Art 82 - Illustration (Writing Intensive)

Prof. MJ Mazzella Ben-Nun

Bliss Hall, Room 305
Office tel: (718) 289-5343
Email: mazben@optonline.net
Office hours:

Tue. 1 - 2; Wed. 12 - 2; Thu. 11 - 12.


 

A. Description:The course focuses on the visual interpretation of text, concentrating on the direct relationship between concept, technique and execution. Experimentation with various media is encouraged and problem-solving methods are taught. Assignments focus on aesthetic and practical problems with portfolio development a major goal. Various assignments range from interpretive self-portraits, magazine and book illustrations, CD covers and poetry interpretation.In WI courses, formal (graded) and informal (non-graded) writing assignments are used to help students master the course content while helping to develop their critical reading, thinking, and writing skills. WI instructors, trained in Writing Across The Curriculum techniques, use a writing-to-learn strategy. The 12-page requirement of this WI course is broken down in stages to make the writing process more manageable and meaningful. This WI course is capped at 22 students, allowing for more individual attention and feedback on writing assignments.

B. Required Materials:

  • 14”X17” Bristol pad
  • Jar/can of rubber cement
  • Rubber cement pick-up square
  • X-acto knife, and refill blades
  • An assortment of pencils, e.g. HB, 2B, 4B
  • Technical pencil
  • Razor-point Pilot pen (black)
  • T-square ruler 18” and up
  • Two sheets of 9” X 11” black scratchboard
  • Set of Acrylic paint (at least 8 colors)
  • Assorted acrylic brushes (at least 3 sizes)
  • Cutting board, larger than 9” X 12”
  • 18” X 24” inexpensive Portfolio
C. Writing Intensive Objectives:
  • To satisfy the BCC graduation requirement of completing two WI courses.
  • To prepare students for the CUNY CPE exam.
  • To help students develop and improve written communication skills.
  • To train students in proper research and citation methods.
  • To engage students in the course by writing about topics covered in class.

D. Formal Writing Assignment 1 – Society of Illustrators Reviews:

You will be required to visit two exhibits at the Society of Illustrators in NYC, located at 128 East 63rd Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues). For each of the exhibits you will write a two-page review. These essays will include your overall impression of the artworks, concentrating on three specific examples of your favorite works. Focus on the technique, medium, concept, and expressive content of each work. The two exhibitions are:

CUTTING EDGES: Cartoon Art Defining The World, 9.5.07 - 10.13.07

THE ORIGINAL ART: Children’s Book Illustrations, 10.17.07 - 11.23.07

For more info and hours visit their website: www.societyillustrators.org

  1. Planning your Paper: you should begin by taking notes when you visit the shows and later organizing them into the body of your essay. For additional help in writing the paper, from outlining to citing to proofreading, visit the following website:
    http://owl.english.purdue.edu
  2. Final Paper: Turn your notes into a complete and professional research paper, making sure you proofread and spell check your work!
    Due date for first exhibit: Oct. 17 ; Due date for second exhibit: Nov. 28

E. Formal Writing Assignment 2– Researching an Illustrator:

From the list provided below, choose an illustrator to research and write a three-page paper on your chosen person. Include a brief biographical review, an analysis of their work and style, and their overall contribution to the field of Illustration.

1. Marshall Arisman

12. J.C. Leyendecker

2. Alan E. Cober

13. Matt Mahurin

3. Sue Coe

14. Alphonse Mucha

4.  Leo & Diane Dillon

15. Kay Nielsen

5. Edmund Dulac

16. Mel Odom

6. James Montgomery Flagg

17. Maxfield Parrish

7. Vivienne Fleisher

18. Howard Pyle

8. John Held Jr.

19. Arthur Rackham

9. Al Hirschfeld

20. Jessie Willcox Smith

10. Brad Holland

21. Alberto Vargas

11. Gary Kelley

22. N.C. Wyeth

Choose your Topic: Google the artists from the list provided and choose one who’s work you find interesting.

Preliminary Reading: gather as many resources, articles, and books on your artist. Skim through them and look for the following points: is your artist known primarily for one artwork or many? Is the artist known for a breakthrough in illustration? What happened as a result of the artist‘s idea or work?

Freewrite: once you go over your research materials, write a paragraph or two on your topic.This will help you organize your thoughts, and articulate your research questions. What is it that you will discover in writing this paper?
Due date: Sept. 26

Planning your Paper: you should begin by taking notes as you research and later organizing them into the body of your essay. For additional help in writing the paper, from outlining to citing to proofreading, visit the following website:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu

First Draft: once you complete your three-page draft, wait a day and then read it through, aloud. Is the information organized well? Have you addressed your research problems? Are there any grammar or spelling errors? Revise your essay accordingly, then wait a day and repeat these steps until your essay is ready for submission. Feel free to contact our assigned writing fellow for help in providing feedback at this stage.
Due date: Oct. 31

Final Paper: once you receive your edited draft back, revise and correct it accordingly. You should now turn it into a complete and professional research paper, and layout the format including cover, photos, and fonts.
Due date: Dec. 5

F. Writing-to-Learn Activities:You will be required to hand in short writing assignments with each art project. These will help you clarify your ideas and articulate your process.F. Class Rules:Students are expected to have a professional, serious attitude. Lateness and absences will not be tolerated; you must show up on time and to all classes. Three or more absences will result in debarment from the class. Assignments must be handed in by the deadline given and be up to professional standards.

G. Grade Evaluation:

Punctuality and Attendance – 10%

Participation, Presentations, and Project Writings – 10%

Illustration Projects ­– 40%

Review Paper and Draft – 20%

Research Paper and Draft – 20%

H. Art Supply Stores:

Blick Art Materials, 1-5 Bond St., Manhattan - (212) 533-2444
Lee's Art Shop, 220 W 57th St, Manhattan - (212) 247-0110
Pearl, 308 Canal St. (Broadway/Church), Manhattan - (212) 431-7932
Sam Flax Inc., 12 W 20th St, Manhattan - (212) 620-3038

Utrecht, 111 4th Ave. (11/12 Streets), Manhattan - (212) 777-5353

Shipman's, 2336 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY - (718) 295-5444

Students may receive a 10% discount with school I.D.

 

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