ARTS 111: Figure Drawing Fall 2011 Professor Erik Shearer Contact: eshearer@napavalley.edu Office: 259 8978 / Cell: (707) 337 3979 Course Information This course meets on Monday / Wednesday 12:30 3:20 in room 3718 Course Description This course focuses on drawing the human figure from observation using a wide variety of drawing media and techniques. Topics covered include basic human anatomy, an introduction to the historical and contemporary role of figure drawing in the visual arts, material and technical practices, and strategies for developing independent, intuitive approaches to drawing the human figure. Life drawing is open to all students regardless of previous experience with drawing. Critiques, discussions, and presentations on contemporary topics in figure drawing are integrated into course assignments and assessment. Student Learning Outcomes Students successfully completing this course should be able to: 1. Produce finished figure drawings in multiple media that accurately portray the human form and synthesize core observational drawing concepts and techniques. 2. Evaluate and critique student drawings and receive criticism from others. Course Objectives To demonstrate mastery of the course student learning outcomes, students will: 1. Create a portfolio of finished drawings in multiple media including charcoal, graphite, and ink that demonstrates the following: Application techniques and working properties of a variety of drawing media including vine charcoal, compressed charcoal, graphite, Conte Crayon, India ink and combinations of these materials. Development of descriptive volume, mass and structure utilizing both linear and tonal drawing techniques. Skeletal structures and proportions. Descriptive and expressive anatomical proportions. Portraiture and the anatomy of head and neck. Expressive content developed through manipulation of formal elements, posture and anatomical proportions. 2. Evaluate drawings orally and in writing using correct terminology related to concepts, materials and techniques. 3. Critique finished drawings and receive criticism from others. 4. Select and prepare appropriate papers, surfaces, and supports for a wide range of drawing media. Course Structure and Assignments This is a studio course. As such, the majority of class time is used for production and practice in the studio. In-class projects, homework, and readings are assigned on a weekly basis. Individual and group critiques are an essential part of this course and will be held on a regular basis. Students are required to keep a journal/sketchbook outside of class. Drawing homework assignments are designed for this book. In addition to studio work, students will be expected to complete two small, written assignments in relation to course material. Details of all assignments and due dates for each assignment are included in the attached course schedule. Attendance and Conduct Students who miss more than two class periods without verified, official documentation excusing their absence or who fail to arrange their absence in advance may be dropped from the course. Drawing requires consistent, focused engagement. Students must be on time, fully present and ready to work hard each day at the beginning of the class period. It is recommended that students show up five to ten minutes early to set up. Cell phones, ipods and other electronic devices are not allowed in this classroom except by special permission of the instructor. Failure to comply with this policy will result in dismissal from class.
Etiquette with Models Nude figure models are the primary subject matter in this course. Students must follow several basic rules of etiquette in relation to the models. Failure to comply with these rules will result in immediate dismissal from class and potential disciplinary / legal action: Students may not touch models under any circumstances. No cameras, cell phones with cameras, or other visual recording devices are allowed in class at any time. Students may not make any off-color, lewd, suggestive, or rude comments about the model s appearance, body, or dress / costumes. Students may not, ever, under any circumstances ask a model out, make passes at the model, or speak with the model in any way that intimates or suggests outside of class contact. Grading and Assessment The final grade in this course is determined by student performance on individual projects, written assignments, participation in critiques, quizzes, homework, and evidence of conceptual and technical growth. Your in-class assignments and homework will be evaluated at two intervals during the semester where I will issue an in-progress grade and give you feedback on your progress in class in all four areas that comprise the final course grade. The Final portfolio is cumulative and will be graded on an extensive five-point rubric that takes into consideration the larger objectives of the course including improvement, development of creative expression or accuracy of representation, composition, etc., measuring progress across the entire semester. This portfolio will be comprised of a selection of your in-class work plus all completed homework and journal assignments. Your final grade is composed of an aggregated score in four areas that are weighted on the following percentages: Final Portfolio: 50% Journal and Homework Drawings 10% Critiques and self-evaluations: 20% Quizzes and written reports: 20% The standards and rubrics for each component of the final grade will be handed out prior to submission of the final portfolio. Student Success The Art Department at NVC is dedicated to fostering student success in all academic endeavors. To this end, students are encouraged to discuss educational and professional goals with the instructor and to work with a counselor to develop an educational plan. Our college also offers a wide range of learning and assistance services including tutoring, diagnostic learning services, and accommodations for specific learning disabilities. Students requiring assistance for disabilities or learning needs, please meet with me after the first class to make arrangements for proper accommodations. Required Materials I do not require that you purchase a textbook for this course. You will, however, need to purchase a range of drawing materials that will be of comparable cost to a textbook. The following materials are required for this course: Paper: Pad of good drawing paper, minimum 18 x 24 in size. Strathmore, Canson, or other drawing pads are acceptable. One pad of newsprint, bogus rough, or craft paper, 18 x 24 minimum. One 9 x 12 sketchbook. Mark-making and other supplies: One each of the following drawing pencils: 6b, 2b, Hb, 2H, 4H or One complete set of pencils One bag of mixed-size or large-size Bob s Fine Vine Charcoal or equivalent. Compressed charcoal - 4b or 6b. Buy 2 sticks. Conte brand is by far the best. Conte crayons: 2sticks of soft black, 2 sticks of terra cotta or other warm earth tone, 2 sticks of white. Graphite stick. 6b or 4b 1 inexpensive brush, minimum 1 width. Erasers: 1 Art Gum, 1 White Vinyl Pen Eraser, 1 Kneaded Drafting Tape or other low-adhesive tape. Box for supplies Drawing board large enough to accommodate an 18 x 24 sheet of paper.
ARTS 111: Figure Drawing Fall 2011 Core Competencies and Weekly Schedule Unit 1 : Observation and Recording the Human Form with Line Weeks 1-6 This unit focuses on core figurative drawing and design concepts developed through line-based drawing exercises. Students successfully completing this unit with a three or higher score on their review rubric, should be able to: Create observational figure drawings using line in graphite, charcoal and ink that demonstrate the ability to: a. Observe and accurately record anatomically accurate translations of the human body--form, volume, proportion, and posture using line. b. Apply the principles of linear perspective to depict the human body in a variety of positions and perspectives. Evaluate observational figure drawings orally and in writing using correct terminology related to concepts, materials and techniques. Core Concepts: Using line to accurately record volume, shape, proportion, space, and value from observation. When Topics Assignments Save for Portfolio Materials Related Homework Critique August 15 Introductions Student information card Classroom and Model Etiquette Undirected drawing Self-evaluation Undirected Introductory Drawing Graphite pencil, drawing paper. Purchase materials. No Weeks 1,2, 3 (4 class periods) Gesture and Basic Anatomical Proportions / Posture Gesture Drawings: Mass and linear gesture drawings from figure. Value Gesture Drawings: Gesture drawings focusing on shadows and light. Proportional Line Drawings Two linear gesture drawings Two value gesture drawings Two proportional line drawings. Graphite pencils, vine charcoal, newsprint, tape, drawing board, eraser. Begin sketchbook journal (2 per figure drawings weeks) Ten gesture drawings from Class Discussion Weeks 3 (1 class period) Contour Blind and Modified Contour Drawings from Model Three Contour Drawings Graphite pencils, Ten contour drawings from photo or model Small group critique
Core Concepts: Using lines to create the appearance of volume and space in observational drawings. Day Topics Assignments Save for Portfolio Materials Homework Critique Week 4 (1 class period) Volume and Form Through Line Cross Contour Caged Volume One Cross Contour One Caged Volume Graphite pencils, vine charcoal, newsprint, tape, drawing board, eraser. Watch tutorial and read links on Perspective Muddiest point. Small group Weeks 5 Skeletal Anatomy and Proportion in Perspective Proportional Line Drawings from Skeleton Proportional Drawings of Skull Skeleton in Foreshortened Perspective Two organizational line drawings. Graphite pencils, vine charcoal, drawing paper. Skeletal Anatomy ID Chart Read handout on critiques. Take Home: Vocabulary Quiz #2 Week 6 1 st Portfolio Due (Sept 21) Perspective Perspective drawings from model 2 drawings focusing on foreshortened perspective Graphite pencil, eraser, paper. Two Perspective drawings from Class critique on Sept. 21. Vocabulary Quiz #1: Due August 24 Form Volume Space Proportion Contour Blind Contour Modified Contour Cross Contour Gesture Drawing Caged Volume Vocabulary Quiz #2: Due October 5 Value Value Scale Ink wash Reductive Value Additive Value Atmospheric Perspective Contraposto Proportional Line Drawing Foreshortening Chiarascuro
Unit 2: Value, Volume and Form Weeks 7-12 This unit explores how light and dark are applied and manipulated to create the illusion of volume, space and form in drawings of the human body. Students successfully completing this unit with a three or higher score on their review rubric should be able to: Create observational value drawings from observation of models in graphite, charcoal and ink that demonstrate the ability to: a. Observe and accurately record simple and complex forms through gradations of value. b. Create the illusion of depth and space through the manipulation of value and edge detail. c. Combine line and value to accurately render the human body. Evaluate observational value figure drawings in small-group critique and in writing using correct terminology related to concepts, materials, and techniques. Core Concepts: Utilizing value to create the appearance of volume and space in observational drawings. When Topics Assignments Save for Portfolio Materials Homework Critique / Quiz Week 7 Value and Composition Gesture Value Drawings Composition Drawings focusing on the human form. Four gesture value drawings Four Compositional Drawings Vine charcoal, newsprint, tape, drawing board, eraser. Four Gesture Value Drawings from Small group Week 8 Short value studies. 5 10 minute value studies in multiple media Four value studies. Vine charcoal, conte crayons, compressed charcoal, newsprint, paper, tape, drawing board, eraser. Four short value studies from Critiques Week 9 Value w/ Ink Line and Wash Ink gesture value drawings. Ink wash and Ink line drawings. 2 ink wash drawings 2 ink wash/line combo drawings All supplies provided Four ink wash / line combo drawings from critique.
Core Concepts: Utilizing value to create the appearance of volume and space in observational drawings. When Topics Assignments Save for Portfolio Materials Homework Critique / Quiz Week 10 Reductive Value Drawings Proportional Line / Gesture Drawings w/ Erased Lights Toned-paper drawing w/ Erasure Two reductive-value drawings in vine charcoal. Vine charcoal, white drawing paper, tape, drawing board, erasers. Five reductive value drawings focusing from Small group Week 11 Additive Value w/ emphasis on Atmospheric Perspective Additive value drawing in vine and compressed charcoal from model with emphasis on perspective developed through edge clarity and value contrast Two additive value drawings Vine charcoal, compressed charcoal, white drawing paper, tape, drawing board, erasers. Contemporary Artist Report / Gallery Report Take Home: Materials Quiz #2 Dyad Critiques Week 12 2 nd Portfolio Due (Nov4) Long Pose Value Drawings Value drawings using a variety of media. Focus on development of longer more finished drawings One finished, long-pose drawing Vine charcoal, compressed charcoal, white drawing paper, tape, drawing board, erasers. One long study drawing from photo. Class critique. Materials Quiz #1: Due October 12 Vine Charcoal Compressed Charcoal Graphite Pencil Hardness Scale (B, H, etc.) India Ink Sepia Conte Crayon Sanguine Chamois Materials Quiz #2: Due November 2 Rag Paper Newsprint Charcoal Paper Sulphite Paper Workable Fixative Nib Kneaded Eraser Vinyl Eraser Gum Eraser Casein
Unit 3: Applying Core Skills Weeks 13-18 This unit focuses on the application of the core skills developed in Units 1 and 2 to more complex visual and conceptual problems related to figure-based drawing. Students successfully completing this unit with a three or higher score on their review rubric should be able to: Create finished drawings in multiple media that successfully: a. Synthesize and apply core observational drawing concepts, materials, and techniques in more complex observational drawings. b. Incorporate core drawing concepts, materials and techniques in extended drawings focusing on translation of preparatory drawings, expressive content, abstraction, or expanded compositional formats. c. Combine multiple media within a single drawing, including combinations of wet and dry media. Create a portfolio of finished work for peer and instructor evaluation. Evaluate and critique finished drawings and receive criticism from others. Core Concepts: Applying and combining core skills to create and present finished drawings. When Topics Assignments Save for Portfolio Materials Homework Critique / Quiz Week 13 Additive Value Continued Three-tone drawings of the model using black, white, and sanguine conte crayons. 2 three-tone drawings of model. Black, white, and sanguine conte, white paper, blending stump, tape. Prepare 2 sheet of paper with two coats of Gesso Week 14 Mixed Media Approaches Combining multiple media, including combinations of wet and dry media, on a specially prepared ground. 2 mixed media drawings of model. Everything. 2 mixed media figure drawings from Week 15 Expressive Content in Figurative Drawing. Drawings focusing on development of expressive content through distortion Drawings focusing on expression through value. Two Distorted Expressive Drawings Two Expressive Value Drawings Everything Thanksgiving Break
Core Concepts: Applying and combining core skills to create and present finished drawings. When Topics Assignments Save for Portfolio Materials Homework Critique / Quiz Week 16 Abstraction in Figurative Drawing Abstraction from previous drawings. Abstraction from Observation of model 2 Abstract Figure Drawings developed from drawings. 2 abstract drawings from observation. Everything 2 expressive self-portraits Week 17 Portraiture and Anatomy of Head and Neck Portrait Gestures Extended Pose Portraits 2 figurative gestures 1 long-pose portrait drawing Final Portfolio Assemble Final Portfolio. Write selfevaluation and score portfolio on rubric. None Week 18 Final Critique Assess growth between first and final drawings in oral critique. Pick up your final portfolio. First drawing and final drawing. Go forth and draw! Class critique. Portfolio and Assignments List Assignment / Portfolio Contents / Details Due Date Portfolio #1 In Class Work (16 Drawings): Undirected Introductory Drawing Two linear gesture drawings Two value gesture drawings Two proportional line drawings. Three Contour Drawings One Cross Contour One Caged Volume Two organizational line drawings. 2 drawings focusing on foreshortened perspective Sketchbook / Homework 12 Journal Drawings Ten gesture drawings from Ten contour drawings from photo or model Skeletal Anatomy ID Chart Two Foreshortened Perspective drawings from photo Thursday, September 21
Portfolio #2 In Class Work (17 Drawings): Four gesture value drawings Four Compositional Drawings Four value studies. 2 ink wash drawings 2 ink wash/line combo drawings Two reductive-value drawings in vine charcoal. Two additive value drawings One finished, long-pose drawing Sketchbook / Homework 12 Journal Drawings Four Gesture Value Drawings from Four short value studies from Four ink wash / line combo drawings from Five reductive value drawings focusing from One long study drawing from photo. Thursday, November 2 Final Portfolio In Class Work (20 Drawings): 2 three-tone drawings of model. 2 mixed media drawings of model. Two Distorted Expressive Drawings Two Expressive Value Drawings 2 Abstract Figure Drawings developed from drawings. 2 abstract drawings from observation. 2 figurative gestures 1 long-pose portrait drawing 5 Finished Drawings (edges trimmed and neat) demonstrating the breadth and depth of what you learned to do this semester. Sketchbook / Homework Everyting listed for Portfolios 1 & 2 10 Journal Drawings (34 total) 2 mixed media figure drawings from 2 Expressive Self-portraits Thursday, December 7 Written Assignments: 1. Artist / Gallery Report 2. Self-Evaluation 1. Artist / Gallery Report: Two-page written report on one of the following two topics: Art exhibition in professional gallery or museum. Instructor will provide list of acceptable galleries and museums. Standards for this report will be handed out in class. 2. Self-Evaluation: One to two page report included with the final portfolio that analyzes strengths, weakness, and areas for improvement relative to the stated learning outcomes of the course. Report: Nov. 30 Selfevaluation Dec. 7 Quizzes: 1. Vocab #1 2. Vocab #2 3. Materials #1 4. Materials #2 All quizzes in this course will be take home, requiring you to research appropriate definitions for each term. Students are expected to be familiar with and be able to use these terms during in-class critiques and in discussion. 1. Aug 24 2. Sept 21 3. Oct 12 4. Nov 2