Blogging

I have enjoyed blogging! I have never had a blog before and I think that it was a great thing to learn. Technology is such an important part in today's world,; blogging is a great way to stay in touch with a great number of people. I found blogging to be a very useful reflection/communication tool. I would recommend others to try this out. It was a great way to keep track of the information that I have learned throughout the semester. Blogging could be useful in the classroom with students, teachers, and parents interactively blogging. I will consider using this as a tool in my classroom depending on the age level. I think that creating a blog that parents could visit and read about the week's activities in the art classroom would be beneficial and make them aware the work that their child is creating.

Digital portfolio resource

http://amby.com/kimeldorf/portfolio/p_mk-10.html

I chose this website because it was about portfolio creation tips. The first time I created a portfolio was when I was applying to get into the Art Education program at Buffalo State. I was unaware of what to put in my portfolio and how to display it; this site would have come in handy and made my life easier. I am going to use this site and follow the steps to create my digital portfolio. I think that it is important to remember less is more; I agree with the author of this article that people are more likely to look closely at your ten works of art than skim over your 25 pieces. This site says that it will take about two weeks to create a good portfolio; I am going to listen to them and begin thinking about mine now. I usually wait till the last minute, however, this is going to take some time. I am excited for this project because I have always wanted a good portfolio to show people. I have never took the time to create one; so I am glad that this is an assignment. I would also recommend this site to other artists, teachers, and students. This site offers a lot of information you may not think of or may just need answers for.

Three questions

A. How did you decide which blogs to review?
I chose the person above me in the list as directed and I chose two people in the class that I knew and wanted to see their opinions.

B. Why did you select the individual postings to comment on?
I chose to commment on the self portraits. This was my favorite blog to do and I wanted to look at what images others chose.

C. How could you use a Blog in your classroom as a communication tool? If not, why not?
I think that bogging could be used in a classroom as a way for not only teachers to look at students opinions but also for students to look at other classmates work. Just as we do in this classroom, I think blogging is a great way to communicate.

Blog Comments!

1st.
http://398spring2010.blogspot.com/2010/03/blog-post.html?showComment=1271465606214_AIe9_BFnYZGx5WDEUaOCeOHEFaywuyjjXcDgnZJuN0mvrFK_LeMJv-_SdNKIwGN3QPKqwMmkWrpqBoG0b-eATMVXWqaSvHf9E7uqyBqF7zPQsS4NOZUoXsYi7VgS4h8OeT06XPlZMCI91pLepy8XobPgZXbI_HQU1bRXapCkqOY-Ca5SeOmTuD9xa98Ht1ZLhAmXpWVTyg62f4DEh-iOcqUjCjr_kKRWiQ#c8563831416395078188

2nd.
http://hallea53.blogspot.com/2010/03/self-portrait.html?showComment=1271466143328_AIe9_BGvUDbrRcWSRjULCyqIF8t1mBBHtRbcwiv3J04_LV2t3oPvMH80oeXeqXTfN0sTMfMiOIdBlT4fK61YeqbUBn-WPi5JsxnD8X5_03eYNi6IOO0s8lnYpfNOQVy_7SqNenP_sYSRjqW4nyCRl0e8ijgBhO8LoUP2ZC0JHJf-1SM7v2zE5Br-LWGlHj_h87cOalBUMsXZsQx6T0sNDlEiB5qNHohtUQ#c8684807488302189826

3rd.
http://babiea89.blogspot.com/2010/03/b9-self-portrait.html?showComment=1271466617464_AIe9_BGDb3MOLwBMXjjN39UT6nxcZCi7X1ydTNaEIQyBk3ezNFxfizhla7cIdyEmu4k_t4RQRUTNE9pIt2Q4oD1zBMTQyPWFCoNF8dV4UODTEebjdXwC2UL2o0SM9IIwfj3RxB76qS0HRV8oYO2F8FPYZNZd2pA_sWGt4ghVBBi6CO5dJAfvDIegYwW9t8jtJBwZcTb7R7Yfvm9N0McR3Ir1EusQCshavg#c7822780523533674122

Websites

http://www.adobe.com/education/k12/adsc/

http://www.adobe.com/education/instruction/adsc/

I really enjoyed this website. I found a lot of good resources. In my classroom, I would use the Digital School Collection teacher resources. I found several lesson plans under the Visual and performing arts section. One that I liked was Digital Dali: Surrealism in art today, In this lesson, "students turn everyday digital photographs into surrealist-style artwork using Photoshop Elements. This activity helps students enhance their creativity and better understand surrealistic techniques by working with lighting, color, and movement to transform their pictures". I would use these lessons in my classroom.

http://www.apple.com/education/

http://www.apple.com/education/teachers-professors/online-tutorials.html

I think this website would be useful for finding out how to do new stuff. This resource will help to "learn, teach, and create". I have never used a mac before this class so the videos such as Mac OS X Leopard Basics is helpful to "explore the many ways Mac OS X can make your teaching and your life easier". I would recommend these videos to other teachers. I would use this website to teach students and have them watch the relevant videos.

http://www.edutopia.org/

http://www.edutopia.org/teacher-development

I found the teacher development resource useful. I think that this is a great way to learn about teacher preparation, parent involvement, classroom management and many more ideas that need to be known. I would recommend this site to teachers that want to better themselves in the classroom. I would use this resource to learn how to improve my teaching skills.

Indesign videos

http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/video_workshop/

This week I watched Setting up a New Document, Using Layers, Using Control Panel, Customizing the Workspace, Working With Master Pages, Working With Objects, Working With Object Styles, Using the Text Wrap Panel. These videos are helpful especially when working in a new program. I feel that I need to watch the videos at least a couple times to fully understand the concepts. Some of the things that I learned that will help me are how to navigate a document using pages panel, I learned how control panel options work to adapt to the type of an object, such as an image text or table. I think that the thing that I will use the most is the information from the using the text wrap panel; I learned how to make text automatically flow around pictures or objects and how text works on the master page. I love working with text; that is why I think this video was most beneficial to me. I would recommend this site to teachers and also students working in In design.

Self-portrait inspiration: part 3

http://www.uncp.edu/home/acurtis/Courses/PhotojournMay05/TechNotes/PortraitsSelfPortraits.html

This online resource gives tips for creating a good self-portrait. This site gives a list of things to think about, things that you may know but often forget. I am going to use this site to check over my self-portrait, to see if I have thought about these things and to see areas I can improve. This site not only gives specific information for creating a self-portrait but also for a portrait of anyone or a portrait of someone else. I would recommend this site to teachers to show to their students.

Self-portrait inspiration: part 2

I chose these images because they stood out to me. The black and white typographical self portrait is amazing. This is a self portrait made of only text. I remember creating a self-portrait like this before; it takes a lot of time and patience. I was intrigued by the second image because of the different sides to it. It looks like the artist was trying to represent the different parts of her. And show the world that she is a complex individual made up of many layers. I decided to create my self portrait using the simplicity of black and white and red, and also have two half self-portraits make up a whole unified composition. Representing the fact that there are different sides to me.

Self-portrait inspiration: part 1

Part 1:
What is a self-portrait?
A self-portrait is an image of a person that represents who they are; it can be created out of any materials.

What are the distinctive things that make me "me"?
My appearance makes me “me”, there is no one else in the world that looks like me. I also think that my personality represents who I am; I am a very loving and caring person who loves to laugh and enjoy life.

How do I want people to see me?
I want people to get to know me and see me on the inside, rather than just judging my appearance on the outside.

How can I express my many different sides?
I can express my different sides through photographs showing different emotions, expressing the many sides of me!

How can I reinvent myself for various purposes or times in my life?
I can reinvent myself by taking the time to think about myself as a person and the strong parts of me.

How am I changing from day to day or year to year?
I am always changing every day, whether it be how I dress, how I feel or what I believe. I am very open to new things which change me into the person I am today.

Who do I want to become?
I want to become an inspiration for at least one person; I want to make a difference in someone’s life.

Photoshop videos

http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/video_workshop/

I am really excited to do a project in photoshop. I have learned a little bit about photoshop before in a class at my previous college, but it has been awhile. The videos were a good way to refresh on the tools and abilities in the program. I knew some of the stuff the videos were talking about however i did learn new things also. I felt that the last video I watched, Importing content into indesign. I am not that familiar with indesign, the other day was the first time I used it. So it was helpful seeing how the two programs can link. Terry White is my favorite presenter, he is easy to follow and clearly explains every step. I can't wait to see what the project is going to be, I know it has to do with pictures of us, but i don't know what we are going to do!

Indesign videos

http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/video_workshop/en

I have never used indesign before, I actually did not even know what the program was used for before watching these videos. I found these videos very helpful. I thought that Mordy Golding's managing pages was the easiest to follow and that I learned the most from him. I would have never knew you could insert new pages in your document, I found that so interesting. I love to work with text so I think that I am going to like working with indesign. Watching these videos and seeing the different things you can make in indesign makes me excited to see the next project!

Elements and Principles Slideshow

http://s808.photobucket.com/albums/zz4/hagerbj01/Elements%20and%20Principles%20of%20design/?action=view&current=ee54f1a4.pbw

I really enjoyed this assignment. This is a great way to be thinking about the elements and principles of design all around us and to express our own creative side. I think that this project would be a good way to teach about the elements and principles, I could see myself showing this slide show in the classroom. I have never used photobucket before, it was really easy to use and had step by step instructions all along. I would recommend this site to teachers and students.

Online resource for logo design

http://top7business.com/?id=1285

I am going to use this resource in creating my logo because it gives tips on creating a good logo. This website says that a good logo should: "catch the viewer's eye and hold the viewer's attention", "the look and feel of art, if a logo is not appealing to the eye it will defeat its purpose", must copy well, "create or evoke a positive image", "accurately represents the organization or business" and "Make sure your logo will be timeless". These are all important things to consider and do when creating a logo. A logo needs to follow these guidelines in order to be successful.

http://www.elogodesign.com/logo-design/entertainment

I also used this site to look at several successful logo's used in society today. They have business logos, food and beverage logos, entertainment logos, etc. It is good to look at other people's work to find inspiration and help in the brainstorming process.

Training videos

What I learned from the videos...

Video #1- Selecting and manipulating objects:
I learned about the selection tools; I learned that the regular dark selection tool selects a whole object and with the direct selection tool, you click on a specific point or drag and select multiple points.

Video #2- Using the line, eraser, and shape tools:
I learned that basic shape tools are a quick way to create a configuration of anchor points and that shape, line, and eraser tools are found in the details area. I did not know about the tear off tool where you can see all the different shapes to choose from in one box.

Video #3- Using the pen tool:
I learned that you select the pen toll and click around, starting to build anchor points and that you do not have to worry about getting it right the first time because you can use the white direct selection tool to modify shapes.

Video #4- Using the paintbrush tool:
I learned to click and drag the cursor to create lines. Double click on the paintbrush tool; fidelity- lowest creates more anchor points, and higher smooths shape with spaced out anchor points.

Video #5- Using the pencil tool:
I learned that the pencil tool is similar to the paintbrush tool, grab and draw with it. I learned that you can make lines, edit lines, select shape then select the pencil tool to edit the shape and rework over the edges. It is the fastest and most dependable way.

Video #6- Scaling, skewing and rotating:
I learned to select object, then scale tool, to change the size of the object. The shear tool is found under the scale tool.

Video #7- Creating point and area type:
I learned that there is point text object which is defined by a single anchor point, type keeps flowing on the same line until the return button is hit. I also learned that in area type object text is inside a frame; you can use the selection tool to re size the frame.

Video#8- Creating type on a path:
I learned to place text along a path, settings for text include: start and end points to determine where text falls on a path. Also, under type and then type on a path, the options include align to path and scaling.

I thought that the first video was the most helpful for me, I never understood the difference between the two arrows, I now understand they are the regular dark selection tool and the direct selection tool. I understand the differences between them and their main functions in illustrator.

I thought that it was helpful to listen to two different presenters. I liked the first one, he was very informative however, after a few videos I was having trouble paying attention. It was a nice change to hear from a different person. I felt that I learned more from the man that created the first six videos than the man that created the last two.

Online resource

http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/elem/elemlessons.html

I did not need help in writing my lesson plan for project #1. I have used the website above before in creating lesson plans. This site has hundreds of lesson plans for all grade levels. Each lesson plan includes a title, author, grade level appropriate for, alternate lessons, pictures, objectives, essential question, resources and materials, internet resources, motivation, activities/sequence, assesment rubric, student reflection, lesson summary, procedure and materials. This site is very detailed and is very helpful in creating lesson plans. They have so many ideas for different lessons. I would recommend this website to art teachers.

Online resource for powerpoint

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/help.mspx

I used this resource in creating my powerpoint by going to this site when I had questions about something. I am not at all familiar with mac computers and somewhat know powerpoint so it was very helpful to have somewhere to go and research and look up any questions I had. I put the link for changing how often files are saved because I never knew how to do this and have always wanted to. I have lost so much information in the past and if my projects would have saved every five minutes instead of fifteen or however long I would not have lost as much stuff. On the left hand side of the page there lists common topics one may have questions on, I felt that thesse links were very helpful. I clicked on most all of them. I would definately use this website in a classroom, it would answer many question students might have.

Albright Knox Art Gallery

Which artworks make an impact or impression on me? Why?

1. Jackson Pollock’s Convergence made a great impact on me. I am so intrigued by the painting style; this work is completely abstract with no recognizable objects. I want to create a piece like this; it looks like a good way to relieve some stress.

2. Robert Motherwell’s Elegy to the Spanish Republic made an impact on me. It is amazing to me how many paintings Motherwell has created in this style.

3. Mark Rothko’s Orange and Yellow made an impression on me. I think it is an awesome idea to experiment painting with different materials other than a brush; the colors caught my eye when walking by.

4. Jasper John’s Numbers in color had an impact on me. This piece caught my eye, I remember the first time I saw it, I thought they were letters. Then once stepping closer I noticed they were actually numbers. I would love to try to recreate a piece like this.

5. Jorge Pardo’s Untitled had an impression on me. It took me a while to figure it out, I was intrigued by all of the colors and shapes, and how nicely they work together.

Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?

1. I felt a connection with Joan Miro’s Carnival of Harlequin. The painting has so much going on in it, just like my life does. I am amazed by all the images in the piece. One could spend a great amount of time exploring this image.

2. I felt a connection with Giacomo Balla’s Dynamism of a dog on a leash. I love the way this painting looks, it looks as if the dog and the person are walking so fast that you can see the where they are, where they were, and where they are going to be.

3. I felt a connection with Leonardo Cremonini’s Boat on the Beach. When I look at this piece I feel as though I am looking into it, not just at it. I feel as if I am a part of the painting, the shapes are very intriguing.

4. I felt a connection with Henri Mattise’s La Musique. The interaction of the people in the scene, how they are jus hanging out, playing music and the vivid colors brought me to look closer. I felt like I could relate to this piece.

5. I felt a connection with Andy Warhol’s 100 cans. I am definitely a perfectionist and love unity. I love how all of the cans are the same and unifies this piece as a whole.

Which artworks would I like to know more about? Why?

1. I want to know more about Lucas Samara’s Mirrored Room. I think that it would be interesting to know how he came up with the idea for a mirrored room and how long it took to create this.

2. I want to know more about Thomas Lanigan-Shmidt’s Plastic detergent bottles bob in Venetian canals as green grass billows in tourist shops. This piece is a mixed media foil construction on wood. I would like to know more about the process and other works by the artist. Even the name is creative.

3. I would like to know more about Giorgio de Chirico’s the anguish of departure. I would like to know what the artist was thinking and if this was painted with a place in mind, at the place, or if it was completely imagined.

4. I want to know more about Amedeo Modigliani’s The servant girl. I want to know if this girl was real, I want to know if this was the way the girl would like to be portrayed.

5. I want to know more about Paul Gaugin’s Spirit of the dead watching. I want to know where his inspiration came from. I would also like to know more about burlap.

Why do I want to be an Art Educator?

I want to be an art educator because I have always enjoyed making art and working with children. I worked in an after school program in high school and during community college however, once I moved I felt like I was missing something. I then realized how much I enjoy working with children. I want to become an art teacher because I would be incorporating the two things that I love the most. I hope to become an elementary art teacher someday.