ARTistic Pursuits, Senior High Book Two

Color and Composition

by Brenda Ellis. Publisher: Artistic Pursuits Inc. Comb-binding, 88 pages, ISBN: 978-0-9815982-9-1, February 15, 2008 2nd Edition

List Price $42.95

Book description:

Age Level: 14 and up. 16 Units, 64 painting lessons. This book gives students an in-depth look at color theory and how artists use the color wheel as they view European art. The element of color is explored in eight units with colorful illustrations, completing the student's study of the elements of art. Composition as it relates to color is further explored to complete its study. Students get a very complete exposure to the methods and techniques used in watercolor painting.

Unit 6, Lesson 1
VOCABULARY AND CREATIVE EXERCISE PAGE Each unit explores color theory or a compositional arrangement. ILLUSTRATED VOCABULARY: Definition of the terms are introduced in each unit in both words and pictures at the top of the page. CHALLENGE YOUR VISION: Students get their hands on art materials the first day in a project designed to explore the subject of art and creativity. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the CHALLENGE YOUR VISION section are listed and color coded to clarify the purpose of the creative assignment and for easy grading using a grading system on page 87. "…an 88 page gem of quality art instruction…Each well-crafted lesson is carefully laid out, making artistically challenged parents such as myself virtually unnecessary for their student’s success." – D.O., Homeschool Mom

Unit 6, Lesson 2
ART APPRECIATION: Students see how the topic of the unit is used in a work by a master artist. When they see it in other works, they are more able to use it in their own work. Diagrams point out the ideas presented in the text so that the student cannot miss seeing it.

ART HISTORY PAGE
THE ARTIST: This section examines the life of a particular artist. Artists' biographies include: Gainsborough, Georges de La Tour, Vermeer, Metsys, Cezanne, Marc, Fantin-Latour, Rousseau, Monet, Constable, Goya, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. THE ART: Students learn about European art history and how ideas changed with a focus on the Modern period. Topics include modern art's appearance in the climate of a rapidly changing world. THE ASSIGNMENT: Students practice color mixing to expand their knowledge of the color wheel in the first part of the book. Later, students practice with the concept presented in the unit. "Encouragement to create a personal work, rather than copy step-by-step instructions, gives students a sense of accomplishment…extremely user-friendly." -H.P. Homeschool Mom

Unit 6, Lesson 3
TECHNIQUES PAGE Students learn technical information. How to use watercolor and a variety of effects are introduced. Techniques for painting and exploring certain subject matter are shown. This page offers practical suggestions for creating a watercolor wash. TO DO: Students practice with the techniques shown, completing a painting.

Unit 6, Lesson 4
FINAL PROJECT PAGE Instructions are given for a final project in which students assimilate the information from the unit and do a work reflecting their interests or particular interpretations. MATERIALS: A materials list is given in the right column. REFERENCES: Suggestions for what to use as a reference are given in the right column. Once students go through the book they will have used all the references available: photographs, direct observation, their imagination, etc. STUDENT GALLERY: Students see how others interpreted and successfully used the element of art. A range of skill levels is shown to encourage different approaches to art. LOOK BACK: Students evaluate the success of the finished work by answering the questions. Parents can use the color-coded stated objective for easy grading. "The website actually includes information on how to assign credits for this curriculum! Hurray and many thanks, Artistic Pursuits, for making my job so easy!" -H. K., Homeschool Mom

Medium Introduced: watercolor with various techniques using masking fluid and Gum Arabic

Contents: 1. Hue 2. Tinting Hues 3. Shading Hues 4. Values of Hues 5. Complementary Hues 6. Neutral Hues 7. Analogous Warm Hues 8. Analogous Cool Hues 9. Balance 10. Rhythm 11. High View Point 12. Low View Point 13. Emphasis, Placement 14. Emphasis Size 15. Emphasis, Value 16. Developing Original Art

Senior High Book Two ISBN 978-0-9815982-9-1.........made in the USA........ Price:

$42.95

Course Credits

Visual Arts Courses: Each book is designed for 1 credit (one year) however, if a student desires to take only one year of art the courses can be modified and the two books can be combined. To do this, complete the art assignments on the first and fourth pages of each unit, while only reading through the second and third pages of each unit. Award ½ per book (one semester). A credit depends on the amount of time spent on the course.

• Course Name: Painting / 1 Credit
• Course Text: Artistic Pursuits Senior High Book 2, Color and Composition.
• Course Description: The fundamentals of color theory are explored along with a thorough study of watercolor techniques. Composition is emphasized in abstract and realistic works using landscape, still life, and portraits. Critical analysis of artwork is stressed in the application of the creative process. Art appreciation and art history are included as students evaluate works of European masters and apply techniques.

Information on Building a Portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of art works that you will show to a college for entrance to their program. It is also the name of the folder you put the work into. Please note that each college will have its own set of requirements and you should look into those before sending your portfolio to them. The guidelines below will be valuable if you keep them in mind as you go through our courses.

1. Include a total of 12 to 15 pieces
2. 3 artworks should demonstrate drawing skills, shading, value, or linework.
3. Include two or more pieces from each course taken. (this includes other courses you have taken, if any), including photography, pottery, oil painting, etc.
4. Show a variety of media, technique, size and subject matter. For example, sending in 15 seascapes all done in acrylic will not make a good impression.
5. Present the portfolio in a professional manner: neat and organized. Each college will have their own preference, so be certain to ask them. Any type of folder will work but it should be tidy if handmade. I suggest something like the Cachet Studio Portfolio at the Dick Blick Art Supply website.