This site contains complete information for INTRODUCTION TO STUDIO ART, taught by Catherine Carter, Adjunct Professor in the Art and Music Department at Framingham State University, Spring 2016. 

The morning session meets on Mondays and Wednesday, 8:30 to 11:20 AM, Room 407 in May Hall. 20012, ARTS 167-001.

The afternoon section meets on Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30 to 5:20 PM, Room 407 in May Hall. 20013, ARTS 167-002.

Professor Carter's email is: ccarter@framingham.edu

Office hours are by appointment only; availability is Monday and Wednesday from noon to 2 PM.

ISA Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  

This is a beginning-level course for students with little or no prior art-making experience. During the semester we will create a variety of studio projects, visit an art museum and an art gallery, and complete a series of analytical writing assignments in response to our art-viewing experiences.

COURSE GOALS:

By the end of the semester, you will be able to:

                  Draw simple and complex shapes from direct observation.

                  Use pencil, marker, colored pencil, and acrylic paint to depict a range of tonal values.

                  Mix secondary and tertiary colors from primary colors.

                  Understand how to communicate using a variety of color schemes.

                  Paint realistic-looking objects placed in a visually convincing space.

                  Design a compelling two-dimensional image following the rules of composition.

                  Analyze artworks in a range of styles, materials, and subject matter.

                  Identify locations for viewing fine art in the town of Framingham.

COURSE EXPECTATIONS:

While the class is designed for beginners, it is a rigorous and challenging studio experience that requires ongoing and conscientious effort. In order to succeed, you are expected to:

                  Arrive on time to every class.

                  Bring the necessary supplies for each day’s project.

                  Apply yourself to the day’s assignment for the full duration of the class period (2 hours and 50 minutes).

                  Participate in ongoing group discussions and critiques.

                  Present 2 complete portfolios, one at mid-semester and one at the end of the semester.

                  Show continuous and significant artistic progress throughout the semester, regardless of the level of experience you first bring to the course.

COURSE POLICIES:

This syllabus will guide the way the class is organized and run throughout the semester. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and following the guidelines of the syllabus. In registering for the class, you are agreeing to abide by the rules listed here.

The morning version of this class starts promptly at 8:30 AM and the afternoon version of this class starts promptly at 2:30 PM. An attendance sheet is checked off at the beginning of each class; if you arrive after attendance is taken, you are considered late, which will affect your final grade.

The morning version of this class ends at 11:20 AM and the afternoon version of this class ends at 5:20 PM. Attendance is taken again at the end of each class; if you are not present, you will be marked as having left early, which will affect your final grade.

Three (3) absences are allowed for the semester, but it is recommended that you not use them except in case of emergency. Every absence will cause you to miss important technical demonstrations and practice sessions that will impact the quality of your work and therefore affect your final grade.

If you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact me via email to let me know about your absence and explain how you plan to make up the missed time and work.

Upon the fourth absence, the student automatically receives an F for the course.

Two instances of arriving late and/or leaving early are considered one absence.

The student is responsible for keeping track of his/her own attendance record.

The classroom is kept quiet so that students can concentrate on their work. Students may use headphones/earbuds if they prefer to work to music.

Personal interactions via mobile device are not permitted in the classroom.

While everyone works at her or his own pace, there is no “finishing early.” Each student is expected to keep working on and refining the current project until the end of the class session. If you claim to finish early, you will be asked to start a second version of the project.

On days when weather might be an issue, it is recommended that you check your Framingham State email before coming to class; I will email you if class is cancelled.

COURSE WEBSITE:

The website for the course is: www.CarterExamples.blogspot.com. This site contains complete course information including the syllabus, schedule, supply list, and project worksheets.

If you miss any handouts during class, you will find them online here.

PROJECTS:

Each project will be introduced with a hard-copy handout containing details on the materials needed, step-by-step directions, and evaluation specifications. This handout is also available on the course website.

Technical demonstrations for each project are given ONCE, on the day when a project is assigned. If you miss a demonstration, you will have difficulty completing the assignment.

Projects will be started in class and, if necessary, finished beyond class time. In order to complete these projects, students need to purchase all of the art supplies listed below.

PORTFOLIOS:

Projects will be turned in twice during the semester.

Portfolio 1 will be due at mid-semester, on Wednesday, March 9. On that day, during the time our class typically convenes, each student will present their projects from the first half of the semester. I will photograph each artwork for reference during grading. A grade sheet will be handed out to each student at the following class meeting.

Portfolio 1 should contain:

Project 1: 25 Squares Drawing
Project 2: Value Variation Drawing
Project 3: Bell Pepper Drawing
Project 4: White on Black Drawing
Project 5: Toned Paper Drawing
Project 6: Doughnut Drawing

Portfolio 2 will be due on the final day of class, Wednesday, May 4. The process is the same as with Portfolio 1.

Portfolio 2 should contain:

Project 7: Color Scheme Painting
Project 8: Written Assignment from Field Trip to Danforth Art Museum
Project 9: White Object Painting
Project 10: Bell Pepper Painting
Project 11: Written Assignment from Field Trip to Fountain Street Fine Art
Project 12: Doughnut Painting

These two conferences are the course’s equivalents of mid-semester and final exams, and cannot be rescheduled. Students who miss their conferences for any reason will receive a 0 for each project that was due on that day.

GRADES:

The evaluation of a project is based upon, but not entirely limited to:

1. Evidence of an understanding of the concepts examined in each project;

2. The attainment and improvement of appropriate skills; and

3. Thoroughness in execution.

Specific grading criteria for each project is detailed on the individual project handouts and will be explained when the project is assigned.

Each project is assigned a letter grade. At the end of the semester, the letter grades are converted into a numerical equivalent (see chart below) and then averaged to reach the project portion of the final grade.

The final grade is 90% projects and 10% class performance (i.e. how well the student has adhered to the Course Expectations and Course Policies, outlined above).

Students with perfect attendance receive 1 extra point when their final grade is calculated.

A                  98
A-                  93
B+                  88
B                  85
B-                  81
C+                  78
C                  75
C-                  71
D+                  68
D                  65
D-                  61
F                   59-0

ADA STATEMENT:


Framingham State University provides accommodations for any student with documented disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you require accommodations, please contact the Center for Academic Support and Advising (CASA) at 508-626-4509. Please also see your instructor early in the semester so we can make any necessary arrangements.


ISA Schedule

Schedule


DAY AND DATE:

ACTIVITY:
MATERIALS NEEDED:

Wed, Jan 20
Review syllabus and supplies.
Group discussion.
Project 1 assigned.


Mon, Jan 25

Work on Project 1: 25 Squares
18” x 24” white drawing paper, graphite pencil, eraser, black marker, ruler, scissors, object

Wed, Jan 27
Work on Project 1: 25 Squares

Same as previous class

Mon, Feb 1
Work on Project 2: Value Variation Drawing

18” x 24” white paper, graphite pencil, ebony pencil, eraser, black markers, scissors

Wed, Feb 3
Work on Project 2: Value Variation Drawing

Same as previous class

Mon, Feb 8
Work on Project 3: Bell Pepper Drawing

18” x 24” white paper, graphite pencil, eraser, colored pencil

Mon, Feb 10

Work on Project 3: Bell Pepper Drawing

Same as previous class
Mon, Feb 15

Presidents Day, no class


Wed, Feb 17
Work on Project 4: White on Black Drawing

Graphite pencil and eraser
Mon, Feb 22

Work on Project 4: White on Black Drawing
Same as previous class
Wed, Feb 24

Work on Project 5: Toned Paper Drawing

Graphite pencil and eraser

Mon, Feb 29
Work on Project 5: Toned Paper Drawing

Same as previous class

Wed, Mar 2
Work on Project 6: Doughnut Drawing
18” x 24” white drawing paper, graphite pencil, ebony pencil, eraser

Mon, Mar 7
Work on Project 6: Doughnut Drawing

Same as previous class
Wed, Mar 9

Portfolio 1 due
Portfolio 1
Mon, Mar 14 and Wed, Mar 16

Spring Break, no classes

Mon, Mar 21
Painting Practice Day

A WORD TO THE WISE:
DO NOT MISS THIS CLASS.

Red, yellow, blue, black and white acrylic paints, 18” x 24” white drawing paper, brushes, palette knife, water cups, paper towels, palette paper, masking tape
Wed, Mar 23

Work on Project 7: Color Scheme Painting
Same materials as previous class, in addition to a 16” x 20” stretched canvas

Mon, Mar 28

Work on Project 7: Color Scheme Painting

Same materials as previous class

Wed, Mar 30

Field trip to Danforth Art Museum

Begin Project 8 during field trip: Written Assignment From Field Trip to Danforth Art Museum

Pencil and notebook

Mon, Apr 4
Work on Project 9: White Object Painting

White and black acrylic paints, 16” x 20” stretched canvas, 18” x 24” white drawing paper, brushes, palette knife, water cups, paper towels, palette paper, masking tape

Wed, Apr 6
Work on Project 9: White Object Painting

Same as previous class

Mon, Apr 11
Work on Project 10: Bell Pepper Painting

Red, white and black acrylic paints, 16” x 20” stretched canvas, 18” x 24” white drawing paper, brushes, palette knife water cups, paper towels, palette paper, masking tape

Wed, Apr 13
Work on Project 10: Bell Pepper Painting

Same materials as previous class
Mon, Apr 18

Patriots Day, no class


Wed, Apr 20
Field trip to Fountain Street Fine Art Gallery and artist’s studio

Begin Project 11: Written Assignment From Field Trip to Fountain Street Fine Art

Pencil and notebook

Mon, Apr 25
Work on Project 12: Doughnut Painting

Red, yellow, blue, black and white acrylic paints, 16” x 20” stretched canvas, 18” x 24” white drawing paper, brushes, palette knife, water cups, paper towels, palette paper, masking tape



Wed, Apr 27

Work on Project 12: Doughnut Painting

Same as previous class

Mon, May 2

Extra day to finalize portfolio


Wed, May 4

Portfolio 2 due
Porftolio 2