Elements of Art and Principles of Organization

This assignment will be our introduction to the elements of design and composition. Our objective will be to learn to arrange abstract shapes into an aesthetically pleasing composition based on the Elements Art and Principles of Organization. Class will begin with a slide discussion illustrating these concepts and introducing the language of art.
	In class we will review the vocabulary of form. Form: (1) The arbitrary organization or inventive arrangement of all the visual elements according to the principles that will develop unity in the artwork. (2) The total Appearance or organization. We will end our class dividing into four groups with each group composing an abstract composition using black /white space. We will create these temporary compositions using a non-competitive “pin the tail on the art composition” format. Winning group will win a valuable enhanced understanding of composition that they may share with all the students in the room
Assignment- Make several contour drawings of your object. Draw from a variety of perspectives, a variety of angles and use a variety of sizes. It would be advisable to have at least ten separate images (some alike, some different.) Cut these contour shapes out of black construction paper. Work with these newly abstracted shapes to come up with an effective composition. Reference the work we did in class with specific attention to The Elements of Art and The Principles of Design. Stand back from your finished work. Can you see things that need more work when the piece is viewed from a distance? Glue the final composition together on a large piece of either sketch or drawing paper. Reference Chapter 2 when working on this project.
	Additional reading assignment: Art Fundamentals pages 36-63
	We will review and critique black/white compositions. This critique will be led by the class and you will be responsible for the vocabulary of form. After this exercise you will be allowed to rework your composition and turn it in.
Web references: These sites cover the information that was presented for this week. In case of absence you must review this material to catch up with the conversations in the class. http://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/formal_analysis.html
Assessment Rubric for work in Art Fundamentals
1. Superior - Work surpasses expectations, is composed intelligently, and exhibits a clear understanding of assigned materials. Technical skills are exemplary for current level. In some cases this work uses creative ideas to go beyond assignment solutions to an entirely new thought or idea.
2. Meets expectations - Work is solid and thoughtful and follows the assignment. Work matches expectations for this level of instruction. Artist is able to synthesize ideas and solutions into a thoughtful whole.
3. Works with assignment - Work is completed and shows signs of effort. Work is average for the norm of instruction at this level. Artist is able to recognize ideas and has an understanding of successful solutions to assigned work.
4. Not Finished - Work has been started but is not yet finished. Additional work will allow the artist to achieve the norm for this level. Artist is perhaps not clear on ideas or concepts and so has trouble working toward solutions.