Course Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION

ART1300C introduces students to the basic skills and elements of descriptive/representational drawing.  Students will become familiar with the basic vocabulary and conventions of objective drawing processes and media while emphasizing an enhanced perceptual awareness and eye/hand motor skills.  Drawing I (Beginning Drawing) requires substantial time towards the completion of class projects, both in and outside of scheduled class time.  Drawing I is a prerequisite for and prepares students with the foundation necessary to further their drawing studies in ART1301C Drawing II (Life Drawing) and aids in preparing students to apply for entry to upper-division programs through the development of a body of portfolio-quality drawings.  Students are advised that, while not a prerequisite, this course is of benefit before enrolling in other studio courses with drawing components such as painting and printmaking.

 

PREREQUISITE

There is no prerequisite required or previous experience necessary to take this class.  It is strongly recommended that all art majors enroll in ART1300C Drawing I within their first year of studies. 

 

RATIONALE

ART1300C provides the opportunity to explore one of the oldest artistic mediums while supporting the college’s mission to provide the highest quality of post-secondary academic education leading to the Associate of Arts Degree.

 

ART1300C addresses the departmental goals of providing the means by which students, faculty, staff, and the community at large can increase their awareness of visual art and of drawing specifically as a major component in the international and national world of art.

 

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

ART1300C provides students with elective credit leading to an A.A. Degree and imparts visual arts students, specifically, with a component of the visual arts core curriculum, required for transfer to upper division visual arts studies.

 

BROAD COURSE OBJECTIVES

ART1300C serves as a component of the visual arts core curriculum and provides an opportunity to develop sufficiency with the materials and methods of drawing from direct observation while exploring the genres typical of first-semester foundation drawing.

ART1300C offers visual arts students the opportunity to expand their visual arts portfolio with body of portfolio-quality drawings necessary for transfer to upper-division programs.

 

TOPICAL COURSE OUTLINE WITH SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES*

*NOTE:  Topics may be presented in any order seen fit by individual instructors and additional topics may be included, but as the first part of a sequential course offering, the following must be covered in each section of ART1300C to prepare students successfully for ART1301C Drawing II/Life Drawing.

Upon successful completion of ART1300C, the student will be able to demonstrate a sufficient working knowledge of the following:

I.  Composition

A.  Genres (all from direct observation)

1. 1. 1. Still life
      2. Interior and/or Exterior (1 and/or 2pt. perspective)
      3. Landscape (weather permitting)

B.  Placement of subject

1. 1. 1. Balance
      2. Positive/negative shape relationships

II. Line

A. Spatial characteristics of line

1. 1. 1. Line type
      2. Line character
      3. Line weight

III. Value

1. 1. Value range/scales
   2. Spatial characteristics of edge quality and contrasts
   3. Value integrated with line
   4. Value independent of line

IV. Measurement Strategies

1. 1. Intuitive
   2. Mechanical

V. Techniques

1. 1. Contour
   2. Cross contour
   3. Gesture (subject appropriate, see “genres” above)
      1. Line gesture
      2. Mass gesture
   4. Additive techniques and/or combined with
   5. Subtractive techniques
   6. Developing/refining to completion

VI. Materials

1. 1. Papers vary, must include rag paper
   2. Dry media vary, must include charcoal
   3. Wet media vary, must include ink wash

VII. Portfolio

• A final portfolio must be submitted. Contents can vary according to instructor requirements, but must include:
  • A minimum of four (4) portfolio-quality, finished, rag (cotton) paper drawings of approximately 22”x30”. These drawings are essential to meeting the broad course objectives (see above) of ART1300C.

 

Class Structure and Requirements

This course is a combination of demonstrations and in-class exercises. Course materials, announcements, and communication are all available on Canvas. Please ensure that you are set up in Canvas to receive notifications and emails, as this is the primary tool used for all communication. 

The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All assignments and announcements will be posted in Canvas; however, you are responsible for getting notes or information that you have missed. Class time will be spent actively drawing with weekly demos of techniques and materials. You will not always have time to work on projects in class; they will be completed outside of class time, so plan accordingly. 

 

Participation and Attendance