Art 204
David Hewitt
Painting I
San Diego State University
Fall 2013
Office hours: Thursdays, 11 am-12 noon; and by appointment
Office: rm Art 501B (inside A501 in the School of Art and Design)
School of Art and Design office telephone 619/594-6511
dhewitt@mail.sdsu.edu
Blackboard: www.sdsu.edu
Course Description and Objectives
[expected student learning outcomes]
This is a beginning course designed to explore the medium of painting through a range of
projects
that are intended to develop painting skills as well as critical and creative thinking. The
objectives
of the course are to become acquainted with the fundamental concepts and formal
language of painting, to achieve a working knowledge of the basic techniques of painting,
and to develop an
ability to interpret and discuss paintings in terms of aesthetic and conceptual issues. The
course will focus upon integrating the basic elements and principles of design, composition,
and color theory with the theoretical and expressive issues critical to artistic development
specific to painting. Students will explore various methods and techniques of painting, using
observation, experimentation, and inven-tion. Attention will be given to historical approaches.
Additionally, painting will be explored as a means of visual thinking, and as a language to
communicate and express ideas.
Projects are designed to present various creative, technical, and conceptual problems that
the student is asked to solve through the exploration of the medium of painting. Each project
will be introduced via lecture, assigned readings, and/or discussion.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to properly use and apply
terminology specific to painting, be able to successfully demonstrate an understanding of the basic
principles and techniques of oil painting, be able to show familiarity with the tools and
materials used in oil painting, be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic color theory
as it applies to mixing and using color in painting, be able to demonstrate the proper
stretching and priming of canvas in preparation for painting, and be able to demonstrate
basic proficiency in painting.
Grading
Grading for this course will consist of evaluating the student’s work, participation, and
progress.
Work will be evaluated for quality—skill, creativity, and concept. Progress relates to the
student’s development and improvement during the semester. Every assignment/project is
worth a designated number of points. Each student’s points are accumulated throughout the
semester, and will be posted regularly on Blackboard Grade Center by assignment. All
coursework will be graded on a traditional percentage scale: 100-97% A+, 96-93% A, 92-90% A, 89-87% B+, 86-83% B, 82-80% B-, 79-77% C+, 76-73% C, 72-70% C-, 69-67% D+, 66-63% D, 62-60%
D-, below 59% F. Graded assignments will consist of painting exercises, painting assignments,
preparatory research for assignments, sketchbook assignments, writing assignments in
response to issues addressed in class, and a final painting project. Individual critiques will be
given during every class. Group critiques will be scheduled on a regular basis. It is mandatory
to attend and participate in group critiques. Activities outside of class will include attending
art related lectures, viewing gallery and museum exhibitions, and keeping a sketchbook. At
least five hours per week will be required for assignments in addition to the time spent in class.
(continued)
Assignments (coursework): painting exercises, preparatory research and drawings
for paintings, writing assignments, sketchbook assignments
20%
painting assignments
Effort on assignments, progress, and participation in discussions and critiques
70%
10%
Letter grade descriptions and criteria—
An “A” grade represents outstanding achievement and excellence, work has been
developed to a high degree on both a technical and conceptual basis, critical and
conceptual understanding is evidenced through visual and verbal class participation that
further evidences both scholarship and leadership;
a “B” is given for praiseworthy achievement (for very good work), the work, its presentation,
and the student’s class participation shows competence in terms of ideas, skill level, and
execution; a “C” is given for satisfactory, average work (for all required work completed
satisfactorily on time); a “D”
or “F” represents unsatisfactory work. Effort is an important contribution to an earned grade,
however results are critically important.
Policies
Attendance is essential. Students are expected to attend all classes, to arrive on time, to
remain
until the end of each class, and to come to class prepared. Time outside of class will be
required to adequately complete assignments. Each assignment must be completed on time.
Late work will not be accepted. Please let me know if there is an emergency situation or
serious problem. Your work may be documented for educational purposes. Please turn off cell
phones before bringing them into the classroom, and please refrain from texting in class.
Painting is an engaging activity, remember to dress appropriately.
It is a health and safety violation for food or drink containers to be used
for any purpose other than food/drink storage. Do not use food or drink containers
(water bottles, peanut butter jars, coffee cans, paper or styrofoam coffee cups, yogurt
cups, etc.) for mixing paint, storing Turpenoid, or for any purpose other than what they
were originally intended.
Never pour Turpenoid, turpentine, medium, or paint thinner down the school sinks or
drains; never put paint in the sinks; use baby oil, soap, and water to thoroughly clean
brushes. Use cans marked “solid waste” to dispose of paint and papertowels with paint
or solvents on them; use receptacles marked “solvent waste only” to dispose of
Turpenoid, turpentine, medium, paint thinner (mineral spirits), and all other solvents.
All containers must be clearly labeled.
Academic Assistance
Any student with a learning or physical disability should contact Student Disability Services,
concerning appropriate academic accommodations. (619/594-6473, TDD: 619-594-2929, or
http://www.sdsu.edu/dss)
Academic Integrity
Academic fraud is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Cheating and plagiarism (and all
other
forms of academic fraud) will result in a failing grade on the particular assignment or project.
(continued)
Required Materials + Supplies
It is important that students bring basic painting materials and supplies to every class.
Additional materials (from the list) will be required as assigned in class. Please see me
regarding substituting supplies or materials that differ from those specified here.
Put your name on everything—glass palettes, stretched canvases, etc.
I recommend NOT leaving paints, brushes, or anything else of value in the painting
studio (except for work in progress and palettes left in the proper storage spaces).
The following will be required:
sketchbook—any size, bound, unlined
drawing pencils, charcoal, erasers
oil paint—it is alright to mix different brands, but not traditional with waterbase oils
cadmium red light
alizarin crimson
cadmium yellow pale
yellow ochre
ultramarine blue
phthalo green
viridian hue
burnt umber
burnt sienna
titanium white
bristle brushes—two sizes of flats, #4 or #6 and #10 or #12
two sizes of rounds, #4 or #6 and #10 or #12
inexpensive utility brush, at least 2” wide, for gessoing
palette knife—not too large
glass palette (recommend backing with white foam core), at least 16” x 20”
medium—you may purchase one such as Liquin or make your own. Traditional
medium is equal parts turpentine, Damar varnish, and linseed oil.
Turpenoid (blue can) or turpentine—one quart
baby oil—for cleaning brushes
gesso—at least 16 fl. oz.
illustration board—cold press #99, 30” x 40”, one full sheet, cut into four 15” x 20” sheets
mixing containers—start with at least four, medium size
brush washer—must have lid; plastic, metal or glass
razor blade scraper
supply box—to carry paints and materials
___________________________
do not purchase the following until announced in class:
canvas—unprimed
stretcher bars
India or China ink
staple gun and staples
wood glue
ink brush
(After initial stretched canvas painting project, students may choose between stretching their
own or buying already prepared stretched and primed canvases)