VISUAL ARTS IN CIVILIZATION

EXTRA CREDIT


1. Create a non-representational computer image that displays some aspect of color theory or a deliberate color scheme. Think about some of the artists in art history who focused on color. In addition, try to incorporate one element and one principle distinctively in your design. Be playful and creative and try to explore what the computer has to offer in terms of color and elements. Print on glossy or matte printing paper.

2. Create an abstract photograph by economizing your subject. Pick a subject and photograph it in a way that you can’t tell what the original object is. Emphasis should be on the formal aspects of the image (shape, color, texture). You can also manipulate the image on the computer to enhance the abstract effect.

3. Create a drawing study using one of the dry or wet media outlined in the book. Choose a subject with simple shapes and forms and work to construct an interesting arrangement or composition. You should think about balance and don’t be afraid to go past the edges of the drawing surface (cropping).

4. Create a collage or assemblage with found images or materials. Try to construct an interesting combination of form and content and build a layered story that has some visual strength and some intellectual appeal.

5. Make three colors look like four. Choose two colors to use as a ground sheet then select a third color to place on top of the first two. Use placement and how the third color reacts with the first two to make your design look like a total of four colors. (Look at the work of Josef Albers.)

6. Create a design that shows a distinctive use of figure-ground reversal.

7. Create a painting using one of the painting media covered in the class. Create a distinctive color scheme and use the chosen media so as to exploit the its distinctive characteristics. The painting can be abstract or representational.

8. Write a paper focusing on the visual qualities of a particular area of art. Areas can be ethnic (African art, Indian Art, Native American art) or historical (Abstract Expressionism, Fauvism, Pop Art). Focus on the visual qualities that are common throughout the group or area you are discussing. You may also want to focus on one artist and how they utilized the overall visual qualities and how they created a unique style that set their work apart.

* All extra credit projects will be credited based on quality, time and effort devoted to the work. Try to use the appropriate materials to create your work. Hobby Lobby, Jeffrey Alan’s and the ISU Bookstore have plenty of arts materials. Try to rely on the elements and principles of design and some sort of art historical reference in creating your work.

* The amount of credit you receive will depend on quality and how well you understand what you did. I will not award extra credit for sloppy, haphazard and uninformed work.

* All creative projects should be accompanied by a brief statement that explains what you were trying to accomplish and your artistic / art historical influences.

* Extra credit work may be handed in up until the last day of class.