Life Drawing I Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Course

ARTS-2323-001 Life Drawing I

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ARTS 1317

Course Description

Basic study of the human form.

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Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
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Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED TEXT:

SUPPLIES:

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  Student Performance

  ARTS 2323 Life Drawing I: Basic study of the human form

  Exemplary Educational Objectives                                                   ACGM

  1. To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  2. To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
  3. To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  4. 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.
  5. To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
  6. To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.
  7. To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts on intercultural experiences.

  Specific Course Outcomes

  Students will:

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

  Students Rights and Responsibilities

  Student Rights and Responsibilities

  Log in using the AC Connect Portal

  In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

  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

  CRITIQUES: Critique allows all class members to evaluate the effectiveness of each drawing. Respect for each other is of the utmost importance. This part of our classroom activities is crucial to the creative and technical learning process, giving you an opportunity to learn from your peers. Your participation (or lack thereof) in critique will impact your grade.

  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. 

  POLICY CONCERNING MODELS:

  • 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.
  • While the model is posing, you should not open or close the classroom door. THIS MEANS BEING ON TIME FOR CLASS IS IMPORTANT.
  • Never touch the model.
  • Do not comment on the model’s appearance or affect
  • Inappropriate behavior will result in dismissal from the course for the semester.

  Grading Criteria

  GRADING POLICY:

  GRADING SCHEMA:

  A = 89.5% - 100%
  B = 79.5% - 89%
  C =69.5% - 79%
  D = 59.5% -69%
  F = 0% -59%

  Because art is more subjective than many other fields, it is important to understand some of the broad areas of assessment in this class. Four major areas will be assessed.

  • Technique/Use of materials/Composition
  • Concepts/Ideas/Exploration
  • Work ethic/ Presentation/Craft (including presentation in portfolio)

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

  • Reflection/Observation/Writing

  ALWAYS - LACK OF ATTENDANCE WILL RESULT IN GRADE DEDUCTIONS

  Additional information on grading:

  “A” level coursework/final:

  A number of drawings that demonstrate an excellent accurate, proportional depiction of the full human figure, as well as works that consistently demonstrate a mastery of the elements and principles of design, particularly line variation, lighting/value, texture, and composition. A number of drawings will also demonstrate expressiveness and experimentation with new techniques and concepts.

  The final digital portfolio will follow the requirements listed, and the photographs will be appropriately edited and labeled as per instructions.

  “B” level coursework/final:

  Some drawings that demonstrate a solid accurate, proportional depiction of the full human figure, as well as works that consistently demonstrate the development of the elements and principles of design, particularly line variation, lighting/value, texture, and composition. There will also be works that show expressiveness and experimentation with new techniques and concepts.

  The final digital portfolio will follow the requirements listed, and the photographs will be appropriately edited and labeled as per instructions.

  “C” level coursework/final:

  A number of drawings that demonstrate the development of an accurate, proportional depiction of the full human figure, as well as works that demonstrate the development of the elements and principles of design, particularly line variation, lighting/value, texture, and composition. There will also be willingness to demonstrate expressiveness and experimentation with new techniques and concepts.

  The final digital portfolio will follow the requirements listed, and the photographs will be appropriately edited and labeled as per instructions.

  “D” level coursework/final:

  “D” level work is usually the result of too many absences combined with average coursework.

  The final digital portfolio does not follow the requirements listed, or photographs may not be appropriately edited and labeled as per instructions

  “F” level coursework/final:

  “F” level work is usually the result of too many absences, or the Portfolios not turned in.

  A discussion on “best effort”: It is one of the frustrations of art studio courses that you may feel that you have put forth your “best effort”, and yet not received an “A”. (for example: I can guarantee that my very best effort in Trigonometry would not earn me an “A”) Please consider that while art is somewhat subjective, there are some objective standards – most of which are circumscribed in the Elements and Principles of Design. Please read, understand and try to practice these skills.

  Also, figure drawing, like any course of study, requires regular practice beyond what is required in class. The more you practice, the more proficient you will become. This is the reason for the homework assignments in your sketchbook, but your own work in the sketchbook is equally important for your progress in the course, and more importantly, for your growth as an artist.

  Attendance

  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:

  • STUDENTS WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE for making certain they are “signed in” (I will have an attendance sheet and will usually call roll) IF YOU HAVE ARRIVED LATE; YOU MUST BE CERTAIN YOU’VE BEEN COUNTED PRESENT
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Late arrivals and early departures may be counted as absences. (2 tardies or early departures = 1 absence)
  • If you have extenuating circumstances that impact your ability to attend class, please contact me ASAP.

  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

  LIFE DRAWING (Drawing III)                              Subject to change!!!!

  Week             Tuesday                                        Thursday

  1 Aug. 26 Aug 28	Syllabus Introductory PP: Major figurative artists and peer examples Homework: “I know what I like” See handout Assignment A	Class Discussion: Your artist examples - take notes in sketchbook: who interests you/why, techniques to try, etc. Sketchbook overview and Begin to collect ephemera – bits of paper, etc that may be used as collage elements later
  2 Sept. 3 Sept. 5	PROMPT: Mark-making BRING NEWSPRINT PAPER AND COMPRESSED CHARCOAL Animators and others may enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DoCI83V-cc SYCRA anatomy model	PROMPT/MODEL: Introduction to Gesture Drawing  & learning to see the figure in terms of shapes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBq7rtnES0A SYCRA “lightning bolt” technique for limbs Homework/Sketchbook: Introduction to Gesture Drawing Read: pp 244-251 (proportion of the figure and gesture) B Homework/Sketchbook: 10 gesture drawings on the 2-minute timer at  https://line-of-action.com/ C
  3 Sept. 10 Sept. 12	PROMPT/MODEL: learning to see the figure in terms of shapes continued Homework/Sketchbook: Read: pp 26- 39 (midline), Copy diagrams: p 145, 148 (structure of torso, showing the midline and shoulder/pelvic axes - use technique in class) D	PROMPT/MODEL: Homework/Sketchbook: Read: Chapter 3 Sketch the spinal diagrams on: p. 113 (lower right) and all on p. 114 (flexion and extension of spine) Sketch the ribcage and thoracic arch diagrams on the lower part of p 115 (notice the REAL structure of the ribcage) E
  4 Sept. 17 Sept. 19	PROMPT/MODEL: Homework/Sketchbook: Referring to the handout and to pp 246 - 248, complete 10 gesture drawings in your sketchbook by visiting “line of action” and completing 5 gesture drawings on the 1-minute timer, and 5 on the 30-second timer F	PROMPT/MODEL: Homework/Sketchbook: Read: pp 132 – 135 (the “six-pack”, the obliques and the inguinal ligament) Copy the six figures (with highlighted elements) on p 135 G
  5 Sept. 24 Sept. 26	PROMPT/MODEL: Homework/Sketchbook: Read pp. 61- 67 (the muscular structure, types of muscle, and the muscles of the arm) Copy the drawing on p. 61 (full figure) Re-read pp. 122-125 (the muscles of  the torso) Copy the muscle studies on pp. 122 and 123 (torsos), and the drawing on 144 (study of back with arms up)	PROMPT/MODEL: Homework/Sketchbook: Copy all drawings/ diagrams on p. 178 (the structure and surface forms of the arms – use technique in class) Read: pp. 222-225 Copy all diagrams on p. 222 (the structure and surface forms of the arms – use technique in class) I
  6 Oct. 1 Oct. 3	PROMPT/MODEL: Homework/Sketchbook: Read: pp. 69-107 (the head, face and neck) Copy studies of the central axis of the head, p. 96. (lower left: central axis of the head, multiple views) J	PROMPT/MODEL: do a “master study” on 18’ x 24” paper; more info in class        K SKETCHBOOK CHECK
  7 Oct. 8 Oct. 10	PROMPT/MODEL: Homework/Sketchbook: Copy planar studies (2), p. 97  L and do a planar study from life    M	PROMPT/MODEL: Homework/Sketchbook: Read: pp. 183-199 (the hands)   N Copy the drawing on p 188 (the hand in 8 poses) and draw your own hand from observation  O