Course
Professor
Term
Meetings
ARTS 2380.003 2D Design Foundations
MaryEllen Lacy
Spring 2012
10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., Thursdays, AS1.116
Professor’s Contact Information
Direct Phone
Email Address
Office Hours
Other Information
214.697.9503
melacy@utdallas.edu
Schedule appointments with professor by email or phone
Use UTD email (melacy@utdallas.edu) to contact professor.
General Course Information
Pre-requisites, Corequisites, & other
restrictions
none
Course Description
This course provides a foundation for most 3000-level art courses. The course
will introduce the problem of working with color and design, emphasizing either
traditional studio or digital processes. Lectures and discussions will relate to both
the history of visual art and current issues in contemporary art and design. 2D
Design Foundations is a studio workshop pertaining to the fundamentals of “The
Elements of Design” (Line, Space, Shape and Form/Volume, Texture, Motion,
Value, Color) and “The Principles of Design” (Unity and Variety, Balance,
Rhythm and Emphasis, Proportion and Scale). Students are presented with visual
problems to solve and guided towards a process or method of investigation
utilizing multiplicity, comparison, and variation; search and uncertainty; and the
application of analytical thinking. Assignments encourage an understanding,
sensitivity, and command of the visual language. Individual and group critiques.
Learning Outcomes
Become aware of the principles and elements of design, and develop verbal and
visual understanding.
Develop a working vocabulary of design allowing creation, interpretation, and
critical thinking and analysis (critiques) within all fields of the visual arts.
Gain the ability to compose visually.
Develop creative problem solving skills used in communicating visually as an
artist.
Required Texts
Suggested Texts
none
Making Art: Form & Meaning by Terry Barrett
Design Basics by David A. Lauer and Stephen Pentak
Launching the Imagination: A Guide to Two Dimensional Design Third Edition
by MaryStewart
Design and Form: The Basic Course at the Bauhaus by Johannes Itten
The Art of Color by Johannes Itten
Interaction of Color by Josef Albers
Interpreting Art: Reflecting, Wondering, and Responding by Terry Barrett
Required Materials
& Supplies
You are required to bring ALL items by January 26 (all supplies required are to
be brought to every class of entire semester). Keep receipts. You may need to
replenish items during the semester. (Do not purchase items prior to first day of
class discussion.)
1. The following items can be from recycled sources or from various retail:
A notebook or sketchbook for this class only, for assignments, lecture notes,
hand-outs Cheap Pentel or Bic #2 0.7 mm mechanical pencil
Some kind of water jar, recycled plastic with lid
Several rags of absorbent material
Glue Sticks
Masking Tape, 1 inch
Scissors
Box, backpack, or bag to carry supplies in (students often use Asel’s shopping
bag provided with kit)
2. USB Flash Drive or other portable storage device for digital imaging materials
3. 2D Design – pick up your pre-assembled kit at a discount purchase from Asel
Art, S/W corner of I75 and Beltline, phone 972-690-6320, it contains:
6B Woodless Drawing Pencil
Pencil, 4B
Pencil, HB
Pencil, 2H
White vinyl/plastic eraser, such as Mars Staedtler
Kneaded eraser
Exacto pen with blade
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens – set of three (black)
1 Charcoal pencil - black
Strathmore Drawing Pad (Series 400) 14” x 17” or similar smooth surface type –
top bound, white or cream
Ruler 12” or 18”, cork back works best, but not necessary
Ink, 1 oz. such as Higgins
Bamboo brush
Bamboo reed pen
Palette Kit #1013 or similar (plastic palette, 9 3/4” x 13 1/2”, for watercolors,
large mixing area, 20 tubs/wells, lid, storage)
Sabelline brush (Round, size 4) Artificial, synthetic sabelline (at least one,
students may find 2-3 helpful) OR #6 American Painter 2300 Shader
Designer Colors Gouache, Windsor/Newton: (These colors are selected for a
special palette, do not substitute) Ivory Black, Zinc White, Cadmium Yellow
Pale, Cobalt blue, Magenta red (14ml)
If additional supplies are needed: Hobby Lobby, MJDesigns, Michaels, Sav On
Office, Office Depot, Office Max, and websites (allow 5-7 days shipping)
www.dickblick.com, www.pearlpaint.com, www.cheapjoes.com,
www.danielsmith.com, www.utrecht.com
Assignments & Academic Calendar
January 19
January 26
February 02
February 09
February 16
February 23
March 01
March 08
March 22
March 29
April 05
April 12
April 19
April 26
May 03
May 10
Topics
Class introduction –
procedures – goals –
expectations
Elements of Design:
Point, Line, Shape,
Mass and Volume,
Texture, Value,
Color, Space, Time
and Motion, Words
and Sounds
Design Principles:
Directional Force,
Size, Scale,
Proportion, Balance
and Contrast,
Repetition, Unity
and Variety,
Emphasis and
Subordination
Assignments
The major categories of 2D elements and principles
for visual communications will be covered
throughout the course. Weekly exercises and projects
are designed to explore the potential of formal design
elements and the principles of composition and to
increase understanding of message and
communication.
Some exercises are executed by hand and some
digitally. In some cases, the exercise instructions will
indicate the required method of execution.
Assignments in the form of exercises and projects
will be performed both in class and outside of class.
Out of class assignments:
Go to this address:
http://www.utdallas.edu/~melacy/
Click on arts 2380.003 2D Design Foundations and
the link will take you to the assignment page:
http://www.utdallas.edu/~melacy/pages/index02.html
Course Policies
Concepts are through lectures, exercises and projects.
Successfully completing this course involves attending all classes & participating in
class studio & discussion.
The semester grade evaluates in-class work/participation, class exercises, and
projects.
All work must be completed by due dates for full credit.
All assignments are valued. Grading criteria rises as the class progresses.
Discuss questions regarding grades concurrent with any concern.
Grading (credit)
Criteria
Considerations in evaluations:
Attend class from 10:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and be prepared with the proper materials.
Complete assignments within specified time.
Work demonstrates effort, focus, complexity, and growth or understanding of design
objectives and principles with evidence of openness to new learning processes.
Work shows demonstrated awareness of problems involved, experimentation within
objectives, variety in solutions and investigations. Work exhibits good craftsmanship,
care, presentation and execution.
Participation in class studio and discussions, critiques, and activities; maintains a
good attitude and has a good work ethic. Respects fellow students and studio
property.
Possible grade example outcomes:
A - All objectives/projects are achieved. Exemplary commitment, effort, and results
are demonstrated in all work. Participation is excellent. The student is fully engaged
in the process of learning.
B - All objectives/projects are achieved. Good results and good growth are
demonstrated in work. The student makes a strong effort. Good participation in class.
C - Many objectives are achieved, satisfactory results shown in most work. Some
assignments may be late or unfinished, due to a variety of reasons; and/or student’s
habits may be influencing their ability to practice, execute and grow skills important
to the class objectives.
D - Important objectives are not achieved. Course work is late, incomplete, or
missing for evaluations. Student is struggling with class participation. Focus and
commitment to the class objectives may be factors.
F - Failed course. Lack of work, attendance too low, disruptive to learning process.
Student should have withdrawn by deadline.
Make-up Exams
Extra Credit
Late Work
Special
Assignments
Class Attendance
Classroom
Citizenship
UT Dallas
Syllabus Policies
and Procedures
n/a
n/a
receives a lower assessment
n/a
required for successful completion of course
consideration and cooperation with others and respect of property
focus with receptive attention
http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies