DNAW Photo Updates: 12.11.10

DNAW Photo Updates: 12.11.10

DNAC Update: 12.11.10

Redford Library Mural Project

Thanks to all for the tremendous group effort! Odette Duke-Holley diligently guided students through small group work as they synthesized their individual ideas into a coherent and cohesive composition. The small group ideas were further edited in a second round with the entire group. Our student, Jonathan, created a sketch from the input each small group provided. A large sketch emerged as every student had a chance to voice their opinions about placement.

With sketch in hand, Joye Opoku Ofei took us to the lab for an extraordinary internet research journey into the work of Marc Chagall. We engaged in a comparative analysis of his style, themes, use of color and composition. When we returned to the classroom, we were able to reflect on the new learning's from the day. Much of the evaluation centered around the connections between Chagall's work and the collaborative mural we are creating. Bright, vivid colors, along with the montage-like composition and the fantasy themes were critical connections that were successfully made.

Each student left empowered and with a comprehensive sense of our developing mural project.

DNAW UPDATE: December 4, 2010

DNAW East:

Attendance is consistent, but we are still missing a few of our great young artists each week. Each week missed is a training experience lost, let’s stay on top of our training, and stay in league with our other classmates as we prepare for our great exhibition in May 2011. The pictures should tell all that we are humming along; the clay pieces are now taking on a personality each unto itself, we cannot wait to see the end product. Keep watching this blog!

DNAW West:

Class attendance is good, some new student additions, but we really need everyone that is enrolled to come each week and on time, space is now very limited. Interest in the program grows weekly as other young artist peek into the Redford Library classroom and realize that they too want to take advantage of this great art training opportunity. The present activities include: advanced drawing techniques, beginning sculpting, and clay vessels. The next art skill phase is scheduled for January, so stay tuned to this blog for the latest in what we are doing here at the Redford library!

DNAC Update: December 4, 2010

Venue: CAP OFFICE STUDIO
Class Project: The Grid System

PART # 1
Students were given a briefing on how the grid system works in enlarging or reducing
the size of any given picture no matter how simple or complex the picture may appear
to be.

Students were given all supplies required for the class exercise.
In enlarging the picture, they were constantly reminded to initially see and isolate each square in the grid as a separate square with it's own 'line flow'- but related to the whole
if placed correctly.

Instructors thought that this approach was necessary to:

1. - eliminate or reduce the fear that invariably comes with seeing and attempting to draw
a subject on a large scale, with the myriad of lines- all 'at-once', in a specific time frame.
These are common challenges that have the tendency to paralyze or stifle creative
initiative, especially in young artists.
2. - to improve eye- judgment.

PART 2

With a practical understanding of the grid system out of the way, students were ready to
compose the first unified mural on the working grid. With each student's individual input,
all their drawings were drawn/transferred onto the grid.

In the next class, students will examine the captivating and ethereal/dreamy quality
of Chagall's paintings as an 'inspirational gateway' to achieving our own version of an
enchanting dreamland through our mural.

Students participated in this class with very infectious enthusiasm. Seeing their
work take shape on the working grid seems to be a huge motivation.

Great job, everybody!