ART 1848 : DRAWING & COMPOSITION
Spring 2008
Section 2 : T/TH 9:10am – 12:00pm, 211 Foster
Instructor: John Norris
E-mail: jharlannorris@gmail.com
Blog: norrisartclass.blogspot.com
COURSE OBJECTIVE: The goal of 1848 is to engage students in the act of drawing from a live figure model. Various techniques including gesture, contour, & modeling will be considered as will various materials. Students will also keep a sketchbook to explore anatomy and master studies relevant to the in-class drawing exercises.
REQUIREMENTS: Figure Drawing skills will be developed through technical exercises in class and homework assignments employing similar techniques. The homework/sketchbook will allow students an opportunity to use their acquired skills creatively and to build off of the techniques they have learned in class. It is important to remember that this is a STUDIO CLASS, and therefore requires that students be actively involved in drawing exercises and contribute during critiques. Thus, students must be present and punctual to receive full participation.
ATTENDANCE & CLASS PARTICIPATION: Unexcused absences will result in a drop in the student’s participation grades. Excused absences must be in the form of documentation from the source of the absence. Tardiness, leaving early, taking excessive breaks will also cause your grade to fall. In-class cooperation also affects your grade, and this means coming to class prepared, being actively engaged, and working throughout class on your assignment to come up with the best possible outcome. It is also imperative that students be respectful and discreet in regard to all figure models. NO CELL PHONE ACTIVITY WHATSOEVER DURING CLASS.
GRADING: Grading will be based on assignments (which will be submitted in portfolio form), your sketchbook, and class participation. The portfolios will make up 50% of your grade, and your sketchbook and class participation will each make up 25%.
A: 90 - 100% B: 80 - 90% C: 79 - 80% D: 60 - 69% F: 0 - 59%
Portfolio and sketchbook grades will be based on the following elements: 1) Indications that the student has understood the assignment and is employing its specific techniques. 2) a sense of quality showing that the students has invested a significant amount of time and focus into the assignment. 3) The overall success of the final image based on formal elements (composition, line quality, sense of light & volume, etc.) as well as creativity. TURNING IN ASSIGNMENTS LATE AUTOMATICALLY REDUCES YOUR GRADE. IF YOU ARE CONFUSED ABOUT GRADING, FEEL FREE TO ASK QUESTIONS.
COURSE OUTLINE: We will be investigating several concepts including line (contour/gesture/cross-contour), value, & anatomy all in regard to the human form. In doing so, we will follow a pattern through which students will gain understanding of concepts, learn to put them to practice, and ultimately combine them to create successful drawings:
1. We will discuss a new concept, occasionally do readings, and do several exercises based on this idea.
2. We will do a series of more extended drawings connected to the concept.
3. We will do a series of sketchbook drawings to investigate related or parallel concerns.
4. We will work on an extended drawing inside/outside class that may take up
to 2 weeks to complete.
5. We will critique the work and its relation to the concept as a class.
YOU WILL DO A CONSIDERABLE AMONT OF WORK OUTSIDE OF CLASS IN THE FORM OF BOTH SKETCHBOOK AND HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS. BE PREPARED TO COME INTO THE CLASS ROOM OUTSIDE OF CLASS AND TO WORK ON DRAWINGS AT HOME.
BLOG: Handouts will also occasionally be made available. However, students will usually receive additional info, image examples, assignment specifications, and portfolio details via the following blog:
NORRISARTCLASS.BLOGSPOT.COM
You will be expected to check this regularly as part of your class participation. Please be aware that the blog is SUPPLEMENTAL and that checking the blog regularly is in no way a substitute for the information given in class.
MATERIALS: Students will be required to purchase the following materials. Materials can be found at Co-op, Hobby Lobby, & the Union Bookstore:
-9x12 Sketchbook (preferably Strathmore 400 series)
-18x24 pad of Strathmore Drawing Paper (400 series)
-18x24 pad of Newsprint
-drawing board with clips: a 25 x 28 piece of masonite will work
-A LOT of vine (soft) charcoal
-sandpaper for charcoal sharpening
-compressed charcoal
-shammy cloth
-gray kneaded eraser and white Staedler/Factis-type eraser
-graphite pencils: 6H, 4H, 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B
-pencil sharpener
-Conte Crayon: Sanguine, Black (Noir), White (Blanc)
-small box to contain materials
WE WILL DISCUSS THE PURCHASE OF OTHER MATERIALS FOR INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS AS WE PROCEED.
