Course Syllabus / Art 100
Ainsley Buhl Cramer
January 2014
Drawing 1 ART 100
Art Room 517 T/TH 8a – 10:40a
Instructor: Ainsley Buhl Cramer
Office: Art South 104b
Office Hours: MW 1p – 3p, or by appointment
email: ainsleybuhlcramer@gmail.com
website: ainsleybuhlcramer.com
Remember that a syllabus functions as a written agreement between the student and the instructor and as a
contract in terms of expectations and fulfillment of course objectives. Meeting these expectations and
contractual agreements is directly correlated to your final grade, the main means of evaluation of each
participating student.
Course Content and Objectives:
Sensitivity toward the aesthetics of form and space are important characteristics for the
development of seeing/drawing skills for future artists and designers. Students will explore
gesture, linear perspective, mark making, value, line and line quality, and will work in black and
white media on a variety of surfaces from still life, landscape and portrait.
This is an introductory class, which will expose the student to a number of traditional skills, and
ideas that have occupied artists throughout history. The class involves drawing from direct and
imagined observation with an emphasis on space, volume, linear perspective, and other basic
techniques and concepts. In Drawing 1 there is an emphasis on line as the principle conveyor of
form. The student is expected to develop disciplined work habits and an understanding of the
visual formal language. There will be regular class critiques and required sketchbook
assignments.
Upon successful completion of the course, student’s work will demonstrate
1. The ability to Identify visual relationships that help determine scale/proportions
2. The ability to use line as the principle conveyor of form
3. The ability to demonstrate proficiency in a variety visual perspective systems including
foreshortening, linear and atmospheric perspective.
4. The ability to use linear perspective in the construction of volume and space
5. The ability to develop disciplined work habits.
6. The ability to use the Elements, Principle of organization and a variety of drawing media to
produce informed, inventive compositions.
Professional Practices Outcomes:
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to write an artist statement.
2. Student will demonstrate the ability to digitally document their class work and investigate
basic digital media related to drawing.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to research in order to stay current in their field, with a
global context.
4. Students will discuss, critique and evaluate their own drawings, as well as those of their
classmates.
Course Topics:
Objective and Subjective Drawing
Informational Drawing
Schematic Drawing
Positive and Negative Space
Course Syllabus / Art 100
Ainsley Buhl Cramer
January 2014
Spatial development through the elements and principles of drawing
History of Drawing
One-Point, Two-Point, Three-Point Perspective
Elements of Design and Drawing
Line: contour, cross contour, mechanical, structural, lyrical, cursive, implied, blurred
Shape: organic, geometric, implied, positive/negative, composite, picture plane
Value: descriptive, plastic, decorative, arbitrary, expressive
Texture: actual, simulated, invented, texture collage, photomontage, rubbings and transfer
Color: warm and cool, spatial effects of color, color media, monochromatic and complimentary
color schemes
Principles of Design and Drawing
Harmony, Variety, Proportion, Emphasis, Economy, Balance, Repetition/Movement
Course Structure:
The semester is divided into four portfolios, each with a different, but connected, area of focus.
The portfolios are, with tentative due dates:
Portfolio I: Objective and Subjective: February 13
content: elements and principles of design and drawing, gesture
highlighted artists: Max Ernst, de Chirico,
reading: “Animate Form”, Greg Lynn
films: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Diana Vreeland: The eye has to travel
Sound of Noise
Portfolio II: Observational and Schematic: March 6
content: measured drawing
highlighted artists:
reading: “Body, Personal Relations & Spatial Values”, from Space and Place, Yi-Fu Tuan
films: How much does your building weigh, Mr. Foster?
Wasteland
Howl’s Moving Castle
Portfolio III: 1, 2 and 3 Point Perspective: April 10
content: linear perspective
highlighted artists: Kara Walker, Kai Althoff, Winsor McCay
reading: “Body Ritual Among the Nacirema”, Horace Miner
films: The Life Aquatic
Death of a Superhero
Portfolio IV: Informational: May 6
content: thematic development, color schemes
highlighted artists: Raymond Pettibone, Ellen Gallagher,
reading: Lecture: “Create Dangerously”, Albert Camus
films: The Devil in Daniel Johnston
Beauty is Embarrassing
Drew: The man behind the poster
Class Outline & Assignments, total of 100%:
Portfolios, 10 points each, 40 points total, 40%
This will make up the majority of your work in this class. We will work primarily in black dry media
such as charcoal, pencil, conte on paper. Many of the drawings we will do are geared for a
particular learning experience. Your focus, attitude and participation are critical to your success in
this class.
Course Syllabus / Art 100
Ainsley Buhl Cramer
January 2014
Participation, 20 points, 20%
Along with the projects, in-class participation is required of this class. This includes active
participation in both formal and informal critiques, lectures and presentations, and discussions of
any class readings. You will be expected to participate with your peers and give constructive
feedback during class time activities, demos, and discussions. General effort and a professional
attitude will be expected.
Note: You will receive .25 points for every class attended, which totals 8 points. You have half
(.50) a point (2 missed classes), which will be considered extra credit if you attend all 16 classes.
Critiques, 2.5 points each, 10 points total, 10%
We will conduct critiques throughout the semester where students are expected to participate in
discussion. These critiques are very important days, in which you will get direct feedback from
your instructor and your classmates. A written, minimum 3 sentences, statement is required for
every critique.
Homework (.50 each, 8 points total) & Quizzes (.50 each, 2 points total), 10 points, 10%
Home assignments will vary between reading and writing assignments, artist research and/or
studying for quizzes. Keep in mind you will be responsible for completing classroom assignments
each week that will vary depending on the discussion topics and exercises happening in the
classroom. You can expect to have around 4 hours of homework each week.
Sketchbook, 10 points, 10%
You will be responsible for keeping a sketchbook throughout the semester. This
sketchbook/journal should be composed of a combination of drawings, sketches, observations,
ephemera, and ideas related to the course curriculum. You will record the Take 5 and DD
experience drawings in your sketchbooks. Think of this as a part of your practice as an artist, a
think pad, a place to work out drawing problems and a place to experiment. Use it every day. It
should always be with you. I will check sketchbooks periodically during the semester. Bring it with
you to class everyday!
The Take 5 is a beginning of the class exercise designed to loosen up your mind, body and
dexterity for developing drawing skills. The DD Experience is a required 1 drawing a day (107
days total between 1/22 and 5/08), which both instructor and students will participate. This
exercise is geared toward the class commitment between the student and instructor and to the
maintenance of visual vocabularies.
Class blog & Personal Blog, 5 points each, 10 points total, 10%
You will be responsible for checking this blog at least once per week. The blog will be your digital
classroom where critique photographs, drawing resources, artist resources, and other important
information will be stored. The blog also acts as an archive of class activities as I photograph and
post the work you are doing in class. You will need to create a blog specifically for this class
where you will document and upload portfolio work, Take 5 drawings and DD Experience for final
presentations.
Note: There will be extra credit opportunities throughout the semester. You may receive no more
than 5 points (5%) of extra credit during the semester. Each opportunity will result in 1 point (1%).
Materials List:
Paper
·
18 x 24 Heavyweight bond
·
18 x 24 2-ply Bristol
·
Stonehenge white, fawn, grey (22’’ x 30’’)
·
Arches white (22’’ x 30’’)
·
Rives BFK white (22’’ x 30’’)
·
18 x 24 Newsprint Pad
Drawing Tools
Course Syllabus / Art 100
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Ainsley Buhl Cramer
January 2014
Sketchbook (8.5’’x11’’), preferably a ringed binder (flat surface) (to your own preference)
Graphite Pencils: A variety (hard – soft)
Black and white conte
Charcoal (variety of hard – soft)
1 Charcoal Pencil
Chalk pastels
Workable fixative
Black India ink – permanent
Fine tip pen – Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen (F and M)
Watercolor brush (flat) – half-inch wide or larger
Watercolor brush (round) – pick size between 2-4
Watercolor set
Container for water
Kneaded rubber erasers
Hard eraser
Chamois (optional)
Paper stump
Metal at least 12” ruler
Pencil sharpener
Utility knife, ex-acto or other cutting instrument
Masking tape
Tool box or compartment to carry drawing tools and materials
Portfolio case for care of drawings and drawing papers
Drawing board (minimum size 22’’x30’’), and clips
Attendance Policy:
This is an experience-based studio class. You will learn from me and from your peers, so it is
very important to be in class. Lectures, demonstrations, and project descriptions will not be
repeated for absent or tardy students. Attendance, presentation, and full participation at meetings
and critiques, et al, are mandatory. Critiques, meetings, presentations, et al, begin promptly as
noted for each project. Tardiness as it relates to these matters will be considered: as once the
respective activity commences in relation to the known deadline. All projects prior to critiques and
discussions should be completed, if they fail to be completed by known deadlines, points will be
deducted from the project.
Leaving class early without permission or arriving in excess of 15 minutes late will be considered
as one full absence. Four tardy arrivals will be considered one full absence.
Tardy is defined as including and in excess of 10 minutes late. If you arrive after roll, come see
me immediately to determine whether your arrival time will be considered a late arrival or whether
you will be considered absent for the day.
Three absences will decrease final grade by one-half (0.50) letter
Four absences will decrease final grade by one full letter
Five absences will result in an “F”
There are no excused absences in this class. Missed class-time cannot be “made-up”. It would be
wise to save your 2 allowable absences in anticipation of emergencies.
An extended student illness requires proof of doctor’s visit. Extenuating circumstances are at the
discretion of the instructor.
The last day to drop the course is January 31. The last day to withdraw and still receive a “W” for
the course is February 4.
If you are absent the day a project or exercise is assigned, it is your responsibility to find out
about missed assignments and complete all work by the due date. In some cases, there will be
Course Syllabus / Art 100
Ainsley Buhl Cramer
January 2014
exercises assigned and due on the same date. These exercises maybe difficult to “make-up”, so
keep that in mind.
If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please
contact me within the first week of classes to discuss terms.
And a statement of participation:
Lectures, exhibition openings, gallery talks, and workshops by visiting artists and
scholars are scheduled throughout the academic year and are important supplements to
the art and design curriculum. The faculty in the Department of Art and Design expect
students to attend these out-of-class events on a regular basis. Ongoing participation in
visiting artist and scholarly events is a critical indicator of a student who is fully engaged
with the study of art and design.
Evaluation and Grading:
The final evaluation and assignment of grades for each assignment are based on elements such
as:
1. Completion of all assignments
2. Development of skills in seeing and thinking
3. Professional presentation and craftsmanship
4. Participation in critiques and discussions
5. General attitude and effort in the classroom
Your final, reported course grade will be an average of the four portfolios, critiques, homework
and quizzes, participation, sketchbook and blog. There are a total of 105 points possible
throughout the semester.
Each portfolio is graded on a 10-point scale. Each grade sheet will include a written evaluation of
the work presented as well as the recorded number of points (recorded grade: 8.2 (or 82/100), for
example) as well as a letter grade, which is a reference to what your number grade was being
considered. For example, if you have the recorded grade as an 8.2, that is the number that I've
put in my grade book. Additionally, if the letter grade says B - / C +, it means that the portfolio is
verging on being recorded as a C +. Where the letter grade to say B - / B, it should be
understood that the portfolio, with a few minor improvements, could easily be a higher recorded
grade. Projects may be reworked once for an elevated grade. After which, the assignment of a
grade is final. Consult the grade descriptions at the end of this syllabus if you should have further
questions, and feel free to ask the instructor for further information.
Students will receive grades for each project, exercise, quiz, et al, as well as midterm and final
grades. Mid-semester and final grades will also incorporate the attendance, application, working
habits and participation of the student and thus may not concretely be based on alphabetic
grades. The faculty reserve the right to raise or lower your grade based on an improvement or
degradation of commitment. Participation in the totality of the course is expected. Provided studio
time is reserved for the development of assigned learning only. Lack of ongoing development,
preparation, or engagement will be noted and subsequently reflected in each final project
assessment. Any student who disrupts the course and/or interferes with the ability of his or her
classmates to learn will be asked to leave— with the possibility of further disciplinary actions
being levied. Assignments will require students to work extensively outside of scheduled class
meetings. Project deadlines and critiques will be announced in relation to the current projects.
Grade Description:
Keys to understanding grading quality of work, effort, progress and attitude
The following are the parameters of each grade classification, as specifically as possible. This is
the standard for individual assignments, portfolios, and the overall course grade. Expectations for
time spent on each assignment vary, but a general guideline is that if an assignment is given at
Course Syllabus / Art 100
Ainsley Buhl Cramer
January 2014
the beginning of class on Monday and is due the following Monday, you have approximately five
hours of class time to work (with an hour for breaks, presentations, etc.). Additionally, three to six
hours outside of class should be spent on each project, per week. Time isn’t only working on a
drawing either, it might consist of research, thinking about ideas, sketching, etc.
A
B
C
D
F
-Student understands the assignment and has thoroughly explored, both visually and
theoretically, the topic, content, and visual dynamics (formal qualities)
of the piece.
-Student displays a sense of commitment to the class and to their studio work.
-All work is on time, not late for any reason, always ready for the critique.
-Student is actively engaged in class discussion, asks thoughtful questions and
offers constructive criticism to other classmates and is clearly self-motivated.
-Work shows a consistent understanding of formal principles of art (i.e. is
interesting to look at) such as composition and color
-Student’s work shows a sincere amount of effort (both in time and in visual
exploration) and that the student has dedicated themselves to the project
NOTE: IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET AN ‘A’ IN THIS COURSE WITHOUT CLASS
PARTICIPATION
-Student has an idea about the assignment and has explored, both visually
and theoretically, the topic, content, and visual dynamics (formal qualities) of the
piece.
-One or two assignments are late, and may be absent once or twice.
-Student participates in class discussions.
-Work shows an understanding of formal principles of art.
-Student is able to make work that develops ideas both visually and theoretically
student’s work shows a good amount of effort and time spent on each
project.
-Student has a vague understanding of the assignment(s), or doesn’t apply
herself/himself to exploring the parameters of the assignment fully—most
assignments are mediocre and/or inconsistent.
-Two to four of the assignments are late.
-Student is present for class discussions, but does not participate.
-Student misses more than three classes.
-Work shows little focus on the basic visual principles of art making.
-Student shows an average amount of motivation, doing enough “to get by”.
-Overall, an average student in terms of quality of work, effort, and progress.
-Student has very little understanding of the assignments and doesn’t apply
himself/herself to comprehend or improve on their poor understanding.
-A visible lack of motivation, shows poor attitude and very little motivation.
-Student has poor attendance, frequently doesn’t have his or her work done on
time, doesn’t communicate with the instructor or ask questions or
participate in class.
-Student is below average but attends class, with a bad attitude and unprepared
-Student misses class more than six times, obtains poor results on projects,
has no understanding of the assignments.
-Student has no motivation, does not communicate in class or out of class to the
instructor or students.
-Student does not complete work on time.
-Student is not prepared for class.
Course Syllabus / Art 100
Ainsley Buhl Cramer
January 2014
Recognized manners of style sheets and citation are required. Students should consult sources
including: The Chicago Manual of Style, University of Chicago Press or MLA formatting.
Office hours are presented within this syllabus. Prior appointments and secure meeting times are
welcomed.
Syllabus and coursework are subject to change.