Description:

This is an introductory course with an emphasis on the development of fundamental drawing skills, increased power of observation and an awareness of the personally expressive and compositional aspects of drawing. 6 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): NONE

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Recognize and demonstrate safe studio procedures.
2. Identify and use basic drawing tools in both wet and dry media.
3. Distinguish and use value, texture, line, shape and gesture as discrete approaches to drawing.
4. Differentiate between successful and unsuccessful composition.
5. Combine value, texture, line, shape and gesture in more developed drawings.
6. Differentiate among representational, abstract, and conceptual approaches to art.
7. Combine approaches and techniques of basic drawing.
8. Make aesthetic decisions autonomously.
9. Critique artwork objectively, individually and in groups.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Studio Procedures
   A. Explain and demonstrate proper use of equipment, materials and
supplies.
   B. Practice safe studio procedures.
   C. Identify and develop productive work habits, including completing
projects, maintaining the studio environment and responding to
supervision. 

II. Drawing Tools
   A. Use dry media in drawing.
      1. Draw with charcoal.
      2. Sketch with graphite.
      3. Use Conte crayon.
      4. Utilize pastels.
      5. Explore and use other experimental dry mediums.
   B. Use wet media.
      1. Draw with india ink.
      2. Use acrylics and/or watercolor.
      3. Explore and use other experimental wet mediums.

III. Basic Techniques
   A. Practice and use value (light and dark contrast) in realistic and
abstract manner.
   B. Develop repetitive marks and patterns to achieve texture.
   C. Develop a patient, slow contour line to describe representational
form and to increase visual awareness.
      1. Practice and use blind contour.
      2. Practice and utilize varying line, weight, contour.
      3. Practice and use cross-contour.
      4. Practice and utilize cross hatching.
   
IV. The Elements of Composition
   A. Produce representational marks to structure the picture plane.
   B. Produce non-objective marks to structure the picture plane.
   C. Use non-objective shapes to structure the picture plane.
   D. Produce a value scale and assign values to shapes within the picture
plane to achieve visual balance.
   E. Draw the negative shapes of a representational form in order to
recognize its visual importance within a composition.

V. Drawings of a More Complex Nature
   A. Compose drawings of mixed complexity.
   B. Construct drawings exhibiting a more individual and personal
approach.

VI. Representational, Abstract, and Conceptual Approaches to Drawing
   A. Use the strategies involved in representational drawing.
   B. Use the strategies involved in abstract drawing.
   C. Use the strategies involved in conceptual drawing.

VII. Drawings Combining Techniques
   A. Complete a drawing in stages with several techniques.
   B. Construct a drawing converting combined techniques into a more
complex layering process.

VIII. Autonomous Decision-Making
   A. Acquire and demonstrate confidence through practice and critique of
one’s own artwork.
   B. Develop and demonstrate self-assurance through the discussion and
criticism of other student’s artwork.
   C. Build and demonstrate comprehension of the decision-making process
through study of professional artists’ means of image development.

IX. Critiquing Artwork Objectively
   A. Define and discuss the importance of objective art criticism.
   B. Explain the significance of individual critiques.
   C. Judiciously accept criticism from fellow art students.
   D. Clarify the meaning and purpose of group critiques.
   E. Perform individual and group critiques without bias.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Final portfolio: Production of a group of drawings satisfying the
requirements of a series of assignments to develop specific skills and
competencies and to stimulate the student’s creative capacities for
personal expression and self-understanding.

Out-of-class assignments: Production of a series of out-of-class projects
to supplement the in-class assignments which demonstrates the student’s
integration of the course content.

Research project: A written research project to supplement the course
objectives.

Class participation and attendance: Active participation and attendance is
a mandatory requirement for this class.

Grades: The final portfolio is, by far, the major means of evaluation in
the course, representing 60-80% of the grade.  The other listed student
activities account for the remaining 20-40% of the grade.

Caveats:

1. JCCC is not liable for damaged or stolen work or personal property in classroom or hallway exhibition areas.
2. Students working in the studio are expected to acquaint themselves with the efficient and safe use of equipment and materials.
3. Students should realize nude models may be used in this course and decide if they are comfortable with this aspect of the class.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.