HCC Academic Discipline: ART
Course Title: Watercolor I
Course Rubric and number: ARTS 2366 - 0001
Semester and Course#: Spring 2013/ 30089
Central Campus, Room 205
Credit Hours: 3 credits
Contact Hours: 96
Course length: Regular Term, 16 weeks;
Type of Instruction: Lecture/Lab 2/4
Instructor: Mary Secor aka Beth Secor
Art Office Phone: 713-718-6600 (leave message)
Email address: mary.secor@hccs.edu
Learning web address: http://learning.hccs, search Beth Secor
Instructor Scheduled Office Hours and location: Central Campus, Room 205, Fridays 8 – 9 am
IF YOU HAVE NOT ACTIVATED YOUR HCCC EMAIL, DO SO IMMEDIATELY!
INSTRUCTORS AND STUDENTS ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO SEND ONE ANOTHER EMAILS
VIA HCCC EMAIL ACCOUNTS!
Course Description: Exploration of ideas using water-based painting media and techniques; A studio course
that explores watercolor media with an emphasis on color, composition, self-expression and technique This
course satisfies the fine arts component of the HCC core
Course Prerequisites: none
Course Goal: This course presents students with the basic techniques and concepts that are common to
various painting media, with the emphasis placed on the watercolor medium. Students in Watercolor I will be
exposed to both contemporary and historical issues in the field of painting, both subjectively and technically.
This course will also examine the interdependence of medium and image.
Watercolor One Student Learning Objectives ~ related to each Learning Outcome
1.: Identify, define and understand the formal elements of art and the principles of design.
2. Demonstrate the ability to produce and present finished works of exhibition quality.
3. Produce and critique projects that coordinate descriptive and expressive possibilities of course media.
4. Select and verify course media and techniques in completed projects.
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 computer-based
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.
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. I suggest that you separate the page and take it with you when you shop for the materials.
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 at 713- 718 – 6164 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.
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.
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.
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 the absences in excess of 12.5 hours of instruction, including
lab and lecture times.
For this class, which is a 3 credit lecture/lab class, meeting 6 hours per week (96 hours of instruction), a
student may be dropped when their absence exceeds 12 hours)
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.
If you stop attending class, and do not drop the class, you will receive the grade of FX.
A grade of FX can affect your ability to receive financial aid.
NOTE: LAST DAY FOR STUDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE DROP THIS SEMESTER: Official date of
record in Monday, January 28, 2013
Last day for Withdrawal, either student initiated or instructor, April 1, 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
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.
HCCC Incomplete and Withdrawal Policy 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.
EGLS3 – Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System At Houston Community College,
professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a
designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to
instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and division
chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey on the Houston Community College
System’s website near the end of the term.
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.
Instructor’s Guidelines and Policies
1. Instructional Methods: Instructor will encourage a studio or workshop environment to exchange ideas, to
experiment, and to enhance individual students’ skills. There will be one-on-one assistance, as well as
several group critiques. Methods of instruction will also include demos, critiques, slide presentations and
lectures.
2. Absolutely No Cell Phone or Electronic use is allowed in this class. If you use your phone or
electronic device in class, you will be asked to put it on my desk until class is over. If you do it again,
you will be asked to leave. If you cannot comply with my cell phone policy, this class is not for you.
3. No Disruptive Behavior or Derogatory speech is allowed in this class
 Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
 Disruptive behavior includes talking during lectures, talking out of turn during critiques,
unnecessarily distracting other students working on projects, loudly talking, using your cell phone,
using a computer during class, etc.
 If you are repeatedly disruptive you will be asked to leave. Anyone using derogatory speech
against another person based on their gender, race, sexual preferences, nationality, religion, culture,
etc. will be asked to leave the class as well.
4. Absence and late policy
You are allowed to miss twelve hours of class. This includes figuring in the time missed from three or
more tardies (the first two will be excused). For example, after two excused tardies, any time late to a
class exceeding 15 minutes, will be tallied into the total 12 hours of absence allowed. You may be
dropped after 12 hours of absences.
Chose your absences wisely. Missing class can affect your grade. Reasons not to miss this class:







You may be dropped after 12 hours of absence
10% of your over all grade will be based on Participation – attending class is figured into this
equation.
There are no makeups in this class (unless there are extreme, extenuating circumstances, such as a
death or unavoidable circumstances. The instructor will decide what is unavoidable.)
If you turn in an assignment late, you will automatically be dropped a letter grade on that
assignment. For example, if you turned it in on time and made a B, turning it in late will assure you
make a C.
Many of the assignments that take place in this class cannot be duplicated outside of class.
You will find you need every hour of class to finish many of these assignments, as they are very
detailed and involved.
If you miss class, you will miss finding out about changes to our class schedule. If you are not aware
of these changes, it can affect your grade.
Late policy Don’t come to class late. Sometimes you will not be able to help coming to class late, because
of traffic or other unpredictable reasons, and I will excuse an occasional tardy. But there are reasons to come
to class on time, which include:
 Everything listed under the Absence policy
 Coming in late disrupts the class, and distracts the instructor
 I won’t repeat any information you missed out on at the beginning of class
Missing class will affect your grade, because it will make it difficult for you to complete your work.
Coming to class late on a regular basis will affect your grade. If you frequently come to class late, you will
miss the instructions, and I will take it to mean you do not care about this class. Using your cell phone in this
class will affect your grade. If you use your cell phone in class, I will take it to mean that you have better
things to do, and are not concentrating on your work.
Communicate!!! If you are going to miss class or be late, contact me immediately. Leave a message with
the art office and send me an email. (See beginning of syllabus for contact information.) If you contact me, I
will be more understanding.
5. Don’t come to class without your supplies. This is an art class. You cannot work without your supplies.
You will have points deducted from an assignments overall grade for not bringing in supplies.
5. No food allowed
6. No children or guests allowed
7. Academic Honesty and Studio Art If you do any of the following in this class, you will receive an F,
and your infraction will go on your permanent record:
 Turning in work from a previous semester
 Turning in someone else’s work and claiming it is your own
 Tracing or using a projector to create work, unless it is part of the assignment.
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 words in combination of writing assignments and/or projects
• Demonstrate the ability to present works of exhibition quality
• Complete a watercolor painting that uses light as the expressive element
• Complete a watercolor painting that uses color as the expressive element
• Complete a watercolor painting that is either abstract or nonrepresentational
• Incorporate a variety of techniques and subjects during the semester
HCC Grading Information:
Grading percentile: the official HCC grading rubric is as follows:
90–100 percent A Exceptionally fine work; superior in presentation, visual observation, comprehension and
participation
80–89 percent B Above average work; superior in one or two areas
70–79 percent C Average work; good, unexceptional participation
60–69 percent D Below average work; noticeably weak with minimal participation
Below 60 percent F Clearly deficient in presentation, style and content with a lack of participation
Grading criteria Attendance alone will not get you an A. Completing all assignments will not necessarily
get you an A either. In order to get an A, you must:
 Be prepared. Bring your supplies or any other required material to class each and every day.
 Follow the parameters for each assignment
 Put time, effort, and care into your watercolors. You must be patient in watercolor. Do not rush
your work! Rushing leads to disaster in this class.
 Understand and utilize effectively and competently the techniques given for each assignment
 Create strong designs and compelling images,
 Take advice from the teacher without whining or complaining, and without ignoring that advice
 Complete your work, and turn your work in on time.
 Care about the presentation of your work
 Participation – i.e. when you are in class, work on the assignment – if you text or otherwise use your
cell phone, you will have it taken away from you, and will have points deducted from your grade. If
you take more than a 15 minute break, you will have points deducted from your grade. If you
repeatedly come to class late or leave class early, you will have points deducted from your grade.
In order to get an A, you must also
 Attend and participate intelligently and analytically, in all critiques, both oral and verbal.
 Give your full effort and attention to in class preparatory exercises
 Participate in field trips

Follow class etiquette, including Not Using your cellphone or other unapproved electronic devices
(during in class work periods you can listen to music); Not disrupting the class – including talking
too much and too loudly during work periods, coming late to class, leaving class early, wandering
around and bothering other students.
Your final grade will be based on the following:
2 field trips @ 50 point each -- 100 points
2 verbal Critiques @ 50 possible points each -- 100 points
(Critique participation consist of active, intelligent and analytical participation)
Written critique
-- 100 points
Technique studies
-- 100 points
Constructivist painting
-- 100 points
Botanical painting
-- 100 points
Abstract cartoon
-- 100 points
Classroom participation – including no cell phone use, no disruptive behavior, working on projects, no
excessive breaks, coming to class and staying in class = 100 points
800 possible points
800 – 720 points = A
559 – 480 points = D
719 – 640 points = B
479 – 0 points = F
639 – 560 points = C
Watercolor I tentative syllabus – (Changes to the syllabus are at the discretion of the instructor)
Because watercolor is a very involved process, you will have to work some outside of class in order to finish
work on time.
Jan 18. 2013 – orientation/ field trip to Texas Art Supply
Jan 25, 2013 – technique exercises
Feb 1, 2013 – Field trip to MFAH to meet with Rebecca Dunham to see the WC Collection / Begin
Constructivist Assignment
Feb. 8 - Constructivist
Feb 15 – Constructivist
Feb 22 – Constructivist/ Scientific illustration/Botany AssignmentOctober 5 – begin Scientific Illustration
assignment
Feb 29 – Constructivist Critique/ Begin Scientific Illustration/Botany Assignment
March 1 – continue
March 8 continue
March 11- 15 Spring Break
March 22 – Continue
March 29 – Scientific Illustration Critique 2nd half of class
April 5 – Portrait – turn in work for student show
April 12 – Portrait
Aril 19 – Portrait
April 26- Portrait
May 3 – Portrait Critique and Clean Up.
Stepping Back
As you work on your watercolors, step back a few yards to view your work at least twice a class, so as look
at the work objectively. You will be able to tell if you have incorporated enough value, if there is enough
space between objects, if the perspective is correct, if you have shaded so as to reflect light and volume, etc.
It is difficult to tell what you are doing while constantly remaining close to the artwork, as you cannot see
your work as others will see it.
Take your time, and learn to layer transparent glazes of watercolor. Watercolor is a transparent and
not an inherently opaque medium.
Critiques: A critique is an oral or written discussion strategy used to analyze, describe and interpret
works of art. Critiques help you verbally access your own work and the work of others, in terms of both
form and content. You can learn just as much during a critique about how to improve your work as you do
when you are in class watercoloring. Critiques gives you a chance to talk about the work in analytical and
aesthetic terms, and allow you to understand how others view your work, helping you make better aesthetic
and analytical decisions about your own work in the future.
During critiques you are not cruel about the work of others, but you are analytical and honest. When we talk
about the work of others, we don’t use words like beautiful and ugly. We don’t say I don’t know or I like this
or I don’t like this, or I hate this or love this.
During critiques we will discuss these aspects of each work:
Composition and Balance
Technique
Value/Contrast
Volume
Space
Originality
Narrative and Emotional Content
Supply list – YOU WILL NEED EVERYTHING NO LATER THAN JAN. 23.

Lock
 Small watercolor sketchbook
 Box of qtips
 Box of Kleenex
 A palette (in addition to the one that comes in the watercolor set
 Two 8 ounce jars or cups
 Something to carry your supplies in – like a cardboard shoebox
 A set of good watercolors- such as Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors, Van Gogh
Watercolors, or Grumbacher Academy watercolors – tubes or pans - at least 10 - 12 colors
DO NOT BUY PRANG, YARKA, KOR, NIJI OR REEVES- NOT ENOUGH PIGMENT.
 The following Watercolor Brushes – Only buy brushes made of natural hair or
natural/synthetic blend. 100% synthetic brushes do not absorb enough water. Inexpensive
brushes will not hold their points, will lose hair, and will not absorb a sufficient
amount of water.
o `Watercolor Mop Brush- either ¾” or 5/8” –such as Winsor Newton Cotman,
Robert Simmons, are good kinds. Pull on the hairs of the brush before you purchase
it to make sure it will not fall apart.
o Watercolor Round brush- some watercolor sets come with one round brush, but I
suggest you also get a smaller one – size 1, 0. or 00. I suggest WN Cotman series
111 ,Robert Simmons Sapphire Sable/Synthetic Paint Brushes, Silver Brush Pure
Red Sable
o Watercolor Flat brush – ¼” (if you can afford it, also buy a ½” brush) any of the
brands above brands mentioned above- the Winsor Newton series will be 666
o one cheap brush – small round, to apply masking fluid with










One Small Tube WN Gouache White Gouache- this can be shared with another student
Household sponge
Natural sponges
Blue Painters Tape 1” wide roll
One 3-sheet packs of Arches watercolor paper 140 pound cold press.
You may also need to buy one sheet of 140 lb pound cold press watercolor paper if you
run out. Strathmore or Arches DO NOT BUY HOTPRESS WATERCOLOR PAPER
One sheet of 20” x 30” white foam core
Number 2 pencil
Magic Rub eraser
Optional – watercolor pencils, watercolor liquid mask – the cost of this can also be
shared with another student.