Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Art 115- Spring 2020


ART 115 01 3957   (Tuesday and Thursday) 1:00-3:50 pm

Beginning Drawing
Professor David Zeggert
SUNY Broome Community College
607 768 3868 call until 9pm, excluding Sundays
Office hours will be posted at room 205 Old Science Building

Course Description:
Drawing as an art form that engages us emotionally and intellectually and is considered a form of visual communication. In addition, it has been used as an expressive medium, as well as a medium to examine subjects and document events throughout history.
This course will explore the foundation of drawing; we will study value, structure, light source, form, line, and composition.  You will have the opportunity to draw from life (on location) and from observation. Through the physical act of drawing, and in the context of picture making, you’ll begin to learn how to see and understand what you are seeing.
Graphite techniques will be investigated in order to study still life, portrait and the figure, resulting in solid drawings that exist as a drawn image.  This class will employ innovative exercises that will stimulate new ideas and approaches, plus study different kinds of marks used when creating drawings, including gesture drawing and renderings. We will examine historical examples to help establish a contextual point of view and provide a point of departure and as a source to frame a discussion.


Reportage: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/349139

Kollwitz: https://www.moma.org/s/ge/collection_ge/artist/artist_id-3201_role-1_sov_page-2.html

Collins: https://jacobcollins.format.com/drawing
Course Objectives:
Achieve sculptural weight and the illusion of depth.
Must complete all assignments.
To learn through exploration, application, analysis of online components and application of the concepts presented. Learning to see, visualize and create with tools/skills acquired in class. In short, hone your skills and become better at the craft of drawing.
Assignments could include drawing, reading, discussion and a critique.  We will use a creative process to solve most assignments.
Most classes will be divided into several parts, studio-time, assignments and critique.
Drawing and creating will be at the core of the class with a strong emphasis on mastering the tools of the trade (listed on the supply list).
Introduce and/or refine rendering skills, understanding and stating value, shape, form, achieving this through the use of various exercises.
I expect you to venture from your safe zone, both in ideas and technique.  We will critique in class (post)  and revisions will be part of the process.
Learning Outcomes:
Investigate subjects, mentally process and restate in a drawn form.
Apply the creative process to explore ideas and the development of an idea.
Discover drawing as an expressive art form.
Develop eye-hand facility and the ability to judge.
Utilize the elements and principles of design.
(Line, Shape, Value, Texture, Color / Light, Text, Balance, Unity, Rhythm, Repetition, Variation, Pattern).
http://char.txa.cornell.edu/language/introlan.htm
Explore graphite and charcoal (optional) as a medium to establish value and depth.
Implement concepts of visual representation
(composition, drawing, value contrast, value transitions, tone).
Solve compositional problems (appropriately compose a picture so that it advances the idea of the drawing).
Implement various drawing techniques and methods of picture making.
Recognize notable contemporary and historical artists/drawers.
Apply knowledge acquired in relation to drawing and as a foundation to other art forms and visual disciplines.
When you have completed the course you will: 
Understand drawing as a medium that communicates, have acquired the basic skills that provide a strong drawing foundation, explored various media, be familiar with past and present artists/drawers, become a member of a very prestigious drawing tree.

Expectations:
You are expected to positively participate and engage with the class, improve your skill level, and apply yourself. You’re expected to be creative thinkers, problem solvers and resourceful. In addition, you are expected to complete drawings, quizzes/test, postings, and complete a final project.


Grading:
The bulk of your grade will be based on the major assignments. I expect and anticipate improvement this semester, no matter what your skill level is at the beginning of the term, you will be evaluated on improvement, engagement and effort. In addition, you will be evaluated on your ability to retain course material.


Midterm meeting:
If needed, we will review your progress and areas to improve.

 Classroom grade:
The classroom grade equals four categories based on expectations. The categories are 25 points each. It will be factored with your project grades at the midterm and/or the end of the semester. You will complete four or five projects so this grade does carry weight, (i.e., if your facilities are not as developed as others the classroom grade may help boost your overall grade).

Midterm:
At the instructor’s discretion, we will review your progress, areas to improve and attendance.

College policy on academic dishonesty:
In BCC’s 2011 Student Handbook starting on #155; see #156 for paragraph beginning: “Academic dishonesty (such as cheating and plagiarism)…” Each student is expected to do his or her own work unless that particular assignment was clearly designated as a group project. Direct copying of files from Internet or from another student is forbidden. If you use the Internet for written or visual assignments indicate on your paper the source of your information. If you are paraphrasing something the Instructor said, simply indicate on your paper that is where the information came from. The sharing of ideas is encouraged, but direct copying of written or visual content is considered cheating. It is the responsibility of every student to safeguard his or her work so that it is not available to other students to seize.
Projects:
Each assignment will have different expectations defined that need to be addressed. Some assignments will be written; some will be articulated, requiring you to take notes, some will have conceptual demands. Others might have skill demands and others may have a deadline demand. You’ll be graded on the aspects of each assignment as it applies, similar to the point system mentioned above. The project grade and classroom grades will equally factor in to make up your final grade.
Lateness:
This is critical, simply put, if you miss a deadline, you could lose 50 points off the final grade. Defined, the project needs to be complete at the start of the class the day it’s due, no exceptions, unless noted.
Attendance:
I will give you two unexcused absences. The third miss is an automatic failure. The attendance policy is a no tolerance policy. Chronic lateness may add up to an unexcused absence.
­­If you have perfect attendance you will be curved up to the next letter grade.
If you miss a class it becomes your responsibility to get the information from that class. I suggest you make arrangements with another student. I’m not going to use class time to bring you up to date.
If life interrupts your school schedule, let me know and we can make arrangements. You must complete all assignments to pass this course. Don’t abuse this privilege. We will go over absences at the mid-term meeting but,
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING TRACK OF the classes you missed.
Remember not to make appointments during class time.
You are expected to remain in the classroom for the entire class period, unless other instruction is given, leaving early is considered being absent.
Studio Rules
Students must clean their work areas before leaving the studio.  That includes putting away easels, palettes, and other equipment.
Students should clean their palettes, boards and tables at the end of a class or work session.
DO NOT TOUCH THE STILL LIFE SET UPS!
No work or personal property may be left behind after the term is over with the expectation that it will be stored or kept by the department.

Online component:  Links of interest
This is required. Students are required to e-mail me at:  Zeggertdp@sunybroome.edu
By sending me your email address, if needed, it allows me to develop an email group of the class members to be used for updates and/or inform of a class cancellation.
Email should include biographical information.
Listed below are several sites of interest, during the semester, I’ll email you more links relative to what we are studying at the time.
Students will be required to visit the following web sites below.
Your success is my goal!!!

Supplies:
Light source:
Clamp light   can be purchased at Lowes
Natural light bulb, 60 watt or above
(consider a variety pack including various wattage bulbs)
Folder:
Used to organize handouts and notes

DATE week 1 CONTENT
Class 1
Introduction, cover syllabus, complete bios., course overview
HW:
Send me your email address with bio. info., noting Spring Art 115 in the subject line

Order supplies immediately.

Thinking about Drawing
Select a drawing
from http://www.metmuseum.org/ print the image and be prepared to discuss the work and artist.
Objective and format:
Summarize your thoughts in a typed statement, at least 300 words to be handed in for a grade.
In the context of Thinking about Drawing discuss in your statement the Importance, Interest and the overall Impact of the drawing. Be thoughtful and expressive in your rationale, rely on your intuition, don’t censor yourself, include what you discovered from the drawing such as aesthetic, composition and light source, and/or describe your initial response to the work and why you selected the work.
(include a print out of the image- it should be printed on a separate sheet of paper allowing us to start the critique process)

DATE week 1 CONTENT
Class 2
Crit., hand in statement and color proof for a grade
HW assignment: Discover drawing produce (out of studio exercise)

Week 2 CONTENT
Class 1
Begin Value, lighting & general concepts and definitions discussed
Value sphere exercise, in studio and/or value string, scale 0-11 in studio
Next class: Studio exercise: small still life, establish form
Continue to read research and investigate links
(Supplies due for a grade)  Due: 02/06

Class 2
Studio still life, establish form using fruit and items as the subject

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Grid transfer portrait

 Click for more options
Assignment: Grid transfer portrait
Draw an expressive portrait using the transfer grid. Follow the instructions on Page 190 of your text.

For this assignment I would like you to make (shoot) your own photo reference as the source for the drawing. Select a subject, pose your subject, strive for a subtle expressive pose representing a theme. Review the text for ideas or choose one listed below.
Note: The work of Courbet, Close and Monks conveys a feeling through the subtle facial expression and/or pose. Often the subject or sitter has ideas, so allow yourself to respond to the sitter during the session.

It's important that you turn off the flash on your device or camera and use Rembrandt style lighting to illuminate the sitter. The value pattern needs to be evident in the photo allowing you to record it in the drawing.
Expressive ideas:
Anguish
Satisfaction
Happiness
Resilience

Examine an unusual point view and posture, note the point of view in the above Monks and the expressive intensity of Courbet's picture.


Subject:
Open, including self.

Due: T/Th-12/03 at the end of class
         Saturday-12/07 at 1pm
Size/medium:
17 x 22 inch paper, draw life size, pencil or charcoal on Stonehenge

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Line vs Value Updated Fall 2019 11/09

Drawing assignment:
For this assignment select something organic to draw like a leaf, twig, branch, etc.  Vertically split your 18 x 24 inch page in half, creating two 18 x 12 inch defined picture planes.  This is simply done by measuring half way down the page and drawing a horizontal line across the page at the 12 inch mark.

A key objective of this assignment requires you to draw the same object twice, once in each picture plane (see below). The first drawing should consist of linear work, the second should consist of value and no lines with the goal to achieve weight plus 
Texture and Pattern in both drawings.
See text-Pages-129-138
See: Rub and rendering, Invented texture, Stippling, Hatching
Yes, it says no lines, the goal of this assignment is for you to create the mass of the form without using line, (establishing the end of the form).  In order to be successful with this assignment, draw the object roughly the same size and from the same point of view in both picture planes. The concept of general to specific should be used here to be successful. 
Objectives:
Size: 18 x 12 inches, realize the entire value range, (both keys should be evident), correctly illuminate the object, fill the picture plane with the drawing, create the desired amount of distance between you and the still life.
Considerations:
Examine and record textures and patterns, become familiar with your subject matter, and establish form without using line.

Identify the terminator, this should assist in establishing the entire value range and if your object is correctly illuminated.

Consider the use of a drawing device to assist in establishing the end of the form, also used in an additive/reductive approach, i.e.; straight edge, ruler, piece of paper. Look at a correctly illuminated cube where two values meet as an example of a perceived line.

Consider applying the drawing concept inside out, especially when mass building for the drawing not using line.
Notice the depth and weight of Rubens' study. These elements are achieved as a result of defining the entire value range using hatching and cross-hatching. Compare your drawing to his and evaluate if you've stated the entire value range. If not, continue to develop your value statement. 
Rubens: Metropolitan Museum of Art


Format example


Trompe L'oeil

Thursday, October 10, 2019

One time extra credit project

Due: 11/02

Size: 11 x 14 inches

Create a still life with a spherical object, piece of fabric and partially used tube of toothpaste.

State the entire value range based on correct illumination, compose a sound picture staging a half-lock fold around the elements.

Completed to the appropriate academic level, this grade will replace your lowest grade.
Be creative.


Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Assessment sample

Assessment Form
Broome Community College
Art 115

Professor Zeggert
Fall 2019

Each category is worth 25 points

Skills:
Is the entire achromatic value range evident in the drawing (0-10)?

Did the student strive to create sound composition that advances the idea of the picture?

Is the application of line or graphite used in a fashion that we discussed this semester?
(note the technique in the lower right corner of your drawing, feel free to use your text)

Does the drawing represent and advance the academic level of the student?

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Creating sculptural weight (in class exercise)



09/05: In studio-Match Value
Step 1:  Create an achromatic value scale on the right side of your page, the dimension of the transitional steps should be one inch by one inch.

Step 2: Recreate the illustrated sphere using the achromatic value scale as a guide- 
Identify the individual transitional steps plus the terminator.
Ignore reflected light.

Size: 9 x 12 inches

Before the next class:
HW: Review Chapter three-
LINE, Figure 3.3 and 3.4


Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Drawing Assignment 1



Preacher, Charles White, ink on cardboard
More White:
 http://collection.whitney.org/artist/1412/CharlesWhite
Part 1:
Read and review Drawing from the Beginning, pages 1-14 in your text
Plus read page 17 in your text- Strategies for Learning to See

Part 2:
Visit a store with a produce section.
Not online, physically go to the store and select a piece of produce.
Bring it home, draw it and bring the drawing to class.

Keep an open mind, show up and respond to the produce environment, respond visually and intellectually....plus respond to your senses and instincts.

In most cases, students have an idea of what they would like to draw. Don't limit yourself to a preconceived idea about drawing and what you want to draw.

I'm aware that I'm not giving you any direct drawing instruction, the objective is to solve drawing assignment 1 the best you can at this point in time,
(there's no wrong answer here).

Up to this point you've viewed drawing examples, covered a section about learning to see and have some context as a result of completing chapter 1 in your text plus your insight as a result of discussing Homer and Kollwitz.

Considerations/timeframe:
Conversely, don't wonder the produce section for hours frozen by indecision. Typically, the visit should be no longer than 40 minutes.
Be critical about your selection and be aware of the reason(s) you chose what you did and be prepared to discuss it in class!
Due: 09/03


Monday, May 6, 2019

Planar Analysis 2019

Read pages 67-70 and complete exercise 4.3 in your text-(modified per post)
to be completed May 7 and 9 2019

Plane defined: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/plane
noun
1. a flat or level surface.
2. Geometry. a surface generated by a straight line moving at a constant velocity with respect to a fixed point.
3. Fine Arts. an area of a two-dimensional surface having determinate extension and spatial direction or position:
oblique plane; horizontal plane.
Recording planes:
Understanding the planes that make up the subject will help you identify and record the structure, mass and value of the it.  Identifying the planes should happen in tandem with your ability to see value.  This should occur as a result of observing the subject, the discovery of planes and value is associated with the idea of drawing from general to specific. 
A core requirement of drawing from observation requires the artist to investigate the subject with the goal to see and analyze the subject.  It's reasonable to say that we will understand the subject better after continued study especially in contrast to the immediate response, (ie, your brain will have more visual information after two hours of observing the subject compared to five minutes of observation).  This observational concept also supports the idea of drawing from general to specific. 
Being mindful of changes is a good rule (tool) of thumb when drawing planes and defining values from observation.  The core idea is that you identify and react to the subject that you're drawing.  In most cases if you identify a shift in value, seek out a planar change, and conversely if a plane has changed, seek out a shift or transition in value. The changes or shifts could be a result of the subject turning away from you based on your position in space or it could represent a change in the physical structure of the subject.  Regardless, something changed, respond to it and use the information defined as changes to help describe your subject and achieve sculptural weight.

Figure 4.16 and 4.17 in your text are solid examples of recording and describing planes and values and should be reviewed.
 
Pastel by Gary Kelley, Theispot
The above image by Kelley, a contemporary illustrator, demonstrates defined planes and value shifts.
Kelley's work is often informed by Cubism and can be viewed at several Starbuck/Barnes & Noble locations.


The content of Kelly's mural includes various authors and is displayed as part of the apron between the sites connecting the stores.
If you get the chance to view his mural take note of the overall design, the defined planes and the power of the large scale.

The Barnes & Noble in Vestal does have his mural displayed!! (check it out if you are in the Binghamton area)

Still life should consist of one cylindrical item (bottle) a cube and sphere-
Size: 18 x 24 inches
Medium: pencil

Due: 05/09

Objectives:
Identify and define the major planes
Identify the two major keys
Identify the terminator
Establish sculptural weight