Art 430 Drawing IV: Composition
Prerequisite: Art 124B, 140, 200, 330
Instructor: Joy von Wolffersdorff
Office: Art and Design Center 506, Hrs: T/Th 5 – 6:00 p.m., T 9 – 10 p.m.
Email: joy.vonwolffersdorff@csun.edu
For appointments contact the Art Advisement Center - AD 100, 818-677-2348
Catalog Description
ART 430 Drawing IV: Composition (3 – 3)
Prerequisites: ART 330
Advanced drawing problems of 2-dimensional composition and pictorial organization. Six hours per week.
Course Description
Through lectures and examples students will continue the study of the importance of composition in expression and
communication. Students will learn additional major compositional principles and concepts during the lectures and projects.
They will continue to be shown how the success of a drawing or painting can stand or fall on its composition. No matter how
strong the ideas are, those ideas will be lost to the viewer, if the composition is not good enough to hold their attention.
Course Activities
1. Five Projects taken to completion
Students will be given five projects during the semester. Students have a choice of media (pencil, charcoal, pen & ink, scratch
board, colored pencil, pastel, water color, gouache, acrylic, oil, digital or mixed media). Experimentation with media is
encouraged, however the focus in this course is composition and not technique. On an average, students will have two and a
half weeks to do each assignment. On the due dates, students will present the finished assignment for a critique. The works
will be graded during the next class meeting, to enable students to make changes. Note: If the assignment is late, there will be
a one-point grade penalty for each class session missed, until it is turned in. One grade penalty = A- to B+.
2. Five sets of thumbnails and five sets of value studies (and color comps when applicable)
For each of the above five projects, students will complete and be graded on 20 thumbnails, 6 value studies and 3 color
comps (if working in color). These will be turned in during the project’s development.
3. Five sets of six project analysis
To correspond with each project given, students will do analyses of master works that demonstrate the given theme for each
project. They must be outstanding examples of each theme. Students will complete six analyses for each of the five projects.
These will be done digitally and turned in electronically.
The Five Projects - Art 430
• Project #1
Diagonal Themes
• Project #2
Circular and Oval Themes
• Project #3
Centered Themes
• Project #4
Space Movement
• Project #5
Subjective Movement
Assessment and Evaluation
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
The grades for the above mentioned projects will be averaged together. This provides a basic final grade. At the end of this
document you will find a copy of the grade matrix I use for grading the five final projects. Review it and be familiar with the
categories so that you can address each of them in your work. Please note that I give weight to how I perceive you are trying
new things and taking risks, experimentation. Don’t always play it safe if you want an A.
5 Finished projects
5 Sets of thumbnails (20 done for each project)
25%
25%
2
5 Sets of value studies & color comps (6 and 3 done for each project)
5 Project analysis (6 done for each project)
25%
25%
Attendance
Attendance is critical in this class since the majority of the work will be done in class. Any special foreseen absences must be
pre-arranged with me. You are responsible to get notes on any missed material. Do not come to class if you are ill and
contagious, even with a cold! It is your responsibility to tell me that you were ill.
• 3 tardies or early departures = 1 absence
• 4 or more absences = a drop in the final class grade (1 point for each absence after 3)
• Coming to class without supplies = an absence
• Save your 3 absences for emergencies or illness
Participation
Participation is how you work in class, share ideas and ask questions. 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. This also includes your participation during group
critiques, class critiques and course lectures.
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 compositional terms and communicate this with me by using them in class
• Demonstrate enthusiasm about the subject 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 compositional terms and communicate this with me by using them in class
• Demonstrate enthusiasm about the subject by being involved in the class - share ideas; ask questions etc.
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 University catalog.
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 University
catalog.
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Classroom Rules
Please turn off all cell phones during class time. Text messaging and phone calls are strictly prohibited in class. If I have to
ask you more than once to turn off your cell phone, it will be noted in the grade book and it will lower your final grade by
one point for each time I need to ask you. If there is an emergency that requires you to leave your phone on, please let me
know ahead of time. Basically I do not want to see a cell phone or hear one ring! Ever!!
You are welcome to bring a laptop computer to class however if you are seen working on anything outside of this course
work 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.
You are welcome to bring food and 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 art work at all times. Please clean up after yourself so that we may
continue this privilege.
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. However, if it is due to
illness, I may only be able to let you know 24 hours or less in advance. Therefore you might want to check email prior to
coming to school, if you are only coming to campus for this one class or if you have a significant commute.
Student Contact Information
Select two other students in class and exchange contact information, telephone and/or email etc. If you are absence it is your
responsibility to contact another student and get missed information.
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 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.
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-on-one 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
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obstacles that may interfere with academic progress and/or relationship satisfaction. Services include individual,
group and crisis counseling.
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.
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
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
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Schedule
T. 8/25
Th. 8/27
T. 9/1
Th. 9/3
• Introduction and syllabus
• Bring a Calendar to next class, put in all class and work schedules
• Project #1, Examples
• Concept lecture
• Calendars Due
• Art 430 – Project Proposal forms due and presented in class
• Project #1, Thumbnails
• Project #1, Analysis due
• Project #1, Value studies, color comps
• Project #1, Thumbnails due
• Light and Shade Lecture
T. 9/8
• Project #1, Work on finish
• Project #1, Value studies and color comps due
Th. 9/10
• Project #1, Work on finish
• Art 330 - Project Proposal forms due and presented in class
T. 9/15
• Project #1, Due for crit
• Project #2, Examples
• Project #2, Thumbnails
• Project #2, Analysis due
• Project #1, Due for grading
Th. 9/17
T. 9/22
Th. 9/24
• Project #2, Value studies, color comps
• Project #2, Thumbnails due
• Project #2, Work on finish
• Project #2, Value studies and color comps due
T. 9/29
Th. 10/1
• Project #2, Work on finish
• Project #2, Due for crit
• Project #3, Examples
T. 10/6
• Project #3, Thumbnails
• Project #3, Analysis due
• Project #2, Due for grading
Th. 10/8
• Project #3, Value Studies, Color Comps
• Project #3, Thumbnails due
T. 10/13
• Project #3, Work on finish
• Project #3, Value studies and color comps due
• Project #3, Work on finish
Th. 10/15
Th. 10/22
• Project #3, Due for crit
• Project #4, Examples
• Project #4, Thumbnails
• Project #4, Analysis due
• Project #3, Due for grading
T. 10/27
• Project #4, Value studies and color comps
• Project #4, Thumbnails due
Th. 10/29
• Project #4, Work on finish
• Project #4, Value studies and color comps due
T. 10/20
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T.11/3
Th. 11/5
• Project #4, Work on finish
• Project #4, Work on finish
T. 11/10
• Project #4, Due for crit
• Project #5, Examples
• Project #5, Thumbnails
• Project #5, Analysis due
• Project #4, Due for grading
Th. 11/12
T. 11/17
Th.11/19
• Project #5, Value studies and color comps
• Project #5, Thumbnails due
• Project #5, Work on finish
• Project #5, Value studies and color comps due
T. 11/24
T. 11/26
• Project #5, Work on finish
No class – Thanksgiving Holiday
T. 12/1
Th. 12/3
• Project #5, Work on finish
• Project #5, Due for presentation and grading
• Bring in all five projects
T. 12/8
Th. 12/10
• Return all grade slips
• Finals week, no class
T. 12/15
• Finals week, no class
Supplies
Since most projects are open, with regards to medium and surface there is not a large specific supply list for this class. You
will need the following on a daily basis:
• Sketchbook for thumbnails and notes
• Tracing Paper
• Cropping Ls made from left over matte board
• Variety of drawing materials, tape, erasers, pens and pencils etc.
• Additional supplies for each project dependent on your choice of medium and surface
• All necessary materials for professional presentations
• Please do not use canvas board as a surface, unless it is an exceptionally good quality
• Fabric hand towel for use in class, to cut down on paper towel use, one that you can take home, wash, use all year
For most dry mediums Strathmore Illustration Board is an excellent surface. It is 100% rag board and it is archival. If you
want a lighter weight surface consider Strathmore Papers. They come in 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 ply. The higher the number the
thicker the paper is. These are often located in the flat files in art stores and are purchased by individual sheets. Crescent
Illustration board is an average quality surface. It is fine for acrylic, however it may warp. It is not very good for other
mediums.
Art Supply Stores (take student ID as most stores give student discounts)
Carter Sexton
5308 Laurel Cyn. Blvd.
N. Hollywood
818-763-5050
M–F
Sat
9–6
9 – 5:30
Continental Art Store
7041 Reseda Blvd.
Reseda
818-345-1044
M–F
Sat
10 – 7
10 – 6
Dick Blick
44 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena
626-795-4985
M-F
Sat
Sun
9–8
9–7
10 – 6
Pearl Art Supplies Inc.
1250 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles
310-854-4900
M–S
Sun
9:30 - 8:30
11 – 6
7
Utrecht Art Supply
11677 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles
310-478-5775
M–S
Sun
9–8
10 – 7
Swain’s
537 N. Glendale Ave.
Glendale
818-243-3129
M-F
Sat
Sun
9-7
9 - 5:30
10 - 5
San Clemente Art Supply
1531 N. El Camino Real
San Clemente
949-369-6603
M–F
W
Sat
10 – 6
10 – 7
10 – 6
There are several good art supply companies that you can order from – be aware that shipping will cost time & money!!.
www.danielsmith.com
www.aswexpress.com
www.judsonsart.com (outdoor painting equipment)
www.jerrysartarama.com
www.DickBlick.com
www.UtrechtArt.com
www.RexArt.com
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430 Project Grade Matrix
Name: _____________________________________
Project # ________
Legend: 10 is Superior, 0 is Deficient
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1. Success of the
Composition
2. Use of Project
Theme
3. Advanced Concept
and Ideas
4. Ad. Use Materials,
Craft, Technique
5. Variation in value
(hue and intensity - c)
6. Presentation
7. Advanced Drawing
Skills
8. Risk Taking and
Experimentation
Sub Total
Total Points = _____/ 80 possible
Grade = ______
8
9
10
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Project Proposal Form
Art 430 Drawing IV: Composition
Professor Joy von Wolffersdorff
The following is a starting place for the concepts and ideas behind your projects that will be done for this class. As your work
develops during the semester your concepts and ideas may change. This is acceptable. In the beginning, you may propose
very different works and find that one of them will direct the others. You may also consider a series of pieces that are related,
formally and/or conceptually. These works can go in many directions. Ask yourself what would you like to explore
conceptually. If you are uncertain you can always do works of art with yourself as the topic.
Please complete the following information. You may use additional pages if necessary.
Your Name: ________________________________________________________________
1. Please describe the projects that you propose. Discuss your concept, your idea. What are you trying to say?
2. Please write a brief statement about how these proposed projects will relate to your main body of work, field of
study and/or personal artistic exploration.
3. What medium and technique will be used? (This may change as you move through the term.)
4. What will be the process? (Please note that if you are planning on using existing photo reference you must modify
or alter it at least 60% from the original, due to copyright laws. It is best if you are able to shoot your own reference
whenever possible.)
5. What are your goals with regards to these projects?