Monday, April 19, 2010

Fine Arts Open House


The Dirt Bags Art Club is hosting the 2nd annual IUS Fine Arts Department open house on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00. Please bring in a few drawings to hang in the drawing studio, your out-of-class projects would be great for this. Bring your friends and family. It was a blast last year going from studio to studio seeing what everyone was creating. Good music and food, and creative fellowship. Hope you can make it. Click on the image above to see the particulars of the event.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

BFA Graduating Senior Exhibition

Rob Woolley and Sara Jones have been "immersed" in preparing for their BFA Thesis exhibition. It opens on Thursday in the Barr Gallery from 5:00 - 7:00. We will be meeting at the gallery instead of the studio for the first 45 minutes or so. Anyone else out there not in class at that time should also come check out this excellent exhibition. It continues until May 26.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

The Alternative Self-Portrait

Below are some examples of the spring 2010 Basic Drawing class's Alternative Self-Portraits. A variety of interpretations exploring self identity.


In Stephanie's drawing, she uses black charcoal with some white added in for detail and textural differences. She place the objects that had "sentimental" value to her under a bed, crammed into a tight space and then shot a photo from which to work. Although she still has a few more details to add, the composition works well for a "worm's-eye" view of the situation.


Sadie also incorporated books into her drawing, and once the suggestion of the book's titles are added to the spines, the concept of identity will become even stronger, as they will relate to Sadie's connection to the earth, spirituality, and creativity.


Natahsa's drawing captures the more flamboyant side of her personality by including vintage clothing that she likes to wear on occasion. She used pastels and colored pencils, and the layering of the colors and marks make for a very energetic surface.


Jennifer's drawing shows a "woman on the go" as someone stated during our critique. A still-life of personal objects that relate to her life and family, all situated on the passenger seat of her automobile. She used graphite and a very creative approach to replicating textures by embossing into the paper and then drawing over those textures.


Adam's drawing evoked a sense of mystery as he peered into a 'junk-drawer' filled with things he didn't even remember having. Part of the mystery of the drawing is the absence of some detail and an abbreviation of observation relative to some forms, and acute focus on others.

We're going to finish up our critique tonight with a new batch of drawings that weren't able to make it through the haze of spring break. Stay tuned....