PROGRAM: Digital Communication Department
COURSE NUMBER/NAME: ARTC 1321 – Illustration Techniques
CLASS NUMBER & SEMESTER: 62622 - Fall 2010
CREDIT 3 (2 lecture, 4 lab)/ 16 weeks/ 64 hours per semester
WEB ENHANCED COMPONENT: 32 hours
WHERE: West Loop Campus - Room C234
WHEN: Monday/1:30 – 5:30 pm
Instructor: Margo Reece
Telephone: 713-718-7903
Email: margo.reece@hccs.edu
Office hours: Wednesday 4:30 – 5:30 pm, Tuesday/Thursday 8:30–9:30 am & 11:00–11:30am
Office location: West Loop Campus, room 139B
Concerning office hours: Making an appointment to meet with me is always preferred. You
may drop in during office hours but be aware that another student may have an appointment
scheduled during the time you choose to drop in and you may have to wait, or come back at
another time. Please be sure you keep the appointment you make and if you cannot, let me
know via email 24-hours in advance so I can schedule another student during that time (this is
simple professional courtesy and I will act in kind). If your question does not require discussion
you may contact me via email with any course specific question or concern that you may have.
Remember that the syllabus, the schedule and the assignment handouts are your friend—read
carefully. Those documents are very detailed and contain most of the information you need to
meet course requirements.
Course Description
The study of illustration techniques in various media. Emphasis is on creative interpretation and
the discipline of draftsmanship for the visual communication of ideas.
Prerequisites
ARTC 1309, Basic Illustration
Course Goal
This course has been designed, through a series of visual problems and assignments, to help each
student develop a useful foundation for illustration; a foundation based in description while
encouraging creative interpretation and the imagination. You will be given some basic lessons in
observation techniques and exposure to various media. The student can expect to practice
drawing and painting a variety of subjects, “natural” and man-made. The student is expected to
EDUC 1301 – page 2
seek creative solutions within assignment parameters. Transformation strategies will be utilized
to extend the artwork into the imaginative realm. Discussions of illustration and informal class
critiques are part of the course
Student Learning Outcomes
Use a variety of illustration media and methods for illustration
Study and practice effective composition
Understand and apply observation techniques for illustration
Understand and apply the elements and principles of design
Seek personal creative responses to illustration problems
Explore the connection between reading, interpretation and illustration
Learn and use illustration discipline related vocabulary
Increase awareness of historical and contemporary illustration
Practice healthy and proper use of media, materials and the studio classroom
Practice self-discipline and perseverance in completing illustrations
Utilize the Internet as a resource for research on illustration related topics
Learning objectives
Students will:
Use a variety of illustration media and methods for illustration
Study and practice effective composition
Understand and apply observation techniques for illustration
Understand and apply the elements and principles of design
Seek personal creative responses to illustration problems
Explore the connection between reading, interpretation and illustration
Learn and use illustration discipline related vocabulary
Increase awareness of historical and contemporary illustration
Practice healthy and proper use of media, materials and the studio classroom
Practice self-discipline and perseverance in completing illustrations
Utilize the Internet as a resource for research on illustration related topics
SCANS or Core Curriculum Statement and Other Standards
Credit: 3
“Personal Qualities” F13, 15, 16,17 (note the following definition) – The student will display a
high standard of optimism in approaching and completing tasks. Throughout the course, the
student will exert a substantial, sustained level of effort and persevere toward goal attainment,
work to become proficient at doing tasks by setting high standards, paying attention to details,
working cheerfully, even when assigned a challenging task, and REMAIN FOCUSED ON THE
CLASS AND COURSE CONTENT.
F1 Reading, F2 Writing, F5 Listening, F6 Speaking, F7 Creative, F8 Decision Making, F9 Problem
Solving, F10 Seeing Things in the Minds Eye
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EDUC 1301 – page 3
16-WEEK CALENDAR
FALL 2010 CALENDAR - TRADITIONAL 16-WEEK SEMESTER
August 21 Saturday
Saturday Registration ( 9am - 1pm )
August 27 Friday
Last Day for 100% Refund
August 28 Saturday
Saturday Registration ( 9am - 1pm )
August 28 Saturday
Classes Begin - Drop/Add/Swap Fee ($15.00) Begins
August 28 - September 14
70% Refund
August 31 Tuesday
Registration Ends Last Day to Add/Swap Classes
September 2 Thursday
Last Day to Drop Classes Online (After this date students can only drop in person
or by letter, see class schedule.)
September 6 Monday
Offices Closed - Labor Day Holiday
September 10 Friday
Official Date of Record
September 15 - 20
25% Refund
October 15 Friday
Priority Deadline for Spring 2011 Financial Aid Award
October 15 Friday
Priority Deadline for Fall Completion of Degrees or Certificates
November 18 Thursday
Last Day for Administrative/Student Withdrawals - 4:30 pm
November 24 Wednesday
No Night Classes before Thanksgiving
November 25 - 28
Offices Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday
December 1 Wednesday
Veteran’s Advanced-Pay Application Deadline for Spring Session
December 12 Sunday
Instruction Ends
December 13 - 19
Final Examinations
December 19 Sunday
Semester Ends
December 20 Monday
Grades Due by - 12:00 Noon
December 24 Friday
Grades Available to Students
December 20 - December 31
Offices Closed - Christmas Break
Illustration Techniques Schedule
Margo Reece’s Class 2010
A schedule guideline only—which may be altered at the instructor’s discretion!
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EDUC 1301 – page 4
Unit1 Charcoal & Classic Easel Illustration (weeks 1 – 4)
Note: In this unit each class drawing(s) will make-up 33% of your class illustration grade.
Required supplies for Unit 1, wks 1 – 4: See Unit 1 Supply Handout.
Wk1 - Intro to composition, intuitive gesture, sighting techniques: emphasize organic spherical
shapes, the shapes that makeup the object, scale/proportion, spacing and value change.
TBA: Signing your artwork appropriately. Spray-fix your drawing at end of class.
Illustration problem: Three-object still life/spherical shapes (lime, grapefruit, purple plum,
squash). Compose your drawing. Use sighting techniques to achieve shape, scale/proportion
and spacing. The shapes are lighter or darker—in your drawing achieve distinct value variations.
Media: vine charcoal/stick on newsprint, a rag.
Web Enhanced Exercise U1-1 - Research artist’s charcoal drawings (see handout).
Wk 2 - Labor Day Holiday—no class today.
Web Enhanced Exercise U1-2 - Research charcoal drawing techniques (see handout).
Homework Due Week 3: Three graphite pencil drawings in your sketchbook. Use two or three
lemons/limes/oranges/plums in each drawing. Rearrange (compose) the subject for each
drawing. Spend 45 minutes per drawing. Include some background in the drawing (the fruit
should be sitting on something: a table top, a windowsill, a shelf, etc.). Draw the fruit at life size
or slightly larger (not smaller). Apply all of the sighting techniques you’ve learned. Use all your
graphite pencils. Create VALUE VARIATION!
Drawing prop for week 3: One hard-boiled egg from each student.
Wk 3 - Intuitive Perspective: emphasize geometric shapes, especially cubes, viewfinder to help
compose, the Mondrian Tool & the Perceptual Grid to check spatial relationships, Clock Angle
Tool to get perspective accurate.
Illustration problem: Multi-object still life emphasizing cubes. Compose your drawing so that it
extends off the page. Using distinct values or tones (not line), to realistically describe the threedimensional forms. Pay attention to subject contrast! Spray-fix your drawing at end of class.
Drawing props: One hard-boiled egg from each student.
Web Enhanced Exercise U1-3
Research drawing ellipses and cylinder shapes. Locate the two best methods you find and print
them out for your notebook. Apply these methods in your homework drawings.
Research and print two approaches to rendering metal surfaces for your notebook.
Homework Due Week 4: Three graphite drawings in your sketchbook of cylinder shaped
objects, one or two cylinders per drawing. Compose the placement of the object(s) on the page.
Spend 1 hour per drawing. Include background in the drawing. Use shading to make the objects
sit on the surface—not float! Scale the cylinders to a size that works on the page (not too
small!). Apply all of the sighting techniques you’ve learned. Achieve VALUE VARIATION! This is
not about detail—it is about getting the cylinder and ellipses shapes drawn correctly.
Wk 4 – Ellipses and Metallic Surfaces
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EDUC 1301 – page 5
Illustration Problem: Multi-object still life emphasizing ellipses, cylinder shapes, and metal
surfaces. Use a viewfinder to help compose. Use all sighting techniques. Use distinct tones, to
realistically describe the three-dimensional forms. Spray-fix your drawing at end of class.
*Handout: supplies for Unit 2/Pen and Ink.
Web Enhanced U1-4: Pen and Ink rendering technique: hatching, cross hatching, stippling,
contour hatching, irregular or random hatching (like mezzotint marks).
http://www.artyfactory.com/pen_and_ink_drawing/ink_drawing/pen_and_ink_drawing_6.htm
http://artyfactory.org/pen_and_ink_drawing/ink_drawing/pen_and_ink_drawing_5.htm
http://www.art-is-fun.com/drawing-techniques-creating-value-in-pen-and-ink-drawings.html
Homework Due Week 5: Value Scales Practice in Graphite Pencil/ You will create two value
scales for two graphite pencils on your supply list. In your sketchbook, using a ruler and drawing
lightly, create a 6x1 in. rectangle. Working across the strip from light to dark produce six
divisions of tone at 1 in. intervals (make small tic marks above the rectangle at 1 in. intervals).
Make sure the values are “separated” (meaning different) and step gradually darker to black.
Values must be built up on one scale by drawing with non-directional or irregular marks, on the
other strip you must use hatching and cross-hatching lines. If done correctly, each strip should
indicate the lightest to darkest tones the pencil can achieve.
Unit 2 Wet Media/Pen & Ink (3 – 4 weeks)
Note: In this unit each class drawing(s) will make-up 33% of your unit illustration grade.
Required supplies for Unit 2, wks 5– 7: See Unit 2 Supply Handout
Wk 5 - Intro to Pen & Ink
Wk 6 - Ink Washes in Illustration
Wk 7 - Pen & Ink Realistic Illustration
Unit 3 Color Media (5 weeks)
Note: In this unit each class drawing(s) will make-up 20% of your unit illustration grade.
Required supplies for Unit 3, wks 8– 13: Unit 3 and Unit 2 supply handouts
Wk 8 - Intro to Color
Wk 9 - Intro to Watercolor Painting Studies
Wk 10 - Illustration Problem: What is detail?
Wk 11 - Botanical Illustration
Wk 12 - Natural History Illustration
Unit 4 Editorial Illustration (3 – 4 weeks)
Note: In this unit each class drawing(s) will make-up 33% of your unit illustration grade
Required supplies for Unit 3, wks 8– 13: Unit 3 and Unit 2 supply handouts
Wk 13 - Transformation and the Imagination
Wk 14 - Transformation and the Imagination
Wk 15 - Transformation and the Imagination
Wk 16 - Transformation and the Imagination
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EDUC 1301 – page 6
Instructional Methods
Each class will be spent on instructions and practice on specific illustration projects. Wear
comfortable shoes and old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Student Assignments (Exercises and Illustrations)
Assignments have been developed that will enhance your learning and contribute to your
understanding of visual communication through illustration. Students are required to
successfully complete the following:
Web-Enhanced Content Exercises
The web-enhanced components are designed to complement and expand upon illustration
problems.
Submitting Illustrations and Exercises
1. Do not attempt to turn in work to the instructor prior to the due date. Work will not be
accepted in advance of the class due date.
2. Work will only be accepted in class! Do NOT drop off your work in the Digital
Communication office, my office or mailbox, or under the door of the classroom. Work
will not be graded and will earn a”0” unless it is turned in to me in class.
3. All Web-Enhanced Exercises must be submitted in order in one 3-ring binder. Use
dividers and indicate the Unit # and topic. Include the handout describing the exercise.
Your name must be on the front of your binder.
4. Any notebooks, exercises or illustrations turned in for grading without a name will
receive a “0”(zero). I cannot give you credit if there is no indication of who did the work.
On exercises your name should be in the upper right corner of each page.
On illustrations your name must be printed clearly, in pencil only in the lower right
corner on the back of your illustration. You may also sign the front appropriately (TBA).
5. Late assignment requirements…
a.
Late work will only be accepted in class exactly one week from the due date.
Work must be turned in to the instructor at the beginning of class, the following
week (when your name is called as the roll is taken). NO EXCEPTIONS!
b.
Late work meeting that deadline will be penalized by a reduction of 10 points for
exercises/web enhanced and 20 points for illustrations depending upon
applicable criteria as defined below in “Project Critique Days”.
c.
Work turned in late will be graded and returned to you late.
*See below “Class Project, Presentation, Exam Days” for additional information.
Illustration Assignments
1. Failure to have all the required art supplies in class with you to do your in-class
illustration each week will result in a “0” (zero) for that illustration. You will be dismissed
from class and counted absent for that class day because you are not prepared to
participate in the class.
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EDUC 1301 – page 7
2. There is no make-up of in-class illustrations. The “0” will be averaged into your unit
grade. Note: Each in-class illustration counts as approximately 20-25% of that unit’s
grade, depending on how many in-class illustrations are in the unit.
3. Illustrations are generally due weekly or biweekly.
4. If you are present in class but your illustration work is not complete and ready for class
critique—deduct 10 points from your earned grade. You will have one week (the
following class meeting to turn in your work). If you do not meet that deadline you will
have earned a”0” (zero) for that illustration.
5. Class participation is important. You are required to be present with your own work in
class critique. If your illustration is complete and in class but you are not present in class
to present it—deduct an additional 10 points from your grade.
6. In critiques students will be asked to make observations about each other’s work. Verbal
or written comments may be required. Polite but honest objectivity is essential to
productive discussion.
Instructional Materials
In an illustration class it is critical that you come to class prepared with the materials for that
class. That means art supplies and objects to draw from as assigned!
1. TEXT: no text is required. There are so many aspects of illustration from editorial, to
fashion, to book, botanical and so many techniques—no one book is adequate to the
task. You will be using the Internet and library for research.
2. Art Supplies (See detailed Supply List and objects handout)
3. Still life objects, natural objects, products, collage materials, etc.
4. Pencils in class everyday!
5. Three-ring binder to keep handouts, completed exercises and your notes.
HCC Policy Statement - ADA
Services to Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing,
etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services
Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized
to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. For
questions, please contact District ADA Coordinator Donna Price at 713.718.5165 or the
Disability Counselor at your college.
Southwest College ADA Counselor - Dr. Becky Hauri - 713.718.7910
To visit the ADA Web site, please visit: www.hccs.edu
then click Future students, scroll down the page and click on the words Disability Information.
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EDUC 1301 – page 8
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has
been learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students.
Instructors are responsible for measuring each student's achievements and also for ensuring
that all students compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has
teaching, grading and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the College’s
policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with
an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are responsible for
conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties,
and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student
accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is not limited to,
cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
 Copying from another students’ test paper;
 Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
 Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
 Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the
contents of a test that has not been administered;
 Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation
of that work in one’s own written or visual work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written or
visual work offered for credit.
Repercussions for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F in the particular
assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the
College System. (See the Student Handbook!)
HCC Policy Statements
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best
way to succeed in this class. Research has shown that the single most important factor in
student success is attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly increases your ability to
succeed. You are expected to attend all lecture and labs regularly. You are responsible for
materials covered during your absences. Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your
responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you
for excessive absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. The information that is
covered in class is vital for your success. Students may be dropped from a course after
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EDUC 1301 – page 9
accumulating absences in excess of 12.5% hours of instruction. The eight hours of class time
(two 4-hour classes or four 2-hour classes) would include any total classes missed or for
excessive tardiness or leaving class early.
You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult making the decision not
to attend, you do not have to notify the instructor prior to missing a class. However, if this
happens too many times, you may suddenly find that you are no longer in the class.
If you miss any class, including the first week, you are responsible for all material missed.
INFORMATION COVERED IN CLASS WILL NOT BE REPEATED FOR TARDY OR ABSENT
STUDENTS! If you must miss class it is your responsibility to make arrangements with another
student to take notes for you over what you missed.
Class attendance frequently equals class success.
Punctuality (instructor’s course policy)
Keep in mind that being late or leaving class early are missed hours of instruction. Class begins
at the time indicated in the schedule. You will be counted late if you are not in the classroom to
answer the roll when your name is called. Being late to class is rude, disruptive to your fellow
students and the instructor, and reduces your class participation time.
 There will be no repetition of information for students that are not in class.
 Being late or leaving before class is dismissed four (4) times will equate to one absence.
 NOTE: Being late 30 minutes or more will be counted as one absence.
 If you come in late to class do not disrupt the class—come in quietly.
 Class is not over until the instructor dismisses you.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course
prior to the final date of withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the
time to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor
may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course.
Your success is very important. Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law
limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout
their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early
Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a
class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your
responsibility to visit with a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be
available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in
class and improve your academic performance.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your
professor prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR
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EDUC 1301 – page 10
to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final withdrawal deadlines
vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit the online registration
calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC
counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines. Remember to allow a 24-hour response
time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor. Do
not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline. If you
do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class
as your final grade.
Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed
classes. To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice,
are required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students
to pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate
to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course
withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor
as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills,
attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might
be available.
Classroom Behavior
As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop and
maintain a positive learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this responsibility
very seriously and will inform members of the class if their behavior makes it difficult for
him/her to carry out this task. As a fellow learner, you are asked to respect the learning needs
of your classmates and assist your instructor achieve this critical goal.
Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices
As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to be
respectful of the learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of your fellow
students and instructor, you will turn off your phone and other electronic devices, and will not
use these devices in the classroom unless you receive permission from the instructor.
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in
classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or
testing occurs. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable
accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for information
regarding reasonable accommodations.
Concerning Cell Phones and Beepers
Cell phones and beepers must be turned OFF before entering the class. Cell phones or beepers
may not be utilized in the classroom at any time. It is extremely rude to talk on the phone in a
classroom—never answer or talk on the phone in the classroom. You may check your messages
during the allocated break time outside of the classroom. If your phone rings during class I will
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EDUC 1301 – page 11
deduct 5 points from your project grade for that unit. If you answer or talk on a cell phone in
the classroom I will deduct 10 points from your project grade for that unit. Note: If you have a
real emergency and feel you must take a call, quietly leave the room before answering.
Concerning MP3 Players
MP3 players (ipods, etc.), or earphones of any sort are not permitted during class time.
Instructor Requirements
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide a course syllabus and schedule
 Provide the grading scale/formula as to how student grades are determined
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through lectures, discussion, class activities
assessments, and outside assignments
 Provide a description of projects, presentations and assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness, late work, test
make-up (if permitted)
 Arrange to meet with individual students as needed.
Student Requirements
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class regularly and be on time
 Be prepared for class with the required art supplies and still life objects for each class
session. If you are not prepared you will receive a”0” for that days assignment and
counted absent. You must have your own art supplies.
 Participate in class through active listening, discussion, asking questions. Focus on
working diligently to complete the class illustration in the designated time period.
 Complete your work (the exercises and illustrations)
 Practice studio etiquette by setting up and breaking down the equipment, still life
stations, lighting, etc. Return all equipment to its place. Clean up after yourself at the end
of each class (table tops, floor). Respect the space and materials of other class members
 Keep a binder with all the course handouts and completed exercises arranged in the order
received.
 Keep all your illustrations in like-new condition for the semester.
Grading
Your instructor will conduct assessments that you can use to determine how successful you are
at achieving the course learning outcomes (mastery of course content and skills) outlined in the
syllabus. If you find you are not mastering the material and skills, you are encouraged to reflect
on how you study and prepare for each class. Your instructor welcomes a dialogue on what you
discover and may be able to assist you in finding resources on campus that will improve your
performance.
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EDUC 1301 – page 12
Grading Scale
90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
Below 60 = F
Grading Percentages
The student's final grade will consist of…
Illustration Units (averaged)
Including evaluation of:
Daily class preparedness
Participation/ studio etiquette
Sketchbook/ web enhanced components
100%
From your instructor: Thoughts on the importance of Illustration.
Illustration is the most fundamental and enduring form of communication. Frequently a picture
is really worth a thousand words. From the simple pictographs of early man to the complex
visual interfaces of communication systems today, being able to represent concepts in drawn
and recognizable form is vitally important to visual communicators. A concept illustrated on
paper has weight—words can be vague, but a client can literally “see” an idea that has been
illustrated. That is why designers of all sorts frequently start with thumbnail drawings to work
through lots of ideas before deciding on one or two to pursue further and present to the client.
Not being able to express what you want to visually so that someone else “gets it” is a big
problem in a visual discipline like graphic design. Illustration is visible language. Your drawing
should speak volumes.
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