AVI3M Visual Arts

Unit 1: The Artist as Creator and Presenter

As a child I drew like Raphael but it has taken me a lifetime to draw like a child.
-Pablo Picasso
In this unit, you will study key art history movements including Rococo, Neo-classicism,
Romanticism and Realism. You will explore the meaning of art, sketchbook development,
art and visual culture, visual arts disciplines, guided imagery, mixed media and review the
basics: the critical analysis process, constructive criticism, the artists statement, the title
and the elements and principles of design. You will also study The Mona Lisa, the human
form, the traditional ideals of beauty, human proportions and watch the film Wasteland.
For this project, you will complete the following:
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Project #1- Pencil Photo

Research the work of Belgian artist Ben Heine and his Pencil vs. Camera series from
2011. His work focuses on combining drawing and photography to create
illusions.
In your sketchbook, draw three different ideas/compositions for this mixed media
project and decide on how you will break up your chosen image. Be sure to consider
the following elements and principles of design: line form, unity and balance.
Decide on your final composition. Sketch and photograph your final work as an
8x10. Your hand should be visible in the final photograph. See the images
below for ideas and inspiration.
Complete an artist statement outlining and reflecting on the elements and principles
of design, your process, what inspired you for this project (artists, artworks), what was
most/least successful and what you would change or improve.

Ben Heine, Pencil vs. Camera series (2011)

Project #2- Haute Couture
o You will design a series of two original mixed media designs based on an art
movement/time period. You will choose one period to base all three of your designs
from. Choose from the following movements: cubism, art nouveau, expressionism,
futurism, surrealism, pop art or First Nations art.
o In your sketchbook, find three key works of art (including artist, title, date) from the
associated movement to use as inspiration. For the chosen movement, research the
different types of fashion associated with the period and respond to the sheet.
o Your finished designs will depict a chosen time period focusing on the elements and
principles of design and will be presented using mixed media such as fabric, beads,
etc. to create the garment and create texture. You will be supplied with
croquis templates to work from.

Complete an artist statement outlining and reflecting on the elements and

principles of design, your process, details from the chosen time period, what inspired
you for this project (designers, artists, artworks), what was most/least successful and
what you would change or improve.

Inspiration/time period: Surrealism

In addition, you will be completing several in-class assignments which will be updated on the
class website at www.blythavi34m.weebly.com
Your Unit 1 Test will take place on Friday February 13th
Final submissions checklist:
Project 1: Pencil Photo
Project 2: Haute Couture
Sketchbook (6 pages including inspiration, research, sketches, etc.)
Artists statements
Self-assessment
Your will submit all work and participate in a class critique on Tuesday February
17th