Islamic art- Reflects the cultural values of the Islamic people, their view of the spiritual world, the universe, life, and the relationship of the parts to the whole. *Similiarly* Christian art- Reflects the religious values of Christian people through pictoral images, representations, and Biblical reference.

 Mecca is the spiritual and geographical center of Islam.

 A pattern should be created not only with the shapes you have decided to use, but also with the colors.  Relates to the idea of the infinite world.  Islamic artists like to create a sense of unending repetition- they believe everything that happens in life is interconnected, thus their art reflects their beliefs.  Most Islamic art includes calligraphy.

 1. Geometric Patterns – symbol of unity  2. Plantlike/ nature patterns  3. Calligraphy

 Usually reflect faith-based beliefs or plant/nature imagery  Usually have calligraphy

 The spread of Christianity was prevalent in Medieval Europe and that is why much of the artwork from Medieval times relates directly to religious themes.

 Is also mostly faith – based. Most of the population could not read, and relied on images for communication. Because of this need, European Christians began using art as a way to further communicate with people. Artwork in churches helped people to understand the mass.

 Sometimes whole stories were decorated, but many times just the beginning letter of a story would be “Illuminated.”

 The very word “manuscript” means “made by hand.”  Artwork began to enhance Medieval story-telling as it became a colorful and more permanent way to communicate.

 For this project, you will illuminate your initial.  You are creating a “Narrative” of yourself.  Include information relevant to you as a person. Use colors you choose…create patterns.

 Your illuminated manuscript must have a border. The border can be patterned, or hold imagery about your personality.  You must also include text in your artwork. This includes the letter itself, and any other letters or words describing you.

 This is a narrative artwork about YOU. Use imagery that reflects you: music, animals, sports, hobbies, etc.  Use imagery both in your letter itself and around it.  Emphasis: line, shape, texture, value, COLOR.

 1. Make a design on water color paper using 2H pencil. Include border, text, pattern, and imagery.  2. Show teacher for approval  3. Paint your image lightly with watercolors using the wet-into –dry method (wet paint on dry paper).  4. Use watercolor pencils to assist you for clarity.  5. Demonstrate ability to create value change with color by the amount of water or pressure you apply. Use watercolor pencils to draw textures over areas you have painted, or to add line quality.