Art 430 Drawing IV: Composition
Tuesdays/Thursdays 2:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Art and Design Center 507
Instructor: Fabia Panjarian
Office: Art and Design Center 506, Hrs: Tuesday: 4:45 – 5:45 p.m.
Email: fabia.panjarian@csun.edu
For appointments contact the Art Advisement Center - AD 100, 818-677-2348
Please Note: This syllabus is subject to change at the professor’s discretion
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. Students will turn in photos of the
originals by uploading the images to the correct folder in Dropbox. Please make sure to upload good quality photographs.
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 through Dropbox.
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. In addition to this,
at end of term, your attendance and participation is added in to make up your final grade. Work is submitted via Dropbox.
Details regarding the format is explained in the Introduction PowerPoint on the first day of class. 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)
5 Sets of value studies & color comps (6 and 3 done for each project)
5 Project analysis (6 done for each project)
25%
25%
25%
25%
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After the 5 projects grade is added, a final grade will result by either being dropped or added by one grade point based on
how I value your Attendance and Participation in class.
Attendance
Attendance is critical in this class since the majority of the work will be done in class. Class lectures will not be repeated. I
give in person feedback during class time, and/or during office hours only. Any special foreseen absences/late arrivals/early
departures must be pre-arranged with me, otherwise it will be noted in my grade book. Do not come to class if you are ill and
contagious. It is your responsibility to tell me that you were ill.
• Only formal documents by a physician will result in an excused absence. Emailing me that you are sick, is
courteous, but does not qualify for an excused absence
• 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, and/or not working on current class assignment = an absence
• Being absent on a crit. day = a drop in the project grade
• Students are responsible to get notes on any missed material from another student.
• Consider saving your 3 absences for emergencies or illness
Participation
Since this is a studio class, participation and drawing and/or painting in class is crucial. Do not procrastinate. I will note in
my book how well each student participates during each class. This will show me how your ideas evolve and progress in
class. You will be graded based on the following:
• Drawing and/or painting in class on the assigned class project specific for that day during the entire class period.
• Sharing your ideas/concepts with me, and asking questions during daily one-on-one meeting times. Feel free to tell
me if you are frustrated or pleased with your work.
• Sharing your ideas/concepts with your peers and asking questions during group and class critiques.
• Students are expected to take notes and participate during presentations and critiques.
• Students are willing to try different compositional principles, work with different media, and take 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 compositional terms and communicate this with me by using them in class
• Demonstrate enthusiasm about the subject by being involved in the class – share your ideas with me; 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 your ideas with me; 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.
Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be
civil to one another and to others in the campus community, and to contribute positively to student and university life."
Grounds for Student Discipline
Student behavior that is not consistent with the Student Conduct Code is addressed through an educational process that is
designed to promote safety and good citizenship and, when necessary, impose appropriate consequences.
See the University catalog.
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Classroom Rules
• Turn off all cell phones during class. Text messaging and phone calls are prohibited in this class. If I have to ask you more
than once to turn off cell phones etc., it will be noted in the grade book and 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 please let me
know ahead of time. Basically I do not want to see a cell phone or hear one ring. I will have music in class, but if you need to
listen to your own iPod please let me know ahead of time.
• 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 and it will be noted in the roll book. 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/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 after yourself so that we
may continue this privilege.
• Work in class on the specific assigned project for each class
Other behavior that is deemed disruptive per the University Catalog and will have the appropriate consequences:
• Challenging the instructor’s authority in class
• Inappropriate, disrespectful, or uncivil responses to the comments or opinions of others in the classroom
• Threats/challenges to do physical harm (even when stated in a joking manner)
• Use of obscene or profane language
• Excessive talking
• Late arrival to, or early departure from, class without permission
• Coming to class under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance
• Bringing individuals to class who are not enrolled, including infants/children
• Improper use of equipment, materials or resources
•The student conduct code and standards of ethical behavior should be followed in accordance with this course.
Students are expected to comply with established class standards as well as the Student Conduct Code. Students who display
disruptive, threatening or abusive behavior in class are subject to student discipline. Faculty may eject a student from a single
class session when necessary to end seriously disruptive or threatening behavior. Such actions will be reported to
the appropriate campus officials. These procedures are promulgated pursuant to the authority granted to the CSU Trustees in
Section 66017 of the California Education Code and contained in Sections 41301, 41302, and 41303 of Title 5 of the
California Code of Regulations. http://www.csun.edu/studentaffairs/pdf/standarts_student_conduct.pdf
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.
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, phone and/or email etc. If you are absent it is your
responsibility to contact another student and get missed information.
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Schedule
T. 1/20
Th. 1/22
T. 1/27
Th. 1/29
T. 2/3
Th. 2/5
• Introduction and Syllabus
• Bring a Calendar, all other class and work schedules to next class
• Project #1, Examples
• Concept lecture
• Show me your calendars
• Art 430 – Project Proposal forms due and presented in class
• Project #1, Analysis due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #1, Work on 10 Thumbnails in class
• Project #1, 10 additional Thumbnails in class and group crit.
• Light and Shade Lecture
• Project #1, Work on Value Studies and Color Comps
• Project #1, Thumbnails due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #1, Work on Value Studies, Color Comps, and group crit.
• Project #1, Value Studies and Color Comps due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #1, Begin working on final
T. 2/10
Th. 2/12
• Project #1, All supplies ready to work on final
• Project #1, Due for crit.
• Project #2, Examples
T. 2/17
• Art 330 - Project Proposal forms due and presented in class
• Project #2, Analysis due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #1, Due for grading by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #2, work on 20 Thumbnails
• Project #2, Thumbnails group crit.
• Project #2, work on Value Studies, Color Comps
Th. 2/19
T 2/24
Th. 2/26
T. 3/3
Th. 3/5
T. 3/10
Th. 3/12
T. 3/17
Th. 3/19
T. 3/24
Th. 3/26
T. 3/31
• Project #2, Thumbnails due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #2, Value Studies, Color Comps group crit.
• Project #2, Begin working on final
• Project #2, Value Studies and Color Comps due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #2, All supplies ready to work on final
• Project #2, Due for crit.
• Project #3, Examples
• Project #3, Analysis due by 2p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #2, Due for grading by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #3, Work on 20 Thumbnails
• Project #3, Thumbnails group crit.
• Project #3, Work on Value Studies, and Color Comps
• Project #3, Thumbnails due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #3, Value Studies and Color Comps group crit.
• Project #3, Begin working on final
• Project #3, Value Studies and Color Comps due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #3, All supplies ready to work on finish
• Project #3, Due for crit.
• Project #4, Examples
• Project #4, Analysis due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #3, Due for grading by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #4, Work on 20 Thumbnails
• Project #4, Thumbnails group crit.
• Project #4, Work on Value Studies, and Color Comps
• Cesar Chavez Holiday; Campus Closed
5
Th. 4/2
• Project #4, Thumbnails due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #4, Value Studies and Color Comps group crits.
• Project #4, Begin working on final
T. 4/7
Th. 4/9
• Spring Recess; no instruction
• Spring Recess; no instruction
T. 4/14
• Project #4, Value Studies and Color Comps due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #4, All supplies ready to work on finish
• Project #4, Due for crit.
• Project #5, Examples
Th. 4/16
T. 4/21
Th. 4/23
T. 4/28
Th. 4/30
• Project #5, Analysis due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #4, Due for grading by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #5, Work on 20 Thumbnails
• Project #5, Thumbnails group crit.
• Project #5, Work on Value Studies, and Color Comps
• Project #5, Thumbnails due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #5, Value Studies and Color Comps group crits.
• Project #5, Begin working on final
• Project #5, Value Studies and Color Comps due by 2 p.m. via Dropbox
• Project #5, All supplies ready to work on finish
Th. 5/7
• Project #5, Due for presentation and grading
• Bring in all five projects
• Return all grade slips
T. 5/12
Th. 5/14
• No Class
• 3 – 5 p.m. Finals week, meet only if necessary
T. 5/5
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
• Variety of drawing materials, tape, erasers, pens and pencils etc.
• Additional supplies for each project dependent on your choice of medium and surface
• 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.
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430 Project Grade Matrix
Name:
_____________________
Project # ________
Legend: 10 is Superior, 0 is Deficient
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
1. Success of the
Composition
2. Use of Project
Theme
3. Advanced Concept and
Ideas
4. Advanced Use of Materials,
Craft, Technique
5. Variation in value
(hue and intensity)
6. Presentation (physical work
and image in Dropbox)
7. Advanced Drawing Skills
8. Risk Taking and
Experimentation
9. Participation
Sub Total
Total Points = _____/ 90 possible
Grade = ______
7
8
9
10
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Project Proposal Form
Art 430 Drawing IV: Composition
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 do you want to achieve with
the work?
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?
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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 advanced knowledge of the elements of design and of color theory
• Develop and demonstrate advanced 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 advanced creative problem solving in the creation of finished works