Life Drawing I Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Course

ARTS-2323-001 Life Drawing I

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ARTS 1317

Course Description

Basic study of the human form.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

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.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED TEXT:

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

ISBN: 0-8230-2415-6

Recommended texts:

Michael Mattesi, Force: Dynamic Life Drawing Paperback ($34)

ISBN: 9781138919570     

Gottfried Bammes, Complete Guide to Life Drawing Paperback ($26)

ISBN-10: 1844486907

Also recommended: Talent is Just the Beginning: an Artist’s Guide to Marketing in the 21^st Century (Aardvark: Salt Lake City, UT, 2009)  ISBN: 978-1-4276-3779-6 ($10)

Supplies

SUPPLIES:

 

• Pad(s) of good quality drawing paper, 18” x 24” or larger (80 lbs. or heavier ) Look for serrated top edges so the drawing can be easily removed from pad. You will use more than one pad of paper. For some of our warm-up exercises or gesture drawings, you may want to use newsprint or “sketch” paper. However, be warned! Some of these will be your best work… Expect to use 2 or more pads of paper in the course of the semester. (needed for the first week)  Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Paper Pad - 18'' x 24'', 24 Sheets 

 

• Sketchbook of your choice (one that will accept water media is ideal) (needed for the first week)

ProArt Spiral Bound Sketchbook - 11'' x 8.5'', 80 sheets

 

• Pad(s) of Newsprint paper for gesture drawings, and to place between charcoal/pastel drawings (needed for the first week)

 

• A pad of Tracing paper (a smaller size like 8” x 10” is fine, but larger size can be handy too) Blick Studio Tracing Paper Pad - 9'' x 12'', 50 Sheets

 

• Pencils: you should have several pencils to select from: 2B, 4B, and 6B are essential.

 

• Graphite sticks (needed for the first week) I have some to share

 

• Grease pencils or crayons (for gesture drawing)  Black Crayons or Black China Marker

 

• a set of pastels ( at least 12 colors – can be “semi-hard” or “soft” – quality matters)

Richeson Soft pastels (pricy but good)  or use your set from Drawing 2

AND/OR 

• Conte Crayon matchbox set (umber, sepia, white, black)

Conte' matchbox set

 

• Watercolor set (or water-soluble pencils, etc)  

36-color set @ Michael's,  Derwent Inktense 12 set

 

• Charcoal: purchase both “willow” charcoal (which is transparent and light) and “compressed” charcoal (which is opaque and dark) 

 

• Charcoal pencils (“peel off” is easiest) General's Peel and Sketch Charcoal - Pkg of 3

 

• Chamois Artist Chamois

 

• extra-fine and medium point black Sharpies (or artist ink pens, like Pitt pens)

 

• bamboo calligraphy brush (I will provide ink) OR - EVEN BETTER size 12 Round brush

Blick White Hair Bamboo Brush - Size 25  or Da Vinci Fit For School & Hobby Brush - Round, Size 12, Short Handle

 

• Erasers: you should have several erasers to choose from, as they have different effects. Kneaded rubber and white plastic erasers are required. Also purchase a “push-up” pencil-type eraser. 

pencil eraser   Caran d'Ache Triangular Eraser  Prismacolor Kneaded Eraser 

Extra fine: Mono Zero eraser

 

• Can of “workable spray fixative”; (I recommend Blair Very Low Odor, available in the bookstore) – you should spray your charcoal and pastel drawings after each class, and place a sheet of newsprint between them to protect them from transferring to other paper. 

 

• Scissors and/or x-acto knife

 

• Glue stick, Scotch tape and blue or masking tape

 

• Portfolio (can be made or bought) If you purchase a soft-sided portfolio, you should have 2 sheets to cardboard inside to help protect your drawings. (needed for the first week)

 

OTHER REQUIRED SUPPLIES MAY BE ADDED TO THIS LIST

You will also need:

• Access to a phone/digital camera (you will photograph and edit your work for the Showcase and for the Final Portfolio

Optional items:

• You may want to experiment with colored paper, or other color media (such as colored pencils or oil pastels - water-soluble oil pastels or watercolor pencils are particularly nice)

 

Supplies can be purchased with financial aid funds at the AC Bookstore

 

More suppliers:

https://www.michaels.com/

https://www.dickblick.com/

https://www.cheapjoes.com

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:

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%)

  1. 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”

• 2. 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%)

  1. Your artist statement, as well as responses to specific questions: 10% of this score

  2. 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. 

• 3. 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

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. 

 

COVID info: if you are sick, please do not come to class. I will work with you to maintain participation remotely. 

Please consider wearing a mask for the benefit of those who are not/cannot be vaccinated, or those who are in contact with those who are vulnerable. Each student will sanitize their work areas at the end of class. 

Calendar

Additional Information

Amarillo College Art Collective: The Amarillo College Art Collective is the student art club. The Collective mission is to increase visibility of the arts on campus, collaborate with other student organizations, and partner with community organizations and institutions to perform outreach. Participating in student clubs will now be listed on your degree in a section called “Student Life”. If you have questions or would like to participate, contact me and ask to join the Facebook group.

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION:

• Department Coordinator: Brent Cavanaugh, Parcells Hall #304 - 806-371-5272
• Dean’s Office: Parcells #404
• Departmental Counselor/Career Advisor: TBA