Art 101

 Basic Drawing I

Associate Professor: Jim Park    Office: KH 224    Email: parkji@mnstate.edu

Office hours: T&Th 9-10, 3-4:30 or by appointment        Phone:  477-4638

No one fails in my class. It is my responsibility to help each one succeed.

Course Objectives

The objective of this course is to introduce you to developing your ability to perceive and interpret visual form in two-dimensional terms through the act of drawing.  Visual expression is a significant means for us to unite the internal world of our psyche with the external world of our daily lives; the process of organizing those thoughts and responses to the experiences which we encounter in a particular time and cultural context helps us to understand more clearly who we are.

The following list of elements and principles are used in both drawing and design:

Elements

Line

Value

Shape (Positive/Negative)

Texture

Color

Principles

Unity/Repetition

Variety

Balance

Scale/Proportion

Rhythm/Movement

Space/Perspective

Emphasis

Although specific problems for the elements and principles listed will not necessarily be given, I expect you to become familiar with the terms, as they are the literal language for visual art; you will be encouraged to use those terms in class discussions and critiques.

You will be using a wide range of media, ranging from the more delicate/fine qualities of pencil and pen/ink to the broader approaches available with charcoal, conte and brush/ink.  Although assignments will isolate the use of those media, you may in the future consider any number of combinations of them.

Outside of class meetings, you will be expected to work a minimum of 6 hours per week in your sketchbook and completing your in-class projects.  The sketchbook assignments are outlined on the class website.

Learner Outcomes

Demonstration of an understanding of the project concept in the drawings you submit for grading.

Demonstration of growth in your understanding of the visual elements and principles as they pertain to drawing.

Demonstration of growth in the use and application of the media explored in each of the individual projects.

Demonstration of a disciplined work ethic relative to project deadlines.  Projects turned in following the original due date will receive a maximum grade of “C”, unless arrangements have been made in advance with me.  Projects must be turned in within two weeks of the original deadline.

Attendance Policy

Attendance in a course of this sort is extremely important in terms of learning from the lectures, demonstrations, critiques and peer responses.  Thus, attendance is required in order to pass this class. Students missing four classes will have their final grade lowered one full grade; six absentees equals a failing grade for this course. You are responsible for the studio work and information you miss during an absence.

Majors in the Department of Art and Design are required to participate in the annual Freshman Portfolio Reviews, which are normally scheduled in early April. You are required to include all of your graded in-class projects and your sketchbook assignments from this course in that review.  Keep your work in good condition!  You will learn how to mat works of art on paper in your Art 125 Foundation Design I class.  I will discuss the specific requirements for matting drawings for this review early in the Spring Semester.

Grading

An average of the individual grades and weight of each of your in-class projects, your sketchbook assignments and your attendance will determine a letter grade for you. Satisfactorily meeting the requirements for the course will result in an average grade; students will be expected to demonstrate above average fluency with the visual elements and principals to earn an above average or excellent grade.  You may redo projects and resubmit them for evaluation; the only exception to this rule is for projects that are turned in late; these may not be resubmitted (see below).  The deadline for resubmission of in-class and sketchbook drawings is one week after they are graded and returned to you.

Five in-class Projects                                                                            

Sketchbook (30 assigned drawings)                                                  

Attendance                                                                                                     

Colloquium Series

There will be six colloquium presentations during the academic year, which will include both visiting artists and Department of Art & Design faculty.  This is a tremendous opportunity for you to listen to diverse ideas of what art is and can be; contrasting a diversity of points of view is a very important part of your development as an artist, art historian, designer or educator. You are required to attend at least four of the six during this academic year as a part of your graduation requirements. Failing to attend four this year, you will have to start the requirement over next year.

Academic Honesty

All artists are inspired by works created by other individuals, whether contemporary or from the past.  You, your faculty and your peers will recognize influences in your work in the form of concepts and/or techniques that your peers and predecessors have worked with, which will help you in your development.  Having influences in your work and copying masterworks to develop your facility and understanding is an important part of your learning process: copying work without acknowledging it as such is plagiarism, which is not acceptable. 

Disability Services

Students with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 477-5859 (phone) or 1-800-627-3529 (TTY), CMU 114 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

Drawing Studio Maintenance

The cleanliness and organization of the drawing studio is the responsibility of everyone who uses this space.  You will dedicate the final five minutes of each class to cleaning up your materials and the space surrounding your work area.  The following studio practices are essential:

1. Clean up your immediate work area at the end of each class; if needed, sweep the floor and wash off your easel or drawing horse.

2.  Do not leave cups, palettes, and so on in the sink.

3.  You may use the props on top of and in the cabinets for your sketchbook and other assignments.  However, none may be removed from the drawing room.  All props must be placed back in their place when you are through.

4. While working on your projects outside of class, you may need to set up a still life or work area in the drawing studio.  This is fine. However, take your still life down when you are done for the day.

5. Eating and drinking in the drawing studio are highly discouraged.  If you do eat or drink in the studio, throw away all wrappers, cups, containers, and so on.

6.  Do not leave art supplies, portfolios, books, or drawings in the classroom.  Any of these may be stolen or thrown away.  (Note:  Write your name on all of your supplies! Every student has identical supplies, making it hard to identify lost or stolen items.)

Technology Distractions

Cell phones must be turned off during class!  You may only use them during class breaks outside of the classroom. You are not allowed to use ipods or other music players during drawing demonstrations and class lectures.  Limited use of ipods on low volume is permitted in-class during the extended, multi-day drawing projects.  Keep in mind, however, that I may make announcements, clarify instructions, and adjust assignments, and so on at any time during any class period.  Use of your ipod is not an acceptable excuse for missing deadlines or misunderstanding assignments."