Sketch
For this project, you will re-create one of your plein-air artworks as an abstract composition. Decide which composition you want to use and then decide how you will make it unrealistic. You can deconstruct it (like Cubism), distort it (using line and perspective), or exaggerate its colors. You can also do a mix of all three.
Read through all of the directions and rubric before beginning your artwork. Click on each section below to see the steps for completing this project:
Sketch your plan.
For every artwork that you make, you should create some sort of plan (except for plein-air works, which are fairly spontaneous). Have your chosen composition propped up and work on your abstract composition in your sketchbook. This is when you figure out which methods of abstraction to use, how abstract you want to go, what size you want your artwork to be, and which medium you want to use. Your final artwork can be in any medium you choose, and your artwork must be at least 9" x12."
Make your initial sketch.
When you have finished planning, begin making your initial sketch for your final artwork. Remember to draw lightly so that you can easily erase any mistakes. Use an HB-4H pencil to do this sketch. You don't need to include any shading or details in this sketch, but if you plan to use deconstruction or distortion, this is the time to do it.
Add your chosen medium.
Begin creating your artwork using your chosen medium. If you are working with soft pastels, make sure to spray your work when you need to so that it doesn't smudge. It is also a good idea to start with lighter colors and build up slowly to the darker ones to avoid making the work too dark and to create depth. Take a few breaks during this time to step away from your artwork and perform a self-critique. Is the work meeting your expectations? Do you need to change anything?
Add details and finish.
Finally, add any final details to your composition and finish it. This usually includes adding in shadows or outlines to help create or maintain your focal point. Again, step back from your piece and analyze it carefully to make sure it is meeting your expectations as well as the expectations for this assignment.
After you have finished your artwork, write an artist statement that answers the following questions:
- What is the main inspiration for your abstract landscape? (describe the landscape and send an image of the original plein-air artwork that you used)
- Which methods of abstraction did you use? Why did you choose them?
- What are the strengths of this artwork?
- What could be improved?
- What was your biggest struggle while creating this artwork?
After you have written your artist statement (using complete sentences in paragraph form), submit it along with an image of your artwork to your teacher.
Use the following rubric to determine if you are meeting the expectations of this assignment:
| Advanced | Proficient | Needs Work |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | ||
| The composition is original and is balanced and well-thought-out. Artist creates a complex and interesting composition that reflects their personal aesthetic and creates a mood and/or tells a story. Artist has abstracted the subject successfully using a combination of deconstruction, distortion, and exaggeration. The artwork manages to be abstract while still reflecting the original composition. |
The composition is original and is balanced and well-thought-out. Artist creates a simple composition that creates a mood or tells a story. Artist has abstracted the subject using one of the methods provided in the lesson. The abstracted piece reflects the original piece. |
The composition is either not original or is not balanced. Artist creates a simple composition, but the mood is not apparent. The artwork is either not abstracted, or it does not reflect the original piece. |
| Use of Chosen Medium | ||
| Artist uses medium in an advanced manner with realistic gradients and smooth blending (where necessary; smooth blending is not a consideration for some oil pastel works or markers). There are no erasure lines, and colors/values are layered to create depth. Artist uses a broad value range and includes very light lights (white) and very dark darks (almost black). Shadows correspond with the light source. The artist's choice of medium enhances their artwork. They chose the best medium based on their desired outcome. |
Artist uses medium proficiently with realistic gradients. There are very few erasure lines, and the gradients transition relatively smoothly, but some areas may need to be blended better. A few erasure lines are visible. The artwork has a range of values but may not have any areas of stark contrast. Shadows correspond with the light source. The artist chose the best medium for their artwork based on their desired outcomes. |
Artist does not use the medium proficiently. There are obvious erasure lines and little to no blending in the artwork. The artwork does not include a wide range of values, or the shadows do not correspond with the light source. The artist's choice of medium does not correspond well with their subject. |
| Use of Elements and Principles | ||
| Artist utilized the elements and principles with a high level of skill that adds visual interest and creativity to their artwork. | Artist utilized the elements and principles in a proficient manner. | Artist did not use the elements and principles correctly. |
| Creative Problem Solving | ||
| A high level of creative problem-solving skills is present in the artwork. The artist goes above and beyond the requirements of the assignment. | Very little creative problem-solving is present. All requirements are met, but the artist does not go above and beyond. | No creative problem-solving skills are present. |
| Completion | ||
| The artwork is completed with a high level of detail and value ranges. | The artwork is complete, but there are little detail and/or minimal value ranges present. | The artwork is incomplete or rushed. There is very little detail in the artwork. |
