Art 124B Drawing I
Prerequisite: Art 124A
Spring 2016
Instructor: Joy von Wolffersdorff
Office: Art & Design Center 506, Hrs: T 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., F. 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Email: joy.vonwolffersdorff@csun.edu
For appointments contact the Art Advisement Center - AD 100, 818-677-2348
Description
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. Six hours per week.
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 be covered. The art historical context of the use of the figure in art will also be explored.
Class Format
In class work
In most class sessions there will be a model from which to work. 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. The drawings that you do in class will be the source for you to
compile a final portfolio. There is no way for you to make up this experience, so please be here on time and be
ready to work. Please save and date all of your work.
Portfolio Evaluation
Students will present a portfolio for evaluation at the end of term. This body of work will consist of drawings
taken from work done in class as well as self-portrait homework assignments. Portfolios will include the
following work:
Final Portfolio
• best contour drawing
• best gesture drawing
• best construction drawing using spheres or cylinders
• best construction drawing using boxes
• best foreshortening drawing
• best hand and wrist drawing
• best foot and ankle drawing
• best portrait
• the graphite, three hour portrait done in class, of another student
• best long study (25 min. pose or longer)
• best long study (25 min. pose or longer)
• a favorite drawing
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• a favorite drawing
Gustave Courbet 1819 – 1877
Homework
I. The Self-Portraits:
There will be eight, two-week long, self-portrait homework projects. You should spend at least 6 hours on each.
All homework will be done on 15” x 20” Crescent #310 Cold Press Illustration Board.
1. Self-portrait with questions: Draw a self-portrait looking in a mirror. Include head, neck and
shoulders. Add at least six collage elements, things cut from magazines, pictures or text, writings,
photos, copies of photos or documents, any two dimensional elements.
Write out the following questions and your answers to them. Be prepared to speak about these.
1. Your name
2. What is your major and why did you choose it?
3. List five of your influences.
4. What is one of your long-term goals?
5. What do you think of your self-portrait?
2. Self-portrait with cross contours: Draw a self-portrait looking in a mirror, including your head, neck
and shoulders and then draw cross-contour lines all over the surface, open medium and format. Try
to make it like a wire frame used for animation.
3. Self-portrait with objects of relevance: Draw a self-portrait looking in a mirror, including your head,
neck and shoulders and an object that has relevance and is important to you. The object that you
choose should inform us about you, open medium and format.
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4. Self-portrait in ¾ or profile: Draw a three quarter view or a profile view, self-portrait including your
head, neck and shoulders, looking in a mirror. You may have to set up multiple mirrors until you find
a good view.
Additionally, you have the option to also change the eye level of the portrait. In other words, as seen
looking up towards the face, the viewer’s eye level below the nose (you would see more of the under
side of the chin), or as seen looking down towards the face, the viewer’s eye level above the nose
(you would see more of the top of the head).
5. Self-portrait with tattoo of significance: Draw a self-portrait looking in a mirror, including your
head, neck and shoulders. Then draw a tattoo over part or all of your face, neck and/or shoulders.
Use the images you select for the tattoo to inform us about some aspect of you, open medium and
format. If you have real tattoos on your face or neck, draw additional ones for this project.
6. Self-portrait done under the influence of another artist: Draw a self-portrait looking in a mirror,
including your head, neck and shoulders. Make this drawing in the style of another artists. Use their
technique, composition, medium and/or surface, stylistic elements, concept and anything else you
can think of to make it look as if they had drawn it. Be prepared to discuss why you selected the
artist you chose and what elements you used to represent their style. Bring in at least two examples
of their work that influenced your artwork. You may work in any medium – drawing, painting or
printmaking. Spend some time researching your choices of artists (from the list below) as well as the
specific artist you choose.
Select from the following list of artists: Kathe Kollwitz, Egon Schiele, John Steuart Curry, Frida
Kahlo, Chuck Close, Romaine Brooks, Remedios Varo, Lee Bontecou, Nancy Spero, Jim Dine,
Owen Smith, Elizabeth Catlett, Sharon Sprung, John Larriva, Gary Kelley, Kara Walker,
Greg Spalenka, Kurt Schwitters, Llyn Foulkes, David Hockney, Julian Schnabel, Martin
Kippenberger, Lari Pittman, Glen Ligon, Julie Mehretu.
7. Self-portrait that is more than a photo: Draw a self-portrait looking at a black and white photo of
your self, including your head, neck and shoulders. Make sure that you have a very clear photo,
ideally one that you can print and that will remain clear and sharp in print form. Using what you now
know about form and anatomy make this drawing look more three-dimensional than the photo does.
Push it further than the photo.
8. Self-portrait you as a superhero, in color: Imagine yourself as a superhero. Write a paragraph of how
you came to be and what your abilities are. Be specific. Then draw a self-portrait looking in a mirror,
including, at least, your head, neck and shoulders as if you are that superhero. Use color. You may
use any color medium. Make sure that the surface you select can support the medium you choose. Be
prepared to speak about what you wrote regarding this character.
II. Homework, Miscellaneous:
There may also be two - four additional unannounced homework assignments and quizzes.
Evaluation and Grading
The plus and minus grading system will be used in this class. You must save all work till you receive a final
grade as a backup record. A final grade will be given at the end of the term based on the following:
Work
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Evaluation of your work will be as follows:
In Class Work (75%)
Final portfolio review
Homework (25%)
The eight self-portrait homework projects
Any other miscellaneous homework projects and quizzes
Attendance
Attendance is critical in this class since the work from the model will be done in class and there is no way to
make up that experience. After three absences, the final grade may be dropped one point for each class missed
(from an A to an A-). Any special foreseen absences must be pre-arranged with me. You are responsible to get
notes on any missed material. Lecture information WILL NOT be repeated. Do not come to class if you are ill
and contagious, even with a cold! When you return it is your responsibility to tell me that you were ill.
• 3 tardies or early departures = 1 absence
• 3 or more absences = a drop in the final class grade by 1 point for each absence after 3
• Coming to class without supplies = an absence
• Consider saving your 3 absences for emergencies or illness
Progress
I look at your own individual progress throughout the semester.
Participation
Participation is how you work in class, share ideas and have questions with classmates and me. Feel free to tell
me if you are frustrated or pleased with your work. Be willing to try different things, to take chances and risks.
To earn an A or A- you must do the following
• Earn an overall grade of at least an A- on the above mentioned projects
• Meet all deadlines
• Have no more than three absences.
• Have no unauthorized cell phone use during class
• Be on time to class and do not leave class early (unless emergency)
• Have the necessary supplies to work in class
• Take notes and/or sketch lecture material
• Begin to grasp anatomical terms and communicate this with me by using them in class.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm about the subject of drawing by being involved in the class, share ideas; ask questions etc.
To earn a B+, B or B- you must do the following
• Earn an overall grade in the B range on the above mentioned projects
• Meet all deadlines
• Have no more than three absences.
• Have no unauthorized cell phone use during class
• Be on time to class and do not leave class early (unless emergency)
• Have the necessary supplies to work in class
• Take notes and/or sketch lecture material
• Begin to grasp anatomical terms and communicate this with me by using them in class
• Demonstrate enthusiasm about the subject of drawing by being involved in the class, share ideas; ask questions etc.
Regarding Drawing
Please remember that drawing is a learned and acquired skill. Although there may be a few individuals who are
born with a natural gift in drawing, most of us have to learn it. This process is very similar to learning to play a
musical instrument. You must practice, practice, and practice! You must also learn to be patient with yourself,
for just as in music your beginning attempts may not always be pleasing to you. Unlike music however we get
the added benefit and at times frustration of keeping all of our "not so perfect" drawings. Do not be discouraged.
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Turn the page and try again. There is an old saying in art that you have to draw a thousand bad drawings before
you get one good one. If this is true, then consider that every "bad" drawing is taking you that much closer to the
“good” ones. If you are able to learn to love drawing half as much as I do, then your life will be forever
enriched.
The Level of this Course
This is a University level Art class involving a great deal of work. It is a required course for all art majors. I
teach to this level. I consider this subject to be as serious as any other course you will take at CSUN. Art is my
profession as well as the fact that I am the Area Head for Drawing for the Department of Art. If you are not
serious about your commitment to this course you may want to drop it now, rather than risk the inevitable low
grade.
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. If you are
only coming to campus for this one class or if you have a significant commute you might want to check your
email prior to coming to school.
Student Conduct
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 lawabiding citizens who will comply with University policies and regulations." See the current University catalog.
Figure Drawing Classroom Ethics
In figure drawing classrooms there are certain ethics that are adhered to by artists and art students.
• Absolutely no photographs may be taken of our models without their and my expressed permission. This
includes images taken from a cell phone camera. Anyone violating this rule will be asked to leave class. Keep
cell phones put away at all times.
• Turn off all cell phones. Text messaging and phone calls are strictly prohibited in this class. If I have to ask
you to turn off your cell phone, it will be noted in the grade book and if it happens again, it will lower your final
grade by one point for each time I need to speak to you about this. If there is an emergency that requires your
leaving your phone on, let me know ahead of time. Basically I do not want to see a cell phone or hear one
ring.
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• Those students 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 me to walk amongst the benches.
• You are welcome to bring food and/or drinks into class. However make sure that all drink containers have a
tight fitting, spill proof lid. Keep all food items and drinks away from all art work at all times. Please clean up.
• No headsets or ipods may be used in this class.
• You are welcome to bring a laptop computer to class however if you are seen working on another class project
or checking email etc. during class time I will ask you to stop. Just as with cell phones if I have to ask you more
than once it will affect your final grade.
Treatment of Models
Please treat models with respect and appreciation. Our work is dependent on them. I will always 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. 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.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is an especially serious offense for which a student may be expelled, suspended or
awarded a failing grade to an assignment, examination or the entire course. Academic dishonesty includes
cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty and plagiarism. Any person found to be committing
academic dishonesty in my class will be reported to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and the
most severe disciplinary action will be taken. See the current University catalog.
Schedule of due dates and special dates (this is not a complete schedule)
The following schedule is only a list of due dates, holidays and special project dates. All other days will be
general workdays in class. Always bring your drawing supplies for a critique or presentation, unless otherwise
noted.
Th 1/28
T 2/2
Th 2/11
Th 2/25
Th 3/10
T 3/22
Th 3/24
T 3/29
Th 3/31
T 4/12
Th 4/14
Note: due dates are in blue
• #1 self-portrait due (SP with questions)
• First day to draw have all supplies
• #2 self-portrait due (SP with cross contour)
• #3 self-portrait due (SP with object/s of relevance)
• #4 self-portrait due (SP in ¾ or profile)
• Spring Break – campus closed
• Spring Break – campus closed
• #5 self-portrait due (SP with tattoo of significance)
• Cesar Chavez Day – campus closed
• 3 hr. portrait of another student, graphite, part 1
• 3 hr. portrait of another student, graphite, part 2
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Th 4/14
Th 4/28
Th 5/5
T 5/10
Th 5/12
• #6 self-portrait due (SP done under the influence of another artist)
• #7 self-portrait due (SP more than a photo)
• Extra Credit due (optional)
• Portfolios Due
• #8 self-portrait due (SP you as a superhero in color)
• Bring in all 8 self-portrait
• Finals week (10:15 – 12:15) we will meet only if necessary
T 5/17
Supply List
• 18” x 24” white bond (not layout bond) drawing paper, recommend Canson Biggie Sketch, 125 pages, 50 lbs.
• 18” x 24” smooth newsprint
• drawing board to support the paper
• two clips to hold the above together
• 4 - 6 sheets of charcoal paper in earth tones (Strathmore, Canson or Fabriano) mid values
• 2 Conte (black) pencils, Pierre Noir 1710 - 3B
• white Conte or General Pencil #558 white charcoal
• 4 - 6 various types of drawing pencils or tools, Carb Othello, Polychromos, China Marker, Conte sticks etc.
These can be in any colors, browns, greys etc. I want you to have some choices in materials and to become
familiar with a number of different mediums.
• 2 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 okay
• compressed charcoal
• small plastic container to keep powdered charcoal in
• blending stump, Conte brand is best
• matte knife and blades (utility knife)
• 6-8 sand pads
• small chamois
• pink pearl and kneaded erasers
• workable fixative (you may keep this at home)
• something to carry supplies in
• portfolio large enough to hold 18” x 24” paper
• other supplies for homework projects
Continental Art Supply Store has put a kit together for the following items. Ask for the Jvw124BW2016. This kit
will be sold for $65.40. This saves you $6. off of the retail price if you buy it this way. They cannot break up the
kits to sell part of them. You can of course purchase these supplies separately from any source you wish. The kit
is designed to save you money and time. The kit has the following supplies in it:
• 8 pieces of Crescent #310 Illustration Board, cut to 15” x 20”
• 7 Polychromos Pencils in earth tones
Burnt Umber, Cold Grey 6, Black, Burnt Sienna, Indian Red, White, Dark Indigo
• Set of 24 or more, dry pastel, mixed colors, Heritage Essential
Art Supply Stores (take student ID as most stores give student discounts)
Carter Sexton
M–F 9–6
Continental Art Store
5308 Laurel Cyn. Blvd.
Sat
9 – 5:30
7041 Reseda Blvd.
N. Hollywood
Reseda
818-763-5050
818-345-1044
M – F 10 – 7
Sat
10 – 6
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Dick Blick
44 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena
626-795-4985
M-F 9–8
Sat
9–7
Sun 10 – 6
Pearl Art Supplies Inc.
1250 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles
310-854-4900
M – S 9:30 - 8:30
Sun 11 – 6
Utrecht Art Supply
11677 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles
310-478-5775
Swain’s
537 N. Glendale Ave.
Glendale
818-243-3129
M–S 9–8
Sun 10 – 7
San Clemente Art Supply
1531 N. El Camino Real
San Clemente
949-369-6603
Blue Rooster Art Supplies
1718 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-661-9471
M – F 10 – 6
W
10 – 7
Sat
10 – 6
M-F
Sat
Sun
9–7
9 - 5:30
10 - 5
M – Sat 10 - 8
Sun 10 - 7
There are many discount art supply companies on the internet. Be careful of shipping costs.
www.DickBlick.com
www.RexArt.com
www.UtrechtArt.com
www.danielsmith.com
www.aswexpress.com
www.judsonsart.com
www.jerrysartarama.com
Extra Credit - optional
Students may choose one of the following two field trip assignments (A or B) for extra credit.
A. Museum Project:
Go to one museum from the list below. Make arrangements to get to the museum on your own. Do the
following:
You will hand in the following assignment typed and stapled together:
1. Cover sheet with your name, the name of the museum, the date you visited it
2. Attach your museum receipt to this cover sheet
3. Staple to this the following original drawings that you did at the museum. Please label each drawing, clearly.
1. A sketch of an exterior view of the museum or an interior courtyard area etc. This could be the
entrance, or a view from the gardens but it must include part of the architecture of the museum.
2. A sketch of any sculpture from the museum
3. A sketch of any painting from the museum
4. A sketch of any drawing or print from the museum
5. A sketch of one gallery space (one interior room) in the museum, include rough sketches of the works
of art in that gallery
4. Write a one page museum review of the museum. What did you like? What did you not like? Would you
return? What art works were your favorites? Etc. Think of yourself as a museum critic writing for the Los
Angeles Times. Note: If there are other museums that you wish to visit instead of one of these please check with
me first. If you are traveling out of town you may want to select a museum in the city you will be visiting, but
again please check with me first.
The Geffen Contemporary At MOCA
152 North Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Huntington Library, Art Collection & Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
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The Getty Center Los Angeles
1200 Getty Center Dr., LA, 310-440-7300
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
The Getty Villa Malibu
17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
250 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Hammer Museum of Art
10899 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90024
Norton Simon Museum of Art
411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105
B. The Private Art School Project:
Go to one of the private art school listed below. I suggest that you call ahead and make an appointment with an
admissions counselor and/or set up a tour so that you can see the entire campus and facility. Make arrangements
to get to the school on your own. Do the following:
You will hand in the following assignment typed and stapled together:
1. Cover sheet with your name, the name of the school, the date you visited it
2. A 2 - 3 page paper about your impression of the school. You may wish to include information that you
learned about various programs offered as well as degrees; facilities; faculty and/or staff whom you met. Think
of this as a review to be read by potential students. What sort of students would want to go to this school? Are
you interested in transferring to this school for undergraduate or graduate work?
In the Los Angeles Area:
In the San Francisco Area
Art Center College of Design
1700 Lida St.
Pasadena, CA 91103
California Institute of the Arts (Cal Arts)
24700 McBean Parkway
Valencia, CA 91355
Academy of Art University
79 New Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
California College of the Arts
5212 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618
Otis College of Art and Design
9045 Lincoln Blvd.
Westchester, CA 90045
San Francisco Art Institute
800 Chestnut St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
919 South Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Laguna College of Art and Design
2222 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
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.
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• 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
Student Learning Outcomes (continued)
• 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 foundation 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.
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Art Department Foundation Course Vocabulary List
Abstract
Organic Shape
Additive
Objectivity
Aesthetic
Overlapping
Aerial Perspective
Pattern
Anatomy
Perspective
Animation
Picture Plane
Asymmetrical
Plasticity
Atmospheric Perspective
Positive Shape
Axis (center, vertical, horizontal)
Process
Background
Proportion
Balance
Rectilinear
Chiaroscuro
Representational
Composition
Repetition
Contrapposto
Rhythm
Contrast
Scale
Critique
Sfumato
Cross-hatching
Shape
Curvilinear
Space
Cube
Sphere
Cylinder
Subjectivity
Design
Superficial Muscles
Emphasis
Surface Anatomy
Eye Level
Symmetry
Figure/Ground
Texture
Font
Two Point Perspective
Foreground
Unity
Foreshortening
Value
Form
Variety
Format
Volume
Frontal
Geometric Forms
Gesture
Graphic
Ground
Harmony
Horizon Line
Hue
Implied Line
Intensity
Line
Line Quality
Medium
Middle Ground
Mixed Media
Montage
Movement
Negative Shape
Nonrepresentational
One Point Perspective
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124B Project _______________ Name:
_______________
Legend: 10 is Superior, 0 is Deficient
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1. Completion of the
project requirements
2. Success of the
composition
3. Use of materials,
craft, technique
4. Variation in value
(hue and intensity - c)
5. Drawing skills and
proportions
Sub Total
Total Points = _____/ 50 possible
Grade = ______
124B Project _______________ Name:
_______________
Legend: 10 is Superior, 0 is Deficient
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1. Completion of the
project requirements
2. Success of the
composition
3. Use of materials,
craft, technique
4. Variation in value
(hue and intensity - c)
5. Drawing skills and
proportions
Sub Total
Total Points = _____/ 50 possible
Grade = ______
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9
10
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Final Portfolio Review Art 124B
Name: _________________________________________
Specific Project Review (130 Possible points - 10 points each)
_____ 1. Best contour drawing
_____ 2. Best gesture drawing
_____ 3. Best construction drawing using spheres or cylinders
_____ 4. Best construction drawing using boxes
_____ 5. Best foreshortening drawing
_____ 6. Best hand and wrist drawing
_____ 7. Best foot and ankle drawing
_____ 8. Best portrait
_____ 9. Three-hour portrait done of another student in class, graphite
_____ 10. Best long study
_____ 11. Best long study
_____ 12. Best or favorite drawing
_____ 13. Best or favorite drawing
Overall Portfolio Review (32 Possible Points)
Deficient
Below Average
0
2
Acceptable
4
1. Overall
improvement
2. Technical skill,
use of medium
3. Proportions
4. Creativity and
aesthetic
Specific Project Review = ________ 130 possible
Overall Portfolio Review = ________ 32 possible
Total Points = ________ 162 possible
Commendable
6
Superior
8