INSTITUTION
DEPARTMENT
SEMESTER
Dawson College
(Montreal, Canada)
Fine Arts
Fall 2011
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE
PRE-REQUISITE
510-122-DW/20001
Drawing from Observation
None
PROGRAM
COMPETENCY
PONDERATION
Fine Arts (Term 1)
0162, 0163
1-2-1
INSTRUCTOR
CONTACT INFORMATION
OFFICE HOURS
Lynn Millette
Office: 3B.12
Telephone: 931-8731, ext. 1261
[email protected]
Wednesdays and Thursdays 4:30-6:00
(Please make an appointment)
This course outline has been prepared in conformity with the Institutional Student Evaluation Policy (ISEP). The “policy
is designed to promote equitable and effective evaluation of student learning” and is therefore a crucial policy for you to
read and understand. The policy describes the rights and obligations of students, faculty, departments, programs, and
the College administration with regard to evaluation in all your courses. I.S.E.P. is published in the College Calendar and
reference copies are available in the Library and in the offices of program Chairpersons and the Dean of Creative and
Applied Arts.
COURSE LINKS
This Level I course introduces basic drawing techniques and perceptual skills. This knowledge is applied concurrently in
all three components of Visual language I. The knowledge gained here prepares students for further explorations in
drawing and is invaluable for all subsequent 2D courses.
OBJECTIVES
Statement of competency
Explore objects and illusions of space through observation and technical drawing.
Elements of competency
1. Apply studio protocol and demonstrate professional attitude.
2. Discuss works of art in relation to drawing conventions.
3. Apply research to drawing projects.
4. Demonstrate fundamental abilities in drawing.
5. Investigate modes of drawing from observation.
6. Explore perspective to represent objects and space.
STANDARDS
Achievement context
• Directed individual studio work from specified criteria and within a given time frame.
• In a studio environment.
• With the help of individual critique and supervision.
• From a list of referential texts, materials and prescribed techniques.
• From appropriate technical and technological tools.
Performance criteria
1.1 Recognition of group interaction and participation.
1.2 Respect of prescribed time frame
2.1 Appropriate use of basic vocabulary of art.
2.2 Adequate response to critiques of own work.
2.3 Relevant response in relation to drawing conventions.
3.1 Recognition of a sketchbook as a research tool.
3.2 Adequate use of sketchbook for studies in observation.
3.3 Explore application of given compositional structures in drawing.
DRAWING FROM OBSERVATION, 510-122-DW
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
5.1
5.2
5.3
6.1
6.2
6.3
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Identification of given techniques in drawing.
Manipulation of drawing tools and materials as directed.
Proficient application of given drawing techniques.
Adequate rendering of forms within a representational methodology.
Appropriate application of given compositional structures in drawing.
Acknowledgement of the process of expression.
Graphic experimentation of different modes of representation.
Rendering forms within a representational methodology.
Characteristic treatment of surface and space through rendering from observation.
Basic application of principles of linear perspective.
Adequate reproduction of form and proportions.
Effective representation of conventions of light and shade.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Contour drawing; gesture drawing; illusion of space; drawing from the figure, still-life, representation and observed forms;
introduction to composition and design principles as applied to drawing.
TEACHING METHODS
Demonstrations using basic techniques and materials; individual instruction during class; critiques of class work and home
assignments.
GRADE DISTRIBUTION
70% - Studio work, 20% - Sketchbook, 10% - Studio practice: professional attitude & behaviour
GRADING POLICY FOR LATE ASSIGNMENTS
Project deadlines (date and time) MUST BE RESPECTED. During the term late submissions will carry penalties,
however, the FINAL ASSIGNMENT / TEST must be handed in by the deadline to be considered for grading.
Penalties for late assignments
Up to:
1 week late
10% deducted
2 weeks late
15% deducted
3 weeks late
20% deducted
4 or more weeks late
0% assigned
Penalties for late/missed final assignment or test
Final assignment/test
0% assigned
If the project is late due to sickness, then a medical note must be handed in to reduce or waive the penalty. Evaluation of
all assignments, tests and presentations requires that students MUST be available in class for teacher feedback.
Studio practice and professional attitude & behaviour include applied problem-solving, organization, self-discipline, and
consideration and respect for others and for the studio. Students are responsible for bringing appropriate materials to
work in class, on time, according to proposed schedule and verbal instruction. Students are required to pick up term work
as specified by the teacher. Students must recognize and accept the attendance criteria, purchase and use the required
materials, and leave the studio in an orderly state.
ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION POLICY
Presence and participation are necessary components of learning. Students who fail to attend or participate may
jeopardize their successful completion of the course.
Attendance will be taken in every class. Arriving late or leaving early is considered an absence. After two absences,
the instructor will notify the student and the department of his/her precarious state in the course. Three absences will
significantly impact your final grade as this represents a loss of 20% of class time and course work. It is at the instructor's
discretion to require documentation for absences. Note: When absent from class, the student is responsible for
inquiring about missed information and assigned homework. Students may refer to the Institutional Student
Evaluation Policy in the Dawson College Calendar for further information regarding student responsibilities to the course
(section II.D.).
DRAWING FROM OBSERVATION, 510-122-DW
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LITERACY POLICY
The 10% professional attitude mark will include an assessment of the student's ability to discuss and criticize his or her
work within the large context of art and its traditions.
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM POLICY
Cheating and plagiarism are serious academic offences. Both academic achievement and creative production are based
on honesty and artistic integrity. Any act of plagiarism (the unacknowledged use of source material) will result in a grade
of zero for the project or assigned work. Where originality is questionable, preceding developmental work must be
produced to substantiate authorship. Any act of cheating (involvement in any dishonest or deceptive practice related to
exams, in-class tests, or quizzes) will also result in a grade of zero in that instance. All instances of cheating and
plagiarism that result in an affected grade will be reported to the office of the Dean of Pre-University Studies. Students
are also subject to the Dawson College Institutional Student Evaluation Policy under Students’ Rights and Obligations.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS POLICY
To facilitate the observation of religious holidays, students or their teachers will be allowed to discuss alternative
arrangements to make up for class material missed. All resulting changes in the tentative schedule of assignments must
be finalised within the first week of classes.
CELL PHONE POLICY
The Fine Arts Department prohibits the use of cell phones in all studios, classrooms, workshops and resource rooms.
Cell phones must be turned off before entering any of these areas, or while attending field trips and other class activities.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Paper:
• 1 Pad of newsprint paper 18” X 24” to begin with, you will need several throughout semester
• 1 Sketchbook or 9” X 12”
• Individual sheets of paper to be bought as needed
• White Mayfair paper 18” X 24”, at least one sheet per class, or more as instructed
Media:
• Artists pencils 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 9B or kit
• Markers, medium and fine point
• One box of each willow and compressed charcoal sticks
• Conté sticks (black & white)
Other:
• Kneadable eraser (soft like chewing gum)
• Plastic eraser
• Small drawing stump (smudging stick)
• 2 large bulldog clips
• 1 roll masking tape
• Small x-acto or olfa type knife
• Plastic tool box with handle to carry supplies
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TENTATIVE WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Week 1 August 25, Introduction.
Homework: buy materials and personalize sketchbook cover (you will use the book to continually experiment with
materials and ideas, to draw and to collect images and notes on a weekly basis throughout the term. This practical
research will be evaluated.)
Week 2. Sept.1: Material exploration and line (continuous line drawing).
Sketchbook entry: 5 pages continuous line studies of tabletop arrangements. Different medium. Label all work.
Week 3. Sept. 15: Contour and cross contour.
Sketchbook entry: 5 blind contour drawings of hands, feet and 5 sensitive line studies of curved / folded / crumpled
paper
Week 4. Sept. 22: Weight, fabric studies.
Sketchbook entry: 2 sensitive linear drawings: bed, favourite piece of clothing
Week 5. September 29: Shape: positive and negative.
Sketchbook entry: 2 neg./pos. Studies
Week 6. Oct. 6: Proportions: sighting.
Sketchbook entry: 2 chair studies.
Week 7. Oct. 13: Value
Sketchbook entry: value study of face.
MID-TERM ASSESSMENTS (Deadline Oct. 19). CALCULATED ON WORK UP TO THIS POINT
Week 8.Oct. 20: Value: erasure drawing.
Week 9. Oct.27: Model.
Sketchbook entry: 10 pages (figure, in gesture).
Week. 10. Nov. 3 : Portraits.
Sketchbook entry: 3 self-portraits (blind-contour, contour, full value).
Week 11. Nov. 10: Model
Sketchbook entry: 5 figure studies.
Week 12. Nov. 17: Drawing field trip or documentary viewing and discussion. (TBA.)
Week 13.Nov. 24: Model, sustained study.
Sketchbook entry: Preliminary sketches for final Drawing.
Week 14 Dec. 1: Ongoing model drawing.
Week 15, Dec 8: Group critique.
All students must recuperate artwork. Due to storage restrictions, all unclaimed artwork will unfortunately be discarded.
Art supply stores
Omer des Serres
British Blue Print
Concordia University
(Fine Arts Pavilion,
basement)
Dawson College
Several locations in Mtl.
1831 Ste. Catherine W.
Bishop St. & Rene-Lévesque Blvd.
514-935-9919
514-848-2424, ext. 4609
Lower atrium
514-931- 8731