Metropolitan Community College
COURSE OUTLINE FORM
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Course Title: Intermediate Painting
Course Prefix & No.: ARTS 2120
LEC: LAB:
2.5
6
Credit Hours: 4.5
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This studio course builds on the technical skills and concepts learned in Elementary Painting. Emphasis is on expanding color and
paint manipulation skills with more emphasis on content. Exposure to mixed media and digital media drawing tools is encouraged but
optional. Subject matter may include objects, still life, spatial issues, the figure and non-objective abstraction. Modern and
Contemporary painting strategies will be explored and some projects may be theme based. The purpose of this course is to create an
environment where student painters can synthesize ideas from prior learning and problem-solve in ways that more closely resemble
the methods of professional studio painters. Critiques and group discussions will address form and content as they relate to visual
communication. Students are encouraged to find personal solutions to painting problems and to develop at least one project of their
own design.
COURSE PREREQUISITE (S):
ARTS 2020, (ARTS 2010 is highly recommended)
RATIONALE:
This course is an Art Elective course that builds on the foundation of Elementary Painting. Intermediate
Painting allows the art student to create paintings that reflect individual expression, and personal style, beyond
the beginning level and may be used to fulfill a requirement for the Associate of Arts Degree.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK (S) and/or MATERIALS: No textbook required but required readings will be given in handout
form, and students must report on at least one article from a recent issue of one of the following periodicals during the quarter: Art in
America, Art News, American Artist, American Artist Workshop, Modern Painters (or similar, determined by individual instructors.)
INSTRUCTORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO USE TEXTBOOKS AS REFERENCE FOR TEACHING, SUCH AS:
Bibliography:
“Painting as a Language”, by Jean Robertson & Craig McDaniel
“Color, a Workshop Approach”, by David Hornung
“The New Artist’s Mnual”, Simon Jennings
“Painting Techniques”, Elizabeth Tate”
“Alla Prima, Everything I know About Painting”, Richard Schmid
“Learning to Paint”, Bernard Dustan
"What Painting Is" by Elkins, James
Title:
None
Edition:
Author:
Publisher:
AAO Revised 3-13-01
Metropolitan Community College
COURSE OUTLINE FORM
(Page 2 of 4)
Materials:
The following is intended to provide guidelines for a typical material list. Instructors should feel free to modify it as they see fit,
keeping in mind the objectives of the course and the current cost of art supplies.
Sketchbook, acrylic paint, gesso, a variety of brushes, various painting surfaces, to include, masonite, canvas & stretcher bars, staple
gun & staples, masking tape, containers, rags, palette knife, palette. (Students are encouraged to seek other types of paint media to
expand beyond working simply with Acrylic Paint.)
Attached course outline written by: Patricia M. Hollins
Date: January, 2013
Reviewed/Revised by: Patricia M. Hollins
Date: November 2013
Effective quarter of course outline: 2014/FA
Academic Dean Tom McDonnell
TITLE: INTERMEDIATE PAINTING
Date:
PREFIX/NO: ARTS 2120
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to:
1.
Use acrylic paint mediums and painting methods at a level beyond Elementary
i. Demonstrate an improved ability to mix color & mastery of painting tools
2.
Construct a variety of painting surfaces with consideration for final presentation
i. Demonstrate surface construction integrity, and preparedness to hang on wall
3.
Make paintings that satisfy assigned painting concepts and demonstrate the ability to go beyond basic
compositional and drawing skills.
i. Layering and complex relationships of color and formal pictorial space
ii. Ability to work from imagination and use diverse visual references in addition to working
from direct observation
4.
Demonstrate Creativity through unique visual solutions to visual problems with an emphasis on
individual expression, and personal style.
5.
Choose subject matter, ideas and painting methods and techniques that are personally relevant in
order to begin to develop a series of interrelated paintings.
6.
Demonstrate an awareness of painting within the context of the rich and diverse history of Painting,
in ways that will inform and expand personal interests.
7.
Use the language of art and design in critique settings.
AAO Revised 3-13-01
Metropolitan Community College
COURSE OUTLINE FORM
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TOPICAL UNIT OUTLINE/UNIT OBJECTIVES:
UNIT I FUNDAMENTAL PAINTING PRACTICES REVIEW
1.
Preparing and priming paint Surfaces

Paper

Masonite or similar board material

Canvas on stretcher

Alternate surfaces

Considerations for framing and display options
2.




(Acrylic) Painting Media Techniques
Indirect painting
Direct painting
Various paint applications
Mixed Media
3.



Color Theory & Color Mixing
Hue, Value & Saturation
Local color
Optical color
UNIT II
ALTERNATE PAINTING AND MIXED MEDIA

Colored inks

Various other color media

Collage
UNIT II I
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

Developing a painting sketchbook habit

Thumbnail sketching

Drawing from observation & the imagination

Writing and journaling

Including photographic references

Scavenging art images for references

Analyzing historical and contemporary imagery
UNIT IV
INDEPENDENT PROJECTS

Formulating personal painting problems

Exploring personally relevant painting topics

Research Phase

Sketchbook Phase

Working in series, where one painting leads to the next.
UNIT V
ARTISTIC RESEARCH for INSPIRATION
 Local museum or gallery
 Internet or Library
 Visiting Artist
UNIT VI

CRITIQUE
Verbal and written critiques



Description
Analysis
Interpretation
AAO Revised 3-13-01
Metropolitan Community College
COURSE OUTLINE FORM
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Judgment
COURSE REQUIREMENTS/EVALUATION:
COURSE OBJECTIVES/ASSESSMENT MEASURES
COURSE OBJECTIVES
ASSESSMENT MEASURES
1. Use acrylic paint mediums and painting
methods at a level beyond Elementary
1. Painting portfolio
2. Construct a variety of painting surfaces with
consideration for final presentation
2. Painting portfolio
3. Make paintings that satisfy assigned painting
concepts and demonstrate the ability to go beyond
basic compositional and drawing skills.
3. Painting portfolio
4. Demonstrate Creativity through unique visual
solutions to visual problems with an emphasis on
individual expression, and personal style.
4. Painting portfolio & sketchbook
5. Choose subject matter, ideas and painting
methods and techniques that are personally
relevant in order to begin to develop a series of
interrelated paintings.
5. Painting portfolio & sketchbook
6. Demonstrate an awareness of painting within
the context of the rich and diverse history of
Painting, in ways that will inform and expand
personal interests.
6. Painting portfolio & sketchbook
7. Use the language of art and design in critique
settings.
7. Written and Verbal Critiques
AAO Revised 3-13-01