Art 110: Drawing I – Fall 2006

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Past Projects

This course explores drawing as a process of critical investigation: drawing as a means of exploring and communicating ideas. We will examine drawing in its many aspects, not just the technical but also the conceptual. You will develop your ability to see and look critically. You will also gain an understanding of basic drawing tools and begin to consider the interpretative process that occurs between the seen subject and your representation of it.

The class will revolve around a semester-long investigation through which we will analyze and discuss formal elements of the drawing process: light and shadow, surface texture, perspective, and linear structure. At the same time, we will consider the process of interpretation that occurs in translating the three-dimensional world into two dimensions. We will examine the personal and cultural factors that influence “seeing,” factors that define viewpoint and call into question concepts of “reality”—what and how do we actually see?

• Consider the process of translating 3D into 2D: recording of “objective” information, cultural bias, the physical act of seeing (vision)
• Investigate the potential of manual dexterity and manipulation (marks, lines, textures, overall composition)
• Explore assumptions of space, both “real” and “imagined,” and examine various systems for translating 3D space into 2D

• Change in viewpoint
• Change in scale
• Change in conditions (weather, time of day, your mood, etc.)
• Change in speed (fast vs. slow, sketch vs. “finished”)

• Develop consistent and logical vocabularies for understanding and translating space
• Identify and develop intentions in the translation of 3D to 2D

• Possible object forms relative to intended use of space – must show forms in space, rendered to scale, demonstrating use of correct linear perspective

• Create drawings that provide sufficient information from which to build a 3D model
• Develop an understanding of space that allows for movement between 2D and 3D

• A series of drawings that will serve as blueprints for a 3D model
• Execution of 3D model

*PROJECT 4: Internal Studies
Topics: value (light), composition, finished vs. unfinished
Objectives:

• Render “finished” drawings using tools and knowledge developed up to this point
• Develop skills for describing light, texture, and form based on observation
• Articulate intentions and reconcile them with end results

• Renderings of 3D models in space with variations in light, conditions, and scale

*FINAL PROJECT: Proposal
Topics: images and persuasion, art as activism, participation and engagement
Objectives:

• Presentation of work as evidence of engaged investigation

• Creation and collection of work that presents as a coherent expression of individual investigation

Supplies List

White drawing paper sketchbook, at least 11 x 14 inches
White paper drawing pad, 18 x 24 inches
Newsprint pad (rough surface) 18 x 24 inches
Selection of drawing pencils: 2H, H, B, 2B, and 6B
Selection of erasers: white, gum, pink, kneaded
Pencil sharpener (small and portable)
Drawing board and clips, large enough to accommodate your newsprint pad
White pastels
Vine charcoal
Compressed charcoal
For later:
18 inch aluminum ruler
Utility knife with retractable blade
Box of blades for above
Sheets of cardboard

Tentative Timeline:

		Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Spoonbridge and Cherry (1988) Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN
WEEK 1	Project 1: Site Study - line quality, mark making	Understand your site, conceptualize your project; Lots of line drawings!
Lecture: DRAWING DESIGN
Aug29/31 (TR)
Aug30(MW)
WEEK 2
Lecture: DIGITAL (5pm)
Sep05/07 (TR)
Sep04/06 (MW)
WEEK 3	Crit
Lecture: DIGITAL DRAWING
Sep12/14 (TR)	Project 2: Object/Space Study - line quality, linear perspective	Develop more detailed drawings showing your understanding of the space and how you will use it.
Sep11/13 (MW)
WEEK 4
Lecture: DESIGN DRAWING
Sep19/21 (TR)
Sep18/20 (MW)	Proj 3: Abstraction/Construction - linear perspective (model design and building)	Devise plan drawings that will allow you to build a cardboard model of your proposed project.
WEEK 5
Lecture: DIGITAL
Sep26/28 (TR)
Sep25/27 (MW)
WEEK 6
Ashley Pigford Talk
Oct03/05 (TR)	Mini-Crit
Oct02/04 (MW)
WEEK 7	Project 3 (cont'd)	Build your cardboard model!
Lecture: DESIGN
Oct10/12 (TR)
Oct09/11 (MW)
WEEK 8
Lecture: DRAWING	Crit
DIGITAL
Oct17/19 (TR)
Oct16/18 (MW)	Project 4: Internal Studies - Value (large drawings)	Consider ways to light your model, and draw it to convey how light moves through your space
WEEK 9
Lecture: DIGITAL
Oct24/26 (TR)
Oct23/25 (MW)
WEEK 10
Abby Donovan Talk
Oct31/Nov02 (TR)
Oct30/Nov01 (MW)
WEEK 11
NO TUES CLASSES	Crit
Nov09 (TR)
Nov06/08 (MW)	Final Project Proposal
WEEK 12
Lecture: DRAWING
Nov14/16 (TR)
Nov13/15 (MW)
WEEK 13
Lecture: DESIGN
Nov21 (TR)
Nov20/22 (MW)
WEEK 14	Final Presentations/Crits	Put together materials for a final, oral presentation of your project proposal; convince your viewer of your vision
Lecture: DIGITAL
Nov28/30 (TR)
Nov27/29 (MW)
WEEK 15
Lecture: DRAWING
Dec05 (TR)
Dec04/06 (MW)