Los Angeles Valley College
Instructor: Erica Ryan Stallones, MFA
Email:
Office Hours: Weds 5:15-6:05pm, Art 105
ART 204
Life Drawing I
Fall 2016, Section #5020
Wednesdays, 6:05pm-10:15pm, Art 105
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“Drawing is not the form; it is the manner of seeing the form.”
—Edgar Degas
“I draw in order to understand.”
—Gianni Cacciarini
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Prerequisite: NONE (Art 201 recommended)
This course provides an introduction to drawing from the nude model. Course content will include focused explorations of structural line, shape, perspective, value, and composition. The aim of this course is for us to learn to see the human form carefully and intelligently: we are working to develop the ability to accurately perceive, organize, and render visual/spatial relationships on a two-dimensional surface. Our method for achieving this aim will be to explore the traditions of observational realism (we will draw entirely from direct observation both inside and outside of class). In addition to in-class drawing time, our class sessions will include lectures on drawing concepts, demonstrations of observational drawing techniques, and lessons from art history. Homework assignments will reinforce the course content and further our own understandings of drawing.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Verbally articulate and visually demonstrate how to construct pictorial space as applied to the posed model.
2. Demonstrate and critique figural composition using appropriate vocabulary.
3. Employ and explain linear perspective, foreshortening and light logic when observing and drawing the posed model.
4. Draw freehand from actual observations of the posed model using contour, textural gradients and chiaroscuro.
5. Develop a concept-oriented figural composition via a series of progressive drawings.
RECOMMENDED TEXTS
Although there is no Required Text for this class, it is highly recommended that students purchase an anatomy book for artists which will serve as an excellent supplementary resource for homework and classwork. The following titles are good options, but any related text chosen by the student should suffice:
· Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist, Stephen Rogers Peck
· Human Anatomy for Artists, Eliot Goldfinger
· Artistic Anatomy, Dr. Paul Richer
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STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, students will employ light logic to develop the illusion of three-dimensional space in drawing the human figure.
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
If you are a student with a disability requiring classroom accommodations, and have not contacted SSD, do so in a timely manner. SSD is located in the Student Services Annex, Room 175 or call SSD at (818) 947-2681 or TTD (818) 947-2680 to meet with a SSD counselor. If SSD has already sent the memo to instructor confirming accommodations required by student for this class, please meet with me to discuss arrangements.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial Aid is available! Call (818) 947-2412, go to the Financial Aid Office in the Student Services Center, first floor, or online at www.lavc.edu/financialaid.
CLASS POLICIES
Attendance policy: Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class meeting. Lectures and demonstrations will be given promptly at the beginning of class and will not be repeated. You are expected to be present for both lecture and lab hours. Leaving early without prior consent will be considered an unexcused absence.
The only students who may attend classes are those who have been admitted to the college and are in approved active status.
Students are expected to attend every meeting of all classes for which they are registered. Violation of this regulation may result in exclusion from class specified in Administrative Regulation E-13. Provisions of Administrative Regulation E-13 include the following:
§ Students who have preregistered for a class and who do not attend the first meeting of the class forfeit their right to a place in the class. Special circumstances may be considered by their instructor.
§ Whenever absences in hours exceed the number of hours the class meets per week, the instructor will consider whether there are mitigating circumstances that may justify the absences. If the instructor determines that such circumstances do not exist, the instructor may exclude the student from the class.
§ Three cases of tardiness may be considered equivalent to one absence.
§ It is the student’s responsibility to consult with an instructor regarding any absences that would alter the student’s status in the class.
You are responsible for all information covered and all work done in class, whether or not you are present (this means getting contact information from your classmates and asking them FIRST). Excused absences may be given for illness or injury with a Doctor’s note, official and required school events with official notice from a coach or sponsor ahead of time, and other extreme situations. Contact the professor well ahead of time whenever possible.
Exclusion policy: The instructor reserves the right to exclude students from the course due to excessive absences, per Provision of Administrative Regulation E-13. Any student who has unexcused absences totaling four or more hours of classroom time is subject to exclusion; all excused absences must be cleared with the instructor. Unacceptable behavior that is considered class disruption, such as chronic talking during lectures or cell phone use during class, may also be grounds for exclusion.
Late assignments policy: Late assignments will not be accepted. You may redo and resubmit any assignment to attempt to get a higher grade, provided that the original assignment was turned in on time. Resubmitted assignments will be accepted at any point during the course of the semester (up until the class before the final).
LAVC Art Department, under the accreditation rules of the State of California, requires that all assignments in studio courses be handed in on the due date at the beginning of the class in order to receive credit. Written assignments are only received in class and in hard-copy [printed], unless otherwise requested by the professor.
No late work is accepted under any circumstances unless a doctor’s letterhead note for illness, or a bereavement form for family death is provided for documentation. Participation in critiques, discussions and lab time is required and will be assessed as part of a student’s grade.
If you are absent, your work is still due – please send it in with another student or email me more than 24 hours ahead of time for possible full credit.
It is the sole responsibility of the student to be aware of all deadlines and to ensure that all work is graded and accounted for.
LAVC reserves the right toretain, archive, and displayassignments.
Academic dishonesty, plagiarism, and student conduct: Plagiarism is the use of others’ words or ideas without clearly acknowledging their source. When you incorporate those words and ideas into your own work, you must give credit where credit is due. Plagiarism, intentional or unintentional, is considered academic dishonesty and is not tolerated. Anyone found to be plagiarizing or cheating on assignments (e.g., copying or giving answers, using ‘crib’ sheets, etc.) will receive a zero on the assignment, and be referred to the Vice President of Student Services for further disciplinary action, following due process. For more information on plagiarism, go to the Writing Center website or refer to the STANDARDS OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION in the current Schedule of Classes and Catalog.
Materials policy: You are required to have all art supplies found on the “materials list” of this syllabus. Put your name on your supplies and properly handle and store them.
ZERO TOLERANCE CELL PHONE POLICY: Turn off your cell phones in class. Absolutely no cell phone usage during class time. If you are using your cell phone during class, the professor reserves the right to have you leave the classroom premises (which will result in an unexcused absence), and/or have you suspended for up to two days. Cell phone usage is considered a class disturbance and can result in suspension.
Food Policy: With the exception of water, there is no eating or drinking in class.
Headphones policy: No headphones in class.
* At a later date in the semester, students may also be invited to listen to music during work sessions at the discretion of the professor only and provided they do not become a distraction. If any technology is abused, all technology will be restricted.
Studio maintenance policy: Shared maintenance of studio is necessary. It is your responsibility to clean up after yourself; you will not be dismissed from class until the room is entirely cleaned and put back together. Be courteous to others who share the classroom/studio space.
Drop policy: If you stop attending class or wish to drop the class, you must drop the class yourself. Failure to do so will result in a grade of “F” in the class.
Code of Conduct Toward Models: Always display the utmost courtesy and respect to our models. Never touch the model and refrain from speaking to them while they are in pose. Absolutely no photography is allowed. Avoid placing anything on the model stand during or in between poses.
ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED AT ANY TIME IN CLASS. Please turn them off or on silent (not on vibrate), and never send a text message, check your email, or answer a phone call while class is in session. You may use cell phones outside of class during official class breaks ONLY.
Inappropriate behavior towards the model will result in immediate exclusion from the class.
GRADING AND EVALUATION
A 100% - 90%
B 89%- 80%
C 79% - 70%
D 69% - 60%
F 59% - 0%
§ Execution: Judgments are made on the formal aspects of the work. Is the student demonstrating solid applications of drawing principles, composition, materials, texture, etc.? Does the student exhibit creativity and originality in the work?
§ Concept: Judgments are made on the idea, theory, theme or message in the student’s work. Is the student demonstrating an understanding of an artistic concept, or is the student conveying an interesting idea?
§ Effort: Judgments are made on the process, time and effort of the student. Did the student come to class on time, prepared, equipped with all required materials? Did the student turn in an art piece that was kept clean (not folded or dirty)? Was the student careful, deliberate and focused when working on the art piece?
As per California Education Code Title 5, section 55002, you should expect 12 hours of work per week for this class, including 4 hours of in-class lecture and lab time.
All work will be graded on a 100 pt. A to F scale (including + and -), according to how diligently you apply yourself and the degree to which you demonstrate your understanding and mastery of the concepts presented in class. The following basic rubric will be used:
A: Work shows excellent understanding of and engagement with the course material, fulfills the assignment completely and on time, and shows a high degree of creative engagement, initiative, and thoughtfulness.
B: Work shows good understanding of and engagement with the course material, fulfills the assignment completely and on time, and demonstrates some creative engagement, initiative, and thoughtfulness.
C: Work shows adequate understanding of and engagement with the course material, fulfills the assignment completely and on time, and shows limited creative engagement, initiative, and thoughtfulness.
D: Work shows a deficient understanding of and engagement with the course material, does not fulfill the assignment completely, and shows little creative engagement, initiative, and thoughtfulness.
F: Work shows poor understanding of and engagement with the course material, does not fulfill the assignment, is unfinished and undeveloped, and/or shows no creative energy or engagement.
ASSIGNMENTS
Classwork 40 %
Homework 25 %
Sketchbook 10 %
Written Assignment 5 %
Final Project 10 %
Participation 10 %
Total: 100%
In-Class Drawings: 40% of final class grade
Class time will be used to thoroughly investigate the subject of drawing in practice and theory. We will begin with simple line studies from direct observation, and move on to increasingly complex figure studies of varying length and composition.
Expect to be diligent in your work ethic during class time; if you manage your time effectively you should be able to complete your in-class assignments (which account for a substantial percentage of your final grade) in class, although you are always encouraged to continue unfinished work after hours if necessary. Because we will be working with a live model on most days, you may be unable to complete satisfactory work on an assignment if you are absent. Excused absences may request suitable alternate assignments, but incomplete drawings will be graded as such. All major in-class drawings are due at the beginning of the class session after we finish working on them in class unless otherwise stated; smaller assignments may be graded immediately upon completion. See calendar for assignment dates, which may remain flexible at the discretion of the professor only.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all drawings are kept safe and in good condition so that they may be reviewed at any point in (and at the culmination of) the semester.
Assessment: All drawing assignments in this class will be given a letter grade according to the class grading standards (see General Information, below). Drawing assignments will be assessed for accurate completion of the assignment and adherence to project guidelines, creativity and appropriate presentation; and demonstration of concepts, techniques, use of materials, and knowledge gained through in-class discussions and demonstrations. Weight may also be given to overall improvement and exemplary effort.
Homework Drawings: 25% of final class grade
Four comprehensive drawing assignments will be assigned for homework throughout the semester. These drawings should illustrate the concepts, skills, and depth of knowledge gained in class. They represent a substantial percentage of your total grade, and should be given the time and effort necessitated by the assignments. Details to follow.
Sketchbook: 10% of final class grade
Throughout the semester, each student will keep a sketchbook wherein they will complete weekly life drawings outside of class. Students will complete at least one hour of drawing per week, which will be due at the beginning of class each Wednesday. Each sketchbook drawing should be timed and labeled accordingly; the weekly time requirement may be fulfilled by completing one one-hour drawing, or a series of shorter drawings adding up to at least one hour total. Sketchbook drawings should always incorporate the materials, techniques, and concepts demonstrated and discussed in class. All sketchbook drawings should be on 8” x 10” drawing paper, or larger. Students must purchase a sketchbook (or folder/portfolio) for this on-going assignment, however drawings may be completed on separate surfaces as is desired/appropriate. All sketchbook entries should be drawn from life, and incorporate the figure in some manner; subject matter for such drawings may include self-portraiture, portraiture, and/or anatomical studies.