ANGELINA COLLEGE
Division of Fine Arts
General Syllabus
ART 1316
BASIC DRAWING
Instructional Syllabus
1. Course Description:
ARTS 1316 Basic Drawing: Three Hours Credit. Investigation of drawing media and techniques including
descriptive and expressive possibilities. A study of the problems involving linear perspective, freehand portraiture,
and object drawing using media such as pencil, conte crayon, and ink. Two lecture and four lab hours each week.
Lab fee. This is a freshman level course. No prerequisite.
Instructor: Le'Anne Alexander
Office: Angelina Center for the Arts, Room 120
Teaching Schedule and Office Hours: you may speak with me before or after class or reach me by email.
Campus Phone: (936) 633-5233
E-Mail: le_annealexander@yahoo.com (fastest) or lalexander@angelina.edu
II. INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES
A. Core Objectives Required for this Course
1. Critical Thinking: to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation
and synthesis of information
2. Communication: to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas
through written, oral and visual communication
3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills:
B. Course Learning Outcomes for all Sections
1. Students will develop an understanding of the Elements and Principles of Art and be able to use
these as tools for analyzing works of art.
2. Students will articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Students will understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an
historical and social context. Students will learn art vocabulary and be able to employ it in written
and oral discussion of artworks.
3. Students will demonstrate SKILL MASTERY in traditional drawing techniques inspired by
French Academy traditions. Students will show gradual improvement over semester term by being
open to critiques and suggestions by instructor and classmates. In some cases this will require
letting go of old habits and previous training to learn new methods and approaches.
III. Assessment Measures of Student Learning Outcomes
A. Assessments for the Core Objectives
1. Critical Thinking: Students will be assigned three (3) written critique/analysis exercises during
the semester. In the Analysis Check Sheet and essay portions, they will write comments and a
summary, analyzing an artwork according to the Elements and Principles of Art. AC Rubric will be
used to assess assignment.
2. Communication: USE THE AC RUBRIC TO HELP YOU!
AC Rubric will be used to assess students’ verbal skills, visuals, and writing/research skills.
3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: There are no tests or quizzes in this class, however you
are required to attend 2 art openings in the gallery and write an analysis essay on one work of art
from each show. You are encouraged to find the artist in attendance and discuss their work with
them. You may not use OUR show as one of the 2 you attend, you must also attend our show, but
no essay is required. The calendar for exhibitions will be given to you at the beginning of the
semester so you may plan ahead. If you can not attend one of the exhibitions at AC, you must
attend one at either the Museum of East Texas, The Cole Art Center or the Department of Art at
SFA and have a flyer signed by a member of the faculty. You may find their exhibition schedules
on their websites: metlufkin.org or art.sfasu.edu/cole. Take your critique analysis checklist sheet
with you to help you. You must also find 1 work of art from an alternate source (i.e. the internet,
etc) and write an analysis of that work of art. This must be from a professional artist, either from
art history or currently exhibiting work.
B. Assessments for Course Learning Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the Elements and Principles of
design through Critiques, both written and verbal.
2. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the importance of Art
History to the definition of Humanity, and the contexts within which art is made
culturally, through unit studies, reading, classroom discussion
3. Students will demonstrate SKILL MASTERY progress in successive work
exercises, and will produce artworks for and participate in a Student Exhibition.
IV. Instructional Procedures
1. Instruction methods may include: lectures; slide presentations, video presentations. field trips,
visiting artists, and demonstrations of techniques by the instructor, and in-class group critiques.
2. Handouts and outside reading will accompany textbook reading assignments.
3. Specific reading assignments will be made as is appropriate to the individual progress of each
student and the overall progress of the group.
4. Student will be expected to develop skills through reinforcement of concepts and techniques
for expediting the improvement of seeing, and of representing what is seen or imagined.
5. Student will be encouraged on a regular basis to use appropriate craftsmanship and develop
skills in the techniques of materials
6. Student will be encouraged to seek creative ideas and solutions to meet project objectives.
7. The need for flexibility demands that dates not be specified for the completions of each unit of
study. Student must reach a certain level of mastery of project skills in which to move onto the
next level of study
V. Course Requirements and Policies
A. Text: DRAWING: A Contemporary Approach 6th Edition, Sale & Betti YOU ARE REQUIRED
TO GET THIS BOOK. ALL OF YOUR SKETCHBOOK ASSIGNMENTS COME FROM IT
B. CRITICAL ANALYSIS FORM see attached
C. COURSE POLICIES
Academic Assistance: If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) that may affect your
participation in this class, you must self-identify as a person with a disability; Ms. Bower
will assist you with the necessary information to do so. To report any complaints of
discrimination related to disability, you should contact Dr. Patricia McKenzie,
Administration Building, Room 105 or 936-633-5201.
This course meets twice weekly. Assignments are to be turned in on specified due
dates. No late work will be accepted except under appropriate circumstances, such as
excused absence or emergency. Punctual, regular attendance is mandatory. Leaving
early from class will constitute an absence.
DROP POLICY - A student may be dropped by the instructor for disruptive behavior,
WHICH INCLUDES USING ELECTRONICS IN CLASS, ENTERING CLASSROOM
LATE THEREBY INTERRUPTING INSTRUCTION, INAPPROPRIATE DRESS, OR
OTHER ACTIONS THAT DISTRACT STUDENTS OR INSTRUCTOR FROM CLASS
PROCEDURES. A student will be dropped after three consecutive absences or four
cumulative absences. Three tardies constitute an absence.
If a student determines not to continue the course, the normal procedures for dropping a
course must be instituted and followed by the student. Failure to drop a course may result in a
grade of “WF” which, for purposes of the student’s records, is a grade of “F”. It is the student’s
responsibility to contact the instructor prior to any absence that may be considered excusable
due to reasonable circumstances. Incompletes will be granted only in emergency situations
and will require approval of the Dean of Instruction and Admissions.
Two unexcused absences after the final Withdraw date will result in the student’s
final grade being lowered a full letter grade. Three or more unexcused absences
after the final Withdraw date will result in a final grade of “F”.
VI. Course Content
UNITS listed below will form the basis for the course. Corresponding chapters in the text
apply.
TENATIVE ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE:
***Additional demonstrations and assignments may be included during the semester as needed. Professor will give
prior notice of assignment due dates and new projects so students can come to class prepared with all needed
materials and work.***
Drawing Projects: These will ABSOLUTELY be in a different order and will sometimes be simultaneous,
but all will be covered before semester end.
Space & Light
1. Space & Light (Tonal Values) Still Life (10 steps exercise)
2. Negative Space Still Life
3. Chiaroscuro Still Life
4. Transparent Objects Still Life
Texture:
1. Mark-Making exercise
2. Hand-Eye Reliance (Gesture Drawing)
3. Studies of Textural Objects
4. Frottage
5. Textural Still Life
Fundamental Form:
1. Cross-sectional analysis of Form
2. Modeling form using Tone
3. Crosshatching
4. Metamorphosis of Forms
Drapery:
1. Trompe L’oeil
2. Draped Forms
Landscape:
1. Planal Recession (Understanding Foreground, Middle, Background)
2. Close-Up Nature Studies
3. Tree & Water Studies (water study may be included in Transparent Objs.)
4. Cityscape/Outdoor Perspective Drawing (to be located on AC grounds weather
permittting)
Using A Grid:
1. Landscape from a Photograph
2. Self-portrait from a Mirror
Expression:
1. Creating a Graphic Novel page or Cartoon Strip (feature exaggeration) using ink
2. Expressive Drawing with Music (mixed media)
COMPOSITION STUDY of ORGANIZATION of all ELEMENTS ONGOING
THROUGHOUT COURSE
CRITIQUE PROCESS – BOTH ONE-ON-ONE during class work time and GROUP CRITIQUES
ON FINISHED ASSIGNMENTS -- Participation in these will make or break your grade.
VII. GRADING
Grading Criteria:
10 % =Sketchbook (Homework, Weekly Checks; Final completion check at end of Semester, 10 points off
each day late, can only be 10 days late...so a week and a half not 10 class days..)
25 % =Class Participation & Quizzes (-2 points each tardy, -5 points each unexcused absence, -2 points
unexcused leaving class early, overall in-class work habits, utilization of time, discussion)
50 % = Major Projects/Critique/Exams (Completed work on time, group critique, -10 points each day late)
5 % = Exhibition of Work (Submit min. 2 works to Student Exhibition; presentation/matting/framing)
10 % = Final Portfolio Review (All works reviewed, labels, artwork forms attached, completion of works)
Possible Grade Total = 100 %
*** You will be graded on completion of assignments, participation, quality of completed assignments, creativity in
solving assigned project problems, personal progress, ambition and complexity of works, completion of sketchbook
assignments, etc. Attendance, class discussion, work habits, utilization of class time, clean up… these are all
requirements and failure to fully engage will lower your grade.***
Grading Scale:
90-100%= A: Exceptionally fine work: superior in presentation, visual observation, comprehension, &
participation
80-89% = B: Above average work: superior in one or two areas
70-79% = C: Average work: good, unexceptional participation
60-69% = D: Below average work: noticeably weak with minimal participation
0-59% = F: Clearly deficient in presentation, style, and content with a lack of participation
VIII. SYLLABUS MODIFICATION
The Instructor may modify the provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by informing the class in
advance as to the changes being made.
IX. OTHER:
A. COURSE MATERIALS LIST
(Can be found at Texas Art Supply, Local Art/Craft Stores such as Hobby Lobby, or Online sources such
as www.utrechtart.com or www.danielsmith.com)
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Sketchbook 50-100 pages or more, size 8 x 10 or larger (no tiny pocket sized)
Drawing pencils: 2H, HB, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B
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Vine Charcoal
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Compressed Charcoal sticks
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Erasers- Kneaded-Gum & white plastic eraser
Pencil Sharpener
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Conte Crayons/chalk: Sienna, Black, White
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Blending Stumps and/or tortillions
White drawing paper 18x24 or larger
Can of Spray Drawing Fixative (Is expensive. You may also use RAVE or other aerosol hairspray)
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At least one woodless graphite pencil
(these MIGHT be supplied for you)
Art Box/ Tackle Box or other storage container for materials
Paper/plastic Portfolio for artwork storage/transport (can make your own with 2 poster boards &
tape) REQUIRED BY FIRST PORTFOLIO REVIEW
***Additional materials may be needed as course progresses***
Students must come to class with all needed materials. Class time is for working, discussing, and critique.
Do not waste class time searching for materials, images, etc! Come to class prepared!
Not having your supplies purchased will cause your grade to be affected by 10 points per portfolio review.
You may share a can of fixative or a pack of paper if you split the cost, but your classmates are not
required to furnish your supplies for you out of the goodness of their hearts and neither is AC or your
instructor. Get your own supplies within the first week or two of class!
B: Safety Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Each student must participate in a safety demo given by instructor during first week of classes
Be familiar with location of fire extinguishers, fire alarm switches, exits and emergency phones
No use of spray paints or spray adhesives in the building- go outside for proper ventilation
Do not use power tools or other equipment without proper training from instructor
Use common sense and buddy system when working in studio outside of class hours. Do not
permit non-art students into the studio without permission. No children of students or pets allowed
in classroom under any circumstances.
C: Everyday Duties:
1. Keep all personal items in your lockers, drawers, or shelves
2. Leave work areas clean and make sure your work is put away before leaving for the day
3. Return borrowed items such as rulers, easels, drawing boards, etc to the proper locations
THIS INCLUDES EASELS, CHAIRS, TABLES etc!! IF THEY ARE REQUIRED FOR CLASS DAY
YOU MUST GET THEM OUT AND PUT THEM BACK WHERE THEY BELONG
4. Do not use cell phones or other electronics during class time. You may listen to your headphones
only AFTER all instructions have been given. If they become a distraction to your work, they must
be turned off.
5. Please, no eating in class unless you have a medical need. Food is not to be kept at worktables.
6. CELL PHONES: Please only have you cell phone out if you are using it for your headphones.
Music is allowed while working as long as it doesn't disrupt other students or instructor. If you
must take an emergency call during work time, please step outside to answer so that you are not
a distraction to the class.