Syllabus
1. Course Information
Fall 2014 Term A
IL2560A: Still Life Painting
Tuesday and Thursdays. 8:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m., Studio Shore-#104
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisites: FD 1510 Perspective and FD 2130 3D Design / Visual Design II
Instructor: Charles Valsechi
Contact Information: cvalsechi@rmcad.edu
Office & Office Hours: By Appointment Only
Department Chair & Email: Paul Yalowitz pyalowitz@rmcad.edu
Required Texts and Materials:
There is no required textbook for this class, however a few additional books that are recommended but not required are:
See list of supplies.
Students must have the supplies to attend the course and to be able to paint still lifes.
Masterson Stay Wet Palette and portable light with bulb, and cord for every class session
Recommended Reading
Imaginative Realism by James Gurney.
Color and Light by James Gurney.
Alla Prima by Richard Schmid
Oil Painting Techniques and Materials by Harold Speed
Important Dates:
September 2
First Day of Classes
September 7
Last day to ADD/DROP
September 22 – 28
Mid-Terms
October 1
Mid-Term Grades Due
October 6
Last Day to Withdraw and receive a grade of W
October 24
Last Day of campus classes
October 26
Last Day of online classes
October 31
Final Grades Due
Student Handbook: Please refer to the Student Handbook for detailed policies, procedures, and information about student services and
resources.
Department and Institutional Outcomes are located in the Catalog.
2. Course Description
This course introduces basic acrylic painting materials and methods,
using the still life as inspiration to develop the student’s perceptual
abilities. At the conclusion of this course, the student will have been
introduced to and understand the basics of observational painting
materials and methods in acrylics, using the still life as subject matter.
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3. Course Outcomes
At the completion of the course the student will understand the basics of observational painting methods and materials. The basic knowledge
of color mixing and paint application will be understood. Usage of representational drawing skills, photographic reference and accurate
perspective will be understood.
The student will:
• Complete a series of five assignments.
• Each assignment will consist of several steps:
• Preliminary work, including small sketches, photographs taken by student
• Thumbnail illustrations.
• Research and reference. Gathering of objects to paint.
• Sketches, line art, value and tonal studies, color studies as necessary.
• Final, finished illustration. In color, in acrylic.
4. RMCAD Mission
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an innovative, rigorous and community-oriented global learning environment that inspires passion
for critical thinking, preparing learners to be forces of change in their industries, communities and the world.
5. Grading Scale Point Distribution, and Percentages
A+
100-99
A
98-93
A-
92-90
B+
89-88
B
87-83
B-
82-80
C+
79-78
C
77-73
C-
72-70
D+
69-68
D
67-63
D-
62-60
F
59 and below
Extreme dedicated effort, superior results, and progress.
Dedicated effort, creditable results, progress, strong participation, generally focused and on time.
Average effort and results, fulfillment of all requirements, little participation, or in-attentiveness.
Little to no evidence of effort, participation or achievement; or evidence of cheating.
No evidence of effort, participation, or achievement; or evidence of cheating.
Assignments with Grading, Point Distribution, and Percentages
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6. Department Policies
6.1 Assignments and Rubrics: The following assignments contain rubrics for this course. Students will be evaluated for the course based on
their completion of the following assignments in accordance with the rubric and course objectives.
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Students submitting works at the published deadlines have the opportunity to re-work and submit them up to Thursday, October 21
Assignments not submitted on time will be given an automatic “F”.
Grades, Projects are worth the following:
1st assignment = 5% = Color wheel and gray scale construction
2nd assignment = 5% = Black and White still life, a simple still life of various objects in a lighted box.
3rd assignment = 20% = B&W, Color glazes still life, a simple still life of various objects in a lighted box.
4th assignment = 30% = Glass and metallic reflective surfaces.
5th assignment = 30% = Toys made up of hard, fuzzy, rough surfaces. Plastic, fur, textured materials.
Attendance and class participation = 10% (Note: Please come to class, It helps you to learn by being involved.)
Final grade = (5% + 5% + 20% +30% +30%+10% = 100%)
6.2 Assessment Policy: LiveText is an assessment tool used by RMCAD for internal evaluation of curricula and planning. One assignment
during the semester will be identified for curricular assessment and must be submitted using LiveText. Assignments uploaded into the system
by students will not be disseminated or used for purposes other than assessment. Your instructor will notify you of those assignments.
Additional LiveText assistance is available through the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
As such, each student is required to submit work as directed by the instructor in order to support this process of curricular assessment. Failure
to provide work as required jeopardizes individual student success and limits the College's on-going mission to improve the educational
opportunities it provides students.
Failure to submit required assignments to LiveText as indicated will result in a grade of F for the assignment.
6.3 RMCAD Attendance Policy:
Due to Federal Financial Aid Guidelines, all attendance must be documented. Students are required to attend class, to be on time, and
to have the required supplies as consistent attendance offers the most effective opportunity to gain command of the knowledge, skills and
aptitudes for the course of study. Students are responsible for keeping track of any missed materials or assignments. Students who
demonstrate poor attendance, regardless of the attendance policy in the syllabus, will be contacted by the Office of Student Services or the
Office of Academic Advising.
Students who arrive fifteen minutes or later after the start of class are counted tardy. Three tardies equal one absence. Students who arrive
30 minutes or more after the start of class are counted absent, unless they have advance instructor approval.
There are two types of excused absences: sanctioned anticipated situations and documented emergency situations. Anticipated situations
(e.g., participation in jury duty, religious observances, or military duty) must be submitted in writing as soon as possible but not less than one
week prior to the anticipated absence. Emergency absences (e.g., student illness, injury or death of immediate family member) must be
documented in writing with supporting evidence by the student to their instructors.
Responsibility for all missed work is solely the student’s. Due to Federal Financial Aid Guidelines, all attendance must be documented. Class
meets one/twice a week and each class will last the entire time. Students are required to attend class, to be on time, and to have the required
supplies. Students are responsible for keeping track of any missed materials or assignments.
8 Week STUDIO Classes:
For classes that meet TWICE a week, students receive two absences for the semester. On the third absence, students automatically fail the
course.
For classes that meet THREE TIMES a week, students receive three absences for the semester. On the fourth absence, students
automatically fail the course.
8 week LECTURE Classes:
For classes that meet TWICE a week, students receive two absences for the semester. On the third absence, students
automatically fail the course.
For classes that meet THREE times a week: Students receive three absences for the semester. On the third absence, students automatically
fail the course.
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6.4 Additional Department Attendance Policies:
Students arriving to class without proper materials will be counted late!
6.5 If an instructor is Late
If the instructor is running late and not in class 15 minutes after the start of class, students should call the Campus Resource Center (CRC) at
303-753-6046. The CRC will coordinate with the department Chair to make arrangements. Remain in the classroom; class is still in-session
until the Chair has determined arrangements.
6.6 Campus Closures
Notices of campus closures will be placed on the College’s website. In the event that inclement weather, power/utility failure, fire, flood or
some other “Act of God” keeps the College from operating, the College’s website and voice mail recording will be updated to reflect closures.
Students are encouraged to call the CRC at 303.753.6046, and check the website for updates.
6.7 Models in the Classroom
Per course syllabus, instructor direction, and the Code of Conduct, students are required to treat models in a professional and respectful
manner. This includes not engaging in lengthy conversations with the model, and making requests in a polite and professional manner.
Students should never touch a model. This includes manipulating poses or adjusting costumes. Always ask for help from the instructor, who
will obtain permission from the model for adjustments. Unless it is part of the class curriculum and specified in the syllabus and course
assignments, students may NOT take photographs or video of models. Students should always check with the instructor before taking photos
or video of the model. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action detailed in the Student Handbook.
6.8 Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act, the College affirms its commitment to
seek to achieve reasonable accommodations for students who have documented disabilities. Prior to admission acceptance, the College will
provide general information upon request. Once enrolled, students are responsible for initiating a request for accommodations by disclosing
their disability to the Student Disability Services Coordinator and providing the required supporting documentation. The Student Disability
Services Coordinator will provide additional information to students requesting accommodations, such as standards for required
documentation and specific policies regarding use of accommodations. An individual’s needs must be communicated to the Student Disability
Services Coordinator before accommodations will be made.
Please note: Students with accommodations must discuss and distribute their Accommodations Letter with faculty. Student Disability Services
does not inform your instructors of your accommodations. Further, accommodations will not be considered in place until you share your
Accommodation Letter with your instructors.
6.9 Student Learning Center
The Student Learning Center (SLC) offers various resources to assist RMCAD students with their academic success. Peer Tutoring is available
free of charge for most courses. Peer tutors are friendly and patient upper level students who reinforce classroom learning, exam strategies,
and study skills. Tutoring is available on both an appointment and walk-in basis but appointments are recommended for specialized tutoring.
The SLC is located in Tri-Boro near the Library. Hours of operation, as well as numerous online resources, can be found on the SLC section of
the Dome under Academic Services. For more information, or to make an appointment, contact us at learning@rmcad.edu or 303-225-8605.
6.10 Emergency Procedures
If there is a life-threatening emergency, the instructor or a student should call 911 (or 9-911 on a campus phone) directly. Next, notify the
Campus Resource Center (CRC) at 303-753-6046, and alert them to the emergency and your location.
6.11 Communication
All written communication between students and faculty must be professional, respectful, and urbane. Students should avoid using sarcasm
and jokes as interpretation may vary based on recipient/viewer. Emails to faculty must adhere to basic grammatical tenets and be free of
spelling errors. Students may not use crass language and abbreviated spelling in a collegiate email; institutional emails are not text messages
and should not be treated as such.
As is custom with many forms of written communication over the Internet, words and sentences written in all caps (E.g. LIKE THIS) will be
considered aggressive and as such are inappropriate in written communication with RMCAD faculty, staff, and students. Students who wish to
emphasize a point must use grammatically appropriate methods such as italics or quotation marks.
Students should neither post nor reply to written communication designed to incite angry responses. This type of intentional provocation will
be considered a violation of the Code Of Conduct. Students should always be respectful and realize that written communication and sent email
cannot be edited or recalled. If a student is upset after reading a post, draft your response in a private medium (such as a word processor or
similar medium) and pause before replying or reacting. Ensure that you are calm and contemplate your response before sending or posting
and remember that the person who wrote the original comment may not have intended it to be inciting or offensive..
REMEMBER: You don’t have to respond.
6.12 Additional Department Policies
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- Regular breaks will be provided during the class according to the instructor’s discretion, and only breaks approved by the instructor will be
permitted.
- Cell Phone interruptions are prohibited. This class, as most others, supports a creative thinking space. Please respect your fellow learners
and your instructor by setting your cell phone to “off” or “vibrate” during class. No Texting without prior approval from the instructor.
- Internet usage will be permitted for research purposes only. Casual, excessive and gratuitous “surfing” will not be permitted.
6.13 Conflict Resolution Procedure and the Grievance Committee
RMCAD is committed to providing the best possible educational environment for its students. We encourage an open and frank
atmosphere in which any conflict, complaint, suggestion or question receives a timely response from RMCAD staff and/or faculty. RMCAD
strives to ensure fair and, honest, and equal treatment of students. Students, faculty and staff are expected to treat each other with mutual
respect at all times. When students have issues of concern that do not fall under the discrimination or harassment policies or the grade appeal
procedure in the Student Handbook, they should follow the Conflict Resolution procedure to resolve any other issues that occur between them
and the faculty or staff of the College.
1. The student presents the concern to the faculty or staff member with which the issue is of concern, after the incident occurs. If the
faculty or staff member is unavailable or the student believes it would be inappropriate to contact that person, then the student should
present the conflict to the Director of Student Affairs (for general issues at 303.999.5468) or to the Provost (for faculty issues at
303.567.7303) or to Human Resources (for staff issues at 303.225.8552).
2. Students may present the issue to the Director of Student Affairs and the Academic Deans, although RMCAD encourages students to
present issues as promptly as possible so administration may take appropriate remedial or investigatory measures, if required.
3. Whichever party is contacted—Director of Student Affairs, the Academic Deans, or Human Resources —would then apprise the other of the
situation.
4. If the issue of concern is with a faculty member, then the Dean of Academic Affairs will bring the issue to the Department Chair and notify
Human Resources of the concern. Human Resources will work with the faculty member, Department Chair, and Dean of Academic Affairs as
needed to resolve the issue. The Director of Student Affairs and the Academic Deans will be kept apprised of the progress and involved on an
as-needed basis to best resolve the issue.
5. If the issue of concern is with a staff member, then Human Resources will apprise the staff member’s supervisor of the situation and work
through the situation with the staff member and the supervisor as needed. The Director of Student Affairs and the Academic Deans will be
kept apprised of the progress and involved in an as-needed basis to best resolve the issue.
6. If the issue concerns college policy or procedure and/or other issues/complaints regarding any aspect of the college it will be addressed by
appropriate administrators overseeing relevant departments in concert with the Dean of Academics and Director of Student Affairs. The
resolution of the Conflict Process will be finalized in written form and sent to the student.
Grievance Committee
In the case that a student is dissatisfied with the resolution, he or she may submit the grievance in writing, including all relevant
documentation/evidence as applicable or requested by the committee, to the Registrar, who Chairs the Grievance Committee. The Grievance
Committee also hears Exception to Policy Petitions.
1. The committee reviews all documentation and renders a decision to the student in writing.
2. If the student is dissatisfied with the resolution, he or she has one opportunity to appeal the decision. The Registrar submits the grievance
or petition to the Executive Committee for review. This decision is final and binding. Not every conflict can be resolved to everyone’s total
satisfaction, but only through understanding, open communication and discussion of mutual conflicts can students, faculty and staff develop
confidence in each other. This confidence is important to the operation of an efficient and harmonious educational environment. The student,
where appropriate, will be notified of the conclusion of the conflict resolution process.
6.13 Student Professionalism Statement
Becoming a successful professional artist or designer involves studying, understanding, developing and applying a variety of skills including an
attitude and demeanor of professionalism. Professionalism at RMCAD begins by taking responsibility and ownership for the success of your
own educational experience. You are expected to conduct yourself in class with respect for your instructors, classmates and in alignment with
the requirements of the class.
7. Academic Integrity
7.1 RMCAD Honor Code
As an academic and artistic community, RMCAD seeks to support the development of the highest levels of creativity, growth and learning
within each individual. It is our community’s belief that this is accomplished by careful, personal transformation effected through the
incorporation of academic and artistic integrity, through a focus and attentiveness to process as well as resultant forms and product, and
through acknowledging those upon whose work each is informed and inspired.
As citizens of this community each has the right and duty to expect honest and authentic work from self, peers and all others. Further,
RMCAD recognizes that this commitment to integrity is the path of discovering one’s own creative voice and art. Further, RMCAD recognizes
that this commitment to integrity is the path of discovering one’s own creative voice and art. Thus, RMCAD holds in high esteem this Honor
Code, by which each pledges to abide.
7.2 Ensuring Academic Integrity
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Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is committed to academic integrity. Academic dishonesty includes:
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Cheating
Plagiarism
Theft
Alteration or falsification of academic records
Violation of any college, state, or federal laws or policies
To commit or assist someone in committing academic dishonesty is grounds for disciplinary action and possible suspension or expulsion from
the college. Students who observe or become aware of apparent academic dishonesty should report the matter to faculty or administration.
Plagiarism is a form of cheating. To plagiarize is "to steal and pass off the ideas or words of another as one's own, use a created production
without crediting the source, commit literary theft, or present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source"
(Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 1993). Plagiarism is intellectual theft, a serious academic offense with serious consequences.
Remember that academic dishonesty includes:
1. cheating, which is defined as the giving or taking of any information or material with the intent of wrongfully aiding oneself or another in
academic work considered in the determination of a course grade or the outcome of a standardized assessment,
2. plagiarism, which is defined as the act of stealing or passing off as one’s own work the words, ideas or conclusions of another as if the
work submitted were the product of one’s own thinking rather than an idea or product derived from another source, or
3. any other form of inappropriate behavior which may include but is not limited to falsifying records or data, lying, unauthorized copying,
tampering, abusing or otherwise unethically using computer or other stored information, and any other act or misconduct which may
reasonably be deemed to be a part of this heading
An initial act of academic dishonesty may result in an “F” for the course or assignment, and at the instructor’s discretion. Subsequent offenses
may result in expulsion from the college. A more detailed discussion is available in the Student Handbook.
8. Incomplete Grade and Grade Appeal Policy
Please see the current Catalog for incomplete grade and grade appeal policy.
9. Course Schedule - Weeks 1 – 8
Week
Week 1:
Topics and Assignments
A review of class activities, attendance, class participation, homework and grades will be discussed. Weekly
critiques, (class and individual), will aide the student in progress evaluation and directional guidance.
Sep 2 & 4
Assignment #1 is presented. Acrylic paint exploration and mixing of a color wheel and gray scale bars.
Students should plan on having all supplies and reference material necessary to work in class each week. Each
class session will be divided into, lecture, critique and evaluation of student work and progress, and class studio
time. Individual discussions will occur throughout the eight week term.
Week 2
Assignment #1 Color wheels and B&W Swatches are due Tuesday Sep 9, at the beginning of class. A group
critique will occur prior to the beginning of the next assignment.
Sep 9 & 11
Week 3
Sep 16 & 18
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Assignment #2 is presented. Painting of a selection of objects painted in black and white prop-object in a darkly
lit box. Exploration of black and white values only. Contrast and surface textures are important. Create a very
detailed B/W drawing of your still-life. Be prepared to beginning painting in class. A detailed design brief will be provided to each
student.
Assignment #2. Work in class on Tuesday, Sep 16
Assignment #2 is due today, Tuesday, Sep 16 at the beginning of class today. Draw and paint in class as
necessary. Make progress on the composition and design.
Week 4
Assignment #3 B&W and Color glazes are presented today.
Paint, in acrylics, your still life in black and white. Use class time wisely to make progress. For homework,
complete the painting.
Sep 23 & 25
Assignment #3 B&W and Color Glazing Painting is due for critique today., Thursday Sep 25
Week 5
Sep 30 & Oct 2
Week 6
Oct 7 & 9
Week 7
Assignment #4 Hard Surface materials, plastics and glass, is given to students today.
Assignment #4 Hard Surface materials, plastics and glass, is worked on in class. This assignment is about
selection of various colored objects and textural shapes. Arrange a pleasing composition and then execute it in
acrylic paints.
Assignment #4 time to paint and draw as necessary. Class critique and discussion. Arrange a pleasing
composition and then execute it in acrylic paints.
Assignment #4 is due on Thursday October 9 for group discussion.
Assignment #4 Hard surface objects is due today, Work in class on painting-drawing for Assignment #5. A
detailed design brief will be provided by the instructor.
Oct 14 & 16
Week 8
Oct 21 & 23
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Work in class on Assignment #5 painting. Make progress on painting.
October 23 Last day of class. Assignment #5 is due on Thursday, October 23
Critiques of the painting will occur.
All projects must be completed for final grade evaluations.
Bring all of your paintings for discussion, evaluation and visible progress.
This day is for final grading. All projects are due on October 23.
Painting supplies for the course:
Mattserson Stay Wet Palette
Artist Tape
Electric Light with bulb, aluminum shield and electric cord. 60 watt bulb is sufficient.
Hair Dryer to speed the drying process.
Ruling pen for making fine lines, (an optional tool, not required.)
Canvas boards, 16” x 20” , pre coated with gesso.
Illustration board, hot press, 15” x 20” heavy weight for smooth quality painting.
Illustration board, cold press, 15” x 20” heavy weight for tonal drawing
Tracing paper or vellum paper, pads 11” x 14”
Pencils, kneaded erasers, paper blending stumps, charcoal, pen & ink supplies, black makers
Sketch book and drawing materials
Notebook to retain all of your sketches and reference material
Matt boards, backing boards, tissue overlays and coverflaps (for presentation)
Assorted drawing materials, tape, rulers, templates, etc.
Reference material, personal sketches and/or personal photographs
Color wheel
#2 Pencil, kneaded eraser, ruler, 1/2” masking tape
Binder for handouts and blank paper for note taking – there is no text book for this class
Required Paints:
The Paints: Acrylic tubes, preferably Liquitex or Golden, at least 6 oz. These are REQUIRED COLORS
Titanium white
Ivory Black
Two reds: Alizarin crimson hue and Cadmium red medium hue
Two yellows: Lemon yellow and Cadmium yellow medium hue
Two blues: Ultramarine blue and Pthalo blue
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Two browns: Burnt umber and Raw umber
Mediums: at least 4 oz. Of Matte, Satin and Gloss
Canvas pad 12x16
Canvas boards: two 14 x 18
Brushes: a variety that include soft, white synthetics:
three rounds, small, medium and large
three flats or filberts: small, medium and large
one one inch and one two inch wash brushes
Note: bristles that have not been used with oil paint can be tried – we will also be using a number of found object paint
Master’s brush cleaner, large water container like a plastic bucket: can be a divided bucket
plastic palette knife
spray bottle for water
Hair dryer.
painting smock or apron (optional)
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