Charles Wickler
Phone: 262-549-1408 or [email protected] or [email protected]
Office hours: After class or by appointment
ART 107 Beginning 2D and 3D Design
Spring 2013 Humphrey Art Center, Room 204
Section 107 D M/W 4:00-5:50
Section 107 E M/W 6:00-7:50
Recommended Text: LAUNCHING THE IMAGINATION A Comprehensive Guide
to Basic Design by Mary Stewart, McGraw-Hill Publisher
Course Description
Design is an essential foundation course for the study of aesthetics. In this course, students learn
how to see, interpret and communicate with the visual vocabulary of line, shape, color, value and
texture. They learn how to use principles of design (balance, rhythm, unity etc.) to create
powerful and unified designs through creative problem solving. Much discussion is devoted to
what is powerful/unified design and why. Opposing opinions are encouraged. Students also
develop aesthetic awareness by studying great works of art through slide lectures, research and
field trips. Throughout the semester, students read from required texts that, in discussing the
elements and principles of art, constantly refer to the works done by professional artists and to the
historical context of those works. In this way, design and its elements and principles are
embedded in a cultural context.
Course Goals
1. To develop an appreciation for art and the language of an artist
2. To gain historical knowledge of design and the arts
3. To learn how to think creatively within a set of limitations
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, a student should be able to:
1. use the elements and principles of 2D and 3D design to create a unified/powerful
design
2. observe the world around them and communicate their observations using the
visual vocabulary of line, shape color, value and texture
3. work with basic painting and drawing techniques as well as 3-D construction
methods
4. work with the components of good design through an understanding of great art
throughout history
5. critically analyze a work of art both orally and in writing
Mechanism for Assessment – Grading
There will be 6 problems, a mid-term, a final exam and a written and oral review
required. All problems must be completed on the due date. Grades will be lowered one
letter grade for each day they are late. Written or oral critiques are held at the
conclusion of each project and when possible a pre-critique will be given students with an
opportunity to improve their work. Note: Each student may hand in one “free” late
problem with no grade reduction. However, the problem must be handed in the
following class period.
A grade of C represents average quality work. The work is still functional, but is a
predictable and a mediocre solution to the given problem. Grades higher than C
represent above average work, with an A grade representing a solution which is
extremely creative and visually appealing. Grades lower than C are usually given when
work is obviously unfinished or when the objectives of the assignment are not met.
Please note that an exceedingly long amount of time spent on a project does not
necessarily guarantee high quality work or an A grade.
Grading Criteria
Work and visual growth………………70%
Effort/Attitude/Attendance……………10%
Mid-term, final and reviews…………..20%
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. This is not a correspondence course. A total of two absences
are the maximum allowed for one semester. Attendance and participation grades will be
lowered one grade level for each absence after two. Excessive absences may result in a
final grade reduction. Students are expected to arrive on time prepared to work.
Repeated tardiness is comparable to an absence.
Recommended Reading
The following books for class are on 3 hour reserve in the library: Art Fundamentals,
Design Basics, Design Manual, Design Dimensions, Basic Design, Elements of Art, New
American Paintings (series ND212).
Participation
Participation includes speaking out in critiques and discussions and working hard during
class. Remember, in a studio class, students learn from each other as well as from the
instructor. CELL PHONE USE IS NOT ALLOWED, INCLUDING TEXTING. Use
of listening devices (with or without headphones) is not allowed.
Design Problems
Work will be handed in and graded after each critique. The grade is equally based on:
1. understanding of the assignment and media 2. technical skill 3. creativity and
composition 4. conceptual development
Project No. 1 will be 5% of the grade, all others will count for 10% each.
Written and oral critiques will be assessed to the extent that they utilized the four
aspects of criticizing a work of art: description, interpretation, evaluation, and
theorization. Assessment will also be made on the students’ ability to use vocabulary
specific to the visual arts both orally and in writing.
Oral critiques are held after each design problem is completed. Work is pinned onto a
bulletin board and students engage in large group discussions about the positive and
negative aspects of the visual solutions to the specific design problem. Students are
assessed on their ability to use the terminology specific to the visual arts as well as the
four aspects of criticism when they engage in large group discussions.
Towards the end of the semester, students are expected to give a formal critique
or presentation of a work of art done by another student. After the formal presentation
the critique is then open for group discussion. The student performing the oral critique
is then assessed by the instructor using the above criteria. Part of the final exam is also a
formal critique of another students work. The students are at this time given a letter
grade.
Written critiques are required after the completion of each design problem.
These are informal essays that are designed to help the students develop an art specific
vocabulary. Students are encouraged to use reserve texts when writing their critiques in
order to assure the correct usage or specific terminology. While these critiques are not
graded they are corrected and will help students when they are required to write a formal
critique on a work of art.
A formal essay or critique is required at the end of the semester. This critique
must be typed on a computer, clearly written, and must use the four areas of criticism as
well as vocabulary specific to the visual arts. Students are given a letter grade on the
formal critique, which is based on the above criteria. (10% of grade)
An ART EVENTS FORM that documents attendance at three art events during
the semester must be completed as directed and returned by the date assigned. (5% of
grade)
Supplies
Folder, tag board portfolio, notebook or small sketchbook, various pencils, kneaded
eraser, ruler, scissors, various paint brushes, glue stick, small mixing tray, supply box,
masking tape, pencil sharpener, compass or templates, black permanent magic
markers- at least 2 sizes, colored markers, colored pencils.
Artist and Display 414-442-9100
9015 W. Burleigh, Milwaukee, WI
Tradewind Products 414-482-2992
2020 So. Kinicinic Ave., Milwaukee, WI
Utrecht 414-220-9063
2219 North Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, WI