Tuesday, April 27, 2010

English Department's New Book.

The English Department  is calling all SCC artists to submit drawings based on a number of words which may then be chosen to accompany the writings in the Depatment's next book. A reminder of the English Department's first published book, Going Places can be viewed HERE.  The drawings should be completed on A4 or A5 sheets of white paper. The drawings can be line drawings or tonal studies.  Please see Mr. Watts or Ms. Cullen for further details and a for a full list of the descriptive words.


Listed below are a selection of the words.

 Snowball/s                            
Tree
Mouth sreaming
Christmas Tree
Santa
Stars
Doll
Trumpet
Dog (Collie)
Hills
Hen/s

Summer Concert Poster Competition

All artists at SCC are being asked to consider entering what has become the Annual Music Concert Poster Competition.   Posted here is an example of a competition entry for the 2009 Concert. Entries must be handed into to Ms. Malone-Brady by May 7th and all entries must include the information listed below. The theme of the poster is entirely up to you.

* Summer Concert 2010
* St. Columba's College
* Sat. May 22nd
*8pm
All entries must be on A3 size paper.

The winning poster by Celeste Guinness (OC) for last year's 2009 concert is posted below.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Banksy

Banksy is perhaps the most famous current graffiti artist. While his real name is still the subject of much debate, Banksy is known throughout the world as a graffiti artist who specializes in satirical political and societal commentary. His art is a combination of stenciling, spray paint and fine brush painting. Known for infiltrating art museums and creating huge displays in prominent places in major cities, Banksy recently came out of anonymity long enough to collaborate with and put on a show in the Bristol Museum of Art. This art show was billed as "Banksy versus Bristol Museum" and has been exceedingly popular in Great Britain.

Here in the SCC Library we are lucky enough to have a copy of his book 'Wall and Piece'.


Included in this book amongst many other series of work is the Graffiti he has made on the Segregation Wall in Palestine. One of these colourful images of hope can be seen below.

The Art of Graffiti


Members of Form II have started a print project using Graffiti as a staring point. Below are some suggestions on how to get started forming your own Graffiti Style.

 Choose a Font
Most graffiti letters are bubble letters or wide letters because these are easier to see from a distance. They are often stylized to look like a font commonly found on the computer, so you can look at fonts for ideas. Ask yourself the following questions:
  • Do you want sharp lines or rounded lines?
  • Slanted or upright letters?
  • Do you like simple, clear cut letters or extra details that act as decorations to the letters?
Choose One Way to Alter the Style
Make the font style your own by changing one element of the style up. Can you slant the letters more? Make them taller or shorter or wider? Do you like to add decorative upturns or zig zags? Look for ways to alter the font so it is still readable but reflects your personal style.
Create Your Own Alphabet
Use markers, pencils and pens to practice developing your own alphabet on a small scale. Experiment until you've got your own flair down.
Make a Stencil of Each Letter
Using your new alphabet as a template, create life size stencils of each letter of the alphabet, exactly as you'd want it on the wall. Use posterboard and cut out each letter shape, leaving the inside of each letter open.
Spray Paint Using the Stencils
Use the stencils to create uniform letters. Spray paint each open stencil thoroughly. Beware of paint dripping behind the stencil!
Outline the Edges
Use a contrasting paint and fine paint brushes to paint clear, crisp outlines around your letters. Touch up any areas paint may have dripped.
Add Stylistic Touches
 Add stylistic decorations, symbols and images to your final product. Make your message your own!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

The Daily Grind by Daniel Shaw Smith (OC)

Many thanks to Mr Ronan Swift who has managed to acquire another painting for the college with some help from the tuck-shop funds. He has also written a short description about the painting 'The Daily Grind', and about the artist.


















Daniel Shaw Smith is from Co. Mayo. He left St. Columba's College in 1996 and studied printmaking in the NCAD where he also completed a Masters. He has painted in London, France and Seville. Much of his work is humorous and executed in a cartoon style. Lately he has been exploring facets of the human body through medical illustration. He also cites Bud McMullen's (former Sub-Warden and Biology teacher) biology diagrams as an inspiration. He is currently working on promoting DVD boxsets of the 'Hands' documentaries on Irish craft skills made by his father in the 1970's.
Ronan Swift


Friday, April 23, 2010

Dates confirmed for Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate Art Exams 2010


The dates for the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate Practical Art Exams have been confirmed.

The Junior Certificate Life-Drawing and Object Drawing Exam will take place on the  morning of Wednesday May 12th 

The Leaving Certificate Craft Exam will take place on Thursday, May 13th, all day.




The Leaving Certificate Still-Life and Life-Drawing Exams will take place on Friday, May 14th, all day.  

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Women in Art

An article discussing the value of YouTube as a forum for accessing the arts appears in today's culture section of the Irish Times. It comments that "with ten hours of new video uploaded to the site every single second and over 100 million videos watched every day, more and more information is being viewed, processed and recommended. The arts – in their myriad forms – have never been more immediately accessible". The full article can be viewed HERE.  They also quote a Top Ten of Arts Gems, one of which can be viewed below.

Women in Art

Monday, April 19, 2010

Special Merit awarded to Samuel Clarke in Form I

The Trinity Term begins today and the Art Department will be very busy in the coming weeks getting Junior Certificate projects completed, preparing the Leaving Certificate pupils for their practical exams, and the Junior Certificate pupils for their drawing exams.

The term kicks of on a very positive note and SCC Art are delighted to offer their congratulations to Samuel Clarke in Form I who was awarded a special merit in the Texaco Children's Art Competition. He entered a striking painting of a 'Wild Donegal Strand' which can be viewed below and on the official 'Texaco' website HERE. 

Bubbly Batik!


Antonia Esses in Form I received a distinction for this batik of a fish.


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Old Boots for Supper ?

Lydia Johnson in Form I received a distinction for her quirky painting of a 'Boot for Supper'!