Oct. 25 Class

Today we continued working on your self portraits as practice for the upcoming hero project.  You should draw yourself in a full face view, 3/4 view and a profile of a friend of yours.

Please also read P. 464 - 470, the section on Neoclassicism.

Oct. 24 Class

Today we continued our discussion of heroism by sharing who each of us chose as our heroes.  We found that the situation is not always clear cut.  For example, David painted heroic images of Napoleon, 

But some of you thought that Napolean was a tyrant who was responsible for many deaths and did not deserve to be seen as a hero.  What did David do to make these portraits seem more heroic?

We also discussed one contemporary example of a controversial hero: Lance Armstrong.  He won the Tour de France 7 times, which is one of the toughest cycling races in the world.  He also beat cancer and used his fame to raise millions of dollars for cancer research.  However, it recently came to light that he used steroids and essentially cheated to win all those titles.  He was stripped of those titles and banned from professional cycling.  Do you think he should still be seen as a hero?  Do you find his deeds heroic?

We also took some time to discuss more of the work of David.  We talked about Neoclassicism, a movement that was inspired by the art of the ancient Greeks and Romans.  This intrest in the ancients was brought about by the discovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Roman cities that were buried under a volcano's eruption.  Here are some examples of Neoclassical art, all by David.

In your hero portraits we will use such image of inspiration and try to incorporate Neoclassical ideas into our work.

We then began drawing some self portraits in our sketchbooks as practice.

Oct. 23 Class

Today we began our new unit by discussing what makes a hero?  What are the characteristics of a person that makes them a hero?

Here are some images of people who might be held up as heroes throughout history:

Jesus Christ was the main hero in much of religious art, including this piece by Michelangelo called the Pieta. 

During the French Revolution, political figures were held up as heroes such as Jean-Paul Marat.  This piece was painted by Jacques-Louis David to commemorate him. 

This is a depiction of a Chinese general named Guan Yu who was known for his loyalty and trustworthiness.   He fought in many wars and eventually died at the hand of his enemies.

In modern times we have many great political leaders who are seen as heroes.  Aung San Suu Kyi won an election in Burma, but the military refused to hand over power and held her under house arrest for over 15 years.  She continues to fight for freedom and democracy in her country today.

We discussed the idea in groups and here are some of your responses:

• A hero is someone who does something honourable.
• Someone who is selfless.
• Someone who does something admirable.
• Someone who is courageous.
• Someone who sacrifices themselves.

Some of you mentioned that heroes don't have to be famous and can make a difference to people's everyday lives on a smaller scale.  Some of you mentioned your mothers were your heroes.

We then went to the library to find images of heroes that we can use as sources to inform our work in the coming weeks.

Oct. 18 Class

Today was the absolute last day for working on the Pop-up paintings!  We will be doing the critique tomorrow so be prepared.  Don't forget your written statement to be handed in with your work.

Here is a copy of the rubric and marking scheme for artists statement.

• Rubric for Pop-up painting 
• Artist Statement for Pop-up painting

Oct. 15 Class

Today we discussed a bit about Dutch art in the 17th century.

Handout: Dutch Artists

We discussed genre paintings and artists such as Frans Hals, Judith Leyster, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Jan Vermeer.  Please refer to your text books and readings to complete the handout.  You will be well prepared for the quiz on Wednesday if you review this handout the two previous ones as well.

A reminder that the art room will be open after school today, tomorrow and Wednesday to allow you plenty of time to complete your pop-up paintings.  Critique this Friday!

Oct. 12 Class

Today we continued working on the pop-up paintings.

I announced a few important dates for next week.

Wednesday, Oct. 17

• Quiz on Art History
• Baroque in Italy - P. 418 - 428
• Dutch Artists - P. 429 - 436

Friday, Oct. 19

• Critique of Pop-up paintings.

Please complete the readings if you have not already done so and be prepared to take the pop-up paintings home or come in after school if you need the time to finish it.

Oct. 11 Class

Today we continued with the Pop-up paintings.  At this point everyone should have their paper stretched and cardboard backing ready.  There will be a few more class periods to continue painting and constructing your pieces.

I gave a worksheet that will help solidify your knowledge of the Baroque artists we have talked about so far.

Handout: Baroque in Italy worksheet

I also handed out your interm report cards and interview request slips.  Please consult with your parents and book an interview time with me if desired.

Homework: Read P. 429-436