Houston Community College Southwest
http://southwest.hccs.edu/southwest/academics/fine-arts-speech-humanities-and-languages
The information in black is required by the HCC system and Art Discipline.
Course Syllabus: Life Drawing I (3rd semester drawing)
HCC Academic Discipline: ART
Course Title: Life Drawing I
Course Rubric and number: ARTS 2323
Semester with Course Reference Number (CRN): Fall, 2012. CRN 25988
Campus and Room Location with Days and Times: West Loop Campus, Room C235
Tuesday & Thursday
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH): 3 credits
Course contact hours per semester: 96
Course length: Regular Term, 16 weeks
Type of Instruction: Lecture/Lab 2/4
Instructor: Maryellen June Hill
Contact Information: Office phone: 713-718-5732
Phone: Art Department Phone: 713-718-7700;
email address: maryellen.hill@hccs.edu (please put name and class in subject box)
Learning web address: http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/maryellen.hill
Instructor Scheduled Office Hours and location:
Stafford: Learning Hub room 305 or Fine Arts Building, Room 118, MW, 11:00 AM -1:00 PM
West Loop: room C256, C235, or C241, TTh, 9:00–9:30 am, 12:30–1:00 pm, 4:00–4:30 pm.
Other times by appointment
Course Description:
1. Basic study of the human form As defined in the Academic Course Guide Manual (AGCM)
produced by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 2009 (THECB)
2. A drawing course focusing on the human form. Various media and techniques will be
explored while drawing from a live model. Life Drawing I is a prerequisite for Life Drawing II.
This course satisfies the fine arts component of the HCC Core.(As listed in the 2009-2011
HCC Catalog.)
Course Prerequisites: none
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Course Goal:
To introduce students to the observation techniques required to draw from life. This course will
concentrate on developing the student’s ability to analyze proportion and volume relationships while
capturing the sense of life or vitality of the human form. The exploration of various media will be an
important segment of the learning process. This course will examine the interdependence of
medium and image.
Course Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify, define and understand the formal elements of art and the principles of design. (Level 2)
2. Demonstrate the ability to produce and present finished works of exhibition quality. (Level 3)
3. Produce and critique projects that coordinate descriptive and expressive possibilities of course
media. (Level 5)
4. Select and verify course media and techniques in completed projects. (Level 6)
Student Learning Objectives ~ related to each Learning Outcome
Learning Outcome One: Identify, define and understand the formal elements of art and the
principles of design. (Level 2)
The Supporting Learning Objectives:
1.1. Identify the formal elements and principles of design.
1.2. Compare formal elements.
1.3. Compare principles of design.
1.4. Contrast formal elements.
1.5. Contrast principles of design.
1.6. Comprehend all the sub-categories of all the formal elements and principles of design.
(for example, analytic or expressive line or symmetrical, radial or asymmetrical balance, etc.)
1.7. Express sub-categories of all the formal elements.
Learning Outcome Two: Demonstrate the ability to produce and present finished works of
exhibition quality. (Level 3)
The Supporting Learning Objectives:
2.1. Produce exhibition-ready artworks.
2.2. Prepare entry labels.
2.3. Present completed exhibit entries before the entry deadline expires.
2.4. Select an artwork (made during the course) to be included in the student art exhibition.
2.5. Participate in the student exhibition.
Learning Outcome Three: Produce and critique projects that coordinate descriptive and expressive
possibilities of course media. (Level 5)
The Supporting Learning Objectives:
3.1. Safely participate in the necessary practical tasks (safety and proficiency of handling of
tools, supplies and equipment, etc.) involved with the course media.
3.2. Organize the formal elements and principles of design in course projects.
3.3. Establish artistic roles for course projects.
3.4. Summarize artistic themes for course projects.
3.5. Judge course projects.
3.6. Write 1000 words in a combination of writing assignments such as critiques, essays,
research papers and/or journals.
3.7. Cultivate form and content in drawings from life
Learning Outcome Four: Select and verify course media and techniques in completed projects.
(Level 6)
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The Supporting Learning Objectives:
4.1. Summarize the formal elements.
4.2. Select principles of design
4.3. Critique the work of peers.
4.4. Self-critique artistic output.
4.5. Verify form and content
Core Curriculum Statement:
This course fulfills the following core intellectual competencies: reading, writing, speaking, listening,
critical thinking and computer literacy. A variety of teaching and testing methods are used to assess
these competencies.
This course fulfills the core competencies:
Reading: Reading at the college level means having the ability to understand, analyze and interpret
a variety of printed materials: books, articles, and documents.
Writing: Writing at the college level means having the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent
prose adapted to a specific purpose, occasion, and audience. In addition to knowing how to use
correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, students should also become adept with the writing
process, including how to determine a topic, how to organize and develop it, and how to phrase it
effectively for their audience. These abilities are acquired through practice and reflection.
Speaking: Effective speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive
language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.
Listening: Listening at the college level means having the ability to understand, analyze, and
interpret various forms of spoken communication
Critical Thinking: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative
skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct
alternative strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking used to address
an identified task.
Computer Literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means having the ability to use computerbased technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated
students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the
use of technology and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as
they become available.
HCC Calendar:
Classes Begin
Official Day of Record
Holidays and Breaks
Last day to file for graduation
Last day to drop classes with a grade of W
Instruction ends
Final examination
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August 27
September 10
Labor Day: September 3
Thanksgiving: November 22 - 27
October 15
November 2 – 4:30 PM
December 9
December 10 - 16 (December 11,
1-3 PM for this class)
Class
And
Date
Lectures / Topics / Assignments / Projects / Critiques
ARTS 1317 Foundation Drawing II
16 week calendar:
Three hour studio session twice a week
CALENDAR
The following is a tentative schedule for the material we will cover in chronological
order. We may get a day or two ahead of or behind schedule, and the assignments may
change. Bring the following EVERY DAY in addition to the specified media: newsprint pad,
white drawing pad, ebony pencil, charcoal, erasers, paper towels or rags, soap.
August
September
October
November
28 - Introduction to the course and supplies discussion
30 – ebony pencil, charcoal, newsprint pad
4 – charcoal
6 - charcoal
11 - charcoal/erase
13 - conte
18 - conte
20 – conte/toned paper (3 + sheets)
25 – PORTFOLIO CRITIQUE
27 – white conte/prismacolor on black paper
2 – white conte/prismacolor on black paper
4 – FIELD TRIP: Museum of Fine Arts or Menil
9 - water soluble crayon/pastel in black and white (bring bamboo
brush, water container)
11 - water soluble crayon/pastel in black, white, and one
color (monochromatic)
16 - water soluble crayon/pastel in warm/cool or complements
18 – black ink/absorbent paper (bamboo pen and brush)
23 - Black ink, white crayon resist
25 – Black ink, crayon resist
30 – PORTFOLIO CRITIQUE
1 - Artist’s choice of media from here on (complete at least
6 two large format drawings)
8 13 15 –
20 –
22 – NO CLASS – Thanksgiving Holiday
27- Artist’s choice of media
29 – DUE: Journal
December 4 6 - Studio Clean-up, portfolio organization: LEAVE PREPARED
PORTFOLIO so I can review it.
Tuesday, December 11 - FINAL CRITIQUE: 1:00 - 3:00 a.m. – Final – Group
Critique
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Please Note: It is possible that these dates might change slightly due to various circumstances.
You will be notified of changes and requirements
Critique Dates: Critique dates are the due dates of all projects. It is imperative that your work be
completed and ready for the class critique. Your participation in the critique is mandatory. The Fine Arts
Department philosophy is that verbal discussion enhances the student's awareness of art concepts and
his/her growth and direction.
Instructional Methods:
Methods of instruction may include: explanations, demonstrations, hands-on art studio work time, inclass critiques, slide presentations, video/film presentations, lectures, and/or readings (from
textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, books, original source seminal texts). Class time may include
demonstrations, field trips, assignments, introductions, studio time for projects, and critiques.
Because Life Drawing is a studio course, meaning it is primarily concerned with the creation
of works of art, most of our class time will be spent in the act of drawing projects. We spend
a lot of time on warm up and practice exercises designed to develop various skills. While we
will plan and execute some finished works of art, in life drawing the journey is as important (if
not more so) as the destination. You are here to learn how to draw, and this will not always
result in a drawing that is a completed work of art.
It is imperative that you come to class prepared and that you use class time
effectively. You may want or need to spend additional time working at home but this does
not replace working in class. A professional model is provided for specific times during class,
and if you miss those times, you really can’t compensate very well. Also, I cannot help you
improve if I'm not there while you work, and your best instruction is one-on-one with me,
discussing your personal artistic concerns. You will also benefit greatly from the input of your
peers.
The major drawing techniques such as blind contour, mass-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 that may
include graphite, conté, ink, and collage on a variety of surfaces. Class time might include
lectures, demonstrations, slide presentation, studio work, field trips, and critiques. Instruction
will include discussions of anatomical structure and the relationship between form and
movement. The student will explore figure-ground relationship 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.
In addition to guided drawing sessions, instruction will include lectures, slides,
critiques, and demonstrations. We will also view actual works of art at a local museum.
Students will keep a written journal about their experiences in this class.
Student Assignments:
Assignments/Activities may include: individual creative projects, written critical responses, group
projects, critiques, exams or quizzes, hands-on studio workdays/times, occasional gallery visits,
various assigned readings from textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, books, original source seminal
texts; mandatory discussions based on various topics related to the major areas of study in Art and
Design; writing papers including critiques, essays, analyses, reviews, research, comparing and
contrasting artistic or design theories and perspectives; service learning projects; presentations;
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group and/or individual projects; portfolios. This course requires a minimum of 1000 words in a
combination of writing assignments and/or projects.
Studio Work: The studio work that we do in class is the most important part of life drawing.
Because we do a wide variety of exercises with different goals, the evaluation of this work
depends on the assignment. A successful 1 minute drawing is very different from a 1 hour
drawing in terms of effort and outcome.
Critiques: Three times during the semester we will have critiques, during which we will
discuss, as a class, some of your drawings for the following reasons:
 Personal improvement as an artist
 Development of appropriate critical skills, concepts and vocabulary in evaluating
works of art
 Appreciation of various points of view, and a greater understanding of visual
communication through art
 Social skills, such as giving and receiving constructive criticism, and effectively
presenting work to a group of people
Critiques will be held on the day your portfolio is due. You are required to be an active
participant in the discussion, both when your work is being discussed and when it is
someone else's turn. Speaking about your work as well as the work of others will help you
to clarify your artistic ideas and to communicate intelligently. Feedback from me and from
your peers will give you suggestions, ideas, and inspiration. Also, the comments made by
and about other works of art will point you in new directions. Please keep and criticism
constructive.
Journal: There is a minimum writing requirement for this class of 1000 words, which will be
fulfilled in the form of a journal. The journal will be turned in the week before the final
critique. It should be specific to this class, this semester (in other words, I don’t want the
same journal you are using for any other class). Your journal should record your thoughts,
feelings, activities and experiences that relate to this class and the process of figure
drawing. You may also want to discuss figurative works of art that inspire you. You can
include drawings and sketches, but they don’t exempt you from writing. Your journal can be
legibly handwritten or typed, and should be given to me as a hard copy (physically printed
on paper). If I can’t read your handwriting, I’ll give the journal back to you for typing, but it
will be counted late. Late journals will lose 5 points for each missed class period. Please
note that the curriculum guidelines require you to write 1000 words to get a grade of "C" or
higher in the course. Your journal must be of sufficient length!!! Some Ideas for your
Journal:
o Today in life drawing class we did…
o ________ was a real breakthrough for me because
o The thing I like best about drawing/ life drawing/ figurative art is…
o The thing I dislike about drawing/ life drawing/figurative art is…
o I read “…” in a book/ magazine/ newspaper and it inspired me/ infuriated me/
showed me/ made me think about ….
o The artist/ work of art/ art movement that inspires me is ________ because
_________.
o I would like to work on expressing ________ in my figure drawings
o I like/ dislike drawing with _________(media, materials)
o At the museum, I was really interested in _________
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Field Trip: For learning about art, there is no substitute for viewing the real thing. Slides and
reproductions used in class are helpful, but they can't replace looking at genuine works of
art. Therefore you will take a field trip to either the Menil Collection, or to the Museum of Fine
Arts, Houston. There will be no class held at HCC on the designated day. Instead you will
go to the appointed museum. If you miss going on the field trip with the class, you need go
on your own at another time. Please make every effort to attend the field trips with the class.
Interaction with others in the class will help you to notice things you might miss on your own.
I will expect to read your thoughts on the museum trip in your journal.
Student Exhibition: All students are expected to prepare one of their class projects for
submission to the student show. We will spend some class time working on this, but
ultimately, each student is responsible for properly preparing his or her own piece for
hanging, completing the required paperwork, delivering work to the show and collecting the
work after the show closes.
Student Assessments:
Methods of Assessment/Evaluation may include: portfolios, creative projects, tests and quizzes
which may include: definitions, matching, multiple choice, true/false, short answer, brief essay,
essay, lists; writing assignments, in-class discussions and/or critiques; written papers including
critiques, essays, analyses, reviews, research, comparing and contrasting artistic or design theories
and perspectives; service learning projects; presentations; group and/or individual projects; other
methods as may be determined by individual instructors.
Portfolios: Your portfolio is your collection of drawings, which I evaluate in conjunction with
the critiques. You will be given a list of what should be included and in what order before
each critique. Portfolios should be prepared by the beginning of the designated class and
should be organized so the critique can proceed efficiently and so I can evaluate the work
properly.
Late or incomplete portfolios drop by 5 points (1/2 letter grade) for each missed
period (measured from the beginning of class). After work is three class periods late, it
receives a grade of zero.
Instructional Materials:
There is no book required for this course.
There is an extensive list of supplies and materials required which can be found on the last
page of this document. We suggest that you separate the page and take it with you when you
shop for the materials.
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Art Supply Stores:
Texas Art : 2237 S. Voss (713) 780-0440 / 2001 Montrose (713) 526-5221 / 1507
Bay Brook Mall Dr. (281) 486-9320
Aaron Brothers : 20260 Katy Freeway (281) 646-9155 / 7652 FM 1960 West (832)
237-2101 / 3057 W. Holcombe Blvd. (713) 664-2395 5144 / Richmond Ave (713)
961-4882
Michaels or Hobby Lobby (many locations)
Some things, such as glue, scissors, sharpies, rulers, etc. may be cheaper at office
supply stores, hardware stores or places like Wal-Mart or Target.
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For supplies you are ordering WELL IN ADVANCE of when you’ll need them (acrylic
paint or color gouache, acrylic paintbrushes, extra tubes of black) you may get better deals
at Utrecht (www.utrechtart.com) or Pearl (www.pearlpaint.com). Please note that waiting for
supplies to be delivered in the mail is NOT an excuse for not having what you need, when
you need it. This option is really for students who plan way ahead, not procrastinators.
HCC Policy Statement: Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.)
who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the
respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only
the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
If you have any questions, please contact the Disability Counselor at your college, Dr. Becky Hauri
at 713-718-7909, or the District Disability Office at 713-718-5165.
To visit the ADA Web site, log on to www.hccs.edu,
Click Future Students
Scroll down the page and click on the words Disability Information. http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/futurestudents/disability-services
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
You are expected to be familiar with the College's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog
and student handbook. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity
in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by
College System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.
“Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
 Copying from another student’s test paper;
 Using materials during a test that are not authorized by the person giving the test;
 Collaborating with another student during a test without authority;
 Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the
contents of a test that has not bee administered;
 Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that
work in one’s own written work offered for credit. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO VISUAL
MATERIALS IN STUDIO WORK!!!
Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work
offered for credit.
Violations: Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of “0” or “F” on the
particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from
the College System. A recommendation for suspension or expulsion will be referred to the College
Dean of Student Development for disciplinary disposition.
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Students who wish to appeal a grade penalty should notify the instructional supervisor within 30
working days of the incident. A standing committee appointed by the College Dean of Instruction
(Academic or Workforce) will convene to sustain, reduce, or reverse the grade penalty. The
committee will be composed of two students, two faculty members, and one instructional
administrator. A majority vote will decide the grade appeal and is final.
All work for this class should be created by the student specifically for these assignments,
this semester. Work created for other classes or in previous semesters is not acceptable.
Official HCC Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Students are responsible for material covered
during their absences, and it is the student’s responsibility to consult with instructors for makeup
assignments. Class attendance is checked daily by instructors.
Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a course for non-attendance, the
instructor has the authority to drop a student for excessive absences.
A student may be dropped from a course for absenteeism after the student has accumulated
absences in excess of 12.5 percent of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory
time).
For example:
For a three credit-hour lecture class meeting three hours per week (48 hours of instruction), a
student may be dropped after six hours of absences.
Administrative drops are at the discretion of the instructor. If you are doing poorly in the
class, but you have not contacted your professor to ask for help, and you have not withdrawn by
the official withdrawal date, it will result in you receiving a grade of “F” in the course
NOTE: LAST DAY FOR STUDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE DROP THIS SEMESTER:
Friday, November 2, 4:30 PM
Course Withdrawals-First Time Freshmen Students-Fall 2007 and Later:
Effective 2007, section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code applies to first-time in college freshman
students who enroll in a Texas public institution of higher education in the fall semester of 2007 or
thereafter. High school students currently enrolled in HCC Dual Credit and Early College are waived
from this requirement until they graduate from high school.
Based on this law, HCC or any other Texas Public institution of higher education may not
permit students to drop after the official day of record more than six college level credit
courses for unacceptable reasons during their entire undergraduate career.
Course Withdrawals:
Be sure you understand HCC policies about dropping a course. It is the student’s responsibility to
withdraw officially from a course and prevent an “F” from appearing on the transcript. If you feel that
you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the final date of
withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the instructor
to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with
suggestions that would enable you to complete the course. Your success is very important
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If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your professor
prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal
deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or
depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes
and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal
deadlines. Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or
telephone with a professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal
options less than a day before the deadline. If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will
receive the grade that you are making in the class as your final grade
Early Alert Program:
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert
process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class
because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility to visit
with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available
to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and
improve your academic performance.
Repeat Course Fee:
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes.
To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to
pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to pass their courses
and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the
third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not
earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study
habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and
opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.
Individual Instructor’s Requirements Statement
Life Drawing is a course in which students work from the live, nude model. The human form
will be studied as a subject for both its visual/formal qualities, and for its inherent meaning.
The student will develop observational skills, and will work on composition and drawing
technique, with the model as a starting point. The structure, proportions, weight and gesture
of the body will be stressed as a means for personal expression. There will also be an
exploration of various media, and the student will work in a variety of scales.
Studio Clean-up Policy: At the end of each class, you are required to completely clean up
after yourself. This includes replacing any school equipment or supplies, cleaning your
workspace and table, throwing out your trash, storing your work and materials in the proper
place, etc. You are collectively responsible for maintaining the sink area. Please bring your
own soap and paper towels. Failure to clean up will affect your daily grade.
Dress Code: Since we are working with art supplies, the possibility always exists that you
will get dirty. Bring a smock/apron or dress accordingly. It is wise to tie back long hair as
well. If you remove your jewelry, please put it in your pocket, purse, or backpack so you
don’t forget it. I have no control over the temperature in the room (usually too cold or too
hot). Please dress in layers if you want to be comfortable.
Safety: While most of the materials required for this class are safe and non-toxic when used
properly, you do need to be careful and use common sense. Paints, solvents, adhesives and
fixatives can be toxic and should never be ingested, inhaled, or allowed to make contact with
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an open wound. Products that are in aerosol form or that create fumes must be used
outside. Always exercise extreme caution when handling sharp knives and blades. When
cutting matt board, make sure the cutting board is entirely supported on the table. When
handling the staple gun, be sure you know which end the staple will be ejected from. Always
read any enclosed safety materials that come with your supplies. Also, be alert for allergic
reactions - they are unusual, but they do happen. If there are children in your home, be sure
to keep supplies and away from them unless you know they are safe, and you are
supervising them. This also applies to pets. Finally, pregnant and nursing women should be
extremely careful with all chemical supplies, and should avoid exposure to cadmium, a
pigment often found in red and yellow paints. Choose non-toxic supplies whenever possible.
Disruptions: Adult behavior is expected, and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. While I
expect and encourage you to participate in discussions, ask questions, and express
opinions, you should do so in an appropriate manner and at an appropriate time. Students
who interfere with my ability to teach the class or with fellow students' ability to learn will be
removed from class and/or will have their participation/daily work grade lowered. Depending
on the severity and/or frequency of such disruptions, such students may be administratively
withdrawn from the course without refund. PLEASE DO NOT BRING CELL PHONES TO
CLASS or TURN THEM OFF as they are disruptive! I will make exceptions to people "on
call" for work or for special home circumstances, but please tell me ahead of time.
Guests/Children: Because of the less-structured climate of a studio class, people are often
tempted to bring "friends" with them to class. Please refrain from doing this, as it is a
distraction to you and to others, and it is unfair to our models. If you want to show others
what you are doing, this can be done before and after class. According to the HCCS Faculty
Handbook: "The College System does not allow children into the collegiate educational
process. The campus is a workplace, and while conviviality is encouraged, the purpose of
our presence here is the business of educating students; the purpose of students here is to
be educated. The presence of children is not appropriate to this situation." Occasionally, if
there is room, we allow art students from other classes to work quietly in the studio during
class.
Disclaimer: This is a college course for adults. As such, students need to understand that
there may be information or content that they find disagreeable. Controversial subjects are
not uncommon in works of art, and nudity, both within works of art and through exposure to
the live model, is an integral part of life drawing.
Working with a Live Model
Most days we will work from a live, nude model. I will try to employ a variety of
models so you can experience the differences in gender, body type, age, weight, etc.
Please keep the following in mind:
-Treat the model with respect. No model = no life drawing class. Modeling is a much
more difficult job that you might realize, both physically and emotionally. The model is
making him/herself vulnerable for your benefit. Never forget that you are dealing with a live
human being.
-That said, our models are professionals, and they understand that you are learning.
You don’t need to feel self-conscious about staring at their bodies when they are posing, or
making an unflattering drawing. They don’t take it personally.
-Expect some degree of shifting and movement, particularly in long poses. This is
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something you have to learn to adapt to. In an extended drawing where the model returns to
a pose after a break, there will always be small shifts in position.
-Like all of us, models get sick, have car problems, and deal with real life. If our
model can’t make it to class, we’ll work without one. We can use the skeleton, model for
each other (dressed), go over anatomy and proportion, and so on. Class will go on, and you
should be there.
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be
derived
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class studio activities, discussions, and
critiques
 Provide a clear description of any special projects or assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up work
 Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any special
projects or assignments
 Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class, be on time, and be prepared with the proper materials for each session.
 Use class studio time wisely by focusing on assigned projects
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including the syllabus, articles, and handouts.
 Respect the space and materials of other class members.
 Clean up thoroughly after each studio session
 Be prepared for critique sessions: have complete assignments ready for display and be prepared to
participate in the verbal critique process
 Assume personal initiative in maintaining the sketch and written journal.
HCC Art Discipline Requirements
By the end of the semester, the student who passes with a final grade of C or above will have
demonstrated the ability to:
 Complete and comprehend the objectives of all graded assignments
 Attend class regularly, missing no more than 12.5 % of instruction (12 hours)
 Arrive at class promptly and with the required supplies for that day’s session
 Participate in the shared responsibilities for studio clean-up
 Exhibit safe studio habits
 Be prepared for and participate in class critiques
 Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language
 Demonstrate the ability to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems,
and acquiring information
 Complete a minimum of 1000 works in a combination of writing assignments and/or projects
 Demonstrate the ability to present works of exhibition quality
 Create a series of drawings from the model which show an understanding of figure proportion
 Create the illusion of the human figure through the use of value variation
 Place the figure in a variety of effective compositions
 Create effective figure-ground relationship
 Use a variety of media to portray the expression of the pose
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HCC Grading Information:
Grading percentile: the official HCC grading rubric is as follows:
90–100 percent
A
80–89 percent
70–79 percent
60–69 percent
Below 60
percent
B
C
D
F
Exceptionally fine work; superior in presentation, visual observation,
comprehension and participation
Above average work; superior in one or two areas
Average work; good, unexceptional participation
Below average work; noticeably weak with minimal participation
Clearly deficient in presentation, style and content with a lack of
participation
The grade of "I" (Incomplete) is conditional. It will only be assigned if at least 80% of the course work
is complete .Students receiving an "I," must make an arrangement with the instructor in writing to
complete the course work within six months. After the deadline, the "I" becomes an "F." All "I"
designations must be changed to grades prior to graduation. Changed grades will appear on student
record as "I"/Grade (example: "I/A").
The grade of "W" (Withdrawal) appears on grade reports when students withdraw from a class by the
drop deadline. Instructors have the option of dropping students up to the deadline. After the deadline,
instructors do not have that option — not even when entering final grades.
Instructor Grading Criteria:
When evaluating your artwork, I generally consider the following:
 Effective use of class time: active drawing for all of the poses and for the entire
allotted time of each pose.
 Fulfillment of exercise goals and requirements; following the directions for the
exercises and assignments
 Demonstration of observational drawing skills.
 General ambitiousness of work: sufficient time and effort spent on the act of drawing.
 Exploration of various media, formats and techniques
 Creativity and exploration of ideas and content within the bounds of the assignment –
Expressive development.
 Personal improvement and cumulative improvement.
 Overall composition (design of the overall image) for longer, more “finished” drawings.
 Studio habits: being prepared, utilizing class time effectively, cleaning up after
yourself, participating in critiques, interacting with me and your peers.
Daily Grade/Participation: Every day, you will be given a daily grade which includes
attendance (being in class, being on time, and staying until the end), preparedness, studio
habits, clean-up, and participation in class critiques and discussions. On studio days,
participation grades are determined as follows:




5 - No problems with any of the above
4 - 1 minor participation, punctuality, or supplies problem
3 - More substantial participation, punctuality, or supplies problem
2 - Unprepared OR 2 punctuality/participation problems OR failure to completely
clean up after yourself (a big mess can get you a D or F depending on the "mess
level") OR disruption (cell phone ringing, etc.)
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

1 - 2 or 3 preparedness/punctuality/participation/clean-up/disruption
problems.
0 - absent or any other combinations
Please note that the amount of class missed when arriving late or leaving early will be taken
into account. For example, if you are 90 minutes late, you have missed half the class, and
you will receive a maximum of half credit (2 points).
On Critique days, your daily grade includes participation in the critique (presentation of
completed work and discussion of other students work as well as the above).
Daily grades are averaged together and this average is worth two times the weight of an
ordinary project grade (200 points, see grading profile). At the end of the semester, the daily
grades are averaged using a 5 point scale: 5=100%, 4=80%, 3=60%, 2=40%, 1=20%, 0=0.
To calculate your daily grade: your points /# of class days = your 5 point average. Your 5
point average X 20 = your % grade. Your % grade is counted twice.
Instructor’s Final Grading Legend:
Each instructor must identify the final course requirements specific to that course.
Your grade will be based on the average obtained from portfolio grades, journals and daily
work grades. I may give additional assignments, which will be averaged into your grade. I
may also give you the opportunity to earn extra credit. On rare occasions, it may be
necessary to cancel an assignment.
Grades
Critique/Portfolio 1
25%
100 points
Critique/Portfolio 2
25%
100 points
Critique/Portfolio 3
25%
100 points
Journal
12.5%
50 points
Participation/Daily Grades 12.5%
50 points
To calculate your grade: your points /total points = your points/400 = % grade
HCCS Southwest Exhibitions: TBA
Please go to next page for Student Supply List
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STUDIO ART SUPPLY LIST
Life Drawing
SUPPLY LIST
You may need to replenish your supplies as you use them up, particularly the
illustration board, sharpie markers, and paint. I suggest Texas Art (2237 S. Voss Rd., 713780-0440 or 2001 Montrose, 713-526-5221) for your supplies. Call around for the best
prices.
Paper:
18 X 24” newsprint or cheap drawing paper pad
18 X 24” drawing paper pad (at least 55 lb)
Sheets: 18 X 24 minimum size, with some larger pieces later. Medium to heavy
canson paper works well. When we do wet media, you might want a
more absorbent paper, such as watercolor or Rives BFK
-At least 6 sheets of neutrally toned paper (light browns, tans, grays)
-At least 3 sheets of black paper
-You may also want to play with different textures and thicknesses
Pencils:
2 ebony pencils (or soft lead – 6B, 4B)
1 white prismacolor pencil
Optional: graphite stick
Erasers:
Pink Pearl
White plastic/vinyl (sometimes called a soap eraser) - no erasing fluid
Optional: kneaded eraser, artgum eraser, pencil style eraser
Dry Media:
Compressed charcoal sticks – 1 box. I like the square char-kole brand
Optional: vine charcoal, charcoal pencil
Conté – 2 sticks each of the earth colors (white, black, sanguine, bistro/bister)
Optional: sepia, yellow ocher, other colors
Water soluble crayons or pastels: black, white, at least two complementary colors
Oil crayons or oil pastels: black, white, two or three colors of choice
Other:
Bamboo brush
Bamboo pen
Masking tape
Fixative
2 large clips
bar of soap
Rags or soft, absorbent paper towels
Permanent water-based black ink (India ink)
Small plastic water containers
Journal/notebook
Some means of carrying and protecting your supplies, such as a tackle or tool box
and cardboard portfolio. A plastic trash bag comes in handy when the weather is wet
Supplies to prepare a piece for exhibition (we’ll discuss this closer to the exhibit – probably
matt board, foam core, and foam core hanger, possibly acetate, Plexiglass and/or a frame)
and $1 donation to help fund the reception.
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