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Art 430 Drawing IV: Composition
Prerequisite: Art 124B, 140, 200, 330
Instructor: Joy von Wolffersdorff
Office: Art and Design Center 506, Hrs: T/Th 5 – 6:00 p.m., T 9 – 10 p.m.
Email:
For appointments contact the Art Advisement Center - AD 100, 818-677-2348
Caravaggio
Catalog Description
ART 430 Drawing IV: Composition (3 – 3)
Prerequisites: ART 330
Advanced drawing problems of 2-dimensional composition and pictorial organization. Six hours per week.
Course Description
Through lectures and examples students will continue the study of the importance of composition in expression and communication. Students will learn additional major compositional principles and concepts during the lectures and projects. They will continue to be shown how the success of a drawing or painting can stand or fall on its composition. No matter how strong the ideas are, those ideas will be lost to the viewer, if the composition is not good enough to hold their attention.
Course Activities
1. Five Projects taken to completion
Students will be given five projects during the semester. Students have a choice of media (pencil, charcoal, pen & ink, scratch board, colored pencil, pastel, water color, gouache, acrylic, oil, digital or mixed media). Experimentation with media is encouraged, however the focus in this course is composition and not technique. On an average, students will have two and a half weeks to do each assignment. On the due dates, students will present the finished assignment for a critique. The works will be graded during the next class meeting, to enable students to make changes. Note: If the assignment is late, there will be a one-point grade penalty for each class session missed, until it is turned in. One grade penalty = A- to B+.
2. Five sets of thumbnails and five sets of value studies (and color comps when applicable)
For each of the above five projects, students will complete and be graded on20 thumbnails,6 value studies and 3 color comps (if working in color). These will be turned in during the project’s development. Students will turn in copies of the originals. Please make sure that they are good, clear copies. This work must have a cover sheet attached to it with project information on it. Examples will be shown in class. Paper folders only, no plastic please! Consider presentation for this work and make it wonderful!
Dame Laura Knight
3. Five sets of six project analysis
To correspond with each project given, students will do analyses of master works that demonstrate the given theme for each project. They must be outstanding examples of each theme. Students will complete six analyses for each of the five projects. These will be done digitally and turned in through Dropbox.
The Five Projects - Art 430
• Project #1Diagonal Themes
• Project #2Circular and Oval Themes
• Project #3Centered Themes
• Project #4Space Movement
• Project #5Subjective Movement
Assessment and Evaluation
The plus and minus grading system will be used in this class. You must save all work till you receive a final grade as a backup record. A final grade will be given at the end of the term based on the following:
Work
The grades for the above mentioned projects will be averaged together. This provides a basic final grade. At the end of this document you will find a copy of the grade matrix I use for grading the five final projects. Review it and be familiar with the categories so that you can address each of them in your work. Please note that I give weight to how I perceive you are trying new things and taking risks, experimentation. Don’t always play it safe if you want an A.
5 Finished projects25%
5 Sets of thumbnails (20 done for each project)25%
5 Sets of value studies & color comps (6 and 3 done for each project)25%
5 Project analysis (6 done for each project)25%
Attendance
Attendance is critical in this class since the majority of the work will be done in class. Any special foreseen absences must be pre-arranged with me. You are responsible to get notes on any missed material. Do not come to class if you are ill and contagious, even with a cold! It is your responsibility to tell me that you were ill.
• 3 tardies or early departures = 1 absence
• 4 or more absences = a drop in the final class grade (1 point for each absence after 3)
• Coming to class without supplies = an absence
• Consider saving your 3 absences for emergencies or illness
Participation
Participation is how you work in class, share ideas and ask questions. Feel free to tell me if you are frustrated or pleased with your work. Be willing to try different things, to take chances and risks. This also includes your participation during group critiques, class critiques and course lectures.
To earn an A or A- you must do the following
• Earn an overall grade of at least an A- on the above mentioned projects
• Meet all deadlines
• Have no more than three absences.
• Have no unauthorized cell phone use during class
• Be on time to class and do not leave class early (unless emergency)
• Have the necessary supplies to work in class
• Take notes and/or sketch lecture material
• Begin to grasp compositional terms and communicate this with me by using them in class
• Demonstrate enthusiasm about the subject by being involved in the class - share ideas; ask questions etc.
To earn a B+, B or B- you must do the following
• Earn an overall grade in the B range on the above mentioned projects
• Meet all deadlines
• Have no more than three absences.
• Have no unauthorized cell phone use during class
• Be on time to class and do not leave class early (unless emergency)
• Have the necessary supplies to work in class
• Take notes and/or sketch lecture material
• Begin to grasp compositional terms and communicate this with me by using them in class
• Demonstrate enthusiasm about the subject by being involved in the class - share ideas; ask questions etc.
Student Conduct Code
Students are expected to "act at all times with integrity and with respect toward all members of the campus community. The University assumes that all students will conduct themselves as mature, responsible, and law-abiding citizens who will comply with University policies and regulations." See the University catalog.
Classroom Rules
• Turn off all cell phones and pagers during class. Text messaging and phone calls are prohibited in this class. If I have to ask you more than once to turn off cell phones etc., it will be noted in the grade book and it will lower your final grade by one point for each time I need to speak to you about this. If there is an emergency that requires your leaving either of these on please let me know ahead of time. Basically I do not want to see a cell phone or hear one ring.
• You are welcome to bring a laptop computer to class however if you are seen working on another class project or checking email etc. during class time I will ask you to stopand it will be noted in the roll book. Just as with cell phones if I have to ask you more than once it will affect your final grade.
• You are welcome to bring food and/or drinks into class. However make sure that all drink containers have a tight fitting, spill proof lid. Keep all food items and drinks away from all art work at all times. Please clean up after yourself so that we may continue this privilege.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is an especially serious offense for which a student may be expelled, suspended or awarded a failing grade to an assignment, examination or the entire course. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty and plagiarism. Any person found to be committing academic dishonesty in my class will be reported to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and the most severe disciplinary action will be taken. See the University catalog.
Additional Note
If, for any reason I need to cancel a class I will do my best to email you and let you know in advance. However, if it is due to illness, I may only be able to let you know 24 hours or less in advance. Therefore you might want to check email prior to coming to school, if you are only coming to campus for this one class or if you have a significant commute.
Student Contact Information
Select two other students in class and exchange contact information, telephone and/or email etc. If you are absence it is your responsibility to contact another student and get missed information.
John William Waterhouse
Schedule
T. 8/27• Introduction and syllabus
• Concept lecture, my influences and my work
• 50 words and thumbnails
• Bring an article, poem or lyrics, non a narrative to next class
• Bring a Calendar, all other class and work schedules to next class
Th. 8/29• Article and brainstorm lecture
• Use your text, brainstorm, thumbnails
• Bring narrative to next class
T. 9/3• Lecture, three objects and brainstorm
• Narrative, brainstorm and thumbnails
• Bring 2 images next class on jumpdrive, concept driven, be prepared to talk
Th. 9/5• Show examples, upload their images, go through all of them
• Project #1,Examples
T. 9/10• Project #1, Thumbnails and group crit.
• Project #1, Analysis due
•330/430 – present concept papers
Th. 9/12• Project #1, Value Studies, Color Comps and group crit
• Project #1, Thumbnails due
• Light and Shade Lecture
T. 9/17• Project #1, Work on finish
• Project #1, Value Studies and Color Comps due
Th. 9/19• Project #1, Work on finish
T. 9/24• Project #1, Presentation Day, in-class - matte presentation work day
Th. 9/26• Project #1, Due for crit
• Project #2, Examples
T. 10/1• Project #2, Thumbnails and group crit
• Project #2, Analysis due
• Project #1, Due for grading
Th. 10/3• Project #2, Value Studies, Color Comps and group crit
• Project #2, Thumbnails due
T. 10/8• Project #2, Work on finish
• Project #2, Value Studies and Color Comps due
Th. 10/10• Project #2, Work on finish
T. 10/15• Project #2, Due for crit
• Project #3, Examples
Th. 10/17• Project #3, Thumbnails and group crit
• Project #3, Analysis due
• Project #2, Due for grading
T. 10/22• Project #3, Value Studies, Color Comps and group crit
• Project #3, Thumbnails due
Th. 10/24• Project #3, Work on finish
• Project #3, Value Studies and Color Comps due
T. 10/29• Project #3, Work on finish
Th. 10/31• Project #3, Due for crit
• Project #4,Examples
T. 11/5• Project #4, Thumbnails and group crit
• Project #4, Analysis due
• Project #3, Due for grading
T. 11/7• Project #4, Value Studies, Color Comps and group crit
• Project #4, Thumbnails due
T. 11/12• Project #4, Work on finish
• Project #4, Value Studies and Color Comps due
Th. 11/14• Project #4, Work on finish
T. 11/19• Project #4, Due for crit
• Project #5, Examples
Th. 11/21• Project #5, Thumbnails and group crit
• Project #5, Analysis due
• Project #4, Due for grading
T. 11/26• Project #5, Value Studies, Color Comps and group crit
• Project #5, Thumbnails due
Th.11/28• Thanksgiving, no class
T.12/3• Project #5, Work on finish
• Project #5, Value Studies and Color Comps due
Th. 12/5• Project #5, Work on finish
T. 12/10• Project #5, Due for presentation and grading
• Bring in all five projects
Th. 12/12• 8 – 10 p.m. Finals week, return all grade slips
Supplies
Since most projects are open, with regards to medium and surface there is not a large specific supply list for this class. You will need the following on a daily basis:
• Sketchbook for thumbnails and notes
• Tracing Paper
• Cropping Ls made from left over matte board
• Variety of drawing materials, tape, erasers, pens and pencils etc.
• Additional supplies for each project dependent on your choice of medium and surface
• A beveled matte cutter and blades (Logan = $18., Dexter = $27.) If you are left-handed be sure you can use the one you purchase.
• Adapt-a-rule by Logan (optional) - this tool goes with the Logan 2000 or 4000 matte cutter only
• Matte knife and blades for presentations preparation
• A Cutting Mat/surface (12’ x 18” = $16., 18” x 24” = $29.)
• Matte boards and backing boards for presentations
• Tape for presentation
• Cover sheets for presentation
• Drafting tape for presentation
• Please do not use canvas board as a surface, unless it is an exceptionally good quality
• Fabric hand towel for use in class, to cut down on paper towel use, one that you can take home, wash, use all year
For most dry mediums Strathmore Illustration Board is an excellent surface. It is 100% rag board and it is archival. If you want a lighter weight surface consider Strathmore Papers. They come in 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 ply. The higher the number the thicker the paper is. These are often located in the flat files in art stores and are purchased by individual sheets. Crescent Illustration board is an average quality surface. It is fine for acrylic, however it may warp. . It is not very good for other mediums.
Art Supply Stores(take student ID as most stores give student discounts)
Carter SextonM – F9 – 6 Continental Art StoreM – F10 – 7
5308 Laurel Cyn. Blvd.Sat9 – 5:307041 Reseda Blvd.Sat10 – 6
N. HollywoodReseda
818-763-5050818-345-1044
Dick BlickM - F9 – 8Pearl Art Supplies Inc.M – S9:30 - 8:30
44 S. Raymond Ave.Sat9 – 71250 S. La Cienega Blvd.Sun11 – 6
PasadenaSun10 – 6Los Angeles
626-795-4985310-854-4900
Utrecht Art SupplyM – S9 – 8San Clemente Art SupplyM – F10 – 6
11677 Santa Monica Blvd.Sun10 – 71531 N. El Camino RealW10 – 7
Los AngelesSan ClementeSat10 – 6
310-478-5775949-369-6603
Swain’sM - F9 - 7
537 N. Glendale Ave.Sat 9 - 5:30
GlendaleSun10 - 5
818-243-3129
There are several good catalog art supply companies. The following are the ones I use.
Daniel Smith 1-800-426-6740
ASW Art Supply Warehouse 1-800-995-6778
Judson’s Art Outfitters 1-866-POCHADE (outdoor painting equipment)
Jerry’s Art Arama 1-800-827-8478
There are many discount art supply companies on the Internet. Be careful of shipping costs.
Mark Tansey
430 Project Grade MatrixName:______
Project # ______
Legend: 10 is Superior, 0 is Deficient
0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 101. Success of the
Composition
2. Use of Project
Theme
3.Advanced Concept and Ideas
4.Ad. Use Materials,
Craft, Technique
5.Variation in value
(hue and intensity - c)
6. Presentation
7.Advanced Drawing Skills
8. Risk Taking and
Experimentation
Sub Total
Total Points = _____/ 80 possibleGrade = ______
Project Proposal Form
Art 430 Drawing IV: Composition
Professor Joy von Wolffersdorff
The following is a starting place for the concepts and ideas behind your projects that will be done for this class. As your work develops during the semester your concepts and ideas may change. This is acceptable. In the beginning, you may propose very different works and find that one of them will direct the others. You may also consider a series of pieces that are related, formally and/or conceptually. These works can go in many directions. Ask yourself what would you like to explore conceptually. If you are uncertain you can always do works of art with yourself as the topic.
Please complete the following information. You may use additional pages if necessary.
Your Name: ______
1. Please describe the projects that you propose. Discuss your concept, your idea. What are you trying to say?
2. Please write a brief statement about how these proposed projects will relate to your main body of work, field of study and/or personal artistic exploration.
3. What medium and technique will be used? (This may change as you move through the term.)
4. What will be the process? (Please note that if you are planning on using existing photo reference you must modify or alter it at least 60% from the original, due to copyright laws. It is best if you are able to shoot your own reference whenever possible.)
5. What are your goals with regards to these projects?
Art Department Program Goals Addressed in This Course
• Acquire a basic knowledge, theories, and concepts about art; build on foundation art skills and develop a high level of craft; communicate ideas and concepts through writing, speaking and art making; acquire a competency with a variety of tools and media.
•Broaden knowledge of historical contexts of art.
•Apply processes of generating and solving problems in art; analyze, interpret and question traditional methodologies and preconceived notions of art and art making.
•Develop an appreciation and tolerance of diverse perspectives dealing with art, culture, teaching and learning.
•Become involved in both individual and collaborative art experiences with other students and faculty.
•Develop ideas regarding career paths for an art profession or an art-related field.
•Experience and develop visual thinking and creative problem solving in art, as well as recognizing the importance of perception, experimentation, innovation and critical thinking.
Student Learning Outcomes
• Demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge of the elements of design and of color theory
• Develop and demonstrate advanced technical craft as it applies to whichever medium the student chooses to use
• Communicate ideas and concepts through artistic development and art making
• Build a historical context for art
• Apply processes of generating and solving problems in art within specific art assignments
• Demonstrate an appreciation and tolerance of diverse perspectives
• Complete individual and collaborate art practices
•Consider an individual art or art-related career
• Use appropriate critical vocabulary to describe and analyze works of artistic expression
• Combine visual thinking and advanced creative problem solving in the creation of finished works