California State University Northridge
College of Arts, Media and Communication
Instructor: Holly Boruck
Email: holly.boruck@csun.edu
SPRING 2015
Course #10012: 124B Figure Drawing I, M/W 11am – 1:45pm, Room AC604
Office: Sagebrush Hall, Rm 224, Appointments: holly.boruck@csun.edu
Catalog Description
ART 124B Drawing I (3) Prerequisites: ART 124A
Basic drawing experiences dealing with the human figure. Emphasis on form, structure, proportions, gesture and systems of
perspective and space.
Course Description
This course is an introductory class to drawing the human figure. Observational drawing will be done from models utilizing a
number of differing approaches. These include gesture, construction (using geometric solids) and contour. Foreshortening,
light and shade, modeling the form, and an introduction to general human anatomy will also be covered. The art historical
context of the use of the figure in art will also be explored.
Art Department Program Goals Addressed in This Course
• Acquire a basic knowledge, theories, and concepts about art; build on foundation art skills and develop a high level of
craft; communicate ideas and concepts through writing, speaking and art making; acquire a competency with a variety of
tools and media.
• Broaden knowledge of historical contexts of art.
• Apply processes of generating and solving problems in art; analyze, interpret and question traditional methodologies and
preconceived notions of art and art making.
• Develop an appreciation and tolerance of diverse perspectives dealing with art, culture, teaching and learning.
• Become involved in both individual and collaborative art experiences with other students and faculty.
• Develop ideas regarding career paths for an art profession or an art-related field.
• Experience and develop visual thinking and creative problem solving in art, as well as recognizing the
importance of perception, experimentation, innovation and critical thinking.
Student Learning Outcomes
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the elements of design and of color theory
• Develop and demonstrate technical craft as it applies to whichever medium the student chooses to use
• Communicate ideas and concepts through artistic development and art making
• Build a historical context for art
• Apply processes of generating and solving problems in art within specific art assignments
• Demonstrate an appreciation and tolerance of diverse perspectives
• Complete individual and collaborate art practices
• Consider an individual art or art-related career
• Use appropriate critical vocabulary to describe and analyze works of artistic expression
• Combine visual thinking and creative problem solving in the creation of finished works
Course Goals
• Observational drawing skills in relation to the figure, including the following:
The ability to render organic forms (the figure) in perspective
The ability to apply drawing skills and techniques learned in Art 124A to the figure
Knowledge of the historical significance & development of the study of the human form in art
Instruction in surface anatomy
• Lay a foundation for advanced study of drawing and work with the figure
• The elements and principles of design in relation to life drawing
• The vocabulary for Art 124B
• Students should learn to analyze, discuss, and write about works of art in a critical manner, using the vocabulary learned in
this course.
• Development of problem solving skills, processes and strategies including brainstorming, conceptual development,
collection and organization of source material.
Please Note: Students with disabilities, whether physical, attention related, learning or psychological, who believe that they
may need accommodations in this class, are encouraged to contact the appropriate institutional department as soon as
possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. There may be an authorization that is required
before any special accommodations can be made.
Textbooks & Readings
Suggested books and resources:
Vilppu Drawing Manual - Glenn Vilppu, http://vilppustore.com/
An Atlas of Anatomy for Artists - Fritz Schider
Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist - Stephen Rogers Peck
Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters - Robert Beverly Hale
Perspective Made Easy - Ernest R. Norling
Human Figure in Motion - Eadweard Muybridge
Masterclass in Figure Drawing - Robert Beverly Hale
Anatomy Online Image Resource - http://fineart.sk
Figure Drawing Classes, Workshops - http://www.artmodelbook.com/figure-drawing-california-91.htm
Websites for used and/or inexpensive books:
www.abebooks.com
www.bestwebbuys.com
Course Format
In most class sessions there will be a model that we will draw from observation. The experience of drawing from the model is
critical if you want to learn to draw the figure. There is no substitute for this experience. On days when we do not have a
model we will draw from each other for head and hand studies and review elements of light and shade as well as classical
modeling techniques. Please save and date all work. There is no way for you to make up this experience, so please be here on
time and ready to work.
Critiques
Critiques are the way in which contemporary artists and designers relate ideas about their work to others and in the process,
are able to more clearly analyze their own work. Critique is a group activity where artwork content, ideas, formal qualities
and relationships to contemporary art practices are discussed. Feedback from critiques give you valuable information that
increase your learning potential and improve your artwork. Use this information to your advantage, it's an important part of
obtaining competency. It takes some time to master and there are some simple rules: 1) Always be courteous and respectful
of others in a critique. 2) Give honest, thoughtful and constructive feedback. 3) Speak to/about the work and not to/at the
maker. 4) Try to differentiate between your taste and your critical evaluation of a work. Although the critique process can
seem quite strange and uncomfortable at first, it gets easier the more one practices. Please note that grading for critique is
tided to your projects, if you are late with turning a project in then you critique grade for that project is automatically
forfeited.
Attendance - please read carefully!!!
Attendance is mandatory. This is a studio class where activities and course work are done during class time. It
essential that you be in class with all the required materials and prepared to work. Attendance will be taken at the
beginning of every class. If you arrive late it is your responsibility to let me know you are present. Students are
responsible for being informed about information missed during their absence. It is your responsibility to be
informed about materials, class schedule, assignments and due dates. I recommend that you exchange contact
information with your fellow classmates (see contact form below) Please inform me if you know that you will be
late or will miss a class.
You will be allowed 3 absences. Please note that absences are NOT excused!! Do not come to me with a doctor's
note or other documentation of why you were absent. I understand that unexpected things happen in life - this is why
you get 3 absences without consequence. If you are absent more than 3 times the attendance policy below will be
followed without exception:
* The 4th absence = one HALF letter grade drop off your final grade in the class
* The 5th Absence = one FULL letter grade drop off your final grade in the class
* 8 absences = failing grade in this class
* 3 tardies or early departures = 1 absence
* Coming to class without supplies = an absence
It is your responsibility to drop this class after excessive absences. If you think you may want to drop the class
please be aware that there are deadlines for dropping without penalty - please consult the CSUN admissions.
Additional Note: If, for any reason I need to cancel a class I will do my best to email you and let you know in
advance. It's always a good idea to check email prior to coming to school.
Projects, Homework & Journal Assignments
Projects
Requirements and instructions for projects will be given out during class time and posted on Moodle. Projects are designed to
give you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and mastery of material covered in class. Late projects will be
given 2 points maximum (C grade).
Homework
Homework assignments are required to be handed in on the due date given. Late homework will not be accepted. Please
make sure that your homework assignments must have your name and date on them.
Journal
Over the course of the semester you will be working on assignments in your sketchbook both inside the classroom and
outside of class time. The purpose of these assignments is for you to create a record full of materials that you have both
compiled and produced and which will generally correspond with what we are studying in class. You will be doing a variety
of writing exercises, sketching, drawing and research. The journal assignments are designed to help you think about ideas
that influence your work in the classroom.
Required Materials
* 18” x 24” white bond drawing paper pad, 125 pages, 50 lbs.
* 18" x 24" (or 19" x 24") Bristol pad, smooth, 100lb. white
* 18” x 24” newsprint pad
* Drawing board with clips to hold the paper
* 18” x 24” piece of chip board, cardboard or the back of a pad of 18” x 24” pad of paper (not required
but handy to have to cover loose paper while transporting them)
* Large rubber band to hold the stiff paper cover (above) in place
* 3 - 4 sheets of 'toned' charcoal paper in earth tones (Strathmore, Canson or Fabriano) mid values
* 1 Conte (black) pencils, Pierre Noir 1710 - 3B
* 1 White Conte or General Pencil #558 white charcoal
* Set of 12 - 24 dry pastel, mixed colors, Pro Art Pastel set or similar
* 4 black pilot razor point pens or Micron by Pigma (01 or finer point)
* Graphite pencils, 2H, H, B, 2B, 3B - Faber Castell are best, Staedtler is OK
* Compressed charcoal squares
* Small container to keep powdered charcoal in
* Exacto knife and blades
* 1 sandpaper pad
* Sumi brush
* India or sepia ink
* Assorted twigs and sticks for experimental drawing
* Small chamois (or cotton rags)
* Mars white plastic/vinyl eraser
* Soft kneaded eraser
* Workable spray fixative (NOT spray adhesive!)
* Something to carry supplies in (old shoe box or art box from the store)
* Portfolio carry case for paper pads and drawing board
* 9” x 12” - 100 page sketchbook (recommend Strathmore Sketch premium recycled 400 series, 60 lb.)
* Disinfectant towelettes and band aids
* There may be other supplies needed for homework or class projects - remember to wear suitable
clothing to class and/or a smock or apron
Art Supply Stores (take student ID as most stores give student discounts):
Carter Sexton
5308 Laurel Cyn. Blvd.
N. Hollywood
818-763-5050
Continental Art Store
7041 Reseda Blvd.
Reseda
818-345-1044
Dick Blick
44 S. Raymond Ave.
Pearl Art Supplies Inc.
1250 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Pasadena
626-795-4985
Los Angeles
310-854-4900
Utrecht Art Supply
11677 Santa Monica Blvd. Sun
Los Angeles
310-478-5775
Swain’s
537 N. Glendale Ave.
Glendale
818-243-3129
Here are some good catalog and discount art supply companies. Be careful of shipping costs.
Daniel Smith 1-800-426-6740 www.danielsmith.com
ASW Art Supply Warehouse 1-800-995-6778 www.aswexpress.com
Judsons Art Outfitters 1-866-POCHADE www.judsonsart.com (outdoor painting equipment)
Jerry’s Art Arama 1-800-827-8478 www.jerrysartarama.com
Grading
Grading is based on a plus/minus system. You must save all work as a backup record of your performance in class until you
receive a final grade. All course work turned in for a grade in this class will be evaluated on a point system as follows:
3.7 - 4.0 points = A
3.4 - 3.6 points = AExtraordinary effort—the student has gone far beyond what is required in craftsmanship, substance, thought process, and
quality. The work truly stands out.
______________________________________
3.1 - 3.3 points = B+
2.8 - 3.0 points = B
2.5 - 2.7 points = BAbove average effort, where the work is well executed in quality, craftsmanship, substance, and thought process. The
solution to the design challenge is remarkable and clearly beyond project description.
______________________________________
2.2 - 2.4 points - C+
1.9 - 2.1 points = C
1.6 - 1.8 points = CAverage effort; work meets medium standard in quality, craftsmanship, substance, and thought process.
______________________________________
1.3 - 1.5 points = D+
1.0 - 1.2 points = D
Meets minimum requirement of the project description and has minimum effort; the craftsmanship and quality of work is less
than the standard and unremarkable.
______________________________________
0 - .9 points = Failure
______________________________________
* The amount of total points you receive for the semester will be divided by the number of graded assignments to calculate
your grade. Please come talk with me anytime about grades.
Your final grade will also reflect the following criteria:
Attendance and Class Participation:
Please read the attendance section above. Attendance is only part of the equation for being a participating member of the
class. Thoughtful and supportive comments during critiques and exchanges with class members during studio time is
essential if you'd like to receive a B grade or better.
Project Preparation and Development:
As previously stated, you must come to class prepared to work but you will also need to take time outside of class to develop
your concepts and compile visual resources. Project preparation includes reading handouts, doing self-motivated research and
spending time developing your ideas and concepts for the project (hello sketchbook!). The time you spend in preparation
will result in a more successful piece in the end. Lack of preparation will be evident both visually and through the critique
process. Read and listen to instructions for class assignments carefully. How well you follow directions and adhere to the
assignment guidelines is an important part of the grading process. Always ask questions if you're unclear about anything!
Proficiency with Techniques:
When I evaluate your work I will be looking for your ability to demonstrate drawing techniques using a variety of media.
Each graded assignment and project will be evaluated according to a rubric. Each student will get a copy of the rubric and I
encourage you to come talk with me at any time about your grade.
Projects and assignments pick up: Student art projects must be retrieved prior to the start of the next semester. The Art
Dept. and faculty will not be responsible for the storage of student work left from previous semesters.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a learning environment. All members of the academic
community must be confident that each person’s work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed, and
presented. Academic dishonesty is an extremely serious matter, with serious consequences. When in doubt about plagiarism,
paraphrasing, quoting or collaboration, please consult with me or visit the CSUN website on this issue http://library.csun.edu/Guides/ResearchStrategies/AvoidingPlagiarism
Students With Special Needs
Students with disabilities, whether physical, attention related, learning or psychological, who believe that they may need
accommodations in this class, are encouraged to contact the Center on Disabilities as soon as possible to ensure that
accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. There may be an authorization that is required before any special
accommodations can be made.
• Center on Disabilities: http://www.csun.edu/cod/studentservices.htm, 818.677.2684, Bayramian Hall 110. The Center on
Disabilities serves students with a wide range of visible and hidden disabilities, in a confidential environment. Students are
encouraged to meet with the professional staff and explore the services available to support their academic, career and
personal goals. Discover accommodations and strategies for help with disabilities in an academic setting.
Support Services for Students
• How to do Library and Internet Research: http://library.csun.edu/Research_Assistance/strategies.html. How to use the
library catalog, ways of conducting Internet searches and how to recognize valid Internet sources.
• Citation Style Guides for Writing: http://library.csun.edu/Find_Resources/e- books/estylegd.html. Provides guidelines and
samples for referencing and citing sources.
• Learning Resource Center: http://www.csun.edu/lrc/, 818.677.2033, Bayramian Hall 408. The mission of the LRC is to
enable students to improve their academic performance through a variety of learning programs including workshops, one-onone and group tutoring, Supplemental Instruction classes and interactive subject area computer programs and videos.
Students who use LRC learning programs will develop and strengthen their critical thinking skills, study strategies, writing
skills and performance in subject matter courses.
• Academic Advisement: http://www.csun.edu/ugs/advisement.html. The college-based academic advisement centers are
available to assist students in selecting courses and programs of study and in choosing or declaring a major or minor. Visit
the website to locate the advising center for your major, or for undeclared majors.
• University Counseling Services: http://www.csun.edu/counseling/, 818.677.2366, Bayramian Hall 520. UCS provides
resources and information to assist students in dealing with a variety of large and small psychological obstacles that may
interfere with academic progress and/or relationship satisfaction. Services include individual, group and crisis counseling.
• The Career Center: http://www.csun.edu/career/students/, 818.677.2878, University Hall 105. Need some help in deciding
on a career? Or do you know your career and need to meet employers? Perhaps your resume needs some sprucing up? The
Career Center offers a variety of services for students, from those new to the University to those about to graduate into the
world of work
Class Etiquettes
In order to have an optimal learning experience for all students, there are a couple of very important modes of behavior that
we all need to follow:
* Respect each other; we are all individuals and can learn from each other. Practice listening to each other and seeing through
each other's eyes.
* Clean up after yourself; you will need to allow yourself time before leaving each day to tidy up for the next class.
* NO headphones or ear buds!
* Turn your cell phones/pagers OFF during class; if you have a compelling reason to keep yours on (for example your are a
parent), you MUST talk to me about it and place your phone on vibrate. This observance will be STRICTLY enforced.
Texting at any time is prohibited in the classroom.
* Communication of your needs as a student is essential. My purpose and goal is to help you digest, comprehend and
integrate the material presented in this class. Think of you (student) and me (instructor) as a team whose interaction is open
and supportive - a two way street. Feel free to come to me with your questions and/or concerns. If you need accommodations
please talk with me and together we can find solutions.
* No eating in the studio. You can have drinks in the studio, BUT, please make sure the top is secure, there's nothing worse
that having your (or another's!) artwork ruined because of a mishap.
* Absolutely no photographs may be taken of our models without their expressed permission. This includes images taken
from a cell phone camera. Anyone violating this rule will be asked to withdraw/drop the class and will be reported to the
appropriate academic authorities. Keep cell phones put away at all times.
* Those of you who arrive first have their selection of seats. If you want a preferred seat get to class early. Do not expect
someone who is already seated and set up to move to accommodate you. There may be times when we will need to move a
number of people to change a set up etc. but in general, when you come in to class you can choose from any remaining seats.
* You may move your seat in any direction as long as you are not obstructing the view of someone who has already settled
in. Please do not block pathways.
* Store all of your bags, art bins, portfolios etc. in front of your drawing horse or under your seat. Keep walkway areas
between benches and rows clear. This is to allow both students and the professor to walk amongst the benches.
* Try not to block other's view of the model.
Student Conduct Code
Students are expected to "act at all times with integrity and with respect toward all members of the campus community. The
University assumes that all students will conduct themselves as mature, responsible, and law-abiding citizens who will
comply with University policies and regulations." See the current University catalog or go to this website http://www.csun.edu/sites/default/files/standards_student_conduct.pdf
Treatment of Models
Please treat models with respect and appreciation. Our work is dependent on them. I will introduce our models to you by
name. Please speak to them using their names. Compliments are always appreciated. If however you have any complaints
about a model please speak to me about it privately, outside of class. You may think that they cannot hear you if you whisper
to me in class but inevitably they do. I have spent years building a reputation of having classes who treat models well. This
has enabled me to get many of the best models in the business. Please help us maintain this high standard by making the
experience pleasant for everyone. Note: Models may move a little bit during a pose, especially long poses. This is
unavoidable.
Course Outline - this is NOT a class schedule!!
* Please note that this is a rough outline and is subject to change! For information on due dates and deadlines please refer to
the Student Schedule. If you have any questions please ask :)
Week #1
First Class - No model - Course syllabus and supply list, Review geometric forms in perspective. Geometric forms in
chiaroscuro/value
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #2
No model - Review Gesture Anatomical/Organizational Lines vs. Contour, Value/Modeling Form, Project #1
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #3
No model - Critique of Project #1, Review Measuring & Sighting Techniques, Value/Modeling Form
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #4
Model - Sighting & Measuring, Value/Modeling Form, Anatomical Landmarks & the Skeleton
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #5
Model - Anatomical Landmarks & the Skeleton, Anatomical Landmarks & the Skeleton
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #6
Model - Muscular System
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #7
Model - Box forms
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #8
Model - Long Pose
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #9
Model – Experimental media
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #10
Model – Experimental media
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #11
Model – Hand & Foot construction, Foreshortening
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #12
SPRING BREAK
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #13
Model - Head construction
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #14
Model - Head construction
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #15
Model - Long pose & Final Project
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #16
No Model – Final Project Critique
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Week #17
Finals Week