*Altered Art Journals for Art 2*
Cathy Tanasse
E-mail: cathy.tanasse@sno.wednet.edu
Your art journals are designed to process and learn about art history and contemporary art. Use this
handout for basic art vocabulary, art history information and due dates:
By using the language of visual art, you have a precise vocabulary with which to express your ideas, and
develop the ability to make and defend aesthetic judgments.
Elements of Art are what we use to make art--Use these definitions:
valuE – The art element that describes the darkness or lightness of an object. Value depends on how much light a surface
reflects. Value is also one of the three properties of color. P. 381
coLor – An element of art that is derived from reflected light.
The sensation of color is aroused in the brain by a response
of the eyes to different wavelengths of light. Color has three properties: hue, value and intensity.
shapE – A two dimensional area that is defined in some way.
While a form has depth, a shape only has height and width.
Shapes are either geometric or free-form.
forM – Objects having three-dimensions.
Like a shape, a form has height and width but it also has depth. Forms are either
geometric or free-form.
spacE – The element of art that refers to the emptiness or area between, around, above, below or within objects.
Shapes and
forms are defined by space around and within them.
liNe – A mark drawn with an art tool.
Although lines can vary in appearance (they can have different lengths, widths,
textures, directions, and degree of curve) they are considered one-dimensional and are measured by length. A line is
used by the artist to control the viewer’s eye movement. There are five kinds of lines: vertical, horizontal, diagonal,
curved and zigzag.
Texture – Element of art that refers to how things feel or look as if they might feel is touched.
Texture is perceived by touch
and sight. Objects can have rough or smooth textures and matte or shiny surfaces.
Principles of Design are how we apply the elements: Use these definitions:
Balance-Principle of design concerned with equalizing visual forces or elements in a work of art. If a work of art has visual balance, the viewer feels
that the elements have been arranged in a satisfying way. Visual imbalance makes the viewer feel that the elements need to be rearranged. There are
four types of balance: Formal, Symmetrical, Informal or Asymmetrical, and Radial.
Variety – Principle of design concerned with differences or contrast.
Harmony – The principle of design that creates unity by stressing similarities of separate but related parts.
Unity – The quality of wholeness or oneness that is achieved through the effective use of the elements and principles of art.
Unity is created by
simplicity, repetition, proximity and continuation.
Movement – Principle of design that deals with creating illusion of action or physical change in position or guiding the viewer’s attention through
the art.
Proportion – Principle of design concerned with the size relationships of one part to another.
Emphasis – Principle of design that makes one part of a work dominant over the other parts.
The element noticed first is called dominant; the
elements noticed later are called subordinate.
Rhythm – Principle of design that indicates movement by the repetition of elements.
Visual rhythm is perceived through the eyes and is created by
repeating positive spaces separated by negative spaces. There are five types of rhythm: random, regular, alternating, flowing and progressive.
Basic color theory and perspective information:
Primary Colors-colors from which all other colors are made. We will use red, yellow and blue but it is different
on computer screens and according to some other schools of thought.
Secondary Colors—colors resulting from mixing two primary colors together. Green = yellow and blue, Violet
= blue and red, orange = red and yellow
Tertiary Colors—colors resulting from mixing one primary and one secondary color together. This
hyphenated word has the primary color first. Blue-green = blue and green. Yellow green – yellow and green.
Look at the color wheel to see what the rest are.
Complementary Colors—colors directly opposite from each other on the color wheel. B & O, R & G, Y & V.
When put next to each other, complementary colors appear to vibrate, mixed together they make brown. If you
focus on one complement, you will see its opposite when you look at a neutral background.
Triadic Colors—colors equally distant on the color wheel. R, Y, B and G, O, V are easy to remember.
Analogous Colors—colors next to each other on the color wheel. Ex: R, RO, O.
Monochromatic Colors—means “one-color”. Palette with a color and tints, tones and shades of that color.
Tint = color + white
Tone = color + gray
Shade = color + black
Perspective Drawing depicts foreground, middle ground and background to indicate deep space.
Linear perspective was invented during the Renaissance by Brunelleschi using vanishing points and
converging lines to create the illusion of depth.
Isometric perspective was used in Medieval times and in the Middle East as well as now to simplify
depth. Parallel lines and positioning are used to indicate items close or far away. Items close to the bottom of
the picture plane are closer, items closer to the top of the picture plane are farther away.
Atmospheric perspective was used by Da Vinci and Asian painters. Stronger lights and darks are
closer, lighter values are farther away to simulate the effect of the atmosphere on a foggy day.
When writing about art, remember this:
Art Criticism—This helps when you need to write something about in a Free Choice entry….
Description—what do I see?
Analysis—how is the work organized?
Interpretation—what is the artist saying?
Judgment—is this a successful work of art?
ART JOURNAL ENTRIES—1)Individual choice, 2)Art History, 3)Contemporary artists
1)INDIVIDUAL CHOICE OPTIONS- every third entry
Museum and Gallery visits—do a “gallery walk” pick up lots of free info and postcards to use in your journal.
Art techniques and processes—block printing, monotype, pen and ink, sumi, etc … Experiment with different
paints, pencils, pens, textures—especially techniques or media which might scare you—it’s only a page!!
Write about your experience with the media. Go for it!
Sketch and write your thought process about class, art, interests or life experiences. Write about a comparison
or contrast of works from another culture or art movements and what you like or hate about them.
Work out an idea for a concentration piece in your AP portfolio. Sometimes it is better as a journal entry!
2)ART HISTORY- every third entry
You will have an information handout and slide show for the writing and visual references. Each art history
entry is exploring a different art movement and genre . Let the art style or art historical movement inspire your
art, write in your words what you think is important about the kind of art or art movement.
3)CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS- every third entry
You will have an information handout and slide show for the writing and visual references. Each
contemporary artist entry is exploring artistic and social issues facing us now. Let the artist inspire your art or
make you mad, Write in your words what you think is important/good/bad about the artist and his/her work.
Suggestions for ways to hold your journal entries:
*You can use a thick hard back old textbook or encyclopedia from a thrift store or garage sale in which you
have painted or otherwise decorated the front and back cover. You will need to remove some of the pages to
make room for the collage and painting additions...
*You can actually make your own journal in a variety of ways. It is simple bookbinding. If you are interested in
making your own book, let Ms. T know and she can give you some information.
(A regular sketchbook is not suggested for a journal as it can fall apart. You can use a spiral sketchbook only if
you figure out how to reinforce it so the pages don’t fall out.
*Cut out every few pages so your book won’t fan out when you add thickness in art journal entries.
Suggestions for adhering collages:
You need to use undiluted white glue. Glue sticks don’t usually last over time. Cover the back of the cutout,
drawing or whatever you are adhering to your page with glue. Smear it with a glue spreader and attach it to
your page. Rub it so no edges are sticking up and all excess glue is squeezed out. It is sometimes a good
idea to have some waxed paper to separate the pages or use a plastic sheet protector. Your pages will only
dry flat if you close the book with wax paper or a plastic sheet to separate the pages so they won’t stick
together and put a bunch of books on them to weigh them down.
Art Techniques
Batik paper- using melted wax to create interesting shapes and resist areas
Collage/Mixed Media- combining a variety of items including 3-D to create layouts
Daubit- creating a special tool to use especially for interesting backgrounds
Decalcomania- texture patterns created by two squeezed surfaces together
Embossing powders- powders that melt and create a raised surface on a stamped or painted design
Grattage-Sgraffito/ Frottage- scratching into wet paint or pressing a freshly painted surface
Highlighted text- black out all text except specific words which creates a form of poetry
Rubber Broom- making an art tool out of rubber-bands used to create interesting textures
Rubber Stamp/ Multi-color- using watercolor markers on rubber stamps to create multi-colored images
Tape transfer- using clear tape to transfer an image onto another page
Thumbprint/ hand-foot- using stamp pads and drawn lines to create creatures or patterns
Water form ink drop- using water and drops of ink to color images or letters
Bleach--using bleach to paint on colored construction paper
Erasure-using charcoal or graphite to tone the background then erase your picture
Grading Criteria:
Each entry must be 1/3 your ART/DESIGN, 1/3 TECHNIQUE, 1/3 HANDWRITING. The writing portion must
be in your own handwriting. If you are serious about art and want to improve your skills and work on a portfolio
for college entrance and scholarships, include observational artwork (drawings from actually looking at
something—anything…)
Each journal entry is due every Thursday and is worth 35 points. 10 pts for Art, 10 pts for Technique,
10 pts for (30 words minimum )Writing AND 1 pt for the correct Element, 1 pt for the correct Principle
and 4 pts for the reason why
Late journals are half off. Always number and date your entries please!!
First and Last name (PRINTED):__________________________________________Period:_________
Late journals are half off. Please number your entries.
1. ______OUT OF 40--- Due Date: 2/7/08 Individual Choice:_____________ Technique: Ink Drop
Element:______________ Principle:_____________________ Reason :___________________________________
2. ______OUT OF 40— Due Date: 2/14/08 Art History: Aboriginal Art, Technique: Sgraffito
http://www.aboriginal-art.com/
Aboriginal art (Gloria Tamerre Petyarre)
Element:______________ Principle:_____________________ Reason :___________________________________
3. ______OUT OF 40— Due Date: 2/21/08 Technique: wet on wet brush painting Contemporary Artist: Chen
Jianhui
http://www.artscenechina.com/chineseart/artists/chenjianhui.htm
Chinese artists
Element:______________ Principle:_____________________ Reason :___________________________________
30 WORDS MINIMUM ON THE WRITING PORTION!
4. ______OUT OF 40— Due Date: 2/21/08 Individual Choice_______________ Technique: Gold embossing
Dominant Element:______________Dominant Principle:___________ Reason :______________________________
5. ______OUT OF 40— Due Date: 2/28/08 Art History: Roman Portraiture Technique: Color Pencil
http://www.seattleartmuseum.org
http://www.metmuseum.org/home.asp
Dominant Element:______________Dominant Principle:___________ Reason :______________________________
6. ______OUT OF 40— Due Date:3/6/08 Contemporary Artist Cai Guo Qiang Technique: Bleach
http://www.seattleartmuseum.org
Dominant Element:______________Dominant Principle:___________ Reason :______________________________
7. ______OUT OF 40— Due Date: 3/13/08 Individual Choice__________ Technique: Highlighted Text
Dominant Element:______________Dominant Principle:___________ Reason :______________________________
8. ______OUT OF 40— Due Date: 3/20/08 Art History :Islamic Design, Technique: Metal Engraving
http://www.islamicarchitecture.org
Dominant Element:______________Dominant Principle:___________ Reason :______________________________
9. ______OUT OF 40— Due Date: 3/27/08 Contemporary Artist: Peter Howson, Technique: Erasure
http://www.flowerseast.com/FE/Artists_Originals.asp?Artist=HOWSON
Dominant Element:______________Dominant Principle:___________ Reason :______________________________
10______OUT OF 40— Due Date: 4/17/08 Individual Choice _____________________Technique: Decalcomania
Dominant Element:______________Dominant Principle:___________ Reason :______________________________
11______OUT OF 40— Due Date: 4/24/08 Art History: American Scene Technique: Scratchboard
http://www.artlex.com/
Dominant Element:______________Dominant Principle:___________ Reason :______________________________
12______OUT OF 40Due Date: 5/1/08 Contemporary Artist Faith Ringgold Technique: Wax resist
http://faithringgold.com/
Dominant Element:______________Dominant Principle:___________ Reason :______________________________
13______OUT OF 40— Due Date:5/8/08 Individual Choice______________ Technique: Tape transfer
Dominant Element:______________Dominant Principle:___________ Reason :______________________________
14______OUT OF 40— Due Date:5/15/08 Art History: Cubism Technique: Collage/painting
http://www.artlex.com/
Dominant Element:______________Dominant Principle:___________ Reason :______________________________
*15.______OUT OF 40---By the end of the term the front and back cover is decorated, or an additional
“Individual Choice” entry completed. Don’t even think about doing anything less than stunning creative art
on this.