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ARTS-2323-001 Life Drawing I
Prerequisite: ARTS 1317
Basic study of the human form.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
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
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me
You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.
(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)
On Campus Course
REQUIRED TEXT:
SUPPLIES:
ARTS 2323 Life Drawing I: Basic study of the human form
Exemplary Educational Objectives ACGM
Specific Course Outcomes
Students will:
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".
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:
GRADING POLICY:
Student grades will be based on 100 total points and four major areas of assessment, weighted as follows:
Course Participation (10%)
As we work in class, you will photograph your work and upload to the appropriate Google Folders. Folders will be titled by date. For each day of class, you will upload at least 2 “gesture” drawings and at least 1 “sustained” drawing. I will be checking those images every week by Friday at noon.
Why?
These images will not be “graded” in the usual way, because one of the goals of the class is to encourage practice, experimentation, and self-exploration. Constantly checking “scores” does not encourage the above.
However, the contents of these folders are the building blocks of your Midterm Portfolio.
Because of that, when you upload images, the quality of your photograph matters. Photos should be cropped and edited for color as needed. (Tutorial in class Google Folder)
Midterm portfolio review (30%)
Your typewritten response to midterm questionnaire: 20% of this score
Why? Because your ability to analyse and direct your intention/attention with your work will have a bearing on your career throughout your life - it’s part of the “Process”
Formal and conceptual quality, exploration and experimentation: 80% of this score
Why? This is the “Product.”
Final portfolio with artist statement; oral presentation at Life Drawing Showcase (30%)
Your artist statement, as well as responses to specific questions: 10% of this score
Your presentation at Showcase: 10% of this score
Why? Both the ability to write and speak about your work in front of others are valuable assets.
Formal and conceptual quality, exploration and experimentation, as well as growth over the course of the semester: 80% of this score
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 your work (in powerpoint form). I will inform you ASAP on the date and time of the Showcase (it is often on a Friday or Saturday). This event functions both as part of your “final” and part of our VA program review. Therefore, your attendance at Showcase is REQUIRED.
Sketchbook, homework, research, quizzes or other assignments (10%)
Why? The sketchbook is a place to practice your understanding of the figure and also to
generate ideas you may use in the future.
“My sketchbook is an extension of my thinking.” - Cas Holman, toy designer
Google Site (10%) This will be our final project of the semester.
Why? This will be an online platform to share your work with any interested parties.
It is also my last portfolio review of your work.
Participation in class, critique and work ethic always have an impact on your grade.
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
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.
CRITIQUES: Critique allows all class members to evaluate the effectiveness of their visual communication. 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.
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:
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.
LIFE DRAWING (Drawing III) Subject to change!!!!
Formatting lost here; please see our course folder for correct formatting
Week Tuesday Thursday
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1 Aug. 25 Aug 27 |
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 |
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2 Sept. 1 Sept. 3 |
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 |
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3 Sept. 8 Sept. 10 |
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 |
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4 Sept. 15 Sept. 17 |
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 |
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5 Sept. 22 Sept. 24 |
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 |
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6 Sept. 29 Oct. 1 |
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 |
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7 Oct. 6 Oct. 8 |
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
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8 Oct. 13 Oct. 15 |
PROMPT/MODEL:
Homework/Sketchbook: Read: pp. 232, 238-241 (the feet) Copy the drawing on p 233 (left side: the foot in 8 poses P
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PROMPT/MODEL:
OR LIBRARY VISIT; Homework/Sketchbook assignment TBA
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9 Oct. 19 Oct. 21 |
FALL BREAK
PLEASE NOTE: YOU SHOULD BE PREPARING FOR YOUR MIDTERM REVIEW NOW
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FALL BREAK
PLEASE NOTE: YOU SHOULD BE PREPARING FOR YOUR MIDTERM REVIEW NOW
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10 Oct. 27 Oct. 29 |
Midterm reviews this week
(on your own) make “prepared paper” (to be discussed in class) Homework/Sketchbook: Research an artist that features the figure in their work. If you do not know of any artists whose work interests you, look at your notes from January 23, or begin to look at sources. Go to the library, or search online. (I am deliberately leaving instructions loose). ARTISTS should not be at “peer” level
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Midterm reviews this week
on your own) make “prepared paper” (to be discussed in class) Homework/Sketchbook: Research an artist, cont:
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.
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11 Nov. 3 Nov. 5 |
PROMPT/MODEL:
DISCUSSION: artist statements
PROMPT/MODEL: Homework/Sketchbook: Draw a self-portrait in a mirror. Accomplish as much as possible in 30 minutes R |
PROMPT/MODEL:
Homework/Sketchbook: Try to feel your internal anatomy and interior movement in your own body. Depict that in any way you wish – this is an exercise in imagination. S |
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13 Nov. 9 Nov. 11 |
PROMPT/MODEL:
Turn in your artist statement for Showcase for my review T
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14 Nov. 16 Nov. 18 |
PROMPT/MODEL:
SKETCHBOOKS TURNED IN – FINAL TIME |
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15 Nov. 23 Nov. 25 |
SHOWCASE/TBA? |
Thanksgiving |
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16 Dec. 1 Dec. 3
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TBA |
TBA |
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16
Dec. 8 Dec. 10 |
TBA
In Class/Homework: Photograph your work |
TBA
class at CTL – Google Drive portfolio) |
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17 Dec. 14 Dec. 15 |
Finals Week GOOGLE SITES completed by noon today https://artresourcery.com/diy-website-free-google-sites/
https://sites.google.com/site/marketingyourart/
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OTHER SKETCHBOOK ASSIGNMENTS – these may be done IN or OUTSIDE of class – I will let you know.
Iteration (in this context: a process of repeating an image or process – with large or small changes)
20 heads in different poses (in person is best, or @ https://line-of-action.com/practice-tools/face-expression-practice)
20 hands/feet in different poses poses (in person is best, or @ https://line-of-action.com/practice-tools/hands-feet-practice)
20 poses in the same clothing – emphasize the “gesture” of the cloth (in person is best)
20 self-portraits in the mirror
20 mouths in different poses/expressions
when doing iterations, try experimenting with different media, different line weights, using line only, or adding tone (value)
with any of the above, try adding text – or a geometric shape – or a personal item – or an animal, etc – somewhere in the image
Master copy – “copy” a drawing from a historical artist, like: Rubens, Rembrandt, Watteau, Boucher, Goya, John Singer-Sargeant, etc.
Work with different lighting conditions: draw a pose with light coming from the left, right, above, below and behind – you may want to work from photographs