Foundation Studio I: Two-Dimensional Design
Instructor: Nicole Penoncello
Office hours: by appointment
Art 115 – 4 credits
Winter 2011
Tues & Thurs 6:40 - 9:20 pm, AB 260
Tues & Thurs 6:40 - 9:20 pm, AB 260
- The syllabus, calendar and information about assignments can be found here. Please make a habit of checking it every week.
Course Description:
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals, elements and principals of design though a variety of exploratory and conceptual projects. Using examples from art history, contemporary practice and popular culture, we will explore the mechanics of form and the purposeful construction of visual meaning. Students will investigate visual problems while developing a unique individual voice through their art. The six class hours per week will be devoted to lectures, hands-on projects, media demonstrations, and group critique.
Student Learning Objectives
· Develop a vocabulary of terms specific to the visual arts and particularly two-dimensional art.
· Experiment with new materials & conceptual approaches to image making, encouraging creativity and risk-taking
· Develop skills of thinking, speaking and writing critically about your work, as well as the work of others.
· Develop and explore a creative approach to problem solving.
Expectations
· Students should come to class with assignments complete and ready to be turned in on the day they are due.
· Students should be prepared to put in several hours of work time outside of class each week
· Students are expected to participate thoughtfully in class critiques
· Students are expected to complete assigned readings and offer their ideas in class discussions.
· Students are expected to attend class and to arrive on time.
All cell phones must be turned on silent during class.
Required Text
Mary Stewart, Launching the Imagination: 2-D Design 3rd edition, McGraw, 2009
- Books can be purchased at PSU bookstore, amazon.com, or half.com.
You must order your textbook as soon as possible, and must have it by the 2nd week of class.
Attendance Policy
Attendance & punctuality is mandatory for ALL classes. This course consists of many hours of concentrated work developing technical as well as conceptual skills, both in and out of class. If you miss a class, you are responsible for contacting Nicole as soon as possible to find out how you can make up the class work.
3 absences of any kind is the maximum allowed.
Each additional absence beyond 3 will drop your grade by a full letter grade.
You must be on time- lateness is disruptive and will be counted as an absence after 20 minutes.
Grading Breakdown
Projects: 65%
Sketchbook: 10%
Participation: 15%
Art Show Review: 10%
Projects: Projects will be introduced during class and may consist of various parts. Work is to be presented and mounted neatly as required. Completion of in class projects will be factored into the cumulative project grade. Project grades will be lowered five points per class for late completion.
Final Portfolio: Save all of your final projects throughout the term, as you will be expected to turn in a final portfolio at the end of the term.
Sketchbook: A sketchbook will be required for making thumbnails and brainstorming design problems. Students will learn the importance of recording and reviewing ideas in rough forms. These will be checked periodically throughout the term and at the conclusion of the semester. Begin to make a habit of carrying your sketchbook with you every day.
Good participation means actively working in class during allotted work time and sharing opinions and ideas during discussions and class critiques. The critique is a critical component of any studio art class. In the critique process, you have the opportunity to see your work through the eyes of others and to share your thoughts and perceptions. All classroom critiques will be announced in advance and coincide with due dates of projects.
Art Show Review
Each student will attend a local art show at some point during the semester. A list of openings and links to galleries will be posted on the class blog. After attending an opening, the student will write a review of the show based on their interpretation of it. Students should discuss topics explored in class as well as share their own personal reactions to the work on exhibit.
- Papers should be 1-2 pages, no larger than 12-pt font, and double-spaced.
- Students should be prepared to briefly present to the class an overview of their review of the show they attended on the day their review is due.
- Due dates: Feb 3rd – first group
Feb 22nd - second group
(Groups will be posted online and announced in class in the first week)
Supplies
Sketchbook- any size, carry this with you every day
Sketch Pad (14x17) vellum or smooth white Bristol
2 - 4 Sheets of black construction paper
Pencils: HB, and 4B or 6B drawing pencils
Sharpies (fine and regular)
18-inch metal ruler
Rubber cement, glue stick
Masking tape or white artist’s tape (1/2 preferred)
Eraser– the white pearl type
Pencil Sharpener
Scissors, X-Acto knife
Acrylic paint (you will need a 2.5 oz. tube of each of the following colors): Cadmium Red (warm red), Med. Alizarin Crimson (cool red), Ultramarine Blue, Pthalo Blue, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Titanium White, and Mars Black (Ivory is fine too)
One ½” – ¾ “ flat or chisel synthetic brush for painting with acrylic or water-based paint
One soft, pointed synthetic brush- medium (#6-8)
Water container (unbreakable- old yogurt container works great)
Small Palette (disposable pad, glass or acrylic sheet; or a white dish works too)
Folder (to store handouts)
Large paper portfolio (home-made from two pieces of cardboard is fine)
Illustration or matte board- (white, at least 11 x14 inches)
For Thursday, Jan. 6th (second class) you will need: sketchbook, Bristol sketchpad, pencils, ruler, and eraser- you should bring these materials to every class
Art Suppliers
Art Media: Portland: 209 NE Yamhill, 223-3724/ 10317 SE 82nd and King Rd., 777-3860
Beaverton: 2710 Cedar Hills Blvd. 646-9347
Columbia Art Supply: 1515 East Burnside, Portland, 232-2216
Utrecht: 1138 NW Everett, 417-8024
I’ve Been Framed: 4950 Southeast Foster Road, 775-2651
