Abstract Art II
3/23/2010 5:22:00 PM
Exploratory Activities (7 -8 integrated pages)
Abstract Expressionism: The New York School
* Abstract Expressionism was a term used in 1929 by Alfred Barr, Jr., to
refer to the nonfigurative and nonrepresentational paints of Kandinsky. The
style was to put the United States on the map of the international art world.
In the 1950’s it was generally used to categorize the New York School of
painters, which, despite its name, was actually comprised of artists from
many different parts of America and Europe.
Citation:
Schneider Adams, L. (1999). Art across time: Volume II. p. 884.
* Hans Hofmann worked with nature as his inspiration, and his mind
transformed nature into a new creation. “To me, a work of art is finished
when all parts involved communicate themselves, so that they don’t need
me.” (p. 884)
* On two pages in your sketchbook create two paintings in homage to
Hofmann’s work. See links below for artwork. Include the information above
(summary), add Hofmann quote and cite page.
Links:
The Gate (1959-60):
http://blog.shunya.net/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/07/hans_hofmann.jp
g
Math:
http://www.math.utah.edu/~treiberg/hofmann_10235.jpg
Red Squares:
http://www.thecityreview.com/f00c2pw8.jpg
* On two pages in your sketchbook read and examine the work of Helen
Frankenthaler. She was considered an action painter; used synthetic media
to satin her canvas by pouring paint directly onto it. Create images by
pouring paint – use watercolor of diluted acrylic. Summarize the history
notes and cite the source.
History Notes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Frankenthaler
Images:
The Bay, 1963
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zuxC1XIxM1Q/SStp5_uGU6I/AAAAAAAAAIU/9up4V0IRqM/s400/HelenFrankenthaler.jpg
The Sea
http://www.ebsqart.com/zine/2003/200304/pics/rsea.jpg
Seeing the moon on a hot summer day
http://www.artinthepicture.com/artists/Helen_Frankenthaler/moon.jpeg
* On three pages in your sketchbook respond to the video: Abstract
Painting by Lindsey Cormier. Watch the video. Paint three pages in your
sketchbook with tempera cakes, watercolor or acrylic paints. Use dark colors
for each page (purple, blue, black). On each page use a different shape in
the style of Lindsey Cormier. Overlap, let the paint drip, mix colors, etc.
Experiment with the expressive nature of the process. On each page write
some ‘visual thinking/process notes’ that describe you thinking during the
painting.
Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq1-NsFrbs4&feature=related
Abstract Art II
3/23/2010 5:22:00 PM
Conceptual Activities = 7 to 8 pages (not integrated)
* How can you create something that is unique? A personal response? The
development of ‘Ideation’?
One way of beginning to understand what is going on in a work of art is to
try to grasp its content – its meaning, including the subject-matter (what it
is or represents), and the emotions, ideas, symbols, stories, or spiritual
connotations it suggests.

On two pages in your sketchbook examine the art of Lena
Karpinsky. See link below for her online gallery. Create a triptych
on both pages or just create a section that has inspired you to paint
or use oil pastels. Do not copy these images; use them as
inspiration and for studying the technical aspects of the
composition.
Link:
http://www.artbylena.com/
* On three pages in your sketchbook examine the abstract drawings by
Lynne Taetzsch. See link below to view gallery 3.
Link:
http://www.artbylt.com/modern-paintings-gallery3.htm
* On three pages in your sketchbook examine the video link below for Art
Gems. Create three images from this slide show.
Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP6SZRsa5FE
Abstract Art II
3/23/2010 5:22:00 PM
Reflection Activities: 5 pages (integrated)
What is so interesting about the artists, artwork, or art style? This section
we will compare and contrast images we find engaging. We will also use this
section to do some self-reflection on our own art creations.

On one page in your sketchbook explain why this image below is
called Popsicle. Print out a color image and describe how you would
go about creating this painting.
Link:
http://intelligenttravel.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/02/13/2237
262765_be6fbb1a45.jpg

On one page in your sketchbook print out this abstract painting by
‘Frank”. Look at the information to the right to examine color
palette, size, medium, and cost. Glue in the copy of the image and
describe how the artist created this painting, discuss the
information on the right of the image and rationalize why this piece
of art cost $200.
Link:
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/4-abstract-painting-frank.html

Using the rubrics below select one of your paintings from the
conceptual section to critique. Use one page.
CATEGORY
5
4-3
2
1
Sco
Design/Composition
Student applies
design principles
(such as unity,
contrast, balance,
movement,
direction, emphasis,
and center of
interest) with great
skill.
Student applies
design principles
(such as unity,
contrast, balance,
movement,
direction,
emphasis, and
center of interest)
with fair skill.
Student tries to
apply design
principles (such as
unity, contrast,
balance, movement,
direction, emphasis,
and center of
interest) but the
overall result is not
pleasing.
The student does
not appear to be
able to apply most
design principles
to his/her own
work.
Color Choices
Choice and
application of color
shows an advanced
knowledge of color
relationships. Color
choice enhances the
idea being
expressed.
Choice and
application of
color shows
knowledge of
color relationships.
Colors are
appropriate for the
idea being
expressed.
Choice and
application of color
shows knowledge of
color relationships.
Colors are,
however, NOT
appropriate for the
idea being
expressed.
Student needs to
work on learning
color relationships
and using that
knowledge in
his/her work.
Painting Skill
Application of paint
is preplanned and
done in a logical,
sequential manner.
Paint is applied in
a careful, logical
manner. Colors
remain sharp and
texture is evident.
Control is
somewhat lacking.
A few drips, ragged
edges and failure of
certain areas of
pattern/texture may
be evident.
Student needs to
work on
controlling paint
and preplanning
paint application.
Muddy colors,
ragged edges, lack
of texture, drips
and/or blobs are
evident throughout
the painting.
Use of materials
Student typically
keeps painting
materials and area
clean and protected
without reminders.
The student shows
great respect for the
materials and his
fellow students.
Student typically
adequately cleans
materials and work
area at the end of
the session without
reminder, but the
area may be messy
during the work
session. Student
shows respect for
Student adequately
cleans and takes
care of materials if
reminded.
Occasional spills
and messy work
area may be seen.
Shows some respect
for materials and
fellow students.
materials and
Student
deliberately
misuses materials
AND/OR does not
adequately clean
materials or area
when reminded.
Shows little
respect for
materials or fellow
students.
fellow students.
Time/Effort
Class time was used
wisely. Much time
and effort went into
the planning and
design of the mask.
It is clear the student
worked at home as
Class time was
used wisely.
Student could have
put in more time
and effort at home.
Class time was not
always used wisely,
but student did do
some additional
work at home.
Class time was not
used wisely and
the student put in
no additional
effort.
Drawing is
expressive and
somewhat
detailed. Little use
has been made of
pattern, shading,
or texture. Student
has basics, but had
Drawing has few
details. It is
primarily
representational
with very little use
of pattern, shading
or texture. Student
needs to improve
The drawing lacks
almost all detail
OR it is unclear
what the drawing
is intended to be.
Student needs to
work on control.
well as at school.
Drawing
Drawing is
expressive and
detailed. Shapes,
patterns, shading
and/or texture are
used to add interest
to the painting.
Student has great
control and is able to not "branched"
experiment a little. out.
control.
Creativity


Student has taken
the technique being
studied and applied
it in a way that is
totally his/her own.
The student's
personality/voice
comes through.
Student has taken
the technique
being studied and
has used source
material as a
starting place. The
student's
personality comes
through in parts of
the painting.
Student has copied
some painting from
the source material.
There is little
evidence of
creativity, but the
student has done the
assignment.
Student has not
made much
attempt to meet
the requirements
of the assignment.
On two pages in your sketchbook compare these two abstract
images (see links below). Print out the images and glue in your
sketchbook.
Describe, analyze, and interpret the work.
Link:
http://www.art-is-fun.com/abstract-paintings.html
(Use the two images on this page) Examine the notes; they will help you
write the comparison. Cite your webpage.