Introduction to Drawing Art 101 Syllabus MWF 8:00 - 9:50 Room E131 Instructor: Prof. Heidi Jensen Office Hours Monday & Wednesday 3:45 - 4:30 by appointment Link to the Schedule...

"I have learned that what I have not drawn, I have never really seen, and that when I start drawing an ordinary thing, I realize how extraordinary it is, sheer miracle."  ~Frederick Frank

Drawing is a never-ending learning experience, one that constantly changes in response to environment and subject matter. In this class, we will study basic drawing and composition skills and explore the creative process through observational drawing.

In this course, you will:

• Learn basic drawing techniques and concepts
• Learn basic composition and design skills
• Learn critique skills to examine your artwork and the artwork of others. You will learn to critique a drawing by examining it in four contexts:
  • Identifying technique
  • Examining personal response
  • Recognizing compositional organization
  • Studying use of content and imagery
• Explore the creative process through observational drawing
• Learn drawing techniques as languages that open up new areas of expression
• Develop an understanding of your individual approach to drawing

Each class will focus on certain elements of drawing and composition. These will be accompanied by slide presentations, short lectures, and demonstrations. During class time, we will do drawing exercises and projects. Outside of class, you will be expected to spend at least five hours each week on your sketchbooks and assigned projects. We will also study artists whose work relates to the concepts covered by this class. Discussions and projects centered on their work will be an integral part of this class.

Portfolios will be handed in twice during the semester. Portfolios will consist of what you feel are your strongest in-class drawing projects, completed out-of-class projects, and sketchbooks.

In-Class assignments are the drawing projects you will be working on during class time. In-class work will focus on drawing techniques and concepts. There will be four drawing projects to be completed outside of class. We will have critiques for most of these. For the final project, we will have an informal critique of works in progress and a final critique. These projects will be work intensive, and you should present finished work for the critiques.

You will be expected to write one essay. This will be a personal response to two drawings by any artist. You will choose two drawings and write about your reactions to the pieces, and how you think the artists communicate mood and content through subject matter and style. This essay will encourage you to verbalize and clarify your ideas and opinions on art.

Sketchbooks will be considered a semester-long ongoing project. They will be used to record thoughts and ideas, rough sketches, and finished drawings. Keeping a sketchbook will encourage you to draw casually and to develop ideas thoroughly, while envisioning this work as a project in progress. The sketchbook will be a consistent record of your progress through the sixteen-week period. The sketchbooks will be turned in at the end of the semester as a finished project, with attention paid to presentation and content. They will also be turned in with the mid-term portfolio for a work-in-progress evaluation.

Drawings will generally be evaluated by the following criteria: handling of technique and concept, effort, creativity and thoughtfulness, and compositional elements. Specific grading criteria will be handed out with individual assignments.

Grades will be determined by effort, quality of work, progress, and attendance. Late work will affect your grade negatively. Portfolio grades will be an average of in-class and out-of-class work.

Portfolios (2):	30% each
Sketchbook:	30%
Essay:	10%

Attendance is absolutely mandatory! I expect you to be present and on time for every class. More than three absences will result in your grade being lowered. Missing a scheduled critique will be counted as two absences. It is very important that you attend critiques with finished work, since critiques are your opportunity to get feedback from other students. Absences are only excused with a written excuse from a doctor's office or university department. You are still responsible for assignments and projects during an excused absence.

You will be expected to participate in critiques. We will have informal critiques during class time for in-class work. We will have more structured critiques for out-of-class projects. You will be expected to talk about your work and your classmates' work, and to offer advice and criticism. Critiques should not be missed, since everyone needs the chance to hear opinions on their work and to offer their own.

Sketchbook:	At least 8" x 10", 60 sheets
Paper:	1 -- 2 White drawing pads, 18" x 24" BFK Rives Stonehenge Charcoal Colored paper
Drawing Tools:	Charcoal pencils Vine charcoal sticks Compressed charcoal sticks Kneaded eraser Steadler eraser Black India Ink 2 - 3 brushes, ranging from fine to round Conte crayons white (also available in red and black) Workable fixative
Other:	2 Metal clips Scissors Glue Watercolor tray Small, sealable container with lid Model's fee Color pastels