DIGITAL ART I
Digital Art I
An entry level to the Adobe software suite, Digital Art I focuses on foundation techniques and art making in Adobe Photoshop. Students explore tools as well as methods to organize and develop personalized artistic ideas and work. Through an analytical process students learn how to interpret student and professional artwork. Students are provided the opportunity to create personalized artwork based on their own experiences and interests, using the tools and techniques covered during the course.
Overview
Using computers and a variety of other technology to create digital art, students are communicating the ideas of their imagination... visually.
Digital and visual literacy skills are developed through analyzing and creating a variety of art projects.
Choice: each project offers students' choice of how to communicate and employ their skills, ideas, and techniques exercised during Digital I.
Equipment: Our lab is equipped with state of the art Mac computers, Adobe Software and Wacom tablets.
Student work
Project 1
For Project 1 students will harness the power of basic Photoshop tools and techniques to embark on a creative journey. They will employ a wide array of features, including image adjustments, hue, balance, exposure, special effects (Fx), value, color fills, gradients, shapes, filters, selections, patterns, texture, symbolism, and stroke/outlines.
Creating Original and Cohesive Artwork: Through a series of guided exercises and hands-on projects, students will learn how to apply their knowledge of these tools to craft original and harmonious pieces of digital art. The lesson will focus on the importance of effectively using these tools to express artistic ideas.
Project Options:
Updated Family Crest: Students have the opportunity to modernize and personalize a traditional family crest using Photoshop techniques. This exercise encourages creativity while respecting familial heritage.
Album Cover Design: Students can imagine and design an album cover for a fictional or existing artist, applying their knowledge of symbolism, texture, and image adjustments to capture the essence of the music.
Fashion Line Concept: For those interested in fashion, this option allows students to conceptualize and showcase a collection using digital art. They can experiment with patterns, gradients, and shapes to bring their vision to life.
Student's Choice: Alternatively, students can propose their own project idea that aligns with the lesson objectives. This empowers them to explore their unique interests and creativity.
Project 2
Building upon the foundational tools and techniques introduced in Project 1, students will now have the opportunity to choose between three exciting prompts for their next creative endeavor:
Hybrid Animal: Imagine combining the attributes of two or more animals to create a brand new hybrid creature. Additionally, consider crafting the perfect environment for this unique being to thrive in.
Past and Present: What if the figures from ancient and historical paintings were a part of our modern world, imagine how might they adapt to our modern way of life.
Nature and Man Made: Envision extraordinary natural elements coexisting with our human-made environments.
Using Image adjustments (Hue, Balance, Exposure, Saturation)
Dodge and Burn for altering lighting
Scale manipulation to depict proximity and size relationships
Value, color fills, gradients, shapes, shadows, brightness, and light source adjustments
Selections, patterns, texture, and symbolism for added depth and detail
Layer modes and masks to control visual elements
Creating a sense of depth and space within the composition
Students develop a keen sense of visual storytelling and creative problem-solving as they bring their chosen prompt to life in their digital artwork.
Project 3
Students are presented with three intriguing prompts, each offering a unique avenue for artistic expression:
Haunted Scene:
Create spooky atmospheres, haunted houses, and all things eerie! Craft your own haunted scene, be it a Victorian mansion or even a personalized rendition of your home. Transform ordinary settings into chilling landscapes, complete with zombies and a spine-chilling ambiance.
Double Exposure Collage Portrait:
Venture into the inner workings of the human mind. Create an abstract portrait using a collage of images, offering a visual representation of a person's character, experiences, and identity. Consider how various components can symbolize different facets of life and personality, blending them seamlessly for a striking composition.
Anthropomorphic Animal:
Merge the animal kingdom with the world of vintage portraiture. Take your favorite animal or pet and skillfully integrate its portrait into a painting or photograph. This juxtaposition of nature and artifice offers a unique perspective on the timeless charm of vintage portraits.
Project 4
In Project 4, students will have the opportunity to further hone their skills with a choice of three engaging prompts:
Aboriginal Animal:
Inspired by the rich tradition of indigenous Australian dot and line painting, students will create intricate patterns on animals, drawing from the symbolism and storytelling aspects of this art form. Consider the significance of patterns for decoration, camouflage, and personal narratives.
Digital Scratchboard:
Using layered techniques, students will emulate the scratchboard effect, revealing colors beneath a black layer to create visually striking compositions. This technique offers a unique way to guide the viewer's gaze and add depth to the artwork.
Illustration Enhanced Image:
Students will incorporate hand-drawn illustrations into a photograph, enhancing the visual narrative and exploring various illustration styles. Consider factors like vibrant colors, mood, focal points, and composition to create a captivating and artistically enriched image.
Project 5
In this final project, students will demonstrate their mastery of a wide range of tools and techniques accumulated throughout the course. Drawing from the knowledge gained in the previous four projects, students will embark on a Digital Painting with content of their choice.
Integration of Skills and Techniques:
Students will bring together the diverse array of skills and techniques acquired from the previous projects, including image adjustments, color manipulation, layering, and various brushwork styles.
Conceptual Freedom:
With content of their own choosing, students will have the opportunity to delve into a subject matter that resonates with them personally, allowing for a deeply individual and expressive piece of digital art.
Composition and Aesthetics:
Applying the principles of composition, lighting, value, and texture learned in previous projects, students will craft a visually compelling and aesthetically balanced digital painting.
Through this final project, students will not only showcase their technical proficiency but also their creative vision, storytelling ability, and personal connection to their chosen subject matter. It serves as a culmination of their artistic journey, encapsulating the skills, knowledge, and artistic sensibilities developed throughout the course.
