Honors Studio Art: Summer Preparation for Semester I, 2009

Mrs. Beth Carroccio  

301-942-2100 ext. 517  

Email: ecarroccio@academyoftheholycross.org  

Project Due: First day of Class  

Required Activity: A visit to one of the following galleries:  

National Gallery of Art  

The Hirshhorn Gallery  

The Phillips Collection  

Required Written Assignment :  

Choose one work from one of the above galleries, then write an Art Criticism on that painting or drawing according to the following steps:  

• Put your information on 3x5 cards for use when you give your oral presentation to the class.  
• Have a postcard or blowup of your piece as a visual.  
• Make sure you have proof of your visit with a brochure/ticket from the museum, or a postcard.  

 Step I:    DESCRIPTION  

Describe all the components of this chosen work.  

List:    a) title b) artist c) dimensions d) medium e) time period f)subject matter.  

Step II:    ANALYSIS  

Describe the seven elements of art that are found in the piece: line, shape, form, texture, value, color, space. For example: texture of the subject’s skin and hair; how the subject is placed in the composition; curving lines, angular shapes, use of complimentary color for effect?    How does the artist combine these elements to draw us into the painting?  

Step III: INTERPRETATION  

This is your call. What does this painting say to you? What is its meaning? What is the artist trying to say? You can venture guesses. Use your intelligence and imagination. Is this piece historical, a portrait, a social commentary, or an allegorical work?    It is hanging in a museum for a purpose-what is it?  

Step IV: JUDGMENT  

Determine the degree of artistic merit. Do you like this work? Is it successful, and why? You can judge a work on your feelings and personal response (subjectively) and on aesthetics (subjectively and objectively). Aesthetics is the study of the nature and value of art. What value does this piece have for you personally and perhaps for others?  

Websites: for Art Information/History/Interpretation .  

Due the first day of Class:  

Become super art sleuths and search for 10 websites which provide information on ancient and modern artists, museums, critical analysis, virtual museum tours, or anything related to the study of art history which may prove helpful in Honors Studio. List these 10 websites on an index card to be exchanged with a fellow student.  

Have a happy summer and enjoy great art! Remember you can visit many museums and galleries in and out of town and during your vacation travels. Art is everywhere!  

Looking forward to a creative and productive year in Studio,  

Mrs. Carroccio       

A.P. Studio Art:  

Assignments:  

1. Complete a portfolio building class during the summer.

(Some suggested venues: AHC, Einstein H.S., Montgomery   College   , Corcoran—check online for information, availability, or other options.)   , Corcoran—check online for information, availability, or other options.) Montgomery   College   , Corcoran—check online for information, availability, or other options.)   , Corcoran—check online for information, availability, or other options.)

2. Complete 3 works in a series based on your proposed CONCENTRATION (see the AP Drawing and 2D Design specifications on the AP website if you need clarification.)

A series is a number of works that have a common theme, subject, technique, or other commonalities, and that ideally build upon, or derive from each other in succession. An example might be three works, all in pencil, that take ever closer looks at a subject, perhaps a pile of rocks or a stand of trees. Another example might be three works that describe a subject in three different mediums, perhaps a portrait of your grandfather in charcoal, another in pen and ink, and a third in acrylic or oil paint.

3. Bring the three works on the first day of class.

A.P. Art History:

Assignment:  

Read Gardner’s Art Through the Ages: Introduction, and Chapters 1-3.