Arts 2323 Life Drawing I and II
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Life Drawing I Life Drawing II
ARTS 2323 ARTS 2324
instructor: Michael Golden
office: Theatre One: room 102
phone: 713-718-6586
e-mail: Michael.Golden@hccs.edu
Course Description:
Life Drawing I: A drawing course focusing on the human form. Various media and techniques will be explored while drawing from a live model. This course satisfies the fine arts component of the HCC core. (3 credits)
Life Drawing II: This studio course builds upon skills developed in Life Drawing I, emphasizing personal style and individual expression . Further experimentation
with various media and techniques will be explored while drawing from a live model . Life Drawing I is a prerequisite for Life Drawing II. (3 credits)
The study of the nude human form though sustained model sessions has been a standard part of art education since at least the 18th Century, and continues to be so in institutions of higher learning throughout the world. The experience offers art students a chance to practice skills vis-a-vis a form known seemingly so well and yet so poorly in visual terms. Drawing of the human form remains one of the enduring challenges for artists of all levels of development.
The major drawing techniques such as blind contour, mass and line gesture, scribble gesture, structural and calligraphic studies, and sustained chiaroscuro studies will be taught and explored. Emphasis will be placed on observation techniques to enhance accurate placement and proportion of form. The student will experiment with diverse media which may include graphite, conte, ink and collage on a variety of surfaces. Class time might include lectures, demonstrations, slides presentation, studio work, field trips and critiques. Instruction will include discussion of anatomical structures and the relationship between form and movement. The student will explore figure-ground relationships in order to develop an awareness of effective composition. While analysis, technique, and medium exploration are being stressed, the student will be encouraged to develop the expressive content of mark making.
Course Objectives:
To develop observation skills.
Use a variety of media to portray the expression of the pose.
To recognize a personal response and direction.
Create a series of drawings from the model which show an understanding of figure proportion.
To experiment with unique figure-ground relationships.
Place the figure in a variety of effective compositions.
Create the illusion of the human figure through the use of value variation.
To exhibit safe studio habits.
To participate in a student exhibition demonstrating the former objectives.
The best figure drawings will always impart some kind of psychological or spiritual attraction.
Attendance Policy:
Students may be dropped after more than 12 hours of absence accumulate (12.5% of the total hours of instruction). Because live models are the primary means of instruction, punctuality is very important.
It is expected that students will attend every class. Life Drawing is a performance-based class and interaction with peers and the instructor cannot be duplicated outside of class. Students who miss class are putting both themselves and their classmates at a disadvantage. Students are responsible adults and if they miss a class, it is assumed they had good reason to do so.
Students are responsible for completing any work missed during their absence and for obtaining pertinent notes and materials. Attendance will be taken regularly. A total of three (3) absences will be tolerated, however, 3 absences constitute a significant portion of the course content. All absences will nevertheless affect the class participation grade and any absence is likely to affect class performance
Attendance may be the only thing within your control, so exercise it! If you miss class, your work will suffer; as your work suffers your grade suffers; as your grade suffers you suffer. Angst ensues and soon you will find yourself wearing black and smoking unfiltered cigarettes.
Any problems regarding absences or tardies such as illness or other extraordinary personal difficulties should be communicated ASAP.
Attendance alone will not get you an A…You must also work - or at least struggle.
Scholastic Dishonesty:
"Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion." Plagiarism means the appropriation of another's work.
Grading Scale:
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
0-59 F
The grade of “W” (withdraw) may not be assigned after the last published date for withdrawing from a class at HCCS.
Grades:
Sketchbook 10%
Work habits/participation (mind/spirit) 10%
Midterm critique 40%
Final critique 40%
Evaluation criteria includes:
1. Demonstration of a working process utilizing techniques covered in class;
2. Level of involvement in the process (steady work habits);
3. Originality and solving problems in complex ways;
4. Strength of design;
5. Response to and use of critical suggestions in an effective manner;
6. Adherence to assigned parameters;
7. Participation during class discussions and critiques;
8 Artistic merit.
DON'T THROW ANY DRAWINGS AWAY UNTIL
THE END OF THE SEMESTER!
Studio policies:
1. No children in the studios.
2. No food or drink in the studios.
3. Wear appropriate clothing.
4. Clean up your own mess after every session. This includes charcoal dust on your easel and ink washes at sink.
5. Take care around the work of others.
Absolutely NO HEADPHONES, WALKMANS, CELLPHONES, OR BEEPERS!
Models:
Students should realize nude models will be used extensively in this course and decide if they are comfortable with this aspect of the class.
ONLY respectful treatment of models is appropriate. See me if you need to discuss a problem with one of the models. The model’s personal space is to be respected. D not touch models or their personal belongings. It is inappropriate to make audible comments concerning the model’s body or appearance, or to laugh out loud in a way that may lead he model to think that he or she is being laughed at.
Critiques:
Many projects and homework assignments are followed with an in-class critique. Some will include general discussion regarding a theme or technique. Others will include discussion time for works by each and every student. This is something akin to putting your soul in a blender and pressing puree. Finding the verbal means to assess and describe visual images happens here. Both content and form are considered. It is difficult to be objective about your own work!
I expect your complete participation in each and every critique. I look for you to develop the skills required to explain visual decisions verbally. "I don't like it, I like it and/or I don't know" will not suffice. These words should never drip from your lips during a meeting. Criticism of your peers is to be keen, insightful, and constructive: never vitriolic.
All work should be dated and signed on reverse.
All work should be retained by students (flat, not rolled) for final portfolio presentation - discard nothing.
Studio access:
Students will be issued key cards that may be exchanged for the studio key in the office, FAC 101. Studios are open M-R, 8-10; F and Sat: 8-4. Someone from the office will come by a half hour before closing time and ask you to clean up and be out of the building in 15 minutes. Please be courteous and follow any directions.
Please do not plan on working in the studio when another class is in session.
This class is centered on you and the studio. Expect to work in class and out of class. Drawing in class is the major emphasis but is not the only effort required of you. Significant drawings and projects outside of class occur. If this is not what you had in mind you may want to reconsider taking this course.
Late/missed work policy:
Grades for work not presented when due for critique will be lowered by five points for each class missed.
Sketchbooks:
Maintain a sketchbook/journal (minimum size 11"x14").
Sketchbooks are a valuable tool in the art-making process. They are a portable and inexpensive way to log ideas and work through problems. You will be required to keep notes from this class and notes on visiting museums and/or galleries. Your sketchbook is an art journal for you, by you. Use it to record ideas, thoughts, writing about art, books, movies, etc.
a. Students should work in their sketchbooks regularly outside of class, with exercises paralleling in class activities. All entries should be dated.
b. Sketchbooks should also serve as a class notebook and should be brought to every class meeting.
c. Students should make two (2) written entries in the sketchbook/journal on a weekly basis. Entries may be brief and informal though they should be of sufficient substance to receive credit and serve as a reference source of vocabulary and concepts explored in class (i.e., merely restating what was done in class during a given week will not constitute sufficient substance). Your entries might consider the following
1) It might include a paragraph expanding on your notes taken during the week in class. When writing this, expand on definitions and concepts in your own words.You might relate your notes to an evaluation of your own progress, both in class and in your sketchbook activities (your perception of your strength, weakness,etc.).
2) It might include a short summary/response to class, homework, critiques, discussions, etc. Reinforce applicable vocabulary by including such in your responses whenever possible.
3) It may include your thoughts, comments and questions as they have occurred to you outside of class.
4) It may include anything you feel to be pertinent to the course content (i.e., independent readings, exhibition reviews, etc.).
5) All entries should be dated.
d. Though occasionally specific exercises will be assigned, the sketchbook/journal is primarily an independent, semester-long assignment. Working regularly in the sketchbook/journal aids students in developing the work ethic necessary for progress in the discipline of Drawing. The sketchbook/journal may be collected or reviewed anytime during the semester and will be collected for evaluation at midterm and with the final portfolio. They will be graded based upon the quality and work ethic evident in the submissions included. Aside from written entries, a student's goal over a sixteen-week period should be to fill a minimum of seventy-five (75) pages of the sketchbook.
Bring your sketchbook to class everyday.
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is a fundamental element of visual art. Artists understand that presentation is part of the work, not merely a formality after the fact. Presentation will count in your evaluation. Craft is important.
Present drawings handed in for a grade neatly (cleaned of unintentional smudges). All charcoal drawings need to be fixed. Vine charcoal is a very loose material and extra care in protecting your surface may be necessary. Do work which you find valuable and which you care for accordingly, i.e. mangled, muddy, torn, etc are not good things to hear at critique time.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to report to Room 102 SJAC, or call (713) 718-6164 to make necessary arrangements. Faculty are only authorized to provide accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
Core Intellectual Competencies:
This course addresses the following core intellectual competencies: reading, writing, listening, speaking, critical thinking, and computer literacy.
Academic Advising:
Appointments may be scheduled for academic advising with full-time ARTS faculty through the Fine Arts Office in FAC 101.
Insurance:
It is strongly recommended that students have health/medical insurance when taking courses in the Fine Arts Center at HCC-Central.
Disclaimer:
Inevitably some pertinent essential bit of information has been inadvertently omitted from or is incoherently phrased in this syllabus. I reserve the right to fix it at anytime.
ARTS 2323 ARTS 2324
instructor: Michael Golden
office: Theatre One: room 102
phone: 713-718-6586
e-mail: Michael.Golden@hccs.edu
Course Description:
Life Drawing I: A drawing course focusing on the human form. Various media and techniques will be explored while drawing from a live model. This course satisfies the fine arts component of the HCC core. (3 credits)
Life Drawing II: This studio course builds upon skills developed in Life Drawing I, emphasizing personal style and individual expression . Further experimentation
with various media and techniques will be explored while drawing from a live model . Life Drawing I is a prerequisite for Life Drawing II. (3 credits)
The study of the nude human form though sustained model sessions has been a standard part of art education since at least the 18th Century, and continues to be so in institutions of higher learning throughout the world. The experience offers art students a chance to practice skills vis-a-vis a form known seemingly so well and yet so poorly in visual terms. Drawing of the human form remains one of the enduring challenges for artists of all levels of development.
The major drawing techniques such as blind contour, mass and line gesture, scribble gesture, structural and calligraphic studies, and sustained chiaroscuro studies will be taught and explored. Emphasis will be placed on observation techniques to enhance accurate placement and proportion of form. The student will experiment with diverse media which may include graphite, conte, ink and collage on a variety of surfaces. Class time might include lectures, demonstrations, slides presentation, studio work, field trips and critiques. Instruction will include discussion of anatomical structures and the relationship between form and movement. The student will explore figure-ground relationships in order to develop an awareness of effective composition. While analysis, technique, and medium exploration are being stressed, the student will be encouraged to develop the expressive content of mark making.
Course Objectives:
To develop observation skills.
Use a variety of media to portray the expression of the pose.
To recognize a personal response and direction.
Create a series of drawings from the model which show an understanding of figure proportion.
To experiment with unique figure-ground relationships.
Place the figure in a variety of effective compositions.
Create the illusion of the human figure through the use of value variation.
To exhibit safe studio habits.
To participate in a student exhibition demonstrating the former objectives.
The best figure drawings will always impart some kind of psychological or spiritual attraction.
Attendance Policy:
Students may be dropped after more than 12 hours of absence accumulate (12.5% of the total hours of instruction). Because live models are the primary means of instruction, punctuality is very important.
It is expected that students will attend every class. Life Drawing is a performance-based class and interaction with peers and the instructor cannot be duplicated outside of class. Students who miss class are putting both themselves and their classmates at a disadvantage. Students are responsible adults and if they miss a class, it is assumed they had good reason to do so.
Students are responsible for completing any work missed during their absence and for obtaining pertinent notes and materials. Attendance will be taken regularly. A total of three (3) absences will be tolerated, however, 3 absences constitute a significant portion of the course content. All absences will nevertheless affect the class participation grade and any absence is likely to affect class performance
Attendance may be the only thing within your control, so exercise it! If you miss class, your work will suffer; as your work suffers your grade suffers; as your grade suffers you suffer. Angst ensues and soon you will find yourself wearing black and smoking unfiltered cigarettes.
Any problems regarding absences or tardies such as illness or other extraordinary personal difficulties should be communicated ASAP.
Attendance alone will not get you an A…You must also work - or at least struggle.
Scholastic Dishonesty:
"Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion." Plagiarism means the appropriation of another's work.
Grading Scale:
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
0-59 F
The grade of “W” (withdraw) may not be assigned after the last published date for withdrawing from a class at HCCS.
Grades:
Sketchbook 10%
Work habits/participation (mind/spirit) 10%
Midterm critique 40%
Final critique 40%
Evaluation criteria includes:
1. Demonstration of a working process utilizing techniques covered in class;
2. Level of involvement in the process (steady work habits);
3. Originality and solving problems in complex ways;
4. Strength of design;
5. Response to and use of critical suggestions in an effective manner;
6. Adherence to assigned parameters;
7. Participation during class discussions and critiques;
8 Artistic merit.
DON'T THROW ANY DRAWINGS AWAY UNTIL
THE END OF THE SEMESTER!
Studio policies:
1. No children in the studios.
2. No food or drink in the studios.
3. Wear appropriate clothing.
4. Clean up your own mess after every session. This includes charcoal dust on your easel and ink washes at sink.
5. Take care around the work of others.
Absolutely NO HEADPHONES, WALKMANS, CELLPHONES, OR BEEPERS!
Models:
Students should realize nude models will be used extensively in this course and decide if they are comfortable with this aspect of the class.
ONLY respectful treatment of models is appropriate. See me if you need to discuss a problem with one of the models. The model’s personal space is to be respected. D not touch models or their personal belongings. It is inappropriate to make audible comments concerning the model’s body or appearance, or to laugh out loud in a way that may lead he model to think that he or she is being laughed at.
Critiques:
Many projects and homework assignments are followed with an in-class critique. Some will include general discussion regarding a theme or technique. Others will include discussion time for works by each and every student. This is something akin to putting your soul in a blender and pressing puree. Finding the verbal means to assess and describe visual images happens here. Both content and form are considered. It is difficult to be objective about your own work!
I expect your complete participation in each and every critique. I look for you to develop the skills required to explain visual decisions verbally. "I don't like it, I like it and/or I don't know" will not suffice. These words should never drip from your lips during a meeting. Criticism of your peers is to be keen, insightful, and constructive: never vitriolic.
All work should be dated and signed on reverse.
All work should be retained by students (flat, not rolled) for final portfolio presentation - discard nothing.
Studio access:
Students will be issued key cards that may be exchanged for the studio key in the office, FAC 101. Studios are open M-R, 8-10; F and Sat: 8-4. Someone from the office will come by a half hour before closing time and ask you to clean up and be out of the building in 15 minutes. Please be courteous and follow any directions.
Please do not plan on working in the studio when another class is in session.
This class is centered on you and the studio. Expect to work in class and out of class. Drawing in class is the major emphasis but is not the only effort required of you. Significant drawings and projects outside of class occur. If this is not what you had in mind you may want to reconsider taking this course.
Late/missed work policy:
Grades for work not presented when due for critique will be lowered by five points for each class missed.
Sketchbooks:
Maintain a sketchbook/journal (minimum size 11"x14").
Sketchbooks are a valuable tool in the art-making process. They are a portable and inexpensive way to log ideas and work through problems. You will be required to keep notes from this class and notes on visiting museums and/or galleries. Your sketchbook is an art journal for you, by you. Use it to record ideas, thoughts, writing about art, books, movies, etc.
a. Students should work in their sketchbooks regularly outside of class, with exercises paralleling in class activities. All entries should be dated.
b. Sketchbooks should also serve as a class notebook and should be brought to every class meeting.
c. Students should make two (2) written entries in the sketchbook/journal on a weekly basis. Entries may be brief and informal though they should be of sufficient substance to receive credit and serve as a reference source of vocabulary and concepts explored in class (i.e., merely restating what was done in class during a given week will not constitute sufficient substance). Your entries might consider the following
1) It might include a paragraph expanding on your notes taken during the week in class. When writing this, expand on definitions and concepts in your own words.You might relate your notes to an evaluation of your own progress, both in class and in your sketchbook activities (your perception of your strength, weakness,etc.).
2) It might include a short summary/response to class, homework, critiques, discussions, etc. Reinforce applicable vocabulary by including such in your responses whenever possible.
3) It may include your thoughts, comments and questions as they have occurred to you outside of class.
4) It may include anything you feel to be pertinent to the course content (i.e., independent readings, exhibition reviews, etc.).
5) All entries should be dated.
d. Though occasionally specific exercises will be assigned, the sketchbook/journal is primarily an independent, semester-long assignment. Working regularly in the sketchbook/journal aids students in developing the work ethic necessary for progress in the discipline of Drawing. The sketchbook/journal may be collected or reviewed anytime during the semester and will be collected for evaluation at midterm and with the final portfolio. They will be graded based upon the quality and work ethic evident in the submissions included. Aside from written entries, a student's goal over a sixteen-week period should be to fill a minimum of seventy-five (75) pages of the sketchbook.
Bring your sketchbook to class everyday.
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is a fundamental element of visual art. Artists understand that presentation is part of the work, not merely a formality after the fact. Presentation will count in your evaluation. Craft is important.
Present drawings handed in for a grade neatly (cleaned of unintentional smudges). All charcoal drawings need to be fixed. Vine charcoal is a very loose material and extra care in protecting your surface may be necessary. Do work which you find valuable and which you care for accordingly, i.e. mangled, muddy, torn, etc are not good things to hear at critique time.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to report to Room 102 SJAC, or call (713) 718-6164 to make necessary arrangements. Faculty are only authorized to provide accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
Core Intellectual Competencies:
This course addresses the following core intellectual competencies: reading, writing, listening, speaking, critical thinking, and computer literacy.
Academic Advising:
Appointments may be scheduled for academic advising with full-time ARTS faculty through the Fine Arts Office in FAC 101.
Insurance:
It is strongly recommended that students have health/medical insurance when taking courses in the Fine Arts Center at HCC-Central.
Disclaimer:
Inevitably some pertinent essential bit of information has been inadvertently omitted from or is incoherently phrased in this syllabus. I reserve the right to fix it at anytime.
