Austin Community College
Drawing 1, ARTS 1316-003, Syn. 30064
Summer 2015
Credit Hours: 3.0
Contact Hours: 6.0
Lecture Hours: 2.0
Lab Hours: 4.0
Class Meets: M,W 1:00-4:55PM
Room: CYP 1113
Prerequisites: None
Faculty Information
Noel Robbins, MFA
Adjunct Professor of Art
Office: CYP 1113
Office Hours: M,W 4:55PM (or by appointment)
Cell Phone: 512-458-6965
E-Mail: [email protected]
Course Webpage: www.austincc.edu/noel
Reading List
Recommended:
A Guide to Drawing by Daniel M. Mendelowitz
Classical Drawing Atelier by Juliette Aristides
An Introduction to Perspective by Ray Smith
Course Description and Common Course Objectives
This course will familiarize students with drawing media, techniques,
design and subject matter related to various historical and
theoretical contexts, for the purpose of developing visual literacy,
critical thinking, and constructive drawing skills. Emphasis will be
placed on structured observational drawing practices and traditional
media.
Students will demonstrate:
- critical thinking through the technical, formal and conceptual
choices made in solving visual problems
- an understanding of the elements of art and principles of design
- a working knowledge of formal analysis in a variety of media
- knowledge of the basic theoretical frameworks in studio practice
- ability to identify and discuss contemporary approaches to art
practice through attendance at lectures, presentations,
demonstrations by visiting artists
- the ability to apply other disciplines to their art
- aptitude for graduate study, or professional work as an artist,
through quality preparation of portfolios
Instructional Methodology
The instructor of this class will use lectures, demonstrations,
individual and group critiques, visual aids, readings, classroom and
homework projects, sketchbook assignments, and portfolio evaluations.
Attendance
Because of the hands-on nature of learning art, attendance and
participation in class are absolutely critical for the successful
completion of this course. Students are expected to attend class on
time and to work the whole duration of every meeting. If a student
misses a class, lecture, demonstration, assignment, etc. then it is
solely the responsibility of the student to acquire the information
missed by copying notes from another student, meet with the professor
during class or office hours to have specific questions answered, and
complete the work in time for critique and grading. Three absences are
allowed for the semester. Missing more than thirty minutes of class by
arriving late, leaving early or excessive breaks is considered
absence. Not participating in critiques, sleeping or working on other
course subjects during this class is considered absence. After three
absences the student’s semester grade will be reduced by ten points
per absence.
Withdrawal
If a student chooses to leave this class then official withdrawal is
solely the student’s responsibility. Failure to withdraw from the
class officially with the registrar will result in a semester grade of
“0”.
The teacher retains the right to drop a student from this class
without warning or prior notice for any reason consistent with college
policy such as lack of progress, attendance or disruptive behavior.
Homework, Readings, and Sketchbook
Students are expected to practice the contents of this course outside
of class a minimum of five hours per week in both their sketchbooks
and homework assignments.
After the first week of class assignments will appear on the course
webpage at www.austincc.edu/noel as they are scheduled.
Homework assignments will have their own particular requirements,
which will be covered in detail in class. Homework is expected to be
turned in for critique and grading as scheduled. For each class period
late, assignment grades will be reduced by ten points.
In sketchbooks students are expected to take summary notes from the
lectures, demonstrations and critiques, and to practice using course
materials and techniques before executing homework assignments.
Grading Components
50% of the semester grade will come from a sketchbook and portfolio
review at the end of the semester. The other 50% of the semester grade
will come from homework projects assigned and due as scheduled.
The logic behind waiting to grade portfolios and sketchbooks until the
end of the semester is twofold: first, the students will have the
ability to improve their works right up to the end of the semester,
and secondly, seeing the whole body of work at one time clearly
reveals the levels of student involvement and growth.
Grading Criteria
The following criteria will be observed for grading:
1. Demonstration of the Concepts of the Assignments
Each drawing assignment addresses concepts and vocabulary that are
integral to the progress of further art studies. The student must
exhibit in his or her speech and class work a comprehension of the key
concepts and vocabulary of each assignment. As the semester progresses
the student is expected to expand upon the vocabulary and concepts of
earlier projects to exhibit personal growth in the discipline of
drawing.
2. Use of Media and Techniques
The student must exhibit manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and
a growing mastery of the use of the drawing media and techniques
presented in class. It is expected that students will practice
independently in a sketchbook outside of class, as well as through
homework and classroom assignments.
3. Composition
Drawing composition involves arrangements of shapes, lines, textures,
values and colors. The elements and principles of design will be
discussed and applied to develop effective visual communication
through traditional drawing media and techniques. Students will use
these concepts in their work and speak about their compositions using
appropriate vocabulary.
4. Visual Impact, Expressiveness
Visual impact and expression in art are generated by the relationships
between subject matter, materials, and design. With experience one
develops an eye for impact and expression in visual art. Prof. Robbins
has studied, created and taught drawing for decades. The students of
this course are expected to trust in his long experience, and to be
attentive and receptive to his critical responses to their works.
5. Academic Performance: attendance, attentiveness, receptiveness,
progress, productivity, presentation, timely completion.
Attendance is explained in detail above. Attentiveness and
receptiveness are necessary for students to learn from the instructor.
This requires a mature attitude and persistent involvement, following
the schedule of the class carefully and completely, and asking
questions. The most successful students ask the most questions.
Critiques are very important for the growth of all the students in the
class. By sharing thoughts in critique not only do students add
immeasurably to the learning experience of the whole group, but their
performance grades increase as well. Students must produce and submit
their works for grading and critique on time. Successful drawings must
be presented in a neat manner without spiral pad tabs, cockling or
smudges, and squarely cropped to scale and format. By practicing good
academic performance students learn more and at a higher level of
comprehension, they get higher grades, and enjoy all the personal and
professional perks that come in adulthood from intellectual exercise.
Regular individual critiques will provide information
student progress throughout the semester. If students
about their academic standing, at any time during the
Robbins will be available to meet during office hours
to answer questions.
regarding
are concerned
semester Prof.
or appointment
Incomplete
An “Incomplete” grade will be issued by the instructor only in the
most extreme cases, and decided solely by the instructor at his
discretion.
Scholastic Dishonesty
Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be
administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited
to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized
collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work
submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research
or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to
tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects,
either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework.
Academic Freedom
Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good.
The common good depends upon a free search for truth and its free
expression. Hence it is essential that faculty members at Austin
Community College be free to pursue scholarly inquiry without
unreasonable restriction and to voice and publish their conclusions
without fear of institutional censorship or discipline. They must be
free from the possibility that others of differing vision, either
inside or outside the college community, may threaten their
professional careers.
The concept of academic freedom in Austin Community College is
accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility, shared
by the Board of Trustees, administration, and faculty members. The
essential responsibilities of the Board of Trustees and administrators
regarding academic freedom are set forth in the Criteria For
Accreditation, adopted by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools, as updated and revised. In the classroom on in Collegeproduced telecommunications, faculty members should strive to be
accurate, to exercise appropriate restraint, and to show respect for
the opinions of others. In addition, instructors should be judicious
in the use of material and should introduce only material that has a
clear relationship to the subject field.
Student Discipline
Students at the College have the rights accorded to all persons under
the Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition,
and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility for
each individual to accord the same rights to others in the College
community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational
process. As willing partners in learning, it is expected that students
will comply with College rules and procedures. ACC students are
recognized as responsible persons who neither lose the rights nor
escape the responsibilities of citizenship. Enrollment in the College
indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in this policy,
administered through the office of the Campus Dean of Student
Services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is
assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.
General Provisions
The purpose of this policy is to identify for the ACC community the
rights and responsibilities of its students, to specify acts
prohibited and standards of conduct required, and to set a range of
appropriate penalties in cases of rule violations.
Due Process
In cases of violations of this policy, the following procedures
recognize and afford the federal and state due process rights of
students as citizens.
Emergency Action
Provisions are included herein to protect the College and members of
the College community in cases of emergencies and other instances
requiring immediate action. Nevertheless, even in such instances, the
student is afforded federal and state due process rights by these
procedures.
Administration of Discipline
The Campus Dean of Student Services or the appropriate facility
administrator shall have primary authority and responsibility for the
administration of student discipline. The Campus Dean of Student
Services works cooperatively with faculty members in the disposition
of scholastic violations.
Offenses: Prohibited Acts
Prohibited acts include, but are not limited to, the commission of any
act punishable by fine, incarceration, or both, under any law of the
United States, or of the State of Texas, or under any local
governmental ordinance, all as amended from time to time. A student
may be punished for acts occurring on ACC-operated property or in
connection with ACC-sponsored activities and for acts occurring off
ACC-operated property when such acts interfere with the educational
process and goals of ACC. Other prohibited acts that constitute
offenses for which discipline may be administered are listed in the
Student Handbook.
Freedom of Expression
Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any
classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking
there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences
enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where
students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn.
On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not
only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that
faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed
in classroom discussions.
Office of Students with Disabilities
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented
physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities
must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students
with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority
of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks
before the start of the semester.
Testing Center Policy
Testing centers are located at Northridge, Rio Grande, Eastview,
Riverside, Cypress Creek, Pinnacle, Round Rock, San Marcos, and
Fredericksburg. Instructors provide students with information about
using the centers. Sites and hours are subject to change without
notice. The following regulations and guidelines apply to all
campuses: Proper identification is required (current ACC I.D. or a
current fee receipts plus valid photo I.D.): Only enrolled students
may use the testing centers. Give your instructor's name, course name
and number, the section number, synonym number, and the exam name or
number.
Bring only those items you will need to take your exam. There is no
secure storage space for books, purses, etc. Students with
disabilities requiring individual assistance on tests need to work
with the Office for Students with Disabilities. The use of
unauthorized materials while taking an exam in an ACC Testing Center
is subject to disciplinary action. For more information, consult the
"Guide to Student Use of the Testing Centers," available at all
Testing Centers.
Course Calendar
This calendar is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.
Week #1:
6/1 introduction to course; standard method
6/3 picture plane and pictorial space; envelope shapes; visual
measuring; mapping; building curves(china markers, newsprint
paper)
Week #2:
6/8 line weight; blind-contour; line gesture; continuous line;
directional and cross-contour lines(pencils, conté crayons,
charcoal, newsprint)
6/10 planar analysis(pencils, conté crayons, charcoal, newsprint)
Week #3:
6/15 linear perspective (pencils, ruler, ink supplies, bristol paper)
6/17 linear perspective
Week #4:
6/22 linear perspective
6/24 linear perspective
Week #5:
6/29 value scales; notan/open-value/shadow patterns
(pencils, charcoal, charcoal paper, conté crayons, toned paper,
ink, quill pen, bamboo pen and brush, watercolor palette, bristol
paper)
7/1 notan/open-value/shadow patterns (ink wash)
Week #6:
7/6 chiaroscuro (charcoal, charcoal/drawing paper)
7/8 chiaroscuro
Week #7:
7/13 chiaroscuro
7/15 chiaroscuro
Week #8:
7/20 light direction, movement and qualities; atmospheric perspective
(conté crayons, toned paper)
7/22 light direction, movement and qualities; atmospheric perspective
Week #9:
7/27 low key composition/tenebrism (conté crayons, black paper)
7/29 low key composition/tenebrism
Week #10:
8/3 composing with edges and texture
8/5 composing with edges and texture
Week #11:
8/10 final portfolio and sketchbook Reviews
8/12 final portfolio and sketchbook Reviews
Supplies
Large Sketchbook
18" x 24" or larger Pad of Newsprint Paper
18” x 24” or larger Pad of Charcoal or Drawing Paper
4+ Sheets 18” x 24” or larger Bristol Paper
2+ Sheets 18” x 24” or larger Mid-Toned Paper
2+ Sheet 18” x 24” or larger Black Paper
HB & 6B Drawing Pencils (H=harder, lighter; B=softer, darker)
Kneaded & Art Gum Erasers
Chamois Rag
220-Grit Sandpaper
Vine/Willow Charcoal (soft if possible)
Compressed Charcoal (Char-Kole is a good brand)
Black China Marker
White & Black Conté Crayons
India Ink
Quill Pen Staff and Points
Bamboo Brush
Bamboo Pen
Watercolor Palette
18" or longer Ruler
Spray Fixative
Low-tack Masking Tape
Drawing Board
Portfolio
Art Suppliers
Asel Art Supply
510 W. MLK Jr. Blvd
Austin, Texas 78701
477-1762
Online: www.dickblick.com
University Co-op
2246 Guadalupe
Austin, TX 78705
476-7211
Jerry’s Artarama
6010 N IH 35
Austin, TX 78752
420-9359
Final Portfolio Requirements
Portfolios and sketchbooks are due at the end of the semester in the
classroom during prearranged meetings with Professor Robbins. Late
portfolios will not be accepted. Missed portfolio reviews will receive
a failing semester grade.
All classroom and homework drawings are due in the portfolio.
Individual homework drawings will not be graded a second time; they
will contribute to the evaluation of overall performance and progress.
Each drawing is expected to exhibit craftsmanship and good
presentation with no spiral tabs, cockling, wrinkling, unintentional
marks or dirt.
Cropped drawings must be done so neatly and squarely in rectilinear
formats.
Sketchbooks will be graded based on the quality and quantity of notes
and practice of the course content.
Grades are determined by Professor Robbins according to the “grading
criteria” outlined above.
Austin Community College - Drawing 1 Course Agreement
Do you understand and agree to abide by the structure and rules of
this course as written in the syllabus?
What is your major?
Is this class required for you to obtain your degree?
Will you come on time to, fully participate in, and stay until the end
of every class meeting?
Will you share your thoughts with the class during critiques?
Will you practice the content of this course at least five hours per
week outside of class?
Will you help to create a learning environment that is respectful,
open and friendly?
Do you agree to refrain from the use of spray fixative inside or
within fifteen feet of the entrances of any ACC buildings?
Why this class?
____________________________________________
Signature
____________________________________________
Print Name
_______________
Date