Life Drawing II Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Office Location

CUB 007

Office Hours

Summer 2026 office hours by zoom or special appointment 

Course Information

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Course

ARTS-2324-001 Life Drawing II

Prerequisites

ARTS 2323

Course Description

Basic study of the human form.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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\ REQUIRED TEXT:

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\ Valerie L. Winslow, Classic Human Anatomy: The Artist’s Guide to Form, Function and Movement (Watson-Guptil, NY, NY: 2009)

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\ ISBN: 0-8230-2415-6

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Supplies

\ SUPPLIES:
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\ •    Pad(s) of good quality drawing paper, 18” x 24” or larger (look for heavyweight paper with a good tooth) Look for serrated top edges so the drawing can be easily removed from pad. Yo

Student Performance

\ ARTS 2324 Life Drawing I

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\ Basic study of the human form

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\ Exemplary Educational Objectives                                                   ACGM pg 234

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  1. \ To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
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  3. \ To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
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  5. \ To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
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  7. \ To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing artist.
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  9. \ To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
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  11. \ To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.
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  13. \ To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts on intercultural experiences.
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\ Specific Course Outcomes:

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\ Students will

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  • \ Develop understanding of the human form
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  • \ Draw the human figure accurately displaying normative proportional relationships of the body’s parts to the whole
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  • \ Depict the figure in a variety of poses using foreshortening (linear perspective)
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  • \ Convey gesture, the illusion of expressive movement, when drawing the figure spontaneously in very brief periods of time
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  • \ Work with a variety of drawing tools
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  • \ Develop their skills of observation.
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  • \ Draw the figure so that the illusion of volume is achieved through a variety of shading techniques
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  • \ Simplify, exaggerate, or distort visual elements and normative proportions to interpret expressive qualities of the figure
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  • \ Evoke mood through the expressive use of drawing materials
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  • \ Utilize techniques emphasizing accurate, expressive, and conceptual approaches
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  • \ Understand and utilize appropriate art terminology
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  • \ Participate meaningfully in critique
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  • \ Cultivate self-reflection about one’s work
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  • \ Write an artist statement and discuss their work in a formal setting
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  • \ Present work for grading in a professional manner, as directed by the instructor
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  • \ Maintain a professional and respectful attitude  
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  • \ Maintain classroom facilities and shared supplies
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

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\ BEHAVIOR:The key word regarding class behavior is RESPECT. Every person in the room deserves and will receive the respect of others. Disruptions and/or any behavior that the instructor considers inappropriate will not be tolerated and will result in dismissal from the class. Every student is expected to be involved and engaged with other students and the instructor. For this reason, NO HEADPHONES OR PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE ALLOWED. 

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\ POLICY CONCERNING MODELS:

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  • \ Cameras and cell phones: No cameras are allowed in the classroom during life drawing sessions. Since many cell phones include cameras, you may not have your cell phone out at any time. If you must take a call, please do so during break time.
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  • \ While the model is posing, you should not open or close the classroom door. THIS MEANS BEING ON TIME FOR CLASS IS IMPORTANT.
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  • \ Never touch the model.
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  • \ Inappropriate behavior will result in dismissal from the course for the semester.
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Grading Criteria

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\ GRADING POLICY:

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\ Student grades will be based on four grades, weighted as follows:

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  • \ Midterm portfolio review (40%)\
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    1. \ Your typewritten response to midterm questionnaire: 20%
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    3. \ Formal and conceptual quality, exploration and experimentation: 80%
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  • \ Final CD portfolio with artist statement (40%)
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  • \ Your artist statement, as well as responses to specific questions: 20%
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  • \ Formal and conceptual quality, exploration and experimentation, as well as growth over the course of the semester: 80%
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  • \ Sketchbook, homework, research, quizzes or other assignments (20%)
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  • \ Participation in class, critique and work ethic always have an impact on your grade
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\ LATE and MAKE-UP WORK: Because in-class work is almost always a response to a specific prompt and model, it can rarely be “made up”. This is the reason for the absence policy.

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\ TARDINESS should be avoided. We are working with an undraped model, and late arrival is disruptive. After the class begins, the door will be locked.

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\ GRADING SCALE:

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\ Because art is more subjective than many other fields, it is important to understand some of the broad areas of assessment in this class. Portfolios will be evaluated using a four-point scale, which corresponds to letter grades. Four major areas will be assessed. (I will also utilize +/- (or .5 points)

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\ Technique/Use of materials/Composition

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\ A/4: Exceptional technique/use of materials/composition

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\ B/3: Effective technique/use of materials/composition

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\ C/2: Acceptable technique/use of materials/composition

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\ D/1: Poor technique/use of materials/composition

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\ Concepts/Ideas/Exploration

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\ A/4: Ideas are highly inventive, innovative and effective

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\ B/3: Interesting ideas and concepts

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\ C/2: Ideas are standard but acceptable

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\ D/1: Ideas are stereotypical with little effort at discovering or expressing personal visual language

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\ Work ethic/ Presentation/Craft (including presentation in portfolio)

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\ A/4: Exceptional work ethic and professional presentation

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\ B/3: Energetic working method and effective presentation

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\ C/2: Minimal energy applied to work, lackluster presentation

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\ D/1: Lack of enthusiasm, careless presentation

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\ As part of the portfolio reviews, I will also look at your writing:

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\ Reflection/Observation/Writing

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\ A/4: High level of insight and quality of writing

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\ B/3: Good level of insight and quality of writing

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\ C/2: Acceptable level of insight and quality of writing

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\ D/1: Low level of insight and quality of writing

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\ This system corresponds to that of the GPA:

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\ A = EXCELLENT

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\ B = GOOD

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\ C = AVERAGE or ADEQUATE 

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\ D = POOR

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\ F = FAIL

Attendance

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\ ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is CRITICAL to your success in this course.Please note that Amarillo College allows only 2 absences for any reason, with the consequences of missing additional classes to be determined at the discretion of the instructor. Therefore:

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  • \ STUDENTS WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE for signing their own name on the attendance sheet in class.  (The instructor is not responsible for students’ failure to sign the class attendance sheet!)
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  • \ FAILURE TO SIGN THE ATTENDANCE SHEET RESULTS IN AN ABSENCE. NO EXCEPTIONS
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  • \ I will allow 5 absences without penalty. The 6th absence will lower your final grade by one letter. Each subsequent absence will result in an additional letter grade deduction.
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  • \ Students are responsible for keeping up with their own absence totals. Upon request, and outside of class time, students may inquire as to the number of absences they have.
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  • \ Late arrivals and early departures may be counted as absences. (2 tardies or early departures = 1 absence)
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  • \ If you have extenuating circumstances that impact your ability to attend class, please contact me ASAP.
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\ In addition to the requirement to be in class for demonstration, lecture and work time, your presence is a source of insight and learning for all class members. The impact of your full participation cannot be overestimated. 

Calendar

Note: document formatting lost - see me for a print copy.

LIFE DRAWING 2 (Drawing IV)

Week                    Tuesday                      Thursday
1
Aug. 27
Aug. 29    Syllabus, introduction





Homework: “I know what I like”
See handout

    Class Discussion





Introduction to Gesture Drawing
Homework/Sketchbook:
15 minutes with “Posemaniacs”
2
Sept. 3
Sept. 5    PROMPT/MODEL:





Homework/Sketchbook:
Read:
Proportion work:
    PROMPT/MODEL:





Homework/Sketchbook:
Read:
Look at the art of Sri Whipple (particularly The Clash of the Titans)
3
Sept. 10
Sept. 12    PROMPT/MODEL:





Homework/Sketchbook:
complete 10 gesture drawings in your sketchbook. Your sources can come from observations anywhere: on campus, at the coffee shop, or even on television.    PROMPT/MODEL:





Homework/Sketchbook:
Creative Eavesdropping: This week, record “found phrases” in your sketchbook. Perhaps you overhear a snippet of conversation, or a bit of a song…or maybe a headline strikes you as being evocative…

4
Sept. 17
Sept. 19    PROMPT/MODEL:
(add text from homework)




Homework/Sketchbook:
Read: Chapter 3
Take one of your previous semester’s works and re-draw with eye to creating more correct proportions    PROMPT/MODEL:





Homework/Sketchbook:
Read: Chapter 3 and  
Spine: Copy a master work that focuses on the spine of the figure
5
Sept. 24
Sept. 26    PROMPT/MODEL:





Homework/Sketchbook:
For one of your “found phrases”, create a collage in your sketchbook.    PROMPT/MODEL:



Homework/Sketchbook:
On a piece of Stonehenge paper (available in the bookstore), create your own version of Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. Due in 1 week
6
Oct. 1
Oct. 3     PROMPT/MODEL:





Homework/Sketchbook:
Research an artist. If you do not know of any artists whose work interests you, begin to look at sources. Go to the library, or search online. (I am deliberately leaving instructions loose).
In your sketchbook, “copy” at least two compositions by your chosen artist. Also include written information about them, their subject matter, and their ideas, as well as your responses to their work.
    PROMPT/MODEL:



7
Oct. 8
Oct. 10
    PROMPT/MODEL:




Homework/Sketchbook:
Read pp. 61- 67
Copy the drawing on p. 61    PROMPT/MODEL:




Homework/Sketchbook:
Re-read pp. 122-125
Copy the muscle studies on pp. 122 and 123, and the drawing on 144
8
Oct. 15
Oct. 17    PROMPT/MODEL:




Homework/Sketchbook:
Copy all diagrams on p. 178    PROMPT/MODEL:




Homework/Sketchbook:
Read: pp. 222-225
Copy all diagrams on p. 222
9
Oct. 22
Oct. 24    Midterm reviews    
10
Oct. 29
Oct. 31
    PROMPT/MODEL:




Homework/Sketchbook:
Read: pp. 183-199
Copy the drawing on p 188
Prepare at least 2 sheets of paper with collage elements (to be discussed in class)    PROMPT/MODEL:




Homework/Sketchbook:
Read: pp. 232, 238-241
Copy the drawing on p 233 (left side)
11
Nov. 5
Nov. 7    PORTFOLIO REVIEW




Homework/Sketchbook:
Read: pp. 69-107
Copy studies of the central axis of the head, p. 96. (lower left)    PORTFOLIO REVIEW




Homework/Sketchbook:
Read: pp. 69-107
Copy planar studies, p. 97.
12
Nov. 12
Nov. 14    PROMPT/MODEL:




Homework/Sketchbook:
Draw a self-portrait in a mirror. Accomplish as much as possible in 30 minutes.    PROMPT/MODEL:




Homework/Sketchbook: Draw yourself 10 years from now. Then draw yourself 25 years from now. This need not be a “literal” self-portrait.
13
Nov. 19
Nov. 21    PROMPT/MODEL:




Homework/Sketchbook:
Copy the “Skeletal Portrait” on p. 69.    PROMPT/MODEL:




Homework/Sketchbook:
Draw or collage an image based on the most recent dream you remember.

14
Nov. 26
Nov. 28    PROMPT/MODEL:




Homework/Sketchbook:
Try to feel your internal anatomy and interior movement in your own body. Depict that in any way you wish.    Thankssgiving; no class




15
Dec. 3
Dec. 5    PROMPT/MODEL:

Homework: Photograph your work with a digital camera    PROMPT/MODEL:

16
Dec. 10    Finals Week
CD portfolios due today by noon



    




Some specific works will be given grades, and should be included in your Final Portfolio as well as your Showcase images:

1.    your most realistic full-figure image
2.    an image that focuses on the full value scale and realistic lighting
3.    a study featuring hands
4.    a portrait
5.    an image in color: (ex. “three colors”, pastel, colored inks or watercolor, colored pencil)
6.    a work that features expressive mark-making
7.    a work on prepared paper
8.    a master copy
9.    a selection of gesture drawings
10.  (I will also be checking images in your sketchbook)


 

Additional Information

 

ART SHOWCASE: Every semester, advanced level art classes present their work before a panel of judges at the “Art Showcase”. During the showcase, you will present an art statement and a small selection of y

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM