Normans and Saxons...How Do We Know Who Won?

Anyone who is a student of history has heard of the Battle of Hastings. But if you are an art student, you may not know what I am talking about. But it is the art student who can truly appreciate something from that history that was left behind. We will be using it as our art model for this next project, it is called the Bayeux Tapestry. What is this you ask? Like all other posts on my blog, it is my personal opinion that it should be considered a great work of art to study during this time period. Like the Book of Kells, the Bayeux Tapestry, is just extraordinary!

In the Bayeux Museum, France

And here is why: everything use to create this amazing embroidery was handmade. Everything, the copper alloy needles used,  the flax grown and harvested, the linen woven into material, to the wool spun into thread, to the herbs harvested and then used to dye it, and the the wooden frames used to hold it as it was sewn. All of these things were made by hand. That fact alone is amazing in 1066 AD, but here is the part that will make you gasp in astonishment, yes, gasp I say!

This embroidery is 229 feet long and measures 19 in. wide.*Gasp!* It is made up of nine sections sewn together to make a long banner. The design is made up of a wide center band where the main story is told and then flanked by a boarder on either side with symbols, small pictures and decorative bars. There are also simple Latin references for the person who was a novice at reading Latin.

Close up of stitching

 There are 4 different stitches used throughout the tapestry and all the woolen colors have been dyed using only 3 natural plant dyes! However, there are 10 colors throughout the tapestry! Click on this link to learn more about this amazing fiber art piece.(Pierre Bouet and Francois Neveux , Internationa experst on the Bayerux tapestry,http://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/)

 Here is what it might have looked like as it was being made

This beautiful handmade tapestry tells the epic tale of a great battle between William the Conqueror of France and  Harold the Unfortunate of England.

Here is a History Clip to watch:

Here is a great website link on the Norman Conquest

Here is an animated version of the tapestry:

Here is a super fun interactive link where you can  make your own rendition of the Bayeux tapestry. Must print it off and bring it in for a bonus card! Just try it out and have fun. Mrs. W

**Important** Time to check your art box for your supplies and to make sure it is stocked with everything you need.  HERE is a master list for you to use. Please do this before next class time.For the next 3 weeks you will need your embroidery hoop, tapestry needle, and scissors.   

All photos are from Google and used for educational purposes

Christmas Break Art Challenge

So who will be up for the challenge? 

This art challenge is worth 2 relic cards!   So if you are behind then you may want to consider this option for earning them and catching up.Use what you have at home. It is also super fun and a great way to do some art while on break.  I will bring in what I do to show you too. 

For this art challenge you can choose:

• What medium or materials you will use. Use one, use many, use things that aren't in your art box!
• Choose your subject: Holiday Family Tradition OR Winter Wonderland this can be your interpretation of these topics-use your imagination!

Here is the challenge: you must include all the following in your artwork.

• Your substrate or what you make your artwork on, can be anything flat, measuring 81/2 x 11. Cardboard from a cereal box is great or other type of cardboard or sturdy card stock or even plain paper is fine too. 
• Calligraphy can be borders or words
• Metallic Gold or Silver-can be material, ribbon or trim, paint, glitter just a few ideas 
• Something from a magazine
• Paint

These will be due week 1 and week 2 we are back from break, to get your bonus cards. I am excited to see your imaginations and creativity at work.

 Have a wonderful holiday with your families and friends 

Big hot cocoa hugs to you, Mrs. Wombacher

Attention All Art Classes

Mrs. Wombacher with Vertigo

Hi Art Students, 
I am coming to you from my easy chair at home- crazy right!?? Well, I have had better days and I am sorry that I was unable to be with you all for our art lessons. But with technology I can come to you virtually, isn't that great!!! So pay attention because you all have something to do this week, to keep us all on track. This way, we won't miss a single thing! Hoooooray!

GeoArt and Maps: 

Okay kids get a globe or map and find the continent of Europe, now find Great Britain or the United Kingdom or England. Now look at the country south of Britain across the English Channel. Do you see it? 
Now printout this document and build it with your mom or dad. All you need are scissors and glue or tape. Do you know what this building is called? Can you be ready to tell me 2 facts about this country?  I am sure you will know which one it is. Also practice our country chant and motions in front of your mom too. You can bring your project week #6 so we can put a flag on top!

 HIS Medieval Art Class:

• Download the worksheets from the HIS website on decorative elements. These are labeled boarder worksheets 1-4 under Art materials.
• Look over and follow step-by- step, adding the next thing as you go. 
• Please only use period colors-no bright pinks or neon orange etc. Stick to deep muted colors.
• You may use colored pencils, crayons, or your watercolor crayons.
•  Please decorate the title pages (the page the sticky tab is on or the page before your project, in your book of hours) for each section we have learned Roman and Uncial(Celtic) using the decorative boarder elements you have practiced from the worksheets.
• You may use any combination of elements learned from the lesson worksheets. 
• My hope is that you complete a border on one page and maybe corners or corner boxes connected a with decorative border on the second title page.
•  When writing the title for the 2 sections we have learned, please use that hand or style of calligraphy lettering.  
• Use your calligraphy pen, mark your guidelines with pencil. Get out your stroke instructions if you need a reminder!
• Make sure to leave spaces and portions of elements uncolored so that we can illuminate them on the last week before break with gold paint!
• If you are unsure how to do it in your book then do it on another piece of paper and we can cut it out and paste it in week #6. 
• Come to class ready with a boarder to illuminate with gold.  We may even have a special guest hhhmmmm! So be prepared!

Immanuel Art Class:

We will be doing the same thing as above during class time, but Mrs. Essman may be there teaching you instead of me, if I am not better by then.  She will have all the worksheets for you.

Any questions I am an email away! Thanks for your patients I hope to be better soon! 
Mrs. Wombacher

Uncial Hand Of Calligraphy

Have you ever heard of the Book of Kells? This is one of the oldest examples of a biblical manuscript in tact today.  It contains the four Gospels. It is written in Latin and was written by medieval monks around the 8th century. Some scholars say that it was most likely written in scriptorium of a monastery on the Isles of Iona, off the northwest coast of Scotland. It was moved to the village of Kells, in Ireland after a Viking raid to keep it safe around 680AD.  Later in the 11th c. it was stolen, where the cover was torn off and the remainder of the book was discarded in a ditch. Sadly, the cover has never been recovered. It is believed, that it was stolen for the gold, precious stones and gems that encrusted its cover.

St Colum Cille Monastery- founded 561 AD, Isles of Iona, Scotland

It contains 680 vellum pages! Vellum was painstakingly made from calfskin. Then those pages were stacked into folios, 340 of them, and then sewn together to create this extraordinary book. What is even more remarkable is that all but two of the pages contain illuminated artwork and intricately painted Celtic knot work, some of which, is so refined it can only be seen with a magnifying glass!

Details of Celtic Knot work

 There were 10 different colors of ink used. The inks were natural dyes made from plants, roots, bark, minerals, shells and other things found in nature, some of which had to come from other continents. Many of the pages are illuminated with gold. There are pages that feature what is referred to as "carpet"
pages because of their graphic layout.

Carpet page

 The book also includes portrait pages and partially decorated pages as well.

Portrait page laid out like a carpet page

Partially decorated page

 This is such a fine example of the artistry and craftsmanship of medieval Europe.  It is an inspiring model for us to use as we study for our next project!

Details of above corner

If that alone isn't enough to make it awesome, then maybe this will interest you. It is also a great example of Uncial calligraphy, the second hand of calligraphy that we will be working on.

 Today the book of Kells is on display in the old library,located at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. It is visited by 500,00 people each year.

Please come to class prepared with your calligraphy pen in your art box.  This will be an instructional day with some practice time to it.

(abouteducation.com, "The Book of Kells" Melissa Snell-Medieval History Expert)

(tcd.ie/Library/bookofkells/book-of-kells/, Book of Kells)

photos taken from Google for the purpose of education

Bonus Cards Activities

Courtesy of the Graphic Fairy

Hi Art Student! As promised, I am posting a couple opportunities to earn bonus cards if you are short on relic cards. I am hoping to give you lots of opportunities to do this year. There are  so many extra fun activities to try and we never have enough time in class to do it all, bummer!  But as I have told you before, what you put into art class, is what you will get out of art class. These are both optional activities.

One thing that would be fun to do on break week is to make some ink like the Monks did in the Middle Ages. They used whole walnuts, berries and other things found in nature.  There are lots of YouTube videos and recipes on the Internet,  but here is a link to a simple version HERE  This link has some nice photos as well. Try it and see what happens!

Google image for educational purposes

So to earn your bonus card make some ink and practice your Roman hand. You will need to use a dip pen or you can make your own by finding a stick the diameter of a pencil and sharpening it with a knife. Make a chisel point! Please be careful and have a parent help you if you are unsure! Bring your practice sheet to class.

Another way would be to answer the questions from the last post on the Roman hand on the back of your practice sheet that you worked on at home during break week. You can do the walnut ink at any time this year but the questions and Roman hand practice must be brought to class the week we are back to earn your bonus cards.

Calligraphy- The Roman Hand

Inscription on Column of Trajan 

photo from Google images for educational purposes

 For translation go HERE

Hello Art Students! I am sorry for getting this out a bit late.

For this coming Co-op day we will be introduced to our first hand of calligraphy study, the Roman hand. I have uploaded our practice sheet to the co-op web page so if you need an extra copy for practicing, download and print another at home.

 I will instruct you some in class, as well as, give you time to practice.  Some practice will need to be done at home 20-30 min. throughout this week would be great.  I will be collecting your practice sheets from home next week and looking at your work. You will not be graded, but I would like to give you some feedback on your progress. We will use the best set to fix in our Book of Hours.

I also want you to also answer the following questions on the back of your practice sheet that you will be turning in to me next week. (This assignment will earn a bonus card so if you are short please do this assignment for make up)

1. Why did the Romans write this way? Look in your History of Writing document if you get stuck.

2. What can you tell about the Romans just by looking at the way they write?Explain.

Here is a link to a website that has further explanation. Look at the first photo, inscriptions and translations to give you more information to answer the questions above. Think in general terms. What can we learn about the Romans from what they wrote about and the way it looks? If you wish to know more about the Column of Trajan go to the website listed below.

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~trajan/?page_id=11

A Work of Art, The Medieval Manuscript and The Book of Hours

Illuminated lettering in Book of Hours- the colors are amazing in the artwork!

I don't know about you students, but I love books. In fact, I love books as much as I love art, seriously, I know I am crazy! I love the written word and its power to ignite or inflict. How do you use your words, spoken or written? Do you fill others with life with your words or death with your words?

During the Middle Ages, a book or manuscript, as it was called, was precious and rare! Why? Because not everyone could own one. The process to create a manuscript was painstakingly long and it passed several skilled and cleverly, creative, hands before it was finished. Please be able to tell me who these craftsmen were for class time. 

Some manuscripts were aesthetically valuable because they were often encrusted with precious and semi-precious stones and metals like gold and etched, silver. However, it also contained information that empowered the reader who owned it and could read it, This made it invaluable!

This first video is all about manuscripts as an art form.  

The next two are specifically on the Book of Hours and how they are made and used.

Here are some covers and inside pages illuminated with incredible artwork.As you look at these pictures of covers, letter art and illumination art be thinking through the design elements and page layouts that you like best.

Our assignment for this model is to create our own Book of Hours to house our calligraphy, calligraphy projects and our relic cards. How will you design your cover? Will it have a motif in the middle or something to occupy each corner? You can research on your own as well if you wish. You will be given some materials during class including: f aux leather, grommets, decorative paper and gems. I invite you to use your imagination and embellish it with things that you might have at home too.

One projects for our Book of Hours will be to create illuminated letter art. This might be used on your cover as a motif or to decorate an inside page. You get to decide, but be sure to include a space for  this in your preliminary design!

Embossed Gold and precious stones with leather binding

Tooled leather in a Celtic Knot pattern, look how small this book is about 5 in.

Leather, embossed silver, hand painted miniature medallions

 Detail photo front cover of the Lindau Gospels

the back cover of the Lindau Gospel etched and embossed gold precious stones and enameling

Marie de Medici of Italy, Book of Hours- Velvet with silver metal embroidery work 

All photos from Google images for educational purposes

Kahn Acadamy  a beginner's guide to medieval Europe for information and additional videos

Mosaic Making

 I wanted to post this video, sent by a friend, to augment our study of  our first model Iconic mosaics. The process is a bit surprising.  Be prepared to tell me something interesting that you observed as you watched the video this week.. This video shows the process from start to finish of making middle eastern mosaics. I hope you enjoy it.

Iconography...Icon-what-ery???

So the first thing you need to do is go over to your online dictionary and look up what Iconography is? Yes, I am serious go, right now!

Iconic art marks an important shift in the artwork of the early Christian church and it is well worth studying. As we move along our time line in history from the Ancients into the Middle Ages there is a struggle in the empire and the Roman Empire begins to fall. This opens the way for the Byzantine Empire to reign. We see the Muslim religion find its place in many buildings that were once ruled by the Roman Catholics and Christians. Along with this we see artistic ideas reshaped and many of the beautiful mosaics of Christ, the early church, and biblical depictions of people and stories are demolished.  This lasted for more than 100 years during the Byzantine Empire.This is called the Iconoclastic period.

"Both Muslims and Jews perceived Christian images (that existed from the earliest times of Christianity) as idols and in direct opposition to the Old Testament prohibition of visual representations. The first commandment states,You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image – any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters under the earth. You shall not adore them, nor serve them (Exodus 20:3-5)." (Text by Dr. Davor Džalto, Iconoclastic Controversies, www.khanacademy.org)

Watch this video on one of best examples from this time period of Iconic Mosaic work. It is found inside the San Vitale Catherdral in Ravenna, Italy. It is so amazing it just takes my breath away. We will be making a paper version of a Christus iconic mosaic, which dates back to between 546-556 AD

Also make sure you know what the following words mean: Iconography,  tesserae, mosaic, Byzantine,Rotunda 

The Christus as a young man

Justininan Emperor of the Byzantine Empire

His wife Theodora

Mosaic tile work in traditional patterning

First Things First!

Ephemera art from the Graphic Fairy 

In the past, I have assigned vocabulary words and they have been pretty hit and miss with students. So this year, I have decided to do vocabulary a bit differently.  I want students to know, know, know, the 7 elements of art and the 7 principles of design! To this end, your first assignment will be to complete my Vocabulary Palette! You will get this handout in class on the first day. I know this will be a fun and different way to utilize your vocab. words, I hope you enjoy this assignment. I will give you further instructions in class on the first week.

I have a glossary of art terms available for you on the co-op website or you can utilize an online source http://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/elements_art.pdf and http://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/principles_design.pdf or books from the library! You may use any of your medium in your art box. This assignment is due by week 2 and will earn you a bonus relic card. Oh yea! You must bring your finished vocabulary palette to class to earn your bonus card.

Medieval Art and Another School Year Begins

As summer comes to a close, it is time to start thinking about art class again.  I am looking forward to this year's Medieval Art Class. This is a rich and important time in art and architecture, I can hardly wait! In case you were wondering about all the wonderful things we will be doing here is some but not all of what we will cover this year.

Students will learn  the importance of art in Europe during the middle ages.  Students will learn stitching, dyeing and the about the Bayeux Tapestry, illuminate a calligraphy project, the four hands of calligraphy and make a book of hours, learn about the "father of modern painting" and the importance of art in the church and medieval architecture, study stain glass, symbolism, and their role in the church. Students will study portrait art, egg tempera, and perspective from the Master, Leonardo Da Vinci.   It will be an exciting class! Students will be responsible for at least 1/2 hr. of study outside of class each week by reading teacher’s blog( check!), thinking through posted questions  and watching posted videos to prepare for class time. 

It is a good idea to start getting your art box together with all your common tools gathered from home.  Here is a list of what you should have in your box on the first day. 

Common Items and tools to Gather From Home for 2014-2015

 I will not be ordering these materials for students but students need to have these at the beginning of the year. Please include in your student’s art box. Students, please label supplies with name/initials. These items do not need to be new and can be what you have at home already or from last years pencil box. All these items are required for each student.

• 1 - Storage box of some kind (plastic storage box, shoe box with lid, canvas bag with Ziploc baggies inside) just some container to hold all art tools and supplies. One that student can easily carry to class and keep materials organized.*
• 2 - Pencils (regular #2 are fine)
• 1 - Scissors (good ones that will cut a variety of materials)
• 1 - Set of colored pencils 12 colors   OR   1- Set of color crayons (12 ct. )
• 2 - Glue sticks
• 1 - Black fine tip sharpie
• 1-Reg. tip sharpie-yes you will need both
• 1 - Small plastic container- ie: Glade Food Savers small size, with lid, that fits in box.
• 1 - Painter’s smock or apron or big t-shirt
• 1 – Ruler
• 1 – 1 ½ in. Binder
• 12- clear plastic sheet protectors
•  5 Page dividers labeled: Terms, Medieval, Asian, Renaissance, Calligraphy
• Tapestry needle-has large eye for threading wool thread& blunter point
• Sm. 6 or 12 in. embroidery hoop

*I have all my artist tools and materials in a big tool box from the hardware store.

Materials fee covers specialty materials for class time projects, copies fee, and other misc. supplies used to teach class.  I order it all during the summer for the beginning of the year. Each student will receive their individual materials on the first day of class.

** Students should come to art class with supply box every Monday we will use a variety of supplies during each class time.  Teacher will not have supplies on student supply list.

***Students it is also your responsibility to keep your supplies replenished when needed. If possible keep your art supplies separate from everyday school supplies**

More on Rome!

The Roman Column of Trajan, was erected in Trajan's Forum, Rome. It is constructed of 22 layers of carved marble, each  approx. 1 yd. wide. This is a column commemorating Trajan's victory over Dacia in 101 BC. This would be modern day Romania. Remember all those details were carved into marble. Can you believe someone from ancient times actually made it? I marvel at it every time I look at it! There is such detail! At the base there is a crown of oak leaves, symbolic of victory, and then on the square base there are depictions of the spoils of  war, the weaponry and bodies from the courageous enemy.

Here is another fascinating video on how stone is carved using simple traditional hand tools. Watch it HERE As you watch, think about the Roman Column of Trajan and how tall and intricate it was. We will also talk about how Greek and Roman architecture are different this week in class. 

Friends....Romans....Countrymen! Let's learn about Roman Architecture

Our last subject of study for this year in art will be the beauty of  Roman architecture. Above is a chart from Wikipedia that shows the progression and development of the Roman column. There are three phases of development and as you can see it becomes more and more detailed and beautiful. Please watch the video

below to learn about these three phases or orders of architecture

  

Also please click on the link below in preparation for our last few weeks of art at co-op. As you visit this site there are two things I would like for you to do once there. First watch the short video on the Pantheon and second scroll down to the next picture. It is here that you can visit the Pantheon in real time because there are cameras set up in  and around the building. You are able to maneuver the camera and look up and around the building. Look for some artwork on the wall that is highlighted by the sun as it passes through the opening in the center of the dome. Isn't it beautiful? You can virtually visit this ancient place from your computer, isn't that so cool!

http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/roman-architecturethe-pantheon.html

 Here are some other wonderful pictures too!

images gathered from Google images 

Spring Break Challenge

Alright here is your Spring Break Challenge!  

This will earn you another museum art card and is a good way to catch up if you need another one too!

Your Challenge if you accept it, is to:

•  choose an ancient culture that we have studies so far 
•  choose an art technique we have done
•  choose an artifact from that culture as your model for your project. 
• choose the medium you use as well. 

WOW this opens up lots of possibilities, so use your imagination and get creative! You must bring in a picture of the model that you use so we can see the original work along side of yours! You have the month of April to accomplish this challenge. You must turn it in by the last week of April to get your card. I can't wait to see your work!

SO WHO IS UP FOR THE CHALLENGE???!!!!