DRAWING I
22-111-001 Credits: 3
Fall 2012
Room: AC S-212
Instructor: Barbara Rosenthal
Office: A/C 514,
email: rosentha@uwosh.edu,
Phone: 424-7060
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday--12:40-1:40pm
Tuesday and Thursday—10:20-11:20am
It is often said that Leonardo drew so well because he knew about things; it is truer to say that he knew about things because
he drew so well. (Kenneth Clark)
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
To build drawing skills
To become familiar with drawing concepts and media
To begin to recognize drawing as a tool for creative and critical thinking and for problem solving
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to drawing focused on developing basic conceptual and practical skills generally through direct
observation. The emphasis will be upon learning to interpret and translate visual perception through an understanding of
formal means of drawing such as gesture, contour, figure/ground relationships, linear perspective, value, and texture. Color
will be introduced if time allows. Composition and point-of-view will also be stressed. There will be homework in the form
of assigned drawings and in keeping a sketchbook. Visual presentations and group critiques will provide the basis for class
discussion.
MATERIALS LIST:
Newsprint pad—18” x 24”
Sketchbook—approx. 8½” by 11
Compressed charcoal—2 sticks each, HB(medium) and 4B or 6B(soft)
black contè 2B
white contè
India ink (black, permanent)
Kneaded eraser—2 or 3
Pink pearl or White plastic eraser
Art box or tackle box
18” metal ruler
Portfolio to carry completed drawings
Drawing board at least 18 x 24”
Drawing pencils—2H (light) and 3B (dark)
Charcoal pencils
1 piece of mat board 30 x 40”
SOME DRAWING CONCEPTS:
Gesture
Contour line vs. outline
Line quality
Mark making
Picture plane
Composition
Space and form
Lost and found contour
Positive and negative space
Thumbnails
Cross contour
Value
Value scales
Local value
Light and shadow
Chiaroscuro
Atmospheric perspective
Ink wash
Texture
Linear perspective
1 pt, 2pt and 3pt
GRADING POLICY:
A portfolio (selection of class work and homework) will be handed in and graded two times during the semester. Sketchbook
assignments will be checked when due. The sketchbook will be collected during the 6th and the 12th weeks.
12 point grading scale: A=12, A-=11, B+=10, B=9, B-=8 C+=7, C=6, C-=5, D+=4, D=3, F=0
The weight of the grades will be as follows:
Two portfolios mid-semester and final
50% each
Sketchbook will be handed in with the final portfolio
Attendance will be a factor after the above grades have been determined.
List of contents to be determined.
Does the work address the assignment objectives?
Is the student effectively using the materials and class time?
Is the work compositionally and spatially interesting?
Is the work conceptually interesting
Is the student putting in the kind of effort expected?
How well is the work presented?
A=always
B=usually
C=often
D=sometimes
Portfolio Grading criteria:
F=seldom/never
ATTENDANCE, ETC.
The studio experience is one aspect of the learning experience. Discussing art/design issues, content, and techniques with
other students and the instructor while the work is in progress is integral to acquiring critical thinking skills and a visual
vocabulary. Therefore, attendance for the full duration all of the class periods is expected. Arriving late or leaving early
(within 10 minutes) will affect your grade. Attendance may be taken at any time during the class period. All class work is to
be worked on during class time. Ten minutes will be allowed for cleanup.
Three unexcused absences are allowed without penalty, but do not abuse this. You may need these if you really are ill and
do not wish to go to the doctor for an excuse. The final grade will be lowered by one grade for each absence over three. Six
absences will result in an “F” for the semester. Late work will receive a lowered grade. Work, over one week late, will not
be accepted, unless an official excuse is presented.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
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To help create an atmosphere of openness and support for fellow classmates.
To complete all assigned drawings. If class time is too short work must be completed later.
Get the phone number of a couple of your classmates to contact for information for missed classes. The instructor
does not have the time to answer emails to explain that which was covered during unexcused student absences. The
instructor does encourage questions whenever an assignment or concept is unclear.
To contribute to critique discussions and accept constructive criticism.
Scheduled Critiques are very important. Missing scheduled critiques or failure to put up work will affect the
portfolio grade.
Students must help to keep the sinks and room reasonably clean.
Student work must be original and completed for this specific class. Please refer to University Policies below.
University policy on Academic Integrity
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is committed to a standard of academic integrity for all students. The system
guidelines state: "Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, for the appropriate
citation of sources, and for respect of others' academic endeavors" (UWS 14.01, Wisconsin Administrative Code).
Students are subject to disciplinary action for academic misconduct, which is defined in UWS 14.03, Wisconsin
Administrative Code. Students on the UW Oshkosh campus have been suspended from the University for academic
misconduct.
Students are encouraged to review the procedures related to violations of academic honesty as outlined in Chapter UWS
14, Wisconsin Administrative Code. The system guidelines and local procedures are printed in the University of Wisconsin
Oshkosh Student Discipline Code 2008-2009 and can be found on the Dean of Students website.
Specific questions regarding the provisions in Chapter UWS 14 (and institutional procedures approved to implement
Chapter UWS 14) should be directed to the Dean of Students Office.
Be aware of the instructor's policy on the use of photographs.
OTHER INFORMATION
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Paper cutters are not to be used for cutting mat board. There is a mat cutter in room S217 for students’ use.
Lockers (short red ones) are available for use in the basement. They are free but must be registered in the art office
room 322. Bring your own lock before registering.
Art events are scheduled throughout the semester. Students should plan on attending if they do not have scheduling
conflicts.
Students are also encouraged to participate in the Chicago field trip usually planned once per semester.
Drawing I Tentative Schedule
Spring 2012
Week 1—Introduction and gesture
Week 5—Individual critiques
Week 8—Mid-semester portfolio due
Week 14
Final group critique
2nd portfolio due
Group critiques (dates to be determined) will be scheduled throughout the semester.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE CONTENTS OF THIS SYLLABUS, SO REREAD IT A FEW TIMES
DURING THE SEMESTER.
The Art Department is not responsible for lost or stolen artwork or supplies.