Robin Feinman: Principles of Art and Design—a Reference Album

Workshop Description

Over the course of two days, we will construct an accordion fold album and create examples of seven Principles of Art and Design to be housed in the album. We will make a mini-composition to illustrate each of seven design principles using variety of media: watercolor, colored pencil, pen and ink, and collage. These compositions will become the inserts in the pages. Translucent vellum overlays will be provided to accompany each example, with definitions and vocabulary.

The Principles of Art and Design are a set of concepts that seek to describe composition in artwork. Every artwork can be discussed in terms of these principles. Because these concepts are abstract, having examples, both for personal use and as a teaching tool, help artists analyze their own work and achieve their artistic goals.

This class is geared toward art teachers, but can be useful and adaptable for studio artists and teachers in other disciplines. No prior experience is necessary, and the structure requires no sewing. Folding and cutting/gluing experience is welcome.

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Students

• Cutting mat
• Knife with extra blades
• Bonefolder
• Paintbrush
• PVA
• Weights (brick, etc.), if possible
• Any content desired (must fit within the structure size)

See Materials Glossary for definitions and images

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Instructor

• Cardstock for interior pages and concertina
• Double-sided tape
• Cover paper and endpapers
• Book board for front and back cover
• Materials to create content
• Mylar overlays
• Handouts

Instructor Biography

Robin Feinman is an artist and teacher in Fairbanks, Alaska. She has taught art at all levels from kindergarten to college for decades, and works in a wide variety of media. Her interest in book arts has grown from humble experimentation at home, to workshops with the Northwoods Book Arts Guild in Fairbanks, the Newport Book and Paper Arts Festival, and FOBA. She is an active member of the Northwoods Book Arts Guild, where she both participates and teaches in workshops and shows, and serves on the Advisory Council. This will be her first time teaching at FOBA.

Instagram: @robinfeiny