street art assignment

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The World of Street Art: Exploring the Global Urban Canvas and its Cultural Impact

Street art is a dynamic expression that bathes urban landscapes in vibrant colours and thought-provoking imagery. Around the world, these visual narratives function not only as a means of personal expression for the artists but also as a reflection of social and cultural currents within communities. From the historic alleyways of Europe to the bustling streets of South America, every piece of street art is a chapter in the larger story of human experience, capturing the pulse of various societies.

As a compelling medium transcending language, street art communicates with a broad audience, delivering messages ranging from political protests to heritage celebrations. This urban canvas is ever-changing, with new works appearing and older ones fading, echoing the fluid nature of city life itself. Artists utilise many techniques and styles to leave their mark, melding traditional methods with innovative practices. The result is a rich tapestry of aesthetic diversity that challenges viewers to engage with the art deeper, prompting reflection, dialogue, and, at times, action.

The Essence of Street Art

Street art has transformed the urban landscape into a vibrant tapestry of expression and dialogue . Once considered a form of vandalism, it has evolved into a legitimate and powerful art form, resonating deeply with culture and identity.

Graffiti, the early precursor to today’s multifaceted street art, etched its marks on city walls as an act of visibility, a claim to existence in a rapidly changing urban reality. These visual declarations ranged from personal taggings to elaborate pieces, setting the stage for an urban art revolution.

The essence of street art lies in its ability to converse with the public without the barriers of traditional art venues. It invites passersby to pause and reflect, engaging with themes of social commentary and giving a voice to the voiceless. This art is often temporary, weathering over time or being covered by new layers of paint, adding to its transient beauty and immediacy.

Amid the concrete jungles, these impromptu canvases reflect societal moods, often encapsulating local and global issues. From the silent whispers of a stencil to the loud clamour of a mural , street art speaks volumes about the times and places it inhabits, making it a potent force in shaping our shared urban identity.

It’s not just about aesthetics; street art has a role in beautifying and reclaiming spaces, turning bland facades into messages of hope, resistance, and humanity. Each piece serves as a cultural artefact, a snapshot of creativity as diverse as the communities it emanates from. Ours is a world where street art is a visual dialect for all to engage with.

Historical Evolution of Urban Art

We’re about to explore the fascinating progression of urban art from ancient times to the iconic artists that have defined its contemporary form.

Ancient Origins to Modern Movements

Urban art possesses a rich heritage that can be traced back to ancient civilisations. Chiselled etchings and painted walls were an integral way through which cultures such as Rome and Egypt immortalised their existence. Fast forward to the 20th Century, and urban environments became the canvases for graffiti and pop art. This era marked the transition from ancient expressions to modern movements, with the advent of graffiti intertwined with the rise of hip-hop culture.

During the 1970s, figures such as Taki 183 – a messenger from the streets of New York – became legendary for their tagging, prompting a wave of street art across urban spaces. Intersecting with music, fashion, and language, street art began to mirror the rhythm and voice of the disenfranchised, as well as the vibrancy of the ever-changing city.

The Rise of Iconic Street Artists

In the 1980s, artists like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat emerged, bringing street art from the subway stations and alleyways into the art galleries. Their rich historical perspective work expanded the framework of what was considered art.

Soon, historians and lovers of art history would witness the evolution of urban art as it grew to include stencil art, with Banksy becoming the enigmatic face of this realm. Along with Shepard Fairey’s iconic “OBey” campaign, stencil art became a global phenomenon, harnessing the essence of societal and political discourse.

Our immersion into urban art is one of discovery, tracing lines back centuries and spiralling towards an array of modern, influential voices. Each piece offers insight into the artist’s psyche and the cultural and historical consciousness of our urban landscapes.

Techniques and Styles

We explore the sophisticated array of techniques and styles that constitute the eclectic world of street art, focusing on how artists convey powerful messages through the urban canvas.

Graffiti and Tagging

Graffiti primarily incorporates stylised lettering and design, often featuring vibrant colour schemes that splash across cityscapes. It starts with the simple tag, an artist’s signature synonymous with their identity. Artists expand upon this with intricate, wild styles that intertwine characters with interlocking letters and shapes, pushing the boundaries of typography and visual flow.

Stencilling and Murals

In contrast, stencilling applies a cut-out design to produce a clear, replicable image or pattern. Due to their visibility and size, these usually deliver bolder political or social statements. Murals, meanwhile, transform large walls into stunning, story-laden masterpieces imbued with character and local narratives, often becoming celebrated landmarks within communities.

Installations and Urban Interventions

Street installations transcend traditional two-dimensionality, incorporating three-dimensional works and repurposing urban elements into thought-provoking pieces. Whether it’s yarn bombing or hijacking street signs, these installations create surprise and intrigue, inviting passersby to interact with their environment in new ways. Urban interventions go a step further, often reclaiming public spaces to challenge the status quo or societal norms.

Cultural and Social Impact

As we explore the vibrant world of street art, it’s essential to recognise its substantial role in conveying cultural and social narratives. Our observations of this dynamic art form provide insights into how street art is a powerful platform for social commentary and activism within urban landscapes.

Street Art as Social Commentary

We often witness street art that holds a mirror up to society, reflecting the ongoing social issues within our communities. These artistic expressions tackle social justice, economic disparity, and cultural identity, offering bold and unfiltered perspectives on our urban reality. For instance, street art has become a visual dialogue about social messages, illustrating struggles and triumphs that resonate with many. By occupying public spaces, these artworks become accessible to a wide audience, igniting conversations and challenging viewers to engage with pressing topics of our times.

Activism and Political Messages

Street artists’ brushstrokes and spray paints frequently address political messages, with murals and stencils becoming a canvas for rebellion against injustice. From advocating for equality to questioning governmental policies, street art has raised awareness and sparked change. We’ve seen how such art can promote pride and solidarity among community members, galvanising support for causes and moving people toward collective action. Furthermore, activism through street art fosters community engagement. It transforms urban spaces into hubs of cultural discourse, serving as artistic displays and as rallying points for civic participation.

Community and Identity

Street art has become a powerful medium for expressing community pride and cultural identity within urban landscapes. This visual communication allows local communities to publicly voice their uniqueness and shared values. Murals and graffiti often reflect the local customs and heritage, bridging the gap between generations and fostering a renewed sense of belonging.

• Understanding Through Art : By encountering these artworks daily, residents and visitors gain insights into what makes a neighbourhood distinctive.
• Visual Stories : Each piece serves as a narrative, telling stories of the area’s past and present and sometimes hopes for the future.

In many cases, the very act of creating street art is a communal effort involving residents and artists alike. This collaboration strengthens communal bonds and affirms the neighbourhood’s identity. Moreover, street art can transform an ordinary urban environment into an open-air gallery accessible to all, promoting inclusivity and a democratic use of space.

Street art in various localities can instil pride within a community as they witness and participate in beautifying their surroundings. It is not uncommon for street art to become a landmark within a neighbourhood, symbolising its culture and providing a canvas that continuously evolves with the community.

While some may see street art as mere decoration, transformative works reflect cultural identity through vivid imagery that resonates with the residents. We see a fusion of creativity that mirrors the dynamics of our cities – a harmonious urban symphony of visuals speaking to all who wander through the streets.

Geographical Spread and Local Flavours

Street art has transformed urban environments into galleries that showcase diverse cultural expressions. It fuses local traditions with global trends, creating a visual dialogue that spans continents.

Global Art Form

Street art is a dynamic art form that exists in nearly every major city around the globe. From the graffiti-tagged alleys of North America to the vibrant murals that grace the streets of South America, it reflects the pulse of urban life. In Europe, street art adds a contemporary layer to historic cities, while in Asia and Africa, it often intertwines traditional motifs with modern narratives. Brazilian twins Os Gêmeos are prime examples of how artists meld global influences with regional aesthetics, earning worldwide acclaim for their colourful and surrealistic style unique to Brazilian culture.

Cultural Icons and Regional Styles

Each urban canvas reveals insights into cultural icons and regional styles. In Europe, particularly in London, street artists channel the city’s rich history into their work, often commenting on contemporary societal issues. Moving across to Africa, local traditions are communicated through art, with many pieces focused on community life and social identity. Within Asia, the spread of street art reflects both the rapid modernisation of cities and the preservation of Asian philosophies. It’s a blend of the old and the new, a testament to these diverse cultures’ resilience and evolving identities.

Economic and Political Factors

In the intricate tapestry of urban environments, street art emerges as a medium where economic and political narratives collide, challenging notions of property and authority to offer a potent display of sentiment and activism.

Public Spaces and Ownership

We witness in public spaces an ongoing tussle over ownership . Street art, inherently public, typically occupies spaces that city entities or private individuals legally own. This space occupation fuels a debate on the rights of artists versus those of the owners. Street art adds economic value by promoting tourism and local businesses, as discussed in “Street art/art in the street – semiotics, politics, economy” , but simultaneously can incite legal confrontations over property rights.

Art, Vandalism, and City Officials

The delicate boundary between art and vandalism is often navigated by city officials, who must balance fostering creative expression and upholding the law. While street art can convey powerful messages and enhance the visual landscape, instances deemed vandalistic can attract penalties and spark political discourse. The intervention of authorities often illuminates the politics involved, especially when seeking to push boundaries within the urban canvas, which is further explained through such dynamics revealed in “Exploring the Political Messages in Street Art – Street Buddha” . This interaction underlines the complexity of managing urban aesthetics and free speech by those in governance.

Intersection with Other Art Forms

As we explore the rich tapestry of street art, we find it weaving its way into various aspects of our visual and cultural landscape, significantly influencing pop culture and fashion and transitioning from outdoor urban canvases to the esteemed galleries of the art world.

Influence on Pop Culture and Fashion

The vibrant language of street art has made a lasting impact on pop culture. This art form often carries bold political and social commentary that resonates with a wide audience, and its aesthetics have been absorbed into the designs and motifs of contemporary fashion. Fashion designers have reinterpreted iconic elements of graffiti and pop art to create clothing lines that embody the rebellious spirit of the streets, thereby solidifying street art’s position as a global art form.

Street art’s vivid visual vocabulary has been incorporated into the merchandising of music artists, often blurring the lines between commercial and counterculture. This fusion can be seen in album covers, music videos, and even on-stage performances, showcasing how other creative sectors have embraced street art and left its indelible mark on the broader canvas of pop culture.

From Street to Gallery

Street art’s journey from the alleys and subways to the polished floors of galleries is a testament to its evolution as a respected art form. Once viewed as vandalism, it is now celebrated for its audacious creativity and powerful expression. Galleries and exhibitions now diligently curate street art, bringing it to a wider audience and granting it a legitimacy that has fostered dialogue between the urban streets and the traditional art establishment.

As cultural observers witness breathtaking murals and stencils transition into framed pieces within a gallery, we appreciate the transformation of perception surrounding street artists. They are now recognised as contemporary masters, their works commanding significant attention and value in the art market. This transition not only highlights the fluidity of art but also showcases the undeniable prowess of street artists in mastering both the spontaneity of street walls and the curated environment of galleries.

Innovators and Pioneers

We recognise the streets as more than mere pathways; they serve as a canvas for some of the most influential artists of the urban art scene. The movement has nurtured legends whose works have transcended the confines of the conventional gallery and embedded themselves into the fabric of urban landscapes. At the forefront of this movement are names that have pioneered the art form and continue to inspire new generations.

Banksy, an enigmatic figure, expertly weaves social commentary and satire into his pieces, making them some of the most recognisable works worldwide. Another notable figure, Shepard Fairey, rose to fame with his “Obey Giant” campaign and solidified his place in street art history with the iconic “Hope” poster during Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.

Alternatively, Invader draws from popular 8-bit video games to tile cities with nostalgic mosaics. As for Blu, his large-scale murals often provide a stark commentary on political and environmental issues. Meanwhile, JR utilises his camera to turn residents into monumental artworks, challenging traditional perceptions of portraiture.

Highlighting the lineage of innovation, Jean-Michel Basquiat emerged from the gritty New York scene and, alongside Keith Haring, bridged the gap between street and high art with his visceral, primitive scrawls and energetic figures. Not to be overlooked, TAKI 183’s simple act of tagging his moniker across NYC ushered in a new graffiti era.

Our journey through the urban landscape reveals a rich tapestry of expression, where each pioneer’s contribution has carved an indelible mark upon the walls of our cities and the annals of art history. Their messages persist, compelling us to observe, reflect, and engage with the world around us.

Conservation and Preservation

The very essence of street art lies in its ability to communicate powerful messages through vivid murals that transform urban landscapes into a mosaic of expressions. However, the conservation and preservation of these works pose significant challenges. With the beautifying impact they have on otherwise drab cityscapes, it’s essential to maintain their colour and vibrancy.

• Environmental Concerns : The materials used in street art can fade over time due to environmental factors such as pollution and sunlight. Protective coatings and regular maintenance can help preserve the brilliance of these urban masterpieces.

• Iconic Landmarks : Many murals become landmarks in their own right, representing iconic figures or historical events that resonate with the local community. These artworks require rigorous methods that address the piece’s physical upkeep and original intent.

We recognise that each mural holds its narrative, contributing to the collective story of our urban canvas. Through concerted efforts in conservation, these landmarks can continue to enchant onlookers and offer commentary on our society.

Preservation efforts are not only a mechanism to protect; they also reflect a commitment to the cultural significance of street art. As these artistic displays face the threat of erosion over time, we are responsible for safeguarding them for future generations, ensuring that the messages they bear persist amidst the ever-changing face of our urban environments.

Influence of the Digital Era

The digital era has seamlessly blended with the texture of urban life , transforming street art’s outreach and methodology. The visual narratives of street artists now resonate beyond physical boundaries, capturing the essence of self-expression and social commentary.

Street Art and Social Media

Social media has magnified the impact street artists can have on urban culture. Once limited to the eyes of locals or passersby, a single mural can now journey across the globe in seconds. Platforms like Instagram have become galleries where street art gains momentum, with each post amplifying messages that often address the very nuances of urban life. The interplay between these visual spectacles and digital audiences fosters a novel online community that thrives on the ‘share and tag culture.’ This communal aspect also serves as a digital ledger, documenting the transient nature of street art, which is often at the mercy of the environment or city ordinances.

Digital Techniques and Online Communities

Adopting digital techniques, artists wield new tools to craft their creations. Software such as Photoshop and Illustrator nurture the translation of street art from concrete to digital canvas, forging avenues for innovation and intricate designs. Like other creatives, street artists join online communities that bolster collaboration and offer platforms for critique and appreciation. Here, artists can exchange ideas, methods, and projects that might be impossible in isolation. The digital age, therefore, is not merely a backdrop but an active catalyst that shapes how self-expression evolves and interacts with the sprawling canvas of the city.

In this section, we address some of the most pressing questions about the evolving landscape of urban street art, from its iconic masterpieces to the nuances of its legality.

What are the most iconic street art pieces, and where can they be found?

Iconic street art, such as Banksy’s ‘Girl With Balloon’ in London or ‘Hope’ by Shepard Fairey in the United States, can be seen worldwide. These pieces have left indelible marks on the cities where they reside, often sparking conversations about art and society.

How does street art contribute to political and social discourse?

Street art plays a significant role in voicing opinions on political and social issues, offering an unfiltered canvas for artists to address topics such as inequality, war, and environmental concerns, thus sparking public debate and potentially inspiring change.

In what ways has street art been commercialised in recent years?

The commercial sector has recently embraced street art, with artists collaborating with brands, creating product designs, or being represented by galleries, transforming the once-rebellious form into a recognised and marketable aspect of contemporary art.

What legal considerations exist for artists creating street art?

Legal issues can be complex; street artists must navigate copyright laws, potential charges of vandalism, and the need for property owners’ permissions, which also vary significantly from city to city and country to country.

How has the public perception of street art changed over time?

Public perception of street art has shifted considerably, with many now viewing it as a legitimate art form rather than an act of vandalism. This cultural shift has been reflected in the increased protection of street art and the inclusion of murals in urban development plans.

Which techniques and materials are commonly used by street artists?

Street artists commonly utilise spray paint, stencil, sticker art, and poster-making techniques. Some might also incorporate multimedia and unconventional materials, reflecting the innovative spirit and adaptability of the street art movement.

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Tools for writing program affiliated faculty, art history: creating a street art campaign.

This in-class writing assignment was submitted by Professor Chelsea Behle Fralick from the Department of Art, Art History + Architecture. She uses this assignment in her ARTH 384 course: History of Graffiti and Street Art. You can download a copy of the assignment here.

In this hands-on activity, students work in small groups to create a street art campaign centered around a social issue. As this activity requires students to collaborate with their peers and distribute their campaign to the general public, it engages many different modes of thinking––creative, strategic, and analytical.

The exercise demonstrates how using creative explorations alongside analytical ones can help promote active learning and allow students to connect with the course content in a deep and meaningful way.

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Brian Reverman teaches high school art at the International School of Beijing. He has written about and presented workshops on developing critical analysis skills in students for the IB Journal of Teaching Practice, and the ARARTE and EARCOS conferences. He is the creator of the IB Art History channel and maintains the Art Education website "Occasionally you can see the mountains clearly."

My goal is to create spaces for students to explore authentic artistic experience and grow into independent, curious, self-directed learners.

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-Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, K-12, State of California, 1990 - California State University, Los Angeles, CA - Multiple Subject Credential Program, 1990 - The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, Master of Fine Arts, 1982 - The University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, Bachelor of Fine Arts, cum laude, 1978

RECENT PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS - "Enhancing critical analysis in and through the art program" EARCOS, Manila 2016 - Creator and producer, ISB Art History Channel on YouTube - "Using form, theme and context to develop student analytical writing in the DP Visual Arts course," IB Journal of Teaching Practice, Vol. 1, Issue 1, 2012 - "Occasionally you can see the mountains clearly - thoughts on an art education practice for our times," art education website - "Tools for helping kids how to do effective critical analysis," Asia Region Art Educators conference, Chaing Mai, 2015 - "New Foundations, New Projects” Asia Region Art Educators conference, Hong Kong, 2013 - "Moving Students from Description to Analysis," Asia Region Art Educators conference, Taipei, EARCOS, Shanghai, 2012 - “Art at the Core, Preparing Students for the 21st Century,” Asia Region Art Educators conference, Singapore, 2010 - ASB Visual Arts – Preparing Students for the 21st Century website, 2005 - 11

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Get Inspired With These Creative Photography Assignments

Last year I wrote about what to do when you find yourself in a  photography rut (I’ve reposted the article so it appears near the top of the recent articles list, or you can click the link to read it).

One of the ideas is giving yourself creative photography assignments or briefs. Over the last year I’ve realized just how powerful this idea is as I’ve set myself assignments and briefs to follow.

I believe in this way of working so strongly that I wrote a new assignments ebook, 100 Creative Photography Assignments , with the aim to give you enough ideas and inspiration to give you at least a year’s worth of shooting.

The book is structured into twenty broad themes, with five assignments for each theme. 

Today I’d like to share some of my favorite assignments from the book with you. The theme is listed in brackets after the assignment.

These assignments will boost your creativity. Some of them are easy. None of them are complicated. Most of them are challenging. All of them are designed to help you see the creative potential in everyday subjects.

To give you a taste of what’s in the book here are some of my favorite assignments. Whether you buy the book or not, I hope you’ll find these ideas useful.

Assignment 19: Hands (Frames)

Use somebody’s hands as a frame for something they are holding. It helps if the object is smaller than your model’s hand. Stuck for ideas? Ask somebody to cup their hands and fill them with strawberries. It’s verging on cliche but fun to play with.

I made the photo below on a walk with my son. He picked up the yellow berries and held them out for me to make a photo. His hand frames the berries, and the dark background frames his hand. It’s another variation on the frame within a frame idea.

Assignment 28: Botanical gardens (Flowers)

Botanical gardens are ideal for finding flowers that don’t normally grow in your local area. Big tropical flowers in particular make great subjects. 

The advantage of botanical gardens is that they often have large greenhouses full of interesting plants and flowers you can photograph all year. 

You can move in close to make great close-up photos of unusual flowers. You can also step back and make photos of flowers in their environment. Add interest by including the glass of the greenhouse walls.

Assignment 33: Street art (Buildings)

Street art is a fascinating subject because, in urban environments, there’s so much of it. It’s a theme you can return to as you travel, photographing street art in different parts of the world.

For me, there is a clear difference between graffiti, which is mindless vandalism, and street art like in the photo on this page, which is made by skillful artists. The first is depressing (which could be an interesting theme in itself and is also connected to Assignment 39: Urban decay ). The second is uplifting and celebrates creativity and freedom of expression. 

But of course, you may have a different opinion and you can interpret the brief any way you like.

Assignment 36: In the area (Your local neighborhood)

The hardest thing about photographing your own neighborhood is familiarity. The longer you’ve been living there the more likely it is that you’ve stopped noticing how interesting it might be to somebody seeing it with fresh eyes.

This assignment is your opportunity to put that right and make a series of photos that show the local architecture in your neighborhood. Whether it’s suburban housing, rural life or urban living, there’s something interesting to photograph. 

If it helps, imagine you’re a visitor from another country seeing your neighborhood for the first time. What would they find interesting about it? What makes it different? If your neighborhood is boring, how can you capture that boredom?

Assignment 39: Urban decay (Your local neighborhood)

Some buildings can look good for centuries if they’re well looked after. But others soon fall into decay, especially if they’re not maintained. Look for the beauty in decayed or run-down buildings. 

You expect older buildings to be in a state of disrepair, especially if you live in a country that has plenty of ruins. But more modern urban decay can be just as interesting. Why do modern buildings fall into disrepair? What stories do they tell about their neighborhoods, towns and cities?

Another approach to this idea is to photograph urban decay in other countries, and then compare the results with what you get in your local area.

Assignment 58: Small towns and cities (Urban skyline)

This assignment is similar to the previous one except that this time your brief is to make a photo of the skyline in a smaller town or city. 

The focus is on ordinary buildings. Residential areas are often an interesting subject. As you wander around you’ll see a big difference in architectural styles as you move from one neighborhood to another. 

These are smaller, more intimate urban skylines. It’s another assignment with great potential to turn into a series.

Assignment 65: Shadow as a frame (Light and shadow)

Your brief for this assignment is to photograph a scene with a brightly lit subject framed by shadow. Architecture is a great subject as you can use standard features like arches and doorways. 

As long as you have something interesting lit by the sun to juxtapose against a shady foreground you’ll have enough contrast to get this effect. You can play with the shadows in post-processing to see whether making them darker improves the composition.  

Another approach to this brief is to stand indoors and shoot out through the window. If the scene outside is lit by the sun there’s enough contrast to create a black frame around it.

Assignment 72: Abandoned furniture (Everyday objects)

The other day I walked past an old armchair abandoned in the street, and it reminded me of the photo on this page that I made in Newport, Rhode Island, some time ago. 

It also reminded me of a red couch I saw abandoned in a field in Mexico, some old chairs I saw outside a house in Alaska, and the time I saw a motorcycle gang sitting on an old sofa watching a carnival in New Zealand.

This is a good assignment to keep at the back of your mind. If you see a piece of abandoned furniture somewhere, make a photo of it, even if it’s with your smartphone. As time goes by you’ll build an interesting series of images. 

Assignment 80: Limited color palettes (Composition)

The final composition assignment tests your observational skills by asking you to make photos of scenes with a limited color palette. 

Often this type of scene is dominated by a single vibrant color, like the orange flowers in the photo on the right. Using a limited color palette simplifies the design of the photo by simplifying the colors used in the composition. 

If you’re outside making photos, then this brief is a good test of your composition skills. But you can also think about this assignment if you have more control over the scene. 

If you’re making a portrait of somebody, for example, what happens if you ask them to wear a blue jumper, blue jeans and stand in front of a blue wall? What difference does it make if they wear an orange jumper instead? Exploring the use of color like this can give interesting results.

Assignment 83: Cool colors (Mood)

A few years ago I spent a summer in northern Spain, where there are a lot of cloudy days. But the clouds gave the landscape another mood, fertile rather than arid, cool rather than hot, contemplative rather than vacation-like. 

Cloudy light has a higher color temperature than sunlight, which means it’s naturally blue. You can neutralize that by adjusting White Balance, or you can enhance it instead, adding to the mood and feel of the scene. That’s what I chose to do in the photo on the right. It’s also your brief for this assignment. Look for a scene that works well with cooler, blue colors (like a winter landscape or a cloudy seascape) and make a photo that captures the moodiness of the scene. 

Assignment 91: Road signs (Landscape)

Some photographers equate landscape photography with photographing the wilderness, but there are many parts of the world where the natural landscape coexists with man-made elements. In long-settled countries like Britain the entire landscape has been affected by man in one way or another. 

For this assignment your brief is to incorporate road signs into a landscape photo. How can you juxtapose man-made and natural elements of the landscape in an interesting way?

In the photo on this page, I was struck by the symmetry created by placing the road sign between the distant wind turbines, another man-made element of the landscape.

100 Creative Photography Assignments

These assignments come from my new ebook 100 Creative Photography Assignments

I’m proud of this one and wish I’d had it 20 years ago when I was starting out in photography.  Click here to learn more

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by JuliannaKunstler.com

Learn about proportions and the element of Space. Create a cityscape using two point perspective technique. Use your drawing ability to create a city of your own and incorporate the required objects in the design. Illustrate how a creative idea can be developed into a drawing.

Essential questions:

• How do you create 2-point perspective?
• ow do you apply perspective rules in artwork?

Two point perspective is used when none of the structure's sides is parallel to your picture plain. In other words - you are facing a corner of a building, not a side.

Design a city block using 2 point perspective.

Your drawing should include at least :

• Intersection of 2 streets with sidewalks
• Six buildings
• All buildings should have windows and doors
• Streets should include crosswalks, city lights and 3 signs

You will start with drawing a HORIZON LINE.

Then place two VANISHING POINTS.

Then draw the front corner of the closest building.

Remember, that in 2 point perspective:

• all vertical lines stay vertical
• all horizontal lines go to one of the vanishing points

All windows, doorways, and other architectural elements should follow the same rule. Look at the picture below: all lines are either vertical or go to one of the vanishing points.

Make it fun!

Find anything you save across the site in your account

The Best Food-Themed Graffiti and Street Art We Could Find

By Rachel Johnson

With infamous U.K. street artist Banksy causing a ruckus in New York , we've been gazing upon the walls and public spaces of our city (and others) with fascination—and discovering a ton of food-themed street art. Inspired, we combed the Internet for the examples we liked best, then asked some street-art experts for their opinions: the (anonymous) founders of the Street Museum of Art , a collective of artists who have decided the streets will serve as their museum; Roger Gastman of R. Rock Enterprises , a media agency representing many emerging street artists; Alex Emmart , owner of Mighty Takana Gallery , a street-art gallery in Brooklyn; and Hrag Vartanian , editor in chief of Hyperallergic.com , a well-known arts and culture website.

"Wynwood Wall," Miami. Artist: b.

"These childlike and illustrative characters are created through traditional painting techniques that b. brings to the streets. Commenting on a world driven by consumerism, his playful mural for Wynwood Walls is essentially a sea of material wants—filled with money and toys, junk food and sweets." —SMoA ( Credit: The Wynwood Walls )

"Lucky Harms," Burlington, VT. Artist: Caper

"Graffiti loves to co-opt the language of comic books and pop culture to make something new. Here the artist has taken an easily recognizable children's cereal and revealed a sinister side of the food industry, namely GMOs. This is classic culture jamming, where the artist takes something easily recognizable and tries to change your perception of the product by inserting a cultural critique." —Hrag Vartanian ( Credit: Courtesy of Don Shall )

"Nigiri Sushi," location unknown. Artist: unknown.

"Stickers are a popular way for street artists to convey their brand and message on the street. They can conveniently be made in their studio and slapped onto any wall surface in a matter of seconds (fast enough that the authorities can't catch them). This sushi is heavily influenced by a J-pop aesthetic that values 'kawaii' (cuteness). Why sushi? The answer is probably Why not? " —Hrag Vartanian ( Credit: Courtesy of Mark Wallace )

"Angry Hamburger," San Francisco. Artist: Steel

"This San Francisco–based graffiti writer knows his cheeseburgers. Steel's burger-faced characters appear in both the artist's gallery and street work. Through this reoccurring motif, his work becomes recognizable even when the artist does not include his signature Wild Style tag." —SMoA ( Credit: Sleazy McCheezy )

"Pie Hard," Bowery, New York City. Artist: Hanksy

“Hanksy gets a lot of hate from people because it’s total satire and totally tongue-in-cheek, but puns in street art are so clever and fun. It's nice to see an artist step away from what a ‘street artist’ is supposed to be. He is bringing humor to the streets.” —Alex Emmart ( Credit: Krause Gallery )

"Donut," Fabien Castanier Gallery, Los Angeles. Artist: Tilt

"Using the bright colors and bubble-style lettering of traditional graffiti, Tilt recreates images of American fast food—an interesting comment in the artist's gallery work on graffiti's transition from the subversive act of a vandal to an icon of popular culture.” —SMoA ( Credit: Tilt )

"Cheeseburger," Long Island City, NYC. Artist unknown.

"I have a huge collection of what I call pedestrian graffiti, which is art by maybe someone who never has painted before and just wanted to write something. You can tell from the lettering that they are not used to holding the can of spray paint. It’s just so raw and funny, and I think the more pedestrian graffiti the better." —Roger Gastman ( Credit: Courtesy of Young Yun )

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Street Photography Assignments: 75 Reasons to Hit the Streets and Learn Kindle Edition

• Print length 184 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publication date December 14, 2020
• File size 22110 KB
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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08QN9W16D
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 14, 2020
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 22110 KB
• Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 184 pages
• #274 in Photography Reference (Kindle Store)
• #811 in Photography Reference (Books)

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Valérie jardin.

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