CSUN Fall 2015 - Art 124A - Drawing 1 (10532)
Mon/Wed. 8am-10:45am Room AD 604
Instructor: Ira Korman
Email: ira.korman@csun.edu
Office: AD 506
Office hours: Mon/Wed: 1:45pm – 2:45pm
For appointments contact the Art Advisement Center - AD 100, 818-677-2348
If time allows, we can also arrange to meet in the classroom before or after class.
Catalog Description
Introduction to basic drawing experiences. Graphic representation of objects stressed through a
variety of techniques and media. Emphasis on form, structure, values, line, and systems of
perspective and space. Available for General Education Subject Explorations: Arts and Humanities
or Section C.2, Humanities for non-art major.
Course Description
This course is a college level introductory course to drawing. It is designed for both art and non-art
majors. No previous drawing experience is necessary. We will be developing our observational
skills, learning to draw what we “see” rather than what we “know”. Observational drawing will be
done from various set ups utilizing a number of differing approaches. These include contour,
gesture, construction (using geometric solids), modeling, perspective and spatial cues. We will
investigate the following basic drawing techniques: line and value; measuring and sighting
methods; linear and atmospheric perspective; the illusionistic principles of depicting shape/planes
and volumes, texture, light and shadow; the elements and principles of design. A range of drawing
materials will be explored, focusing on graphite and charcoal. Class time will consist of drawing
sessions, discussions; slide lectures of history and technique and critiques.
Art Department Program Goals Addressed in This Course
* Basic Skills Developing a foundation of art knowledge, theories, skills, craftspersonship and
technologies, where ideas and concepts are communicated in writing, speaking and art making.
* Art Knowledge Broadening knowledge of ancient through contemporary art and to develop an
understanding of art within theoretical, cultural, and historical contexts.
* Critical Thinking Analyzing, interpreting, and questioning traditional methodologies and preconceived notions of art and art making through the process of generating and solving problems.
* Interdisciplinary Connections Exploring and engaging in interdisciplinary forms of art making.
* Global Perspectives Promoting an appreciation and tolerance of diverse perspectives dealing
with art, culture, teaching and learning.
* Collaboration Encouraging both individual and collaborative art experiences among students,
faculty, and community.
* Professional Preparation Developing career paths for various art professions and an
understanding of the demands and expectations of those areas.
Student Learning Outcomes
• To develop fundamental drawing skills through and investigation of specific tools, techniques and
concepts.
• To develop an understanding of volume through the use of value, light and shadow.
• To have an understanding of line quality and its expressive value.
• To develop the use of lines as a descriptive tool.
• To learn the fundamentals of one and two-point linear perspective techniques.
• To become aware of the role of drawing in history.
• To develop problem solving skills and creative solutions.
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• To develop observational skills and employ them in your artwork. This includes both realistic as
well as imaginary visualizations.
• To participate in artwork critiques where students analyze, discuss and write about artworks
utilizing the course vocabulary list.
• To complete research assignments resulting in written reports.
General Education Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
1. Explain and reflect critically upon the human search for meaning, values, discourse and
expression in one or more eras/stylistic periods or cultures;
2. Analyze, interpret, and reflect critically upon ideas of value, meaning, discourse and expression
from a variety of perspectives from the arts and/or humanities;
3. Produce work/works of art that communicate to a diverse audience through a demonstrated
understanding and fluency of expressive forms;
4. Demonstrate ability to engage and reflect upon their intellectual and creative development within
the arts and humanities;
5. Use appropriate critical vocabulary to describe and analyze works of artistic expression,
literature, philosophy, or religion and a comprehension of the historical context within which a body
of work was created or a tradition emerged;
6. Describe and explain the historical and/or cultural context within which a body of work was
created or a tradition emerged.
Class Format:
In class work
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 homework assignments. DATE AND SAVE ALL
WORK.
Homework
As of this writing, there will be 4-6 homework assignments given during the semester but that
number is subject to change. ABSOLUTELY NO TRACING OR WORKING FROM
PHOTOGRAPHS IS ALLOWED. 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. If you have any questions about the concepts, techniques or project guidelines,
please ask me to explain further. Otherwise, I’ll assume you fully understand and your work will be
evaluated accordingly.
Each assignment will have a corresponding grade matrix. The specific criteria evaluated will
depend on the assignment but will include some or all of the following:
• Meets project requirements
• Follows directions
• Effort/ brought to completion
• Use of materials/technique
• Presentation
• Accuracy/Proportion
Late Work
Unless you are absent for legitimate reasons on the day an assignment is due, there will be an
automatic 5-point reduction for each class session it's late. Work, vacations, family obligations,
travel, time for other classes, etc. are not acceptable excuses for late work. Unforeseen
circumstances will be evaluated on an individual basis but it is your responsibility to discuss with
me any possible conflicts before the assignment is due.
Revised Work
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Graded work can be redone and re-submitted for a second evaluation in the final portfolio with my
approval. The original must be attached to the project redo. Points deduction for late submission
of the original assignment can’t be made up. Re-evaluation does not guarantee a higher grade.
Please see me if you wish to re-do an assignment.
Sketchbook
Students will maintain a sketchbook throughout the term. You are expected to take detailed notes
during lectures and demos in your sketchbook. There will be several sketchbook assignments in
addition to formal homework projects. You must bring your sketchbook into class each session,
as there will be random checks made throughout the term. Sketchbooks will be included and
evaluated as part of your final portfolios.
Homework, Miscellaneous
There may also be additional unannounced homework and reading assignments and quizzes.
Critiques
Time permitting, homework assignments and some class work will be critiqued in class before
being handed in for grading. 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 gives you
valuable information that increases your learning potential and improves 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:
• Always be courteous and respectful of others in a critique.
• Give honest, thoughtful and constructive feedback.
• Speak to/about the work and not to/at the maker.
• 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.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. This is a studio class where activities and course work are done
during class time. It’s 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. Please ask a fellow student about what you have missed
before coming to me. Please inform me if you know that you will be late or miss a class. 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.
You will be allowed 3 absences. 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:
• 4 or more absences = 2 point drop in the final grade for each absence after 3.
• 3 tardies or early departures = 1 absence
• Coming to class without supplies = 1 absence
• Returning late to class after our break will equal a tardy for the class session
• 8 TOTAL ABSENCES = FAILING GRADE
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It is your responsibility to drop this class after excessive absences. If you’re considering
dropping the class, be aware that there are deadlines for dropping without penalty – please
consult CSUN admissions.
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.
Evaluation and Grading
The plus and minus grading system will be used in this class. You must date and save all work
until 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
Evaluation of your work will be as follows:
In Class Work (50%) (Including final portfolio)
Homework (40%)
Tests and quizzes (10%)
The following criteria is also considering in calculating your final grade:
Class Participation
This is my impression of your level of interest and commitment. Do you ask questions? Do you
share your ideas and insights when they are relevant? Do you participate in critiques? Do you
follow instructions? Are you open to instruction? Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone
to take chances and risks?
Progress
I look at your improvement throughout the semester to see if you've attempted to incorporate the
concepts and techniques into your work.
Grading is based on a plus/minus system. You must save all work as a back-up record 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:
97 - 100 = A+
94 – 96 = A
90 – 93 = AExtraordinary effort—the student has gone far beyond what is required in craftsmanship,
substance, thought process, and quality. The work truly stands out.
87 – 89 = B+
84 – 86 = B
80 – 83 = BAbove average effort, 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.
77 – 79 = C+
74 – 76 = C
70 – 73 = CAverage effort; work meets medium standard in quality, craftsmanship, substance, and
thought process.
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67 – 69 = D+
65 – 66 = D
Less than average effort; meets minimum requirements of project description and the
craftsmanship and quality of work is less than the standard and unremarkable.
0 – 64 = F
Failure
My Thoughts on Drawing
Drawing is one of the most primitive and natural ways of expressing ideas and is at least 15,000
years older than the written alphabet. It communicates with no language barrier and is the
essential building block of all creative endeavors. Remember, you are not here to make “Art”.
You are here to learn the techniques and concepts, which are relatively few and straightforward,
that will greatly benefit you in making art. “Art” is deeply personal and very mysterious- drawing is
not. It is a skill that can be acquired and developed with dedication, persistence and lots of
practice. The process of learning to draw is really the process of improving your powers of
observation. Yes, some people are born with “talent”, but you'll usually find that those with "natural
ability" love to draw and do it often. Don’t be discouraged by a seeming lack of progress at certain
times, patience is a virtue in life and in drawing. There is an old saying 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.
The Level of this Course
Please keep in mind that this is not a 13th grade art class. It is a university course with a
significant amount of work and rigorous evaluations. Students are expected to show a high level
of commitment and pride in their work and to spend at least 2-3 hours per week outside of class
on assignments and readings. It is a required course for all art majors to prepare them for other
art courses. I teach it to this level. I consider this subject to be as serious as any other course you
will take at CSUN. 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.
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 CSUN student code of conduct for additional rules and clarification here:
http://www.csun.edu/a&r/soc/studentconduct.html
Drawing Classroom Ethics
In drawing classrooms there are certain ethics that are adhered to by artists and art students.
• Do not talk when I am speaking or a student is responding to, or asking a question.
• Those of you who arrive first have your selection of seats. There are no reserved seats. If you
want a particular seat get to class early. Do not expect someone who is already seated to move to
accommodate you.
• 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 set-up/model.
• No headphones may be used in class during lectures and demos. If you must listen to music
during drawing sessions, the use of only one ear bud is allowed. This rule is subject to revision.
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• Turn off all cell phones during class. Texting 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 3 points for each time I need to speak to you about this. If there is
an emergency that requires you to have your phone on please let me know ahead of time. I do
not want to see a cell phone or hear one ring.
• Eating is not allowed in class but you are welcome to bring drinks. Be sure that all drink
containers have a tight fitting, spill proof lid and keep them away from all art work at all times.
• Clean up after yourself at the end of each class.
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.
Textbook
None required
Optional: Launching the Imagination by Mary Stewart, ISBN 0-07-287873-8 (recommended for art
majors)
Required supplies
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18” x 24” white bond drawing paper pad, I recommend Canson “Biggie Sketch,” 125 pages,
50 lbs.
Sketchbook – minimum size: 5” x 7”
20” x 26” drawing board or two clamps if you use the classroom boards
Various charcoal pencils, 2H (General’s), HB, 2B, 4B
Several sticks of compressed charcoal, (including some rectangular shaped) of varying
hardness. (Avoid “Soft” or “Dark” – they’re too soft)
Graphite pencils, 2H, H, B, 2B, 3B. Other grades are optional.
2-3 black pilot razor point pens, Micron or similar with a variety of nib sizes
Erasers: kneaded rubber, magic-rub, pink pearl, technical eraser
Utility or matt knife and blades
Sandpaper pad
Tackle box or other container to carry supplies
Portfolio to contain drawings such as a “red rope” envelope.
Workable fixative. (For use at home – don’t bring to class).
The following will be used later in the semester so you can wait to buy them:
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White Conte stick and, or General #558 white charcoal pencil.
2-3 Sticks or pencils of sanguine or sepia.
Several other types of pencils and drawing tools of your choosing (optional)
Drawing Chamois
Stumps 2-3 various size
Set of chalk pastels, pastel pencils or colored pencils (optional)
3-4 sheets of charcoal paper - several in mid-value colors earth tones. Grey, blue and
other colors are optional. (Strathmore, Canson, Ingres or Fabriano)
Bring all required materials to class as instructed. You cannot complete assignments
without the necessary materials. Coming to class without supplies will result in a tardy
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entered on your attendance record. If you must borrow materials from a willing and kind
classmate, please remember to return them.
All artwork, portfolios, etc. not picked by the end of the semester will be held for one week
then discarded.
Art Supply Stores (Take student ID as most stores give student discounts)
Carter Sexton
5308 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
N. Hollywood, CA
818-763-5050
Continental Art Supplies
7041 Reseda Blvd.
Reseda, CA
818-345-1044
Dick Blick
11531 Santa Monica Blvd
West Los Angles, CA
(310) 479-1416
7301 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 933-9284
2602 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 450-7015
Swain’s
537 N. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, CA
818-243-3129
There are also many discount art supply companies online. Watch the shipping costs.
www.DickBlick.com
www.UtrechtArt.com
www.jerrysartarama.com
Art 124A Contract
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I have read the syllabus for Drawing I, and I am fully aware of the objectives, requirements,
evaluation procedures, attendance requirements, late work policy, classroom behavior standards,
and the instructor’s office hours.
I understand that 8 total absences will result in dismissal from class and/or no credit (failure). I
will be responsible for dropping this class if I find I am unable to attend.
Date______________________
________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature
________________________________________________________________________
Student Name (Please Print)
________________________________________________________________________
Student Phone and e-mail (to be used in emergency only)