I started this blog for in-class art projects and lesson plans. Lately it's been all about field trips - and I've covered a few art gallery shows in between. I want to get back to posting about in-class activities and good starting points for projects.
The golden age of illustration would make a great theme for a studio project and a long-term art history section. This high-point of traditional commercial art featured work by english artists including: Aubrey Beardsley and Arthur Rackham and american artists including: Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth and Maxfield Parrish.
This post presents a personal favourite
Willy Pogany, originally from Hungary, who started his career in England and then moved to the US.
Willy Pogany illustrated many wonderful narrative books covering myths and legends, fairy tales and adventure stories. He works with pen and ink on smooth paper using short expressive line-work and an art nouveau design approach. His work features beautiful examples of hand-lettering.
A fun studio project: students choose a myth or legend from any culture to research and illustrate one scene from the story. A title or quote must be included in the design using hand-lettering. Students can also choose from folk stories, fairy tales and adventure books.
Students will complete a Creative Process Booklet to be submitted with the final work that will present the brainstorming, research, experimentation, rough work and reflection.
Lesson One: Intro to the Golden Age of Illustration
Lesson Two: pen and ink basics
Lesson Three: pen and ink techniques
Lesson Four: hand-lettering techniques
Lesson Five: The work of Willy Pogany
Lesson Six-Ten: Studio project: The Creative Process
Lesson Eleven: Final Submission - Class Presentation and Group Critique
