“The poet is never inspired, because he is the master of that which appears to others as inspiration.”

Raymond Queneau

TASTE/INSPIRATION

Taste is not an inherent quality, it needs to grow alongside other artistic skills like drawing, reading and seeing. One way of maintaining a fresh perspective is keeping track of the art you consume and revisit, most commonly by maintaining an inspiration folder.

Your sources can include anything: illustrations, paintings, photographs, books, quotes, poems, jokes, overheard phrases, noticed details, walks, memories, food, sounds, accidental arrangements, anything that moves, amuses, puzzles or interests you.

TOOLS/MATERIALS

Starting with the next class you’re expected to bring a sketchbook or scrap paper to each session, as well as basic drawing tools.

You may use any medium you like for the assignments in this class, however you’re encouraged to try out different tools and experiment. For the thumbnail sketches it’s best to use a pencil or a pen.

If you’re working digitally, you can bring a laptop and show your work on the monitor, however keep in mind that colors often get significantly distorted that way, and a sense of scale is much easier to judge on a printed page.

ASSIGNMENT 0: INSPIRATION FOLDER

Created a folder with your name in the student uploads section, and add a folder for your assignments and your inspiration folder.

Put at least 5 images into the inspiration folder. Write the name of each artist—additionally you may include links, descriptions, anything you feel like sharing.

Make an informal presentation of your folder—talk about the artists, what you find inspiring in their work, does it have any direct or indirect influence on your work, what is the secret behind their work's appeal.

Continue to populate the folder after the first session. You will have to make two more presentations—one midway through the semester (March 6th), and another at the end of the semester (April 24th and 26th).

For the midpoint presentation your folder should contain at least 25 pieces, for the final presentation—at least 50, preferably from a variety of artists.

Participation and presentation are mandatory and will affect your grade.