AR101                        Studio Art 1                CP1 

(1 year, 1 credit)

Studio Art 1 CP1 is the first part of the “foundation program” for art students.  The student will be given an introduction to the basics of art techniques as well as creativity.  The course is designed to move the student to express his artistic ability, to establish a working portfolio, and to invoke a constructive work ethic to enhance one's creative abilities.  The course instruction will include drawing objects from life, drawing the clothed human form, painting in a variety of mediums, composition and design, and a an introduction to computer graphics (Photoshop).  Class size is limited to 25.  Fee:  $100, plus additional personal expenses as determined by the needs of the student.

DRAWING FROM LIFE.  Unless specifically directed by the instructor all assignments and sketchbook drawings should be drawn from life; never from the work of another whether photograph or art reproduction.

CLASS WORK/HOMEWORK:  Assignments will be given from the syllabus but all students will be encouraged to pursue personally motivated work.  Work equivalent to one third of the total work completed each year is expected to be done outside of class.  This means that you will be expected to work at least one half and hour on art every day outside of class. You will be given assignment for outside of class as well as to do work of your own choosing.  The sketchbook is an important tool for every artist and all students will be expected to draw/write/compile visual  and verbal information in their sketchbooks on a daily basis.   On day 1 of each lesson the student will be required to bring the laptop computer and sketchbook to class for the lesson preview.  It is the responsibility of each student to write in the sketchbook the due dates and specific requirements of each assignment.

CRITIQUES: There will be no tests in the traditional sense. Test will be by critique. ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED FOR CRITIQUES -  Every student is required to participate in the critique sessions - they are the class tests and therefore no excuse other than a school sanctioned absence will be accepted.  The class critique is an open forum where the instructor will not only make comments concerning technical and aesthetic problems and successes but will encourage the entire class to respond. Positive comments are most desirable because it is more valuable to learn from each other the good things that we have done as opposed to the negative. Likes and dislikes, although important, are only a small part of the class critique. All students will be encouraged to express their opinions which will be directed toward technique and aesthetics.

GRADING: Works of art are graded based upon the student's effort, presentation, and time spent on the assignment. Grades are also determined by neatness, ability to follow directions, interpretation of the assignment, technique and quality of execution. Of all of these qualities other than time spent, creative risk taking - TRYING SOMETHING DIFFERENT - is the most desirable and will produce the best results.

GRADING PERCENTAGES:

Grades are determined by the point system, which is as follows:

Sketchbooks:  50 points

Large-scale Work: 50-100 points (this includes all paintings and drawings in which students have been given more than one class period to work on)

Portfolio Review: 200points (portfolios will be evaluated at the end of each quarter)

Handouts/written assignments: 20 points