In this course, students learn basic oil painting techniques through a series of studio paintings rooted in direct observation as well as abstraction. The principles of both drawing and painting, proportion, value, form and color will be studied in order to gain technical knowledge and ultimately guide self-expression.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- To develop an understanding of painting as a means of personal expression.
- To introduce students to basic oil painting techniques and safety protocol.
- To utilize paint to convey an experience of light, space and volume.
- To gain an understanding of the language and concepts of color and color theory: hue, saturation, intensity, complementary pairs, among others.
- Begin to apply the fundamentals of painting and color theory towards a given end and as a means of personal expression.
- To be able to situate and understand your paintings within the context of art history and contemporary art.
- To be able to use the language of painting to communicate your ideas.
METHODOLOGY
The course involves 6 hours and 20 minutes of scheduled class time each week. An additional 5 or 6 hours will be needed outside of class to complete homework assignments (some weeks reading/writing, some weeks practical studio work).
Studio practice includes still life and model set-ups, demonstrations, image lectures/discussions, trips to museums/exhibitions, visiting artists, group and individual critiques to explore and familiarize students with the language of the visual arts.
Some of the technical skills we will be dealing with will be: construction of stretchers and canvas, development of color skills: value, hue, intensity, compositional skills, manipulation of space through color, and finally, the exploration of personal expression and idiosyncratic style.
EVALUATION
There will be a review of your work at midterm and at the end of the semester. Your final grade is based on the following elements: class participation/attendance, semester-long self-portrait, in-studio still-life and model set-ups.