1. AS-LEVEL FINE ART
SECTION 2
RUSS
MILLS

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES YOU WILL…
Learn about the ‘Biroglyphics’ style of work by Russ Mills.
Learn to analyse his work both in written and visual formats.
Learn to respond to his work in a similar manner through a mixed-media, layered piece of work.
Produce a transcription piece using the biroglyphics style and process and marrying this up with images of organic structures from the previous section.

3. biroglyphics PAIRED DISCUSSION
On the task sheet, write down notes from your paired discussion to following questions:
What is the subject matter of this piece? [content]
What could you say about the layout of this piece? [composition]
What process has Mills gone through when creating this kind of work? List the stages. [creation]
What is Mills potentially trying to express/convey in this particular piece (and other pieces like this)? [characteristics]

4. biroglyphics

5. Task
1) Stretch a piece of A3 paper, 2) Use a carefully selected number of brusho dyes (3 or 4) and apply these onto the dry paper – roller, brush, sponge, splash etc. 3) Mix 3 or 4 watered-down acrylic paint colours (think how these might interplay with the brusho layer)
4) Place your board in the splatter box once your brusho layer has dried.
5) Using large brushes and flicking AWAY from you, apply some splatters – think about the direction and composition of these.

6. Task
6) Now, select one your organic structure photos taken in the first section of work – choose an entire object rather than a section. 7) Print this off and get an A3 photocopy of it; then graphite the reverse of the photocopy.
8) Trace the outline of the object onto your background.
9) Paint this shape out in ordinary white acrylic to form a block silhouette.
10) Dry this with a hairdryer ready for the final drawing stage.

7. Task
11) Now, using the printed out photo of your organic structure you will use biro pen and cross-hatching to draw the intricate details. Ensure you achieve a high standard of tonal contrast by layering lots of biro lines.

8. Peer-assessment Blossfeldt transcription:
Swap your Biroglyphics inspired piece with another person in the group (someone you haven’t worked with yet).
Looking at their work,
write your details on top
of the sticker.
Now, write your feedback
for WWW (what works well)
and EBI (even better if)
Hand their work back with the sticker you have given feedback on.
STICK this feedback sticker in the back of your book.

9. Homework Mills/Biroglyphics influence page:
Having looked at some of the photos of Russ Mills and having responded to his work in your transcription, now produce an Influence Page in your sketchbook. Include the following:
Lots of example images of his work.
Information about the artist, though NOT biographical; get info about how he works, where he gets his influence/inspiration from etc.
A piece of detailed written analysis (use the 4C model to help) of just 1 piece (it could be one that we did together in class).
A small-scale copy of one of his pieces – choose a decent section to do.
Include your opinion on his work.

10. Homework
BRING IN A SELECTION OF DIFFERENT LEAVES FROM PLANTS, TREES WHICH WE WILL USE IN THE NEXT SECTION.
PRINTMAKING

11. Peer-assessment Mills written analysis:
First, get a photocopy of your analysis and put your name on the top.
Now, pass your photocopy to someone else in the room.
Person 1 – read the analysis and in green pen, highlight any mistakes in spelling, punctuation and grammar as well as underlining any areas which you feel don’t make sense.
Now pass the photocopy onto another person in the room.
Person 2 - read this analysis and do the same activity again but this time use a blue pen.
Now, return the sheet to it’s owner and have a read through. Any final mistakes you can see should be made in red pen.