Kennesaw State University
Art Education Life Drawing
Fall 2008
Instructor: Donald Robson & Dr. Diana Gregory
Course No. ART 3155
Section: 01
Credit Hours: 2
Class Hours: TBA
Visual Arts Bldg. Rm. 102
CRN
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Instructors: Donald Robson & Dr. Diana Gregory
Office: Visual Arts Building, Room 231 and Room 227
Tel. #: 678.797.2014 & 678-797-2138
Email: drobson1@kennesaw.edu and dgregory@kennesaw.edu
Office Hours: TBA
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Art Education Life Drawing is an advanced study of drawing concentrating on the subject matter of
the human figure. Each of the approximately 30 sessions will consist of lectures on anatomy, inclass studio work, group critiques and tests of knowledge of subject matter. Media used in this class
will progress from graphite and chalks to other media as chosen by the student.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Through the study of anatomy (bones of the skeleton, musculature, surface forms etc.) the student
will develop an understanding of the structure, form, proportion and articulations of the human
figure. This necessary understanding will compliment the fine art knowledge the student is bringing
with him to class. A synthesis of technical and intuitive considerations is the goal of this course.
Among the directions this course will take are:

The study of the skeletal structure (osteology and arthrology), the individual bones, their
functions, forms and pertinent aspects as related to the rendering of the human form.

The study of the superficial musculature (myology), its form, function and correct placement
on the skeletal framework.

The study of the surface form (morphology) of the human figure with the underlying
muscles and bones controlling its final look.

A continuing facility with traditional drawing media as well as the introduction of nontraditional drawing media.
The above concepts are built upon the concepts studied in Drawing I and Drawing II, which are:

The ability to create the illusion of three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface.

Technical facility with the two primary drawing mediums: graphite and charcoal.

Basic rendering skills: the human figure, still-life arrangements, interiors, and the landscape.

An ability to perceive, measure, and record the proportions of things relative to one another.

A working knowledge of the laws of linear and atmospheric perspective.

An increased awareness of the importance of craft and presentation.
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
Comprehension of how subject matter and technique interrelate to enhance concept.
COURSE OUTLINE:
This course is comprised of approximately 30 drawing sessions. The first half of the course will
consist of lectures and drawing sessions to reinforce the understanding of material covered. A
notebook will be turned in for grading. This part of the course will culminate with a midterm test.
The second half of the course will be devoted to life drawing with the model. In this part aesthetic
qualities will be emphasized in conjunction with the technical considerations of the previous section.
Alternate media may be introduced toward the end of this section.
GRADING POLICY:
Grades are determined by the artwork produced, attendance, critical commentary, deadlines met and
in-class behavior. Production of artwork entails in-session work and the submission of a notebook.
The combination of these elements determines the student’s final grade.
Grading Criteria: Submitted Artwork
Academic standards for determining grade in the art field are by nature subjective as determined by
the instructor. The grade received is determined by how well the student achieves or goes beyond
the goals set out by the instructor. Technical ability and intellectual creativity are both primary
criteria for determining grades of all class work.
Students are responsible for submitting work to the instructor at the required due dates. Work
submitted one (1) session after the required date will be lowered one letter grade. If the work is 2
sessions late the grade becomes an F.
There will be no extra credit opportunities.
Grading Criteria: Attendance and Absences
Each session of Drawing I is designed as a linear element of the larger Drawing I experience. These
sessions progress from such basic ideas as how to hold a pencil to, hopefully, the creation of an
image that employs a various materials and techniques to convey interpretations that underlie the
overt reading of the work created. This journey consists of many steps, each building upon and
advancing from the previous step. Therefore it is necessary that all sessions be attended.
Final grades are lowered by one letter grade after three (3) absences. Additional absences after that
lower final grades by one half-letter grade. A sign-in sheet will be set out at the beginning of each
session. It is the student’s responsibility to sign in and thus be recorded as present for that session.
If the student fails to sign in he or she will be marked absent from that session.
Late arrival to class (15 minutes or more) will be recorded as tardy. Three (3) tardies equal 1 absence.
Tardy attendance also includes late return from any specified breaks in the session or leaving class
before the end of the session without prior notification of the instructor.
An unexcused absence from a group critique will result in a failing grade for the artwork due that
day and for that day’s professionalism grade.
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Absences will only be excused for health reasons as verified by medical documentation or in the
event of a serious illness or death of an immediate relative.
Grading Criteria: Professionalism
Throughout the course we will have opportunities to critique and assess each other’s work. The
student’s ability to clearly convey ideas and critical observations in a constructive and mature
manner will be evaluated and graded.
Respect between instructor and student and between peers is essential in a professional studio
environment. As mature adults we need to comport ourselves in a professional manner. In-studio
behavior therefore is a vital part of the grading policy. The contribution of intelligent, thoughtful
and valuable observations will go far toward bettering the final grade.
Professionalism is evaluated at midterm and final critiques as well as throughout the semester.
Midterm Assessments
Near midterm, students are asked to meet with the instructor to review grades and discuss future
progress. This allows students a better understanding of where they are academically, what creative
strengths have been revealed and what weaknesses need to be addressed.
Final Grade Calculation
Each artwork produced is assigned a letter grade A through F. Larger projects may be given a
multiple letter grade. At the end of the semester these along with the professionalism grade are given
a numeric value and averaged into a provisional final grade. Excessive absences are then factored
into the provisional grade. Partial totals are rounded into whole numbers. Totals .5 and above are
rounded to the next higher whole number, .4 and below are rounded down to the next lower whole
number. Final totals are then converted into a final letter grades.
STUDIO POLICIES:
Use of cellular telephones is not permitted in the studio. Do not hold a cell phone conversation or
text messaging before, during or on breaks in the studio. Cell phones must be turned off during
class sessions. You are not permitted to take a call or text message during class sessions. First time
infractions will receive a warning. If the phone goes off a second time it will be recommended that
you drop the class. No personal stereos (Walkmans, MP3 players etc.) will be permitted in class.
Isolation from the group experience will have a negative affect upon your work and grade.
Because we will be working with some materials that, if improperly used, can be toxic we ask that
you adhere to the following rules:
No one is allowed to spray fixative in the building.
No eating while drawing and no eating or drinking while using pastels.
No friends or relatives of students allowed in the studio/classroom.
No one is allowed to prop open any studio doors for any reason.
No one is allowed to give our studio security code to any person not in this class.
DISABILITIES:
"Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to notify the
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instructor as early in the semester as possible. Verification from KSU Disabled Student Support
Services is required. All discussions will remain confidential."
For more information visit http://www.kennesaw.edu/stu_dev/dsss/policies.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
The following statement is required to appear in all KSU syllabi:
Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct as
published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Section II of the Student Code of Conduct
addresses the University's policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding plagiarism and
cheating, unauthorized access to University materials, misrepresentation / falsification of University
records or academic work, malicious removal of University records or academic work, malicious
removal, retention, or destruction of library materials, malicious / intentional misuse of computer
facilities and/or services, and misuse of student identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic
misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of the University Judiciary Program,
which includes either an "informal" resolution by a faculty member, resulting in a grade adjustment
or a "formal" hearing procedure, which may subject a student to the Code of Conduct's minimum
one semester suspension requirement.
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SUPPLY LIST:
The following materials will be needed for the first full session of the Drawing I. Other material may
be added as the course progresses.
TOOLS:
Graphite:
Pencils and sticks: 2 or more of the following:
2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B
Charcoal:
Compressed charcoal sticks (General, Conte,
Char-Kole)
Vine charcoal: various diameters / hardness
Charcoal pencils: HB, 2B, 4B, 6B
White chalk (Conte)
SURFACES:
18" x 24" Drawing Paper Pad (hot press 80
lb. or greater)
18" x 24" Newsprint Pad
Personal sketchbook
Various other single sheets of art papers to be
announced in class
MISCELLANEOUS:
Drawing Board with clamps, large enough for
18" x 24"
Pencil Sharpener (non – electric)
Small utility knife
Kneaded eraser
Drafting Eraser
Crumb eraser
“Pink Pearl” eraser
Acid free drafting tape
Spray fixative
Drawing Stumps and rags for blending
Paper portfolio bag 20” x 24”
OPTIONAL MEDIA:
India Ink
Watercolor
Color pastels
Oil paint
prisma color pencils
Water soluble color pencils
Oil sticks
Other
The above materials can be found at one or more of the following locations:
Pearl Art & Craft Supplies Inc (404) 233-9400
3756 Roswell Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30342
www.pearlpaint.com
Sam Flax Art & Design Store (404) 352-7200
1460 Northside Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
www.samflax.com
Utrecht Art Supply (404) 347-9119
878 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
www.utrechtart.com
Blick Art Materials (770) 993-0240
1165 Woodstock Road
Suite 830
Roswell, GA 30075
www.dickblick.com
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SAFETY PROCEDURES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL ARTS
INTRODUCTION
The safe operation of equipment and the proper handling of hazardous materials is the
responsibility of every individual in the Department of Visual Arts. Faculty, staff and students
have the responsibility to maintain safe practices at all times. Every individual in the department
has the right to work in a safe and secure environment, and also has the responsibility to report to
the faculty and department chair any concerns about safety or the handling of hazardous
chemicals.
THE RIGHT TO KNOW LAW- In 1988 the Georgia Legislature passed the Public Employee
Hazardous Chemical Protection and Right to Know Act. Kennesaw State University maintains
compliance with this law. The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)
conducts regular inspections of then art studios. Information concerning safety and hazardous
chemicals can be obtained by contacting the Department of EH&S at extension 3321.
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS- In accordance with the law, the Art Department
maintains Material Safety Data Sheets on all chemicals in the studio areas. The MSD sheets are
on file in the department office in a black and yellow notebook. These are open files for anyone
wanting information about the safe handling of chemicals. The department secretary or chair can
provide assistance in accessing this information.
STUDIO SAFETY RULES- Students taking studio courses such as painting, sculpture,
printmaking ceramics and photography will receive information and instruction from the
instructor of the course concerning safety practices for the studio. This booklet will provide an
overview of safety practices which are applicable to all situation in the department. Students
entering the program should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the information provided in
this booklet. Instructors and staff observing unsafe practices will request the student suspend the
activity until the unsafe situation is corrected.
DEPATMENT SAFETY RULES
1. EYE PROTECTION-Wear safety glasses when using power equipment, filing, sanding,
grinding, polishing and object of when handling dangerous chemicals such as acids.
Glasses are available in the University Bookstore. An art major should purchase a piar of
safety glasses as permanent equipment which will be used in numerous art courses.
When using welding equipment in sculpture, the use of proper shaded eye protection is
essential. The instructor in the class will provide information and the necessary eye
protection for welding.
In ceramics, no one should look directly into a high-firing kiln without shaded eye
protection. This type of equipment is located in the kiln room. The instructor in ceramics
will provide information concerning proper procedures.
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2. DUST MASKS AND VENTILATION-Students must use personal dust masks when
sanding, filing, or spraying any materials in the studio. Masks are available in the
University Bookstore for less than 50 cents. Packages of masks can be purchased at local
hardware and building supply stores. The use of aerosol cans should be kept at a
minimum and done outside of the building in an area which will not expose people
passing by the facility.
All art studios have a ventilation system designed for the activities conducted in that area.
Instructors teaching in the studio will provide information concerning the proper
operation of the studio ventilation system. Students are required to operate the studio
ventilation system when working in the studio where hazardous material may be
generated.
8. IDENTIFICATION & DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS-Studios where
hazardous materials are used have red disposal containers with yellow identification
labels. All hazardous liquids such as mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, and turpentine must
be disposed in these containers. They cannot be poured down drains in the sinks. All
paper and fabrics contaminated with these liquids must be placed in a designated
container. Instructors in classes where these materials are used will provide specific
information concerning the disposal of these chemicals.
Other materials such as clay, concrete, and plaster must never be washed down sinks and
drains. Containers for recycling these materials are provided by the instructor teaching in
the specific studio.
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LABELING OF ART MATERIALS-Listed below are general safety labels found on
most art materials. As a part of their art education, students should become familiar with
the NFPA Hazard Classifications.