do so. (remember reference images are better if they are photos that YOU take. Otherwise, you have to be sure you change the image by 70%)
- Take the time to prep your backgrounds. Remember, one of the “issues” in the drawing portfolio is Drawing Surface Manipulation. Here are some ideas for manipulating your surface:
- Collage white paper on white paper; collage newspaper, then watercolor wash; collage neutral toned paper; collage recycled art or magazines, then use watered down gesso to unify background; collage patterned paper.
- Create works on cardboard, then rip through to the textured layer of cardboard.
- Draw on top of maps, paper bags, dress patterns, paint chips, on top of a broken down box.
- Bright watercolor abstraction for the surface, then draw on top with charcoal or ink.
- Paint on top of collaged 3D relief items such as computer parts, discarded CDs, discarded computer discs, etc.