SVGS Summer Creativity & Technique Exercises:
Choose 5 exercises from the following list to complete IN THIS RESEARCH JOURNAL this summer. These exercises are
designed to help you refine your senior concentration portfolio theme. Approach these exercises like a visual journal
page: remember to develop background layers, include about a paragraph of writing, and play with layout! For each
exercise, fill an entire page of your research journal.
If the title of the prompt is blue, refer to your blue
concentration brainstorming packet:
1. Art History Inspired: Select one of the artworks you
wrote about being particularly meaningful to you from
Art History, and create a journal page that combines
elements from that artwork with your concentration
theme idea. For example: choose a pattern or design
from Greek pottery, adapt the design with designs from
your favorite clothing, and incorporate that design into
the background of your artwork.
2. The BIG List: Create a giant word web, starting with
your concentration idea in the middle. Include feelings,
concrete ideas, smells, tastes, sounds, memories, etc.
Not sure what you want to focus on? Look at your
concrete/abstract list in the blue packet and choose a
word you like the sound of.
3. The Words: Listen to one of the songs you listed as
a favorite, and use some or all of the lyrics in the
composition. As you work, record how this song could
inspire your series.
4. The Materials: Create a composition using ALL
THREE art materials you listed being comfortable using.
Even if it seems like they would work against one
another (for example, charcoal, watercolor & oil paint),
give it a try.
5. I hate it / I love it: What is your least favorite kind of
art? Write down what you hate about it, and brainstorm
what you could do to change it into something you
really like. Think about giving this type of art a
“makeover” in your favorite style, or adapt it to fit your
concentration idea.
6. Artist or Art Movement & My Toy: What is your - qualities of the material
favorite style or who is your favorite artist? Create a - when it was first used in art
composition in the style of your favorite artist, but - what you DON’T like about
substitute their subject matter with your favorite - a value scale from darkest intensity to pure paper
childhood toy. tone.
7. Concrete / Abstract: Pair up a concrete concept
with one of your abstract concepts, and create a
composition in your journal inspired by that wacky (or
totally matched?) combination. Possible extension: pair
- if it color media, a grid of tonal mixes:
several concrete concepts with one abstract concept or
visa versa. How might these relate to your theme?
8. Graphite Grid Self-Portrait Series:
RECOMMENDED FOR FACIAL FEATURES,
DEVELOPING SKILL WITH REALISM. Take at least two
self-portraits, one with a relaxed expression and one
11. 5 items, 5 ways:
with an extreme expression, like a scrunched nose,
RECOMMENDED FOR, PROPORTION, DEVELOPING
blowing bubbles, etc. Print each image in black &
SKILL WITH REALISM.
white, measure a grid on top, and draw both portraits in
Find a food item, a kitchen gadget, a tool, an item of
your journal. Focus on CONTRAST and texture.
clothing, and something found in your bathroom. Draw
each item from 5 different views. Focus on form, and
9. Gesture Drawings:
drawing each item as realistically as possible.
RECOMMENDED FOR HUMAN FIGURE,
PROPORTION, DEVELOPING SKILL WITH REALISM.
12. Safe place: Choose one of the places you wrote
*Draw from a live model, or use www.posemaniacs.com
about feeling comfortable and safe, and record that
or https//.line-of-action.com
place FROM LIFE. Choose an angle that will let you sit
Create a page of at least 10 overlapping gesture
for at least an hour, including all the details that make
drawings of the same pose, where your goal is to
that place comforting to you.
capture accurate proportions. Time yourself, spending
no longer than 5 minutes on each view. Create an
environment in the negative space!
10. Media Study: Create a composition using the art
material you think you’d like to use in your
concentration series. Include in your research, both
written and drawn/painted/collaged notes about: