Unit 1 Outcome 1

Researching and recording ideas

The official part:

‘In this area of study we will focus on researching and recording art ideas that are documented in a selected form. We begin to develop an understanding of studio practice. We develop ideas and identify sources of inspiration to be used as starting points for exploring materials and techniques. Our exploratory and developmental work is progressively documented in a visual diary, which identifies and organises written and visual materials. In our exploration, you may include diverse sources of inspiration, artistic influences, and reflections on personal experiences, observations, ideas and issues. We will research sources of inspiration as starting points, including the exploration of ideas, art forms, materials, techniques, aesthetic qualities and subject matter. Through a range of explorations they begin to understand and develop our visual language. We will progress our studio practice through reflection and the development of visual language, documented in a visual diary.’

VCAA, 2017-2022 Studio Arts Study Design, p. 12

http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/studioarts/StudioArtsSD-2017.pdf

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the you should be able to identify sources of inspiration and artistic influences and outline individual ideas, art forms and aesthetic qualities, and translate these into visual language. To achieve this outcome we will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 1.

Key knowledge

• diverse sources of inspiration and artistic influences used to generate ideas

• the characteristics of the studio process and methods of identifying, organising and progressively recording written and visual reference material

• the characteristics and nature of art forms, materials and techniques

• a range of methods for using art elements and art principles to create aesthetic qualities • the use of subject matter to express individual ideas and concepts.

Key skills

• generate ideas and identify sources of inspiration and artistic influences

• progressively record the research and development of individual ideas in a visual diary

• use a variety of research methods to translate ideas, observations and experiences into a visual language

• select, create, organise and use visual reference material

• explore a range of art elements, art principles and aesthetic qualities in the studio process

• research subject matter appropriate to individual ideas in a visual diary

• discuss the characteristics of a range of art forms, including how materials, techniques and processes will be used in studio practice.

READ:

CH 1 of Studio Knack Textbook

What we are actually going to do:

In Unit 1, you will be introduced to various components that we will extend upon in Unit 2's 'Mini-year 12'.

Outcome 1 will begin with a concept choice and then teasing this out through:

- Brainstorm

- Exploration Proposal

- Research

- Artists for Inspiration

Helpful stuff:

In preparation for undertaking Outcome 1 in Unit 1, the following must be completed during the summer holidays:

Task 1 - Brainstorm and Research images (such as photographs and observational drawings to use as sources of inspiration. Aim to complete 1 drawing a week (from observation – that relates to what you would like to explore) 5 minimum these should be annotated in your folio.

Task 2 - Exploration Proposal

Use this template to write up your draft:

(Draft to be submitted via email to your teacher)

*Task 1 & 2 due for submission Final class Week 1 Term 1

Task 3 - Artists for Inspiration (1 traditional, 1 contemporary - refer to Studio Knack textbook)
- will commence in Term 1
- refer to checklist

Task 4 - Developing An Idea Into An Art Work - will commence in Term 1

How you will be assessed:

Outcome 1 Assessment Rubrics

Artist for Inspiration Checklist

Exploration Proposal template

(Source: https://aev.vic.edu.au/resources/)

The Arts Glossary

Art Sketchbook Ideas

Elements and Principles

(Source:https://www.scribd.com/doc/246531067/art-elements-and-principles-chart)

How to annotate artworks

The following tips and guidelines should help you understand how to add quality notes to your pages:

– Reveal your own thinking and personal responses (rather than regurgitating facts or the views of others)

– Explain the starting points and ideas, emphasising personal relevance and your own connections to subjects

– Critically analyse and compare artwork of relevant artist models (both historical and contemporary artists, from a range of cultures). Discuss aesthetics, use of media, technique, meaning/emotion/ideas and the influence of an artist upon your own work. While it is important to conduct research into your artist models (and to convey an understanding of this information), avoid copying or summarising large passages of information from other sources. Instead, select the information that you think is useful for your project and link it with your own viewpoints and observations. Use research findings to make you sound clever and knowledgeable – to prove that you are aware of the artists and cultural influences around you – and to help you to critically evaluate artworks (by giving you background information and a peek into the mind of an artist): do not use it to fill your sketchbook with boring facts.

– Demonstrate good subject knowledge, using correct vocabulary (phrases such as ‘strong contrast’, ‘draws the eye’ and ‘focal point’ etc)

– Reference of all images, artwork and text from other sources, ensuring that artists, websites and books are acknowledged (it should be obvious to an examiner which work is yours when viewing a page, so cite sources directly underneath the appropriate image. Photographs taken by yourself should be clearly labelled, so examiners know the work is yours and reward you for it)

– Communicate with clarity. It doesn’t matter whether you jot down notes or use full sentences, but never use ‘txt’ speak and try to avoid incorrect spelling, as this indicates sloppiness and can hint to the examiner that you are a lower calibre candidate.

It may also benefit you to contemplate the following:

What subjects / themes / moods / issues / messages are explored?
Why are these relevant or important to the artist (or you)?
What appeals to you visually about this artwork?
How does the composition of the artwork (i.e. the relationship between the visual elements: line, shape, colour, tone, texture and space) help to communicate ideas and reinforce a message?
Why might this composition have been chosen? (Discuss in terms of how the visual elements interact and create visual devices that ‘draw attention’, ‘emphasise’, ‘balance’, ‘link’ and/or ‘direct the viewer through the artwork’ etc.)
What mediums, techniques (mark-making methods), styles and processes have been used? How do these communicate a message?
How do they affect the mood of the artwork and the communication of ideas?
Are these methods useful for your own project?
How does all of the above help you with your own artwork?Remember that these questions are a guide only and are intended to make you start to think critically about the art you are studying and creating.