Art 107:
Painting 1

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Art 107 Painting 1

Art 108 painting 2

Fall 2006
Friday, 8-4 pm
Rm 755

Southwestern College
Professor Perry Vasquez
School of Arts and Communication
pvasquez@swc.cc.ca.us
x5814

Course Description

Painting 1 is a basic studio course in the media and techniques of painting. Activity will emphasize the study of color, structure, creativity and aesthetic values in general. A command of techniques and materials, both traditional and experimental, will be taught. Painting 2 will receive more advanced assignments with increasing emphasis on the expressive possibilities of the medium.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• To explore visual communication and interpretation of the world around you in 2D

• To create perceptual form and space through composition, color and value.

• To paint partly from observation--such as still life, interior architecture, landscape and the figure -- and partly from photographic images and reproductions of other artworks.

• Develop an enlightened knowledge of the use of proper color based on the color wheel.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of course the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge color theory.

• Learn the design of various brush types and their correct application.

• Use glazes, varnishes, and other painter's media.

• To build and stretch canvases.

• Develop a personal creative sensibility and analytic ability through critiques, discussions, and focused writing assignments.

• To develop the capacity to engage and sustain a line of enquiry through painting compositions in various modes of painting, such as abstraction, non-objectivity, figurative expressionism, realism, etc.

Special Note: Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations, who have any emergency medical information the instructor should know of, or who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, should make an appointment with the instructor as early as possible, no later than the first week of the term.

Attendance Policy

Attendance for all classes is mandatory. Five absences over the course of the semester will result in the reduction of your grade anywhere from a half to a full letter grade depending on your performance while you are in class. More than 5 unexcused absences and you will be dropped from the class.

Each student must attend the first class meeting or make arrangements with the instructor of he/she is going to be absent. Failure to attend the first class meeting will result in being dropped from the class. Though a student may be dropped, he/she must drop classes according to the posted deadlines to ensure refunds and unsatisfactory grades. If emergencies arise, a petition for leave of absence should be filed in Admissions.

When you return to class after an absence, speak with me immediately before or after class so that I can give you any handouts and/or assignments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make up work that I missed?

Yes, if you make special arrangements with me beforehand or after.

Can I turn in a project late?

No late projects unless you can make arrangements with me beforehand or unless you have a legitimate excuse such as family emergency or sickness.

What happens if I am late to class?

Arriving more than 15 minutes late to class will be considered tardy. Three tardy arrivals will count as one full absence.

Materials

Brushes

Below are my recommendations for brushes. You can add to this list if you have a personal preference for a particular kind of brush.

1.             Synthetic sable: Round #6,#1,#4  Flat: 1”, ¼”

The set of six brushes listed above will cost about $50.  Good brands include Robert Simmons “Signet”, Daniel Smith “Dependable”, and Winsor & Newton   “University”. Any good art supply store will be able to recommend other comparable brands.

2.             Synthetic Filbert: one size 4.

The synthetic brushes are softer than bristle brushes. They are useful for fine detail. We don’t need them often, so they are supplementary to the main set of brushes. A “filbert” looks pretty much like a “flat” but it slightly tapered for greater versatility. They cost a little more than flats.  Other good brands include Robert Simmons “Sienna” and Grumbacher “Bristlette”.

Acrylic Colors

There are a variety of different brands of paint at different prices. You may want to find something in between the really expensive pro brands and the dreadful student grade cheap paint. It all depends on your budget.

The following colors will be required of all painting students:

    •         Flake White 150 ml--note large tube size.   Titanium White or Mixed White is a good substitute. If you are on a really tight budget, you can restrict yourself to the colors that are in boldface type.

    •         Mars Black or

    •         Lamp Black

    •         Ultramarine Blue

    •         Cerulean Blue

    •         Pthalo Blue

    •         Yellow Ocher

    •         Raw Sienna

    •         Cadmium Yellow (Medium)

    •         Cadmium Red (Medium)

    •         Acra Red/Alizarin Crimson

    •         Burnt Umber

    •         Burnt Sienna

    •         Cobalt Purple or similar

    •         Terra Verde, Hooker's (earth greens)

    •         Permanent Green

    •         Acrylic medium (matte)

    •         Acrylic retarder (optional, allows smoother blending)    •        

• Acrylic gel medium (optional thick gel for impasto)

• Acrylic molding paste (optional, but great for creating heavy impasto) 

Accessories.  One of each:

• Disposable palette pad, very convenient. Double thick glass palette ( tape the edges), or a traditional wooden palette.
• Mall stick (optional) This is a wooden dowel of about 2 or three feet with a padded tip and his used to rest your arm while keeping it away from the wet paint surface.

Flexible palette knife or painting knife for mixing paint.

• “Silicoil” Brush Cleaning Tank Jar (just the jar, not the cleaning fluid)
• White acrylic gesso, at least a quart, but no more than a gallon.
• Double palette cups.  Diameter of 1¼” or more is good. Larger ones are fine.

General supplies from a local hardware or discount store:

• A razor-blade scraper with a few spare blades
• A very cheap small foam roller or brush for applying gesso. Rollers are better than brushes.
• Bar of white soap (Ivory works great)
• Kitchen paper towels
• Sandpaper 220 grit—a few sheets.
• Go-Jo or Goop waterless hand cleaner
• Optional: a lock for your locker

Canvas and Masonite will be purchased as needed—directions given in class.     

You should also have standard drawing supplies: Strathmore pad, charcoals, erasers, etc.

GRADING

• "A" grades are given for outstanding work. You are doing extremely well. Improvements will be towards higher degrees of refinement.

• "B" grades are given for above=average work. You are doing very well> Improvements will be toward higher refinements of concept and execution.

• "C" grades are given for average work. You are meeting an acceptable level or expectation. Improvements will be towards acceptable levels of project requirements.

• "D" grades are given for below=average work. You are under-achieving in quality and/or motivation. Improvements will be towards acceptable level of project requirements.

• "F" grades are given for failure. You are not reaching the expected level for college work. Improvements are to review goals, seek assistance and increase efforts

• "I" grades are only given in very rare circumstances when students are prevented from completing the course requirements due to circumstances beyond their control.

Disability Support Services

Southwestern College recommends that students with disabilities discuss academic accommodations with your professor during the first two weeks of class.  Alternate format of this syllabus and class handouts are available upon request. 

Academic Success Center

To further your success, reinforce concepts, and achieve the stated learning objectives for this course, I refer you to the Academic Success Center learning assistance services.  Upon request for tutorial services, you will be automatically enrolled in NC 3:  Supervised Tutoring, a free noncredit course that does not appear on your transcripts. 

Services are located in the ASC (420), the Writing Center (420D), the Reading Center (420), Math Center (426), the Library/LRC Interdisciplinary Tutoring Lab, MESA, specialized on-campus School tutoring labs, the Higher Education Center at National City, and the San Ysidro Education Center.  Online learning materials and Online Writing Lab (OWL) are available at www.swccd.edu/~asc. 

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