How to Get Started on Anartwork for Each Week

How to get started on anartwork for each week…

Concept Development (aka Research)

What Is the Meaning of Conceptual Framework in Research?
Conceptual frameworks, according to educational researcher Smyth (2004), are structured from a set of broad ideas and theories that help a researcher (artist) to properly identify the problem they are looking at, frame their questions (ideas) and find suitable literature (artwork). Most academic research uses a conceptual framework at the outset because it helps the researcher to clarify his research question and aims.

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A conceptual framework enables the researcher/artist to find links between the existing literature/artwork and his own research goals/artmaking.
In other words, looking at other artwork and artists in action will help you develop better ideas for your current artwork.

Getting started…

Needs: sketchbook, pencils or markers, Pinterest account or other digital link saving resource

1. Read the prompt for the week and ask questions to get started in your research. Pull out key words or phrases and artists names to google. Look for media types such as linocuts
2. Read about the artist, look at their artwork, and understand why their artwork is what you see. What are their ideas behind the work? Why did they paint the painting of ______?
3. Jot down these ideas, notes, dates, names, etc. Print images that go along with it and make sure to attach them in the sketchbook with the notes.
4. Google and doodle ideas as they come to you. Make sure to print out images you like for reference and draw out thoughts as you go.
5. Read back through your notes to find important words or key words that strike you as visually apealing. Circle those words for use in step 6.
6. Create word webs or lists based on bright ideas that ring in your mind as you research. Come back to these ideas later or leave them alone.
7. Sometimes at this stage, you will have a great idea for a painting. Create a rough draft and move forward with the painting.
8. If you are still unsure of what to draw or paint, go back to your artist/artwork and look for other fine artists that work in this same media. Maybe find friends of the artist or look in their reference links for new name ideas.
9. Begin step 2 with the new artist/artwork/media. Go through a similar process to look at their ideas, concepts, and history or personal background.
10. Don’t forget to note information and doodle as you Google new links.
11. Save links or pin them in Pinterest so you can go back to them easily and reference the artwork again.
12. Just like in step 5, create a word web or a listing of ideas based around a single theme. Example: web out “Pop Star” including words that encompass all aspect of a pop star and not just the famous names we know. OR List out all the things you know about “pop stars” and anything related.
13. Go back through the research-notes, doodles, word webs, and lists to find visually appealing words. Circle them for visual possibilities in the painting/drawing/sculpture/photograph.
14. By this time you should have a good grasp on how to develop your artwork. If you do, move forward to begin creating. If you do not, please back up and research from step 2 or 9 again. The more you research sometimes the more you can grow confused. Be sure to reread your notes before you start again on a third idea. More ideas are better, but don’t let them confuse you either.

What is expected at the end of the research process AND BEFORE YOU BEING CREATING?

A sketchbook spread (2 pages) full of writings, drawings, doodles, ideas, word webs, and more. See below for an example.