Fine Arts Web

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will introduce the fundamental aspects of painting in either oil or acrylic.  Prerequisites for this course are Drawing I and Color & Design.  If you have not completed these courses, please notify me.  Our main focus for the semester will encompass understanding properties of paint, color theory, and compositional arrangement, through exercises in observational study of 3-D and 2-D forms. The course material will be presented as a progression of assignments, culminating in a final semester project.  Demonstrations, critiques and slide presentations will be a regular part of our course. 

We will also work toward developing a vocabulary of terms commonly used in the visual arts, and
focus on creating a participatory dialogue, to speak about the work through means of critique sessions and class discussion.  Your vocal participation in these sessions is vital to the success of this class.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Our main areas of exploration in this class will primarily encompass:

-  building of stretcher frame / stretch canvas / preparation of surface

-  exploration of painting surfaces / canvas, paper, masonite

-  exploration of various painting techniques (classical and contemporary)

-  introduction to various media, materials and tools

-  preparation of palette / arrangement of color

-  properties of color / intensity / value / hue / color harmonies

-  collage imagery / generating 2-dimensional source material

-  painting from observation of still life forms

-  visual principles / volume, form, edge, illusion of depth

-  principles of perspective / linear, atmospheric

-  understanding of major movements, trends and ideals of Western painting

This studio course will devote the majority of class time to practical experience.  You will learn by
doing and observing, and are expected to be open to this learning environment.  Much of our work
will be done in-class, however you will be expected to complete all projects outside of class.  The student is responsible for completing and turning in all coursework on time.

MATERIALS

Artists may work with either oil or acrylic paint, or both.  Acryilic paint carries the advantages of
being water-soluble, and easy to clean-up, however drying time is rapid.  Oil paints maintain their
fluidity much longer, offering a longer working time, however require solvents to clean brushes
and thin paints.  Students are expected to purchase paints, brushes and supports for use on the
second day of class.