Idea Journal

In our continuing study of art and the workings of artists, students are here to learn how to create art. Art not unlike many other fields of study often begin with research, critical thinking, experimenting, and exploration into the lands of new imagery, new ideas, new science, and personal purpose. Art is a visual form of communication and what you are trying to communicate is often the beginning of a piece of art.

If you were to look back in art history, you would find that the art journal/sketchbook often had many purposes. These journals had a wide array of substance. Some examles might be beginning studies, which could include compositional arrangements, value studies, rhythm and movement studies, and color studies, often of one subject. They could contain personal ideas, thoughts that might challenge what people already think, visions of the past, imaginings of the future, or personal conflicts. In reactions to the events that happen to you. It is a diary with pictures

This year you will begin if you have not already an idea journal to go along with your journal. Leave some room under each area or do it on the computer, so you can add to it at your leisure. Sometimes you can expand on an idea at a time later than the initial vision. You will be turning in the journal, once a week with your homework. My list will contain questions you may ask yourself, problems to solve, or concepts you could develop.

As you begin to work on your most well developed concepts please keep notes on problems you experience, successes, and questions you may still need to answers to. This will help us to work towards resolving difficulties.

Questions to prompt ideas

You can start your journal by either using one of these prompts or you can add to this list of questions to continue your exploration into possible visual concepts.

1. What are your greatest fears?

2. If you knew you would die at the end of the year, what wisdom would you want to tell the world?

3. If you could show the world a grand imaginary place, what would it look like?

4. From out of pain, trouble, and opposition, often comes great art. What is your most painful memory?

5. If you could stop something horrible from going on in the world, what would it be?

6. Contrast the positive with the negative you see in people.

7. If you could design a toy what would it do and what would it look like?

8. How could you illustrate your life in a road map?

9. If you were to make a meaningful piece about the most important person in your life. What would it look like? What information about that person would it describe?

10. Have you ever overcome a fear? How did you do it?

11. How would you express an emotion without representational imagery?

12. What would an illustration of a child's fairytale look like?

13. What political events could you joke about in a political cartoon?

14. Could you illustrate a joke without words? (Think about the Far Side)

15. What do you think of power?

16. Illuminate a page of your favorite poem or short story.

17. Illustrate a scene from an image from mythology.

18. Create a self-portrait that gives the viewer clues to your personality.

19 Design a movie poster with you as a character in an adventure you wish to have.

20. If you could ask any question and get an answer, what would you ask? Make up a potential answer.

21. Design a new line of clothing for the past, present and future.

Copyright ©2002 by Christine Colera.