Drawing 1 Syllabus - Fall 2012

ART 1033 : DRAWING 1 FALL 2012 – 3 Credit Hours, CRN: 64310 Section 001 : T/R 2-4:50pm Instructor: John Norris, Assistant Professor of Art Office Hours: W: 9am-12pm or by appointment E-mail: jnorris@astate.edu Phone: 972-3050 ext. 3755 Blog: norrisartclass.blogspot.com COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is the beginning drawing course. Students work on developing observation and the discovery of form from both real and imagined sources. Various materials and techniques are used to develop the technical means of expression. Drawings are in the form of exercises using clothed life models, still life, landscape, and imagined sources. Basic concepts of professional art ideals and practices. It is expected that students will spend a minimum of three additional clock hours per week on work outside the scheduled class time for each studio class. Additionally, the Art Major Core must be completed prior to the BFA Review. Students enrolled in the BFA programs must pass the BFA Review prior to enrollment in 4000 ART courses. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Drawing skills will be developed through technical exercises in class and homework assignments employing these techniques. The homework will allow students an opportunity to use their acquired skills creatively and to build off of the techniques they have learned in class. This is a STUDIO CLASS, which requires that students be actively involved in drawing exercises and contribute during critiques. Thus, students must be present and punctual in order to fully participate. By the end of the course, students will be well versed in various aspects of observational drawing, including line, value, space, form, and sighting/measuring. ATTENDANCE & CLASS PARTICIPATION: More than 6 absences will result in a grade of F for the course. All late work will be counted off 10 points for each class period late (Example: if your work merits a 93 but is 2 class periods late, then your grade will be a 73). Participation counts as 25% of your grade and is based on the following considerations: 1. Being present, punctual, and prepared for class 2. Focus on and completion of exercises during class 3. Participation during critiques, discussions, and dialogues 4. Maintenance of the shared studio space, including cleaning up after work sessions, respecting shared tools and resources, and storing work and materials appropriately. After 2 absences, 10 points will be subtracted from your participation grade for each class missed. 20 points will automatically be deducted from your final participation grade if you miss the Final Critique. 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 - 89% C: 70 - 79% 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. AGAIN, 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/cross-contour), value, shape, space (1 & 2 point perspective), and composition (form, harmony, rhythm, etc.). 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 and do several exercises based on this idea. We may also do readings and/or have slide talks. 2. We will do a series of more extended drawings connected to the concept. 3. We will do a series of sketchbook drawings to further investigate. 4. We will work on an extended drawing inside/outside class that may take up to 2/3 weeks to complete. 5. We will critique the work and its relation to the concept as a class. CLASS STRUCTURE (subject to change): Contour Line – Geometric Objects – Sketchbook Blind Contour Line – Complex Objects – Sketchbook Space – Scale – Geometric Objects Space – 1 & 2 Pt. Perspective – Conceptual Exercises – Sketchbook Space – Perspective – Observational Exercises – Still Life Line Quality – Light and Varied Line Cross-Contour Line / Hatching – Observational Exercises – Sketchbook Value – Chiaroscuro – Geometric Objects Value Scale / Value Shape – Geometric Objects Value – Intermediate Still Life Value – Drapery Study Value – Skull / Biomorphic Objects Final – Complex Still Life YOU WILL BE WORKING OUTSIDE OF CLASS VERY MUCH. BE PREPARED TO COME INTO THE CLASS ROOM OUTSIDE OF CLASS AND TO WORK ON DRAWINGS AT HOME. BOOK / BLOG: We will NOT purchase a text for Drawing I. However, you will often be given information in the form of a class blog: NORRISARTCLASS.BLOGSPOT.COM You will be expected to check this regularly as part of your class participation. The blog will serve as a supplement; not as a substitute for being in class. It will provide images, examples, portfolio lists, etc. MATERIALS: Students will be required to purchase the following materials. Most materials can be found at the ASU Bookstore and the Wolf Bookstore. Some will be available at Hobby Lobby and various hardware stores. -9x12 Sketchbook (preferably Strathmore) -18x24 pad of Strathmore Drawing Paper (preferably 400 series) -18x24 pad of Newsprint -drawing board with clips: a 25 x 28 piece of masonite will work -vine or willow (soft is best) charcoal -sandpaper for charcoal sharpening -compressed charcoal -shammy cloth -gray kneaded eraser and white Factis-type eraser -graphite pencils: 2H, HB, 2B, 4B -pencil sharpener -small box to contain materials -spray fixative WE WILL DISCUSS THE PURCHASE OF OTHER MATERIALS FOR INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS AS WE PROCEED. BFA - STUDIO ART LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1. Students will have a fundamental understanding of the elements of design and a commitment to craft. 2. Students will possess skill and proficiency in using the materials, tools, and technologies pertinent to their focus area. 3. Students will be able to analyze artworks and express themselves critically in both written and oral forms. 4. Students will be able to place their studio practice within both contemporary and historical contexts. 5. Students will have an understanding of the processes and expectations consistent with a professional studio practice. 6. Students will produce a body of work that is conceptually and aesthetically consistent and exhibit it according to professional standards.