ART 220, Sec. 001
INTRO TO Printmaking
Art b133 | Tuesday, Thursday | 2 – 4:40 pm
Joseph Alford
Room 133c | Office Phone # 468-2801 | Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Mondays-Thursdays 1-1:30 pm; Fridays by appointment
Course Syllabus
Spring Semester, 2012
Wednesday, January 18–Friday, May 11
Prerequisites: ART 100 & ART 101
3 semester hours, 6 hours studio, 6 hours assigned
independent study per week. Exploratory studies in the
use of basic media and techniques for printmaking.
I. Course Description:
Printmaking at its most basic level involves the creation
of a matrix (wood block, litho stone, etching plate,
etc.), inking that matrix, and then transferring that ink
onto paper. Essential to printmaking is the production
of multiples and repetition. This class will introduce
several printmaking media and techniques, including,
but not limited to: relief, intaglio and serigraphy (screen
printing). The focus is on fine art printmaking,
not commercial or graphic design applications of
printmaking. The technical aspects of each technique
will be investigated through demonstrations, in class and
out of class work, readings and slide lectures, designed
to tie the history of printmaking in with the hands-on
learning.
Success in this course depends on combining presentation and technique with strong concepts, aesthetics, and
a willingness to take risks to challenge your abilities and
ideas. Through group critiques you will learn to speak
effectively about and to analyze your work, questioning
the decisions made in the development of the image and
assessing how successfully the technical and conceptual
work together to communicate your ideas.
II. Intended Learning Outcomes/Goals/Objectives
(Program/Student Learning Outcomes):
A. Program Learning Outcomes:
Studio Art BFA PLOs
• Undergraduate students will demonstrate proficiency
in studio foundation skills as they relate to the
elements and principles of design.
• Undergraduate students will exhibit a high level of
proficiency in the use of materials, techniques and
media.
• Undergraduate students will demonstrate understanding of contemporary art issues through exploration of synthesis of content, problem solving and
creativity.
• Undergraduate students will define and state knowledge of Art Historical precedents.
Studio Art BA PLOs
• Demonstrate competency with basic printmaking
media through the creation of original artworks.
• Demonstrate understanding of craft skills appropriate to specific projects through finished artworks.
• Demonstrate safe working practices in printmaking.
• Apply problem-solving to successfully work through
project ideas from inception to completion, with
an understanding of the relationship of form and
content.
• Analyze and evaluate, both verbally and nonverbally
with proper vocabulary, technical and conceptual
content in artwork from various perspectives, and to
receptively receive critiques of own work.
B. Student Learning Outcomes:
• Demonstrate competency with basic printmaking
media through the creation of original artworks.
• Demonstrate understanding of skills appropriate to
specific projects through finished artworks.
Demonstrate safe working practices in printmaking.
• Apply problem-solving to successfully work through
project ideas from inception to completion.
• Analyze and evaluate verbally with proper vocabulary, technical and conceptual content in artwork
from various perspectives, and to receptively receive
critiques of own work.
•
III. Course Assignments & Activities:
The semester will be broken into 3 sections plus a final
project, with one printed edition completed per section
and one mandatory group critique per section. Editions
will be completed through in class and out of class work
time. One print from each edition will be donated to the
printmaking archive.
Projects
Relief
• Single-color print
• Multi-color print
Intaglio
• Hard-ground line etching
• Soft-ground/scraping burnishing, etc...
Serigraphy
• Single-color
• Multi-color print
Final project
• Mixed media, Exchange portfolio
Criteria
Participation—You are responsible for your success and
will influence the growth of your peers. Attendance, a
strong work ethic, and active participation in all aspects
of this course are essential.
Projects—Each technique will be covered in 2 to 3
weeks, with at least one printed edition completed per
technique. A mandatory group critique and clean up will
occur after each section. All work must be completed on
time and ready for critique. See attendance and late work
policy for missed critiques.
Portfolios—A portfolio is due at the end of each critique
and should include the edition properly signed and
slip-sheeted and any additional relevant work, such as
preliminary work, color separations, test prints, or stage
proofs. Titles are optional. Work must be dry to turn in!
Reworks for a grade adjustment will be accepted upon approval, if the work was originally turned in on time, with
higher grades given only with significant improvement.
Reworks are due by the final portfolio turn in at the end
of the semester. Please document all stage changes and
extra work to show revisions made. See me before you
rework a project.
Sketchbooks—For project ideation and a 3-ring binder
or folder for handouts and lecture notes. Think of your
sketchbook as a creative journal for experimentation and
discovery.
Plan on at least 3-6 hours of out of class work each week.
Studio Habits—Good print shop etiquette is necessary to
maintain a clean, safe and healthy working environment.
Class begins promptly at 2. Have materials out and be
prepared to begin. The last 15 minutes of class will be
reserved for clean up. Materials should be returned in
better condition than they were picked up.
Health and safety—Some printing equipment and
materials are hazardous to your health. Proper use will be
taught, but it will be up to you to follow the training in
your daily practice.
Cell phones, pagers, and music devices must be turned
off during class.
Grading
3.5 – 4............... A
3 – 3.4............... B
2.0 – 2.9............ C
1.0 – 2.9............ D
0 -.9................... F
Grading Rubric:
An assignment receiving a grade of “A” represents the
best possible example of that assignment. The work is
excellent. There are no technical problems. Content is
both creative and ambitious and goes well beyond simple
imitation of the demonstration. The work exhibits a
sound understanding on the part of the student.
An assignment receiving a grade of “B” represents
work that is good, but could be better. The work has some
technical errors, but overall is satisfactory and above
average. The content is thought out to a certain point,
but it is slightly evident that further inquiry could have
been used on the part of the student.
An assignment receiving a grade of “C” represents
work that is average. The work has several errors, both
technical and conceptual. The work betrays a general lack
of understanding on the part of the student. The assignment lacks creativity beyond the demonstration of the
assignment.
An assignment receiving a grade of “D” represents
work that is below average and that is in need of reconsideration. There are many glaring errors in both technique and conceptual rigor. The work doesn’t satisfy the
parameters of the assignment, but should be given some
credit based on a low level of effort. The work displays
that the student does not grasp the assigned content
very well.
An assignment receiving a grade of “F” represents the
type of work that can in no way be accepted for credit.
The parameters of the assignment are not met. The
technical errors are gratuitous. The portrayed attitude is
one of “blowing off.” The work should be redone.
The following will be considered when assessing your
performance:
How well your assignments achieve their objective,
including:
Concept development
• Research, including all reference material, visual and
written
• Preliminary sketches/thumbnails and writings about
your idea
• Development of idea from beginning stages to execution, has it matured or evolved?
• Marriage of concept and technique: Is your idea
being successfully visually communicated in the end
image?
Requirements
• Section and image requirements met, i.e. test prints,
state proofs included in portfolio, correct size, etc.
• Participation in and requirements met for working
critique
• Grasp of the technical aspects of the print process
• Quality of craft and presentation:
• Quality of print: Is it inked consistently and printed
well?
• Cleanliness of final prints: Any ink smudges? Borders
even?
• Edition properly signed and slip-sheeted
Effort
• Have you pushed your ideas and abilities with this
image?
• Have you worked beyond the minimum requirements?
• Have you experimented with various printing
techniques?
• Participation in critiques and discussions
• Attendance and participation in class
• Effort and ability to work independently
• Studio etiquette
IV. Text & Readings
Ross, John, et al. The Complete Printmaker. New York: The
Free Press, 1972.
Information will also be given through in-class handouts,
lectures and demonstrations.
V. Course Evaluations:
Near the conclusion of each semester, students in the
School of Art electronically evaluate courses taken
within the COFA. As you evaluate this course, please be
thoughtful, thorough, and accurate in completing the
evaluation. I hope to learn from you and your experiences in this course, and value your feedback to ensure an
enriching educational experience for my future students.
In the School of Art, the course evaluation process has
been simplified and is completed electronically through
MySFA. Although I will be able to view the names of students who complete the survey, all ratings and comments
are confidental and anonymous, and will not be available
to me until after the grades are posted.
Please note, evaluations and suggestions are welcome
at any point throughout the semester, either through
meeting, email, or anonymous comments left in my
mailbox in the art office.
VI. Attendance & Late Work Policy:
Following university attendance policy, automatic
failure after 6 absences, excused or unexcused, or 3
weeks worth of class.
Attendance and punctuality are a priority. Attendance
will be taken each class. Let me know if you arrive late
so you receive a tardy rather than an absence. Everyone
is expected to utilize the entire class period, arriving on
time prepared and staying until the end.
After 3 unexcused absences, for each additional
absence, your final grade will be lowered by one letter
grade. 3 tardies equals one absence. One tardy is issued
for every 45 minutes of class missed. Flexibility will be
allowed in extreme circumstances with proper documentation. Please see me to talk.
If you know you will be absent please let me know
prior to class as soon as possible. Excused absences
include family emergency, illness, or certain universitysponsored events. Legitimate documentation must be
brought to the next class for it to be considered excused.
It is your responsibility to turn in the documentation the
next class.
Late assignments and portfolios will only be accepted
the following class, for a drop of one full letter grade.
Projects later than one class period will not be
accepted and will receive a 0. If you are absent on a
due date because of an excused absence, you may turn
your project in the day you return with no grade penalty,
or the following class for a drop of one letter grade. It is
your responsibility to remember to turn it in.
Short assignments may take place during class or as
short homework assignments. It is your responsibility to
get the project parameters and to turn the work on time.
It is your responsibility to get notes from a classmate if
you miss a demonstration or lecture. Demonstrations
and lectures will not be repeated.
All critiques are mandatory. If you miss a critique,
you are to type a 2 page, double-spaced, 12 point Helvetica, 1” margin paper. The paper must utilize proper
grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and detail the
conceptual, compositional and technical aspects of your
project, citing sources and influences.
VII. Additional Information:
Health & Safety
Proper attire is mandatory. Close-toed shoes are required. Pants and apron are recommended. Hair, loose
clothing and accessories must be pulled back when using
the press. No ear phone music devices allowed. Gloves
are mandatory to work.
Every effort is made to keep the print shop a healthy
and safe environment. The use of solvents such as
mineral spirits, denatured alcohol, and corrosives such
as ferric chloride, are necessary in some print processes.
These can be hazardous to your health unless proper
precautions are taken. Techniques may require the use
of face masks, chemical resistant gloves, aprons, eye
and/or ear protection. Proper use of the equipment and
materials will be taught, but it will be up to you to follow
the training in your daily practice to keep you and the
shop safe. Please ask before use if you are unsure about
something. The shop is equipped with a ventilation
system, first-aid kits and an eye-wash station.
Maintaining the shop as we work will be a priority. We will clean as we go, cleaning up one station
before moving to another. Clean up will take place
the last 15 minutes of each class. Cleanliness,
including returning materials in better condition
than they were picked up in, are good habits to
adopt to keep the shop a well running, friendly
community environment.
If you are pregnant or should become pregnant while
taking this course, or have a medical condition that
could increase your sensitivity to chemical exposure, it is
important for you to take all precautions concerning your
own personal safety. While reasonable measures have
been taken to insure your safety, there is a risk in this
class of exposure to material that could prove harmful to
persons at risk. Please contact the professor should you
have questions or concerns.
Students who need accommodations for certified
disabilities should work through the Office of Disability
Services and then your professor.
Students with Disabilities
If you have special needs please see me after class to
discuss appropriate accommodations. I will make every
effort to create an environment suitable to everyone’s
learning styles.
To obtain disability related accommodations, alternate
formats and/or auxiliary aids, students with disabilities
must contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS), Human Services Building, and Room 325, 468-3004/4681004 (TDD) as early as possible in the semester. Once
verified, ODS will notify the course instructor and
outline the accommodation and/or auxiliary aids to be
provided. Failure to request services in a timely manner
may delay your accommodations. For additional information, go to http://www.sfasu.edu/disabiltiyservices/.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a responsibility of all university
faculty and students. Faculty members promote academic
integrity in multiple ways including instruction on the
components of academic honesty, as well as abiding by
university polity on penalties for cheating and plagiarism.
Definition of Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty includes both cheating and plagiarism. Cheating includes but is not limited to (1) using
or attempting to use unauthorized materials to aid in
achieving a better grade on a component of a class; (2)
the falsification or invention of any information, including citations, on an assigned exercise; and/or (3) helping
or attempting to help another in an act of cheating or
plagiarism. Plagiarism is presenting the words or ideas
of another person as if they were your own. Examples of
plagiarism are (1) submitting an assignment as if it were
one’s own work that has been purchased or otherwise
obtained from an Internet source or another source; and
(3) incorporating the words or ideas of an author into
one’s paper without giving the author due credit.
Please read the complete policy at “http://www.sfasu.
edu/policies/academic_integrity.asp” http://www.sfasu.
edu/policies/academic_integrity.asp
Withheld Grades Semester Grades Policy (A-54)
Ordinarily, at the discretion of the instructor of record
and with the approval of the academic chair/director, a
grade of WH will be assigned only if the student cannot complete the course work because of unavoidable
circumstances. Students must complete the work within
one calendar year from the end of the semester in which
they receive a WH, or the grade automatically becomes
and F. If students register for the same course in future
terms the WH will automatically become an F and will be
counted as a repeated course for the purpose of computing the grade point average.
VIII. Supply List:
Recommended materials:
Sketching materials (graphite pencil, sharpie, color
pencils)
• 6B graphite pencil
• Ball point pen, assortment of black sharpies
• exacto knife & replacement blades or snap off utility
knife
• scissors
• Nitrile gloves
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subject to change)
WEEK 1: Jan 19 CLASS INTRO
DAY 1: Class introductions, intro to printmaking, health &
safety
HOMEWORK: purchase materials
WEEK 2: Jan 24 & 26 B&W RELIEF
DAY 1: Intro to Relief w/ cutting demo
HOMEWORK: prepare relief sketches
DAY 2: Printing demo/sketches reviewed
WEEK 3: Jan 31 & Feb 2 B&W RELIEF
DAY 1: Work day cutting & printing
DAY 2: Work day. Printing.
WEEK 4: Feb 7 & 9 RELIEF
DAY 1: B&W Relief CRITIQUE & CLEAN UP, Portfolio due,
work dry, signed/slip-sheeted
DAY 2: Intro to Multi-color relief prints & demo
HOMEWORK: Multi-color relief sketches
WEEK 5: Feb 14 & 16 MULTI-COLOR RELIEF
DAY 1: Multi-color sketches reviewed/work day
DAY 2: work day
WEEK 6: Feb 21 & 23 MULTI-COLOR RELIEF
DAY 1: work day
DAY 2: work day
WEEK 7: Feb 28 & Mar 1 MULTI-COLOR RELIEF
DAY 1: Multi-color relief CRITIQUE & CLEAN UP,
Portfolio due, work dry, signed and slip-sheeted
DAY 2: Intro to intaglio prints & hardground demo
HOMEWORK: Intaglio sketches
WEEK 8: MID-TERM Mar 6 & 8 INTAGLIO
DAY 1: Review sketches & printing demo
DAY 2: MID-TERM–work day
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Assortment of inexpensive small to medium soft
brushes
tracing paper
portfolio large enough for 18 x 24 work
sketchbook, folder/binder for handouts
case for supplies (i.e. tool box or tackle box)
pencil sharpener with case to catch shavings
apron, old shirt
Other materials may be needed as the semester progresses.
Announcements will be made during class.
WEEK 9: Mar 14 & 16 SPRING BREAK!
WEEK 10: Mar 20 & 22 INTAGLIO
DAY 1: work day finish intaglio printing
DAY 2: Intaglio CRITIQUE & CLEAN-UP, Portfolio due, work
dry, signed and slip-sheeted. Intro to second intaglio project
WEEK 11: Mar 27 & 29 INTAGLIO 2
DAY 1: Softground/aquatint/scraping & burnishing demo
DAY 2: Review sketches/work day
WEEK 12: April 3 & 5 INTAGLIO 2
DAY 1: Work day
DAY 2: EASTER HOLIDAY
WEEK 13: April 10 & 12 SERIGRAPHY
DAY 1: Intaglio 2 CRITIQUE & CLEAN-UP, Portfolio due, work
dry, signed and slip-sheeted. Intro to Serigraphy
HOMEWORK: prepare serigraphy sketches
DAY 2: Serigraphy demo/review sketches
WEEK 14: April 17 & 19 SERIGRAPHY
DAY 1: Work day
HOMEWORK: Draft final project proposal
DAY 2: Serigraphy CRITIQUE & CLEAN-UP , Portfolio due,
work dry, signed and slip-sheeted. Final project proposals due.
WEEK 15: April 24 & 26 INDEPENDENT
DAY 1: work day
DAY 2: work day
WEEK 16: May 1 & 3 INDEPENDENT
DAY 1: work day
DAY 2: work day
WEEK 17: May 8 FINAL
no office hours this week
Final scheduled for Tuesday, May 8 from 1–3 p.m.
Final Critique, Independent project due, clean up, clear out flat
file. Shop clean up.