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1 ART125 Syllabus FA15

Intro to Drawing ART 125 Fall 2015

Course Number & Section: ART125 Section A Department: Visual Arts Course Title & Credit Hours: Intro to Drawing,

3 Credits Term & Year: Fall 2015 Instructor: Gina Adams, MFA Office Phone: 303/245-4605 E-Mail: [email protected] Office Hours: Wednesdays, 12:00-2:00 pm, by appointment Office Location: Nalanda Campus, Room 9110, Arapahoe & 63rd Class Dates: August 26 – December 9, 2014; no class Wednesday, November 25

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Class Time: Wednesdays, 2:00pm – 5:00pm Class Location: Visual Arts Studio, Room 9124, Nalanda Campus, Arapahoe & 63rd

Class Document and Image Location: All content for this course can be found on

Naropa's Eportfolio

~Methods of Instruction Standard class session will include a short sitting practice in the beginning, middle, and

end of class; review of weekly assignments; a 30-40 minute lecture/demonstration of

drawing methods, principle and technique for the week’s assignment and a presentation

of artists' images utilizing the principles of drawing.

~Course Description This studio class focuses on developing skillful use of drawing techniques, paired with an

investigation of mind and perception. Drawing is presented here as a method for

discovering the beauty and profundity of ordinary things. A graduated series of individual

and collaborative exercises is presented for both beginning and experienced drawers.

~Supplementary Course Description

The course introduces visual terms and language as well as critique methods used to

develop the artist’s vocabulary applied to creating, viewing, analyzing, discussing and

writing about visual art. Examples of the application of drawing principles in modern and

contemporary art will be presented to further understand and appreciate the contemporary

artist’s path of exploration. These approaches are combined with the use of

meditation/reflection to begin to more deeply understand how our thoughts, emotions and

sense perceptions contribute towards the creation of original art work.

Student Learning Outcomes

This course is a basic introduction to the creation of how to create a drawing. Upon

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successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

This class serves as both a review of and introduction to the tools and basic

methods of observational drawing, presented in a context of contemplative

practice

Develop a visualization process that encourages the exploration of drawing in its

multiple forms

Students will use ordinary materials and traditional drawing instructions as an

opportunity for both technical training and as a context for exposing

misconceptions and distractions about creativity

Through assignments, technical demonstrations and lectures on contemporary art,

you will acquire a basic yet comprehensive understanding of the communicative

power of drawing and its development through history

You will combine projects dealing with basic drawing techniques and others that

will focus on your own interests and self-exploration.

Engage in dialogue about art and the nature of creativity. During the semester the

following formal subjects and conceptual issues will be covered: tools and mark

making line • gesture • texture • value • volume • composition • perspective •

human figure • portraiture • process • drawing outdoors

Learn an Emphasis which is placed on process. “Process” can be defined as:

conceiving of a work, deciding its purpose, beginning it, developing it, changing

it, staying motivated in the face of problems, finishing the work, showing the

work and deciding its degree of success

Apply the principles and elements of drawing in assigned studies for analysis as

well as the creation of original work to experience both the structural and intuitive

mind in the process of making art.

Apply Meditation/Reflection as a natural support for the creative mind.

Identify the basic principles and elements of visual design and composition in

order to understand the structural underpinnings of visual art

Successful completion of the course will establish a foundation of good drawing

skills; enhance visual awareness, both empirically and historically; and strengthen

the connection between attention and ability.

Course Assignments Each week's class assignments, notes and links to videos will be posted on the My

Naropa page for this course. Most weeks will require online viewing of artists' videos.

Occasional written commentary of these will be assigned. Please be sure to take the time

to become familiar with the process for gaining access to the ART101 course page on My

Naropa.


Materials List:

The items with (*)need to be purchase as soon as possible.

*Spiral Notebook for master copy/lecture/reading notes

*Tool Box

*Heavy Wt. Drawing Paper Pad 18”x 24” *Portfolio for drawings portfolio (24”x18” drawing

fits in)

*2 Erasers (kneaded and rubber)

*Drawing Pencils 4b, 2b, Hb, 2h, 4h

Pencil sharpener

*Medium Tip Sharpie

*24” metal ruler with cork backing

*Paper Blending Stick

*Scissor

3 sheets Stonehenge Printmaking Paper 22" x 30"

* pack of baby wipes- these are really great for cleaning up

Small mirror

graphite and charcoal off the tables

From time to time you will be requested to bring in an extra item or material according to

the project or a special process. Stores in area: CU Book Store; Guiry’s- 2404 Pearl

Street; Meininger- 1135 Broadway St.; Michaels- 4800 Baseline Rd, Ste A-108,

Bring all required materials to each class session.

Requirements

Students are expected to be ready to draw when class begins. Slide lectures,

demonstrations, on-site visits, handouts, as well as critiques and discussions will

supplement studio activities. Students are encouraged to bring snacks for break-time as

class will include vigorous drawing sessions. All drawing homework assignments for the

semester are on Naropa's Eportfolio. Please use the the eportfolio template for the class

and customize the about Me section on yourself. Please feel free to be as creative as

possible with this section about yourself as it helps me to know you better as a student

and an Artist.

Homework: Hand-copied master drawings and readings Minimum time 1 hour per week Part of the drawing tradition is a hand-to-hand transmission of line and problem solving techniques from master to student. This is facilitated by hand-copying masterworks. Alongside this practice, students will engage with drawing practice, theory and criticism. Every Wednesday you will receive a master drawing and a short reading assignment on Naropa's Eportfolio. The entire master drawing copied


(not traced) line-for-line as best as you can, and a one-page (double or single spaced) response to the reading, which must include a brief summary of author’s overall “argument,” will be due at the beginning of Wednesday’s class the next week. Expect each drawing to take about an hour to complete. Please photograph drawing assignments with phone camera and upload to Eportfolio before each Wednesday drawing class. Drawing Projects

Required time 2 hours per week, for a total of 10 hours on each of the three

assignments.

Students must complete three major drawing projects: a symbolic self-portrait, a

landscape, and a dreamscape, each one containing at least 10 hours of drawing. The

artworks will each be worth 10% of your final grade. We will spend class time working

on these projects. For each project the student must also turn in multiple thumbnail

sketches/studies (at least six) demonstrating effort and process. The artworks will then be

viewed and critiqued in class the Wednesday they are due.

Drawing Journal

Learning to draw is like learning to play a musical instrument; it takes time. Students are

required to draw in their journals everyday (mostly small, quick thumbnail sketches) to

record content from their world [I like to suggest the “What was beautiful today?” short

sketch and description]. All master-drawing homework assignments and class notes must

also be included in your journal. The instructor will check the week’s drawings, along

with the homework master drawing every Wednesday.

Students are encouraged draw every day and to include in their journals: -Images from dreams, films, and books (feel free to paste anything into the book!)

-Poetry, your own and the poetry of others

-Quotes and passages from books you are reading that have personal meaning

-Drawing or sketching things that really interest you that are outside of ‘normal’ class

activity. If you are obsessed with doodling, and sketching random objects to reference for

future artwork. But your interests could include cartooning or graphic novels…. use the

journal to develop your passion!)

- include notes from art galleries and museum visits

*Keep a few pages in the very back for listing books, films, artists, and websites that

you hear of and may want to investigate at a later date.

Participation

Dialogue is an important basis for learning, and therefore students will be expected to

participate in the occasional critiques and discussions. Your questions and perspectives

benefit everyone, including your instructor; as artists we have a responsibility to share

what we are experiencing with each other and collect perspectives. Group critiques also

provide students an important opportunity to develop formal vocabulary as it relates to art

making.

Course Requirements and Grading Policy Your presence, clarity and active engagement are required in this class. Your grade will


be based on your attendance, your engagement with the course material including the

sitting sessions, quality creative solutions to assignments, attention to your craft and

technique in bringing these solutions to fruition, timely completion of assignments,

demonstration of your verbal understanding of the elements and principles of design in

class discussions and one-on-one discussions with the instructor. Every aspect and

component of this class is important. What is valued most in this class is exploration,

experimentation, innovation, discovery, planning and visioning, and moving beyond

expectations. Other important aspects to be considered:

Participation in group critiques and discussions which will occur throughout the

semester

Personal responsibility for the class as ‘container’ – timely arrival, focused

attention and presence, maintaining a contemplative work environment for each

other, beginning and ending mindfully.

Homework assignments are expected to involve six hours of work outside class

which includes studio art practices, reading, and writing.

As a rule, no late assignments will be accepted. The rare exception will require

direct and immediate communication to the instructor of the extenuating

circumstances.

If you are absent, your late assignment will be due the following class. You will

not receive any points for Engagement for that class.

Be considerate of others’ space - no food in the work areas; covered beverages

only; you must clean your work area thoroughly before ending your class session.

Grading Point System Engagement 50% of your grade is based on your engagement with the class as reflected through your

class attendance and participation in discussions. Consistent wakefulness, presence, and

mindfulness are qualities we will share in our approach to art making.

In order to maintain this presence and focus, there will be no cell phone use including

texting, no use of head phones. Only when your studio work requires it will laptops or

tablets be allowed. Please pay attention and do not engage in private conversations during

presentations and general discussion.

The Attendance Policy requires mandatory, full attendance for the entire regular class

period. One excused absence is allowed when you contact the instructor, as early as

possible but at least 30 minutes prior to the class, with a phone call or an email notice

that you are either ill or have an emergency. This one pre-arranged excused absence will

not affect your grade. In all cases, if you plan to be absent (excused or unexcused), please

contact the instructor prior to class via email or phone. Please do not ask others to convey

this information for you. It is your responsibility alone to contact the instructor. There are

no makeup classes. Each unexcused absence will lower the week’s grade by 50 points for

class Engagement.

Tardiness at the beginning of the class, leaving class early or taking extended breaks will


count as a tardy. Three tardies equals one absence. At the beginning of each class, once

attendance is taken, the door will be closed for the sitting session. You will be considered

tardy if you enter after the sitting session when the door is re-opened and entry is allowed.

The same will be true for the break period. Any of these tardy behaviors will also affect

your Engagement grade for the week.

Class work for all absences must be made up using class materials, readings and viewings

found on My Naropa. Completion of all assignments is required and will not be waived.

With reasonable cause (such as illness or family emergency) and with the instructor’s

approval, late assignments will be accepted only one week after the original due date.

Failure to turn in a late assignment within one week of the original due date is an

automatic failure for that assignment.

True engagement will be demonstrated through active verbal participation in class

discussions of the weekly assignments. These discussions will be held in an open and

supportive atmosphere. Students are strongly encouraged to verbalize their understanding

and application of the principles and elements of design in their own work and the work

of their fellow students.

At the conclusion of class, cleaning your work area is required and to be done mindfully,

with consideration of others.

Engagement Weekly Grading Criteria

Present and Fully Engaged and Prepared 50 points

Present and Attentive, Prepared, Minimal Participation 40

Present but Very Tardy/Distracted/Unprepared 30

Present but Disengaged/Disruptive/Unproductive 20

Excused Absence 25

Unexcused Absence 0

Tardy -5 points

Activity 50% of your class grade is based on the actual Activity of completing the assignments.

This includes completion by the due date, attention to the craft of your work (Yes, in

Design neatness counts!), a clear and accurate response to the challenge of the

assignment.

Activity Grading Scale

Final Activity Grade Weekly Grade Cumulative Grade

A+ 4.00 + extra credit 750 + points

A 4.00 50-47 points 750-691

A- 3.67 46-43 690-631

B+ 3.33 42-39 630-571

B 3.00 38-35 570-511

B- 2.67 34-31 510-451


C+ 2.33 30-27 450-391

C 2.00 26-23 390-331

C- 1.67 22-19 330-271

D+ 1.33 18-15 270-211

D 1.00 14-11 210-151

D- 0.67 10-7 150-121

F 0.33 7-0 120 or less

There are a possible 50 Activity points per class for assigned work with the following

exceptions:

Activity Grading Criteria 50-43 Exceptional in content, organization, style, and use of materials; illuminates the

topic through its depth of rendering and conceptual understanding 42-31 Above average both in development of the concept and in style; good command

of art materials and form 30-19 Does the job without an earnest exploration of the possibilities; mixture of

strengths and weaknesses of application and materials; basically follows

assignment without much effort 18-7 Does not include all the elements of the assignment or develop them

adequately; poorly organized; poor use of materials; approaches assignment

without regard for the particular aspects of the topic 7-0 Lack of clarity in resolution of assignment; does not manifest a basic

understanding of the assignment; fails to complete assignment

Total Combined Activity and Engagement Points Possible per class = 75

Total Activity Points Possible per semester = 750

Total Engagement Points Possible per semester = 750

Total Points Possible per semester = 1500 + extra credit

(Keep in mind your final grade can be lower than the point system tally above indicates if

you incur deductions due to absences/tardies /late assignments as stated in

the Engagement section above.)

Course Outline and Assignments Each session will accrue up to 50 points for your Activity, i.e., the Assignments, and 50

points related to your Engagement during the class. Weekly course documents detailing

Assignments and Lecture Notes as well as videos for viewing will be posted in the

ART125 page of your My Courses section on My Naropa.

Drawing Projects


1. Self-Portrait (due September 23) Activity=100 Points= 2 hours per week/10 hours

total

The first human self-portrait drawings, known as The Sorcerer of Chauvet and The

Sorcerer of Trois-Frères, are departure points. Your drawing (at least 18” x 24”,

preferably in graphite), will likewise be a hybrid human-animal, or may resemble a kind

of cyborg, centaur, totem, toy, or any composite of the various elements and dimensions

of who you currently are. Your own face must be included, and the other elements of the

drawing are entirely of your choosing so long as they authentically relate to your history,

experience, and sense of self.

2. Landscape (due October 28) Activity=100 Points= 2 hours per week/10 hours total

The ability to create the illusion of space on a flat sheet of paper is wizardry. You will

conjure up a large (at least 18” x 24”), detailed pen drawing of an interior space or

exterior landscape, focusing on the shifting tones and textures. The subject should be a

scene from around your home that you can visit many times, one that contains

significance and atmospheric perspective. Use pens or inks.

3. Dream Diptych (due December 2nd) Activity=100 Points= 2 hours per week/10

hours total

You will choose and study a powerful dream, particularly one that carries deep

significance, and then develop it into a drawing. If you remember many dreams you are

encouraged to develop a reoccurring theme, event, object, or character. If you do not

remember dreams, you may use an early childhood memory. The drawing must expand

across two 18” x 24” sheets of paper. Use charcoal. Specifics about all the assignments

will be provided as we proceed.

1. Aug 26 Activity points 50

Short Sitting Session to open, at the break, at closing. (weekly)

Student Introductions

Review Syllabus & Materials List

Overview of the Elements of Drawing

creativity activity, drawing journal, warm-ups, blind contour, exquisite corpse small

group drawings

Lecture/Demo – Lecture: “Scribble technique and Drawing Flow-states,” scribble,

searching lines, blind contour, heads study [Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain].

Do Daily Drawing Practice

Homework Assignment #1 Master Drawings: Ribera (Hands)

Reading Response: Introduction, Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain and the

Drawing Section Guideline pdf (both on eportfolio) Due September 2nd

Activity=25 Points

2. Sept 2 Activity points 50

Contemplation of what was learned and applied


Lecture/Demo – Texture


Lecture and Demonstration of texture, apply texture to still life in class and to symbolic

self portrait

Homework Assignment #2 Master Drawings: Guercino (Mars and Cupid)

Reading Response: Chapter 1, Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain and the Zen of

Seeing (both on eportfolio) Due September 9th

Activity=25 Points 3. Sept 9 Activity points 50



Lecture/Demo – Tone\value scales and value fields, eggs, draw outside

Homework Assignment #3 Master Drawings: Durer (five nudes)

Reading Response: Chapter 3, Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain (on eportfolio)

Due Sept 16th

Activity=25 Points

4. Sept 16 Activity points 50



Lecture/Demo – Tone

Still life and drapery: “blocking in method,” gradual focusing activity:

dark to light, erasing, work from still life

Homework Assignment #4 Master Drawings: Watteau (Woman Seated on the Ground)

Reading Response: Chapter 4, Drawing from the Right Side of Brain, (on eportfolio) due

Sept 23rd




Due: 1. Self-Portrait Drawing Project

Class Critique

Lecture/Demo - Perspective

basic exercises, brick, one and two point perspective, cardboard box, corner outside.

Lecture: “Developing Perspective,” window and visual field activity (Ernst Mach’s

drawing)

exterior space, draw outside

Homework Assignment #5 Master Drawings: Leonardo de Vinci (Nude on Horseback)

Reading Response: Chapter 5, Drawing from the Right Side of Brain, (on eportfolio) Due

Sept 30th





Lecture/Demo – Perspective

First Version of Landscape due, critique and work in class

Gradual focusing

Homework Assignment #6 Master Drawings: Wyeth (Egg Seller)

Reading Response: Chapter 7, Drawing from the Right Side of Brain (on eportfolio) Due

Oct 7th

Activity=25 Points 7. Oct 7 Activity points 50



Lecture/Demo – Abstraction

Lecture “Abstraction and the Universals,” deconstruction activity (five cows)

Homework Assignment #7 Master Drawings: Rembrandt (Abraham’s Sacrifice)

Reading Response: Wayne Thiebaud Interview and Painting Chapter 4: it’s really great

for defining space Due Oct 14th

Activity=25 Points

8. Oct 14 Activity points 50



Lecture/Demo – The Figure

Gestures, gestalt, building up inside-out

line only (meandering line and crossed-contours)

Homework Assignment #8 Master Drawings: Rodolphe Bresdin (Bank of a Pond)

Reading Response: Painting Chapter 5: really great for shape, plane and volume

Activity=25 Points 9. Oct 21 Activity points 50



Lecture/Demo – The Figure

tone only (bring chamois and erasers) , line and tone together

Homework Assignment #9 Master Drawings: Alberto Giacometti

Reading Response: The Picture plane Chapter 4

Activity=25 Points

10. Oct 28 Activity points 50



Due Landscape Drawing Project

Class Critique

Lecture/Demo – Narrative


Lecture: “Memory” draw your very first memory

Homework Assignment #10 Master Drawings: Michelangelo (Leda)

Reading Response: Shape plane and volume chapter 5

Activity=25 Points

11. Nov 4 Activity points 50



Lecture/Demo – Narrative

Lecture: “Drawing Posthistory”

Homework Assignment #11 Master Drawings: Ingres (Two Nudes)

Reading Response: Please read Julliette Aristides Form: The Third Dimension Chapter 1,

pages 1-15

Activity=25 Points




Lecture/Demo – Overview of Intro to Drawing

Combining basic elements (Line, Tone, Composition….) into 1 or two

assignments

Homework Assignment #12 Master Drawings: Anything from Julliete Aristides Form:

The Third Dimension

Reading Response: Julliette Aristides Form: The Third Dimension Chapter 2, pages 19-

29

Activity=25 Points


Contemplation on our work-in-progress


Studio Work Session - You are required to work and participate in the full session.

One-on-one discussion with instructor to review project process in detail.

Homework Assignment #12 Master Drawings: Wayne Thiebaud (Two Figures on Bed)

Reading Response: Julliette Aristides Form: The Third Dimension Chapter 3, pages 31-

50

Activity=25 Points

Nov 25 – Thanksgiving Holiday- No Classes

14. Dec 2 Activity points 50

Contemplation on our work-in-progress


Due Dream Diptych Drawing Project

Class Critique


Lecture/Demo – Representational Space: Develop Studies of Perspective Drawing,

Atmospheric perspective, Three point perspective and Overlapping perspectives

Homework Assignment #12 Master Drawings: Jacob De Gheyn II (Allegory of Death)

Reading Response: Julliette Aristides Form: The Third Dimension Chapter4, pages 53-

65

Activity=25 Points

15. Dec 9

Collaboration, last day of class, Visual Journal Check, Final Portfolio Turn-In Activity=100 Points

Final Project Celebration

Final Projects – Class Presentations & Discussion

Class Showing & Celebration

Final Contemplation – Good in the End •Extra Credit to make up for one late homework: Luca Cambiaso (group of figures)

Reading Response: Alex Grey Deeply Seeing

Extra Activity=25 Points

Special Needs Accommodations for Disabilities: Naropa University will provide accommodations

for qualified students with disabilities. To request an accommodation, or to discuss

any learning needs you may have, contact Jackie Chavarria, the Coordinator of

Disability Services. Her office is located in the Student Affairs Department in the

Administration Building on the Arapahoe Campus. You may contact her at 303-245-

4749 or email: [email protected]

Other Needs: If you have any other needs that may require accommodations (special

arrangements) or if you will miss a class because of a religious holiday, please

contact the instructor by the third week of class

Inclusivity & Gender Statements: The following two statements must be included on

your Syllabus.

Statement of Inclusivity

In keeping with Naropa’s mission, the instructor and class members in this course strive

to support an inclusive learning community, respecting those of all backgrounds and

beliefs. As Revised June 2015 2 a community, we aim to be respectful to all people

regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, ability, immigration or

economic status, gender or sexual orientation.

Gender Pronoun

This course affirms people of all gender expressions and gender identities. Please let your

Instructors know the appropriate gender pronoun to use for you. Also, if you would like

to be called a name other than what is on the class roster, please let your instructor know.

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your instructor.

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Online Sourcebook Statement:

The online sourcebook for this course is available in the ELearning class. Login to

MyNaropa > eLearning Tab > All My Courses, and click on the link leading to the class.

Weekly downloadable readings are located on the Online Sourcebook page. Links to

internet sources are located on the Web Resources page. It is expected that students will

check the eLearning class on weekly basis for new content. A Student eLearning Tutorial

is available at

MyNaropa > eLearning Tab.

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