Instructor: Lynne Berman
Art 31A- Two- Dimensional Design
Section 0135
MW 3:45- 6:55
Office: CA312
Office hours: 7:15-7:45 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, 11/5, 11/19,11/26
Email: Liberman@pasadena.edu
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Beginning foundation course in design theory; applications to problems involving study
and interpretation of natural and human-made objects.
Course Overview
This class is an introduction to the elements and structures of two-dimensional design,
or visual elements put together on the flat plane. Design can be considered the
organization, construction, and manipulation of the visual world. In our everyday
perceptions we encounter a vast array of visual information. We respond to forms of
visual communication in a variety of ways, both consciously and unconsciously. Light
and dark, the physical properties of shape, their arrangement within a space, color, and
texture contribute through our senses, intellect, and emotions to how we see and
interpret the world around us. The function of design is to control and determine the
viewer’s attention with the aim of creating a specific experience.
When we see, we do many things at once. In looking at a created design we break it
down, analyzing what is seen through the visual tools used to construct it.
Understanding the basic working of design provides a basis for being able to focus
content, information, and expression intentionally for a specific effect. This knowledge
also teaches us how to be conscious of the visual operations at work in the world we live
in.
In this class, the goal is to learn a variety of structures of design as well as the use of
common tools and media to create a range of expressions. Projects will consist of
visual problems solved with creatively based on the elements of design listed below.
Students will not only learn how the visual language is communicated, but how to
manipulate the tools to create intentional effects for use as each individual progresses
through her or his individual path in the arts.
The building blocks of two-dimensional design
Composition, Line, Shape, Form, Value, Texture, Scale, Proportion, Color, Repetition,
Symmetry/Asymmetry, Space, Negative and Positive Space, Figure and Ground, Rhythm,
Pattern, Balance, Unity etc…
The visual arts are not a mechanical process, but involve subjective interpretation,
creative analysis, and personal vision and so this course will emphasize individual
process alongside of technical skill building. The process that happens in the making of
a visual work can be considered a kind of play or experimentation. There are no
textbook answers to this kind of knowledge. To gain proficiency and expertise comes
from an integration of intellect and intuition that involves personal exploration and a
sense of discovery that is unique for each individual. The tools and concepts learned are
intended to be applied in inventive and subjective ways.
This course will provide a solid footing for your future visual arts courses. You will use a
variety of common tools and media found in the design and art field as well as learn to
evaluate compositions and designs through the critique process. Visual references will
be provided in the form of lectures and example material. There will be written
assignments pertaining to analysis of design work as well.
Course Syllabus: The syllabus provides a guideline to the course but is subject to
change and fluctuation. It is imperative to be in class to follow the course projects and
check Canvas as assignments might be adjusted throughout the semester. Students
will be sufficiently notified in class regarding any changes. Any changes will be posted
on canvas and thoroughly explained in class. THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT
TO MODIFY THE COURSE CONTENT (GRADING PROCEDURES, TESTS, ETC.) AS THE
SITUATION DICTATES. THE INSTRUCTOR WILL INFORM THE STUDENTS OF ANY
SUCH CHANGES VIA E-MAIL AND/OR CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS.
COURSE OVERVIEW
This is a beginning foundation course in design theory that explores the visual problems
involving the study and interpretation of natural and man-made objects. You will be
using the elements of design including: line, shape, value, color, and texture. In
addition, the principles of design such as: space division, balance, unity, and emphasis
will be covered. Through a variety of projects and exercises, you will learn to use a
range of commonly used media and techniques in your study of design and
composition. All projects will require problem solving along with craftsmanship in
execution.
SLO’S (STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES)
RUBRICS (ASSESSMENTS)
SLO #1: Identify the formal elements and principles of Art and Design and investigate
their role in two-dimensional compositions.
0=Inadequate: Work shows little or no comprehension of the elements and principles
of design in the composition.
1=Beginning: Work shows a poor understanding of the elements and principles in the
composition.
2=Adequate: Work shows an average understanding of the elements and principles
in the composition.
3=Proficient: Work shows a very good grasp of the elements and principles of design in
the composition.
4=Mastery: Work shows an excellence and sophistication in the use of the elements
and principles of design and how these relate to all strong compositions.
SLO #2: Create and construct original two-dimensional designs, using professional
tools and materials.
0=Inadequate: Work is incomplete, missing or exhibits little effort to acquire
skill/control in manipulation of media using professional tools and
materials.
1=Beginning:
Work exhibits weak or inconsistent skill/control in manipulation of
media using professional tools and media.
2=Adequate:
Work exhibits adequate skill/control in manipulation of media using
professional tools and media.
3=Proficient: Work exhibits proficient skill/control in manipulation of media using
professional tools and media.
4=Mastery: Work exhibits great skill/control in manipulation of media using
professional tools and media.
SLO #3: Analyze and evaluate, orally and in writing, two-dimensional compositions
utilizing the critique process.
0=Inadequate: Student is unavailable or exhibits little effort in any critique process.
1=Beginning:
Student shows an incomplete or poorly executed aesthetic analysis in
written or verbal presentations.
2=Adequate:
Student shows an average aesthetic analysis in written or verbal
presentations.
3=Proficient: Student shows a strong aesthetic analysis in written or verbal
presentations.
4=Mastery: Student shows a mature and thorough aesthetic analysis of their work as
well as their peers utilizing written and verbal critique processes.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
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No excessive or loud talking allowed in class.
Follow published arrival and dismissal times.
Be prepared by bringing all supplies, materials, and references.
Be professional by meeting all deadlines for sketches and finished art.
Use instructor office hours for additional assistance.
Follow deadlines for adds/drops.
Return your signed questionnaire by the 2nd class session.
Follow college guidelines as stated from the school catalog, page 50.
Notify instructor of absence by email.
“Each student should be thoroughly familiar with the Standards of Student
Conduct and with regulations of the College. Students attending the College are
expected to maintain satisfactory standards of citizenship at all times on the
campus and in the community. Satisfactory citizenship includes conduct which
respects the rights of all individuals, which avoids actions disruptive to the ongoing
education program and which does not violate specific prohibitions outlined in the
Education Code.
When it is indicated that citizenship is unsatisfactory, the student may be subject to
the following: reprimand, disciplinary probation, administrative class withdrawal,
suspension or expulsion, as conditions warrant. Unsatisfactory citizenship includes,
among other things, cheating, plagiarism, hazing and conduct disruptive to the
teaching-learning process. In addition, falsification of information provided to the
Admissions Office is basis for dismissal from a class or from the College. Individuals
engaged in destructive activities involving any kind of physical or psychological
mistreatment of students are subject to prosecution under the California State Law
banning hazing and to dismissal from the College. Penalties for individuals,
organizations and institutions can be severe.”
GRADING POLICY
1. Grades will be based upon the SLOs and their assessments.
2. Each project, sketchbook, and notebook will receive a grade based on their
assessments.
3. All assessments will be added and then averaged to determine a grade by midterms
and finals.
4. Sketches are open to assessment.
5. Late submissions will be marked down 1 letter grade.
6. Forgetting to bring proper supplies will affect your grade.
7. Exercises and their notebook will be assessed.
8. Assessments may be adjusted if a project is reworked and demonstrates
improvement.
9. All absences and tardies will be counted regardless of their reasons.
10. 4 absences equal a drop from the class or an F. This is stated in the school catalog,
page 25.
11. 3 tardies equals 1 absence (and a letter drop in grade). This is in the school catalog,
page 25.
12. The teacher is the final authority on assignment of grades. This is in the school
catalog, page 50.
PROJECTS, EXERCISES, AND HOMEWORK
Projects include class and home assignments. This is considered a lab class so it is
mandatory that you are present working in class on projects and exercises, not studying
for other courses, texting everyone in your contacts or inventing a cure for cancer (If
your design projects aid in your discovery for a cure, bravo!!!, but save it until class is
over). Home assignments are done at home and are considered homework. All
projects will be displayed and critiqued in class.
2-d Syllabus
The first classes will focus on composition, line, alignment, emphasis, movement and
structure
Class One – 1/12
Introduction and Materials List
Lecture and discussion of various visual principles
Home Assignment- Get materials! For those on limited budgets, we can pace the
materials as needed throughout the semester. Please review what is necessary for
projects ahead of time to make sure you have the basics.
Class Two – 1/14
1. Exercise: Line Quality- Weight, Value, Shape, Texture
2. Exercises- Thumbnail Sketches: Horizontal Lines,
3. Exercise: Gray scale 1-12 in sketchbook
Project 1: Line- Horizontals (H)– 4 designs set in compositions
Materials: pencils (#HB, 2H, 2, 4, 6) erasers, blending stumps, tape, ruler, triangle, (2)
1/4 sheets 18/24 bristol paper
Horizontal Lines Create Composition: (4) 3”x4” rectangular Insets on ¼ sheet
A. 1.Emphasis- Center 2. Line Quality 3. 3 or more horizontal lines
B. 1. Emphasis- Top 2. Line Quality 3. 5 or more horizontal lines
C. 1. Emphasis- Bottom 2. Line Quality 3. 10 or more horizontal lines
D. Composition of your choice using horizontals plus line quality
Due -1/21-finish gray scale and Project 1 for home assignment
Home Assignment- Project 2: Vertical Lines Create Composition: (4) 3”x4” rectangular
Insets on ¼ sheet
A. 1.Emphasis- Center 2. Line Quality 3. 3 or more Vertical lines
B. 1. Emphasis- Left 2. Line Quality 3. 5 or more Vertical lines
C. 1. Emphasis- Right 2. Line Quality 3. 10 or more Vertical lines
D. Composition with emphasis of your choice- Vertical lines plus line quality
Monday 1/19 MLK Holiday
Class Three -1/21
Project 3: 4 images set in composition- with line quality as used in Project 1
Using Horizontal & Vertical Lines – create emphasis in each of the following
Center, 3 other areas that are different from what you explored in prior projects
A. 1.Emphasis- 2. Line Quality 3. Use 3 lines
B. 1. Emphasis- 2. Line Quality 3. 5 or more lines
C. 1. Emphasis- 2. Line Quality 3. 10 or more lines
D. Composition of your choice combining all horizontals and verticals and line
quality, asymmetrical composition
Due: 1/26 prepare 4 sheet for next class
Class Four – 1/26
Project 4: Diagonal Lines-and Curved Lines- Incorporate line quality: value, weight,
texture and shape
A. Use diagonal line design- centered focal point
B. Use diagonal line design –asymmetrical focal point- identify focal point
C. Curved lines- centered focal point
D. Curved lines-asymmetrical focal point-identify focal point
Due: 1/28
Class Five – 1/28
Project 5: (2) 8 x 10 rectangles inset into (2) 1/4 sheets
Materials- pencils etc...
2 designs Combine curves, diagonals, and h & v into single design.
A. One symmetrical, one asymmetrical
B. Find and create shapes through intersecting lines.
C. Incorporate line quality.
D. One using Hard and crisp Edges, the other using Soft Edges, Textured/Rough
Edges
Due: 2/2
Class Six – 2/2
Materials- black pen
Project 6: six boxes A. Geometric/ Clean B. Irregular/ Funky C.
Geometric and organic designs using varieties of tone
Due: 2/4
Class Seven – 2/4
Materials- black pen, tracing paper, graphite paper
Project 7: (2) 6 x 8 rectangles aligned on 1/2 sheet ( 18 x 12 ) with paper turned opposite
way of last project Decide on a focal point for each one that is different. Trace design
so it is the same one.
Step 1. Begin a study in light pencil
Step 2 Refine to complete design concept
Step 3 Use black pen to finish
Due: 2/9
Prepare: Research: Using found images, appropriated and invented ones, create at
least 30 silhouettes in your sketchbook- can be integrated into a narrative
Shape
The next classes will focus on shape, value and focal point in overall composition
Class Eight – 2/9
Materials: Ink, Brush, palette, rags, plastic container
Project 8: Flat Shapes with Ink Washes-4 rectangles insetDemo: Ink washes, working with brushes
Design Principles: overlapping, abutting, interlocking, not touching, scale
4 designs using flat silhouettes to create space/tension through relationship.
Interesting Shape Relationships create good compositions!
1. Full value range : 4 or more shapes- each a different value
2. Full value range : 5 or more shapes-each a different value
3. Full value range : more than 5 shapes- wide range of values- some can repeat
4. Black background with range of value in shapes
Due: 2/11
Class Nine – 2/11
Materials: Ink, Brush, palette, rags, plastic container
Project 9- Twins with different values, (2) 8 x 10 rectangles
2 same images with opposite orientation from last project- trace to make exact
Project 10: Twins (using same images traced) (2) 8 x 10 rectangles
This time use texture to activating all areas of negative and positive space with a variety
of surface. Try again to make images look different
A) texture and value in one area
B) texture and value in different areas area
Due: 2/18
The next projects will use Geometric, organic and irregular shapes, repetition, alignment,
focal point, tension through the medium of collage
President’s Holiday 2/16
The next classes will focus on color
Class Ten – 2/18
Materials: Paint, brushes, rags, palette
Project 11: Black and White studies with paint
1. paint gray scale at bottom , 1" x 1" squares total of 12
2. A. Light value B. Medium value C. Dark value D. Full Value
Due: 2/23
Class Eleven- 2/23
Project 12: Monochromatic studies
Materials: Paint, brushes, rags
6 shapes that are borders for color studies ½ sheet-6 designs using Monochromatic
System of Color- One Color + Black and White. Including tints, shades. Use each
primary and secondary for an individual shape Finish Due: 2/25
Prepare: Research: Bring in font samples for next class that you like and ideas for text
project
Class Twelve – 2/25
Project 13: Text using complementary colors, Choose a font
Materials: Paint, brushes, rags
Text as shape, figure-ground reversal, negative/positive space
Using text as shape, found/invented fonts with flat complementary colors.
A. composition using text-occupies about 1/3 of the compositional space.
B. blow up text to expand into shapes so they occupy about 50%
B. Blow up again to expand more than 70% of positive space. Negative space
should be the smallest proportion of the composition.
Due: 3/2
Class Thirteen– 3/2
Materials: Paint, brushes, rags, rulers, triangles
Project 14: Complement grids - using warms and cools
Divide paper into 6 equal shapes and use a different grid design for each
Due- 3/16
Class Fourteen – 3/4
Work on grids
Spring Break- 3/9 -3/12
Class Fifteen – 3/16
Materials: Paint, brushes, rags, rulers, triangles
Project 15: analogous colors 3 designs using lines to create shapes
Due: 3/18
Prepare: Bring in objects to trace
Class Sixteen – 3/18
Materials: Paint, brushes, rags, rulers, triangles
Project 16: Triadic Harmony: red, yellow, blue plus white
No great scale shift, no intensity of focus, pattern-like, eye moves continuously over the
compositional plane. Emphasis: exploration of surface and texture
Due: 3/23 Triadic Harmony O/P/G–one traced, one free-form
Home Assignment: Project 17: Triadic Harmony: orange, purple, green
Materials: Paint, brushes, rags, tracing paper, graphite paper
1/2 Sheet- Trace/overlap images, Field Composition, transparency and opacity
Due: 3/23
Class Seventeen – 3/23
Materials: Paint, brushes, rags, rulers, triangles
Project 18: Simultaneous Contrast 4 sets
2 using color contrast, 2 emphasizing value
Due: 3/25
The next group of classes will focus on Pattern and repetition
Class Eighteen – 3/25
Materials: Paint, brushes, rags, tracing paper, graphite paper
Project 19: Grid with geometric shapes
Split complementary
Due: 3/30
Prepare for Project 20 with design idea
Class Nineteen – 3/30
Project 20: Grids: rotational symmetry
Materials: Paint, brushes, rags, tracing paper, graphite paper
Home Assignment- finish part of Project 22
Class Twenty –4/1
Finish Project 20
Project 21: Reflective Symmetry- free color choice
Materials: Paint, brushes, rags, tracing paper, graphite paper
Due: 4/6
Prepare for Project 21 with design idea
Class Twenty-one – 4/6
Project 22: Radial Symmetry and appropriation
Combine found patterns, photocopy, using tracing paper + transfer paper and integrate
with design in radiating pattern
Class Twenty-two – 4/8
Continue Project 22
Due: 4/13
Class Twenty-three -4/13
Materials: Black Paper, Glue or Matte Medium, Rubber Cement, brush, scissors
Project 23: Black Paper Collages: small compositional studies with color and black
using tilting and aligned rectangles and squares
Due: 4/13
Class Twenty-four – 4/15
Materials: Color Paper, Glue or Matte Medium, Rubber Cement and Rubber cement
eraser, brush, scissors
Project 24: Black and color Paper Collages: small compositional studies with color and
black using tilting and aligned rectangles and squares
Home Assignment: Project 25: 4 Collages
Collage– Geometric/organic shapes Variety of Colors (use paint for colors for as well
colored paper), irregular shapes, ripped edges, organic shapes
Due: 4/20
Prepare: found materials
Class Twenty-five – 4/20
Materials: Collage found materials, glue, matte medium, scissors etc…
Project 26: 4 Collage with found materials, colored ground (paper or paint)
Assignment of Final: Cosmology inner and outer Loose Radial Symmetry
Incorporate appropriated and invented sources
home assignment-begin work on final-bring notes and sketches on 4/27
Class Twenty-six – 4/22
Project 27: using creating simulated texture with found surfaces photocopied.
Due: 4/27
Class Twenty-seven -4/27
Project 27: real texture (including paint and 3-d elements)!
Class Twenty-eight -4/29
Work on final project
Final: 5/4 3:45 Mandatory Attendance