Syllabus Beginning to Painting Instructor: BiLan Liao Link to examples of students work Course Description: This course introduces students to painting from observation of still life.  The observation of color will be reinforced in all painting from the beginning of the semester to the end of the semester.  Painting depictions will be geared toward realism; however, as the semester progresses, various other painting styles can be explored. Color theory, perspective, composition, figure/ground relationships, visual perception, and critical thinking skills will all be emphasized. We will study major painting styles and movements in historical context. The hope is that students will use this global approach to develop a “critical eye” in evaluation of contemporary painting. Demonstrations, PowerPoint lectures, group and individual critiques will be given throughout the course. The use of oil will be the primary medium for this class. Throughout this course, the student needs to maintain, and develop if necessary, self-motivation and personal responsibility in his or her work habits.  The student needs to be in the classroom at the assigned / scheduled time working on his/her painting.  It is mandatory for all students to attend group critiques, lecture, and demonstrations when the instructor assigns these times. Most often, lectures and demonstrations will occur at the beginning of class. Course Outcomes: The student will, at various degrees depending on her/his ability, skill, and motivation: •        Learn oil painting materials and tools. •        Learn color theory and color mixing skills. •        Learn general, traditional painting techniques. •        Learn a variety of compositional approaches. •        Learn to paint and sketch objects accurately in regard to structure-proportion and perspective. •        Learn and develop awareness and understanding of sighting as a measuring system (with the use of a sighing stick and a viewfinder). •        Learn to develop simple positive-negative figure-ground relationships using concepts of linear perspective. •        Learn critical thinking and creative approaches to painting. •        Expand knowledge of spatial understanding and color from observation. •        Develop a solid understanding of color, light and the structure of value. Method of Instruction: Most of the class time will be spent painting.  My teaching method is comprised of three steps: 1.        Lecture - to explain ideas and concepts to students by using presentations (PowerPoint, my teaching website,       and/or videos). 2.        Demonstration - to show students the way / how to do. 3.        Practice - students practice the task, while the teacher monitors performance of the task, making on the spot       corrections, including one-to-one instruction. Additionally, at the instructor’s discretion and depending on exhibition scheduling, there may be one museum and/or gallery visit.  There will be no written exams.  Students will engage in classroom discussions and informal as well as formal critiques of projects and assignments. Method of Evaluation: Students will participate in both informal/work-in-progress (not graded) and formal (graded) critiques.  Students must participate to receive a grade, which means that “no shows” on critique day will receive an “F” for that critique. Unfinished work will receive a lower grade for that project.  Work must be matted or mounted as proscribed by the assignment to be considered “finished.” Grades will be based on individual and personal improvement (personal best) and not in relation to other students or other students’ progress.   Outside-of-class painting assignments will also receive grades.    Grades will reflect: Attendance and participation.  Tardiness and absences will reduce your grade. Readiness for critiques and work sessions, including having all required materials. Evident quality and growth in your portfolio.  Work completed on time. "A" students complete all assignments on time and exceed project expectations. They present their work neatly in critiques. They miss few if any class sessions. They participate verbally without being called upon, and their independent work is vigorous, original and consistent throughout the term. Their work in all respects goes beyond the minimum, the expected, and the required. Their cumulative portfolios show both growth and objective excellence. "B" students complete all assignments competently and on time. They present their work neatly in critique sessions, where they participate when called on to do so. They miss few classes. Their independent work is a bit spotty but overall exhibits commitment to surmounting issues with which they struggle. Their cumulative portfolio shows growth and above average achievement. "C" students complete all or almost all assignments on time, though some of their work may not be improved after critique. They may display their work in critique with minimal attention to presentational standards. They participate when called upon in critiques. Their independent work may not be consistent and their cumulative portfolios may show growth but little objective excellence even though some aspects of it may be quite competent. "D" students do not complete assignments on time. Attendance and/or tardiness may be a problem. "E" students do not complete many assignments on time or at all.  Attendance and/or tardiness may also be a major problem. Attendance: Excellent attendance is mandatory in this class.  It is simply too difficult to develop your painting skills if you are not in class working.  If you do miss class, get notes and assignments from a classmate and work on the painting project at home.  Find a “study buddy” at the first class meeting and exchange contact information. Additional Note: Because this class is heavily dependent upon one-on-one instructor feedback, in-classroom work is an important component of your grade. For every class you miss as an unexcused absence your grade for that project will be reduced by a grade level. (Example: one absence would result in a grade of “B” reduced to “B-.”)    Attendance Policy: Attendance is mandatory at each class.  It is impossible to really “make up” missed demonstrations or critiques, and getting the information second-hand is rarely satisfactory.  As a result, if you miss more than three classes will result in your final grade being lowered by one full letter grade and your grade will continue to be lowered for every class you miss thereafter.  Missing five or more classes will be grounds for failing the class.   Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class and if you are late you will be counted as absent.  Outside appointments such as doctors, dentist, car repair, make-up tests, etc do not constitute grounds for missing class or leaving early.  These will be marked as unexcused absences. Late/Make-Up Work Policy: Projects are due at the beginning of class on the due date.  Only the assignments that are completed on time will receive full credit.  Projects will be lowered one full letter grade for each calendar day that they are late.  It is your responsibility to have your project turned in if you are going to miss the class when the project is due. Written Policy: There will be no papers assigned.   Withdrawal Policy: Keeping with the standard of WKCTC: August 22nd is the last day students are allowed to withdraw without a grade October 8th is the last day students can withdraw and receive a automatic “W” December 5th is the last day a student can officially withdraw with a “W”, with the discretion of the instructor. Financial Aid Repayment:  Financial Aid – Pell, SEOG, and Student Loan recipients (Title IV) who stop attending or withdraw prior to the 60% point in the semester may be obligated to repay a portion of their financial aid. Special /Step Exam Policy: None Recommended Text and Website: There is no required textbook for this class.  However, a selection of excellent books and/or excellent websites about learning to paint will be discussed in class. Art Supplies: You will be given a basic materials (supplies) list at the beginning of the semester. Always bring appropriate materials to class.  Part of your grade will reflect on your coming to class prepared to do the work.  If you are not prepared with the appropriate materials, you cannot do the class work and therefore your work and grade will be affected. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Materials List Oil Colors Lemon Yellow Hue Yellow Ochre Medium Red Deep Red Hue Cobalt Violet Hue Cerulean Blue Hue (Mixture)  (sky blue) Phthalo Blue (deep blue) Permanent Light Green Burnt Sienna Cadmium Titaniurn White Black (small tub) Gesso Brands of Oil Colors Windsor – Newton “Artist Grade,” Rembrandt Acceptable – Windsor – Newton London (student grade), Windsor – Newton alkyds, Utrecht Oil Colors, Liguitex, Grurnbacher Solvents Turpenoid, Permatine.  (No turpentine.) Brushes Pig Bristle Flat Bristle: No. 2, No. 8, No. 10 Round Bristle: No. 2, No. 6, No. 8 Palette Knives, assorted – for mixing paint and as painting tools Sighting Stick View Finder (If you do not wish to buy one, I will show you how to make one.) Rags Drafting tape Water color pad, 18” x 24” Canvas: 18” x 24”* Sketchbook, about 8” x 11” Wood board: 18” x 24” *Some additional / larger canvas may be required during the semester. Projects in Class •        Project One - Value Study: Painting from still-life with black and white in oil on 12” x 16” canvas paper, canvas pad    or canvas with palette knives. •        Project Two -Cool and Warm Study: Painting from still-life in oil on a 12” x 16” canvas paper, canvas pad or    canvas with palette knives. •        Project Three - Color Wheel: Mixing pure hues, shades, tones and tints in oil on an 18” x 24” canvas paper, canvas    pad or canvas. •        Project Four: Painting from still-life by observation color on an 18” x 24” prepared gesso of water color paper. •        Project Five: Painting from still-life by observation color on an 18” x 24” prepared gesso of water color paper,    canvas or canvas pad. •        Project Six: Painting from still-life with transparent objects by observation color on an 18” x 24” prepared gesso of     water color paper, canvas or canvas pad. •        Project Seven: Painting from complex still-life by observation on an 18” x 24” wood board by using Glazing     Methods of Oil Painting. •        Final Project: Painting from complex still-life by observation color on an 18” x 24” canvas, prepared water color     paper or wood board. Projects at Home (Homework) •        Homework One - Color Wheel: Mixing pure hues, shades, tones and tints in oil on an 18” x 24” canvas paper,     canvas pad or canvas. •        Homework Two: Painting from still-life by observation of color on an 18” x 24” canvas or canvas pad. •        Homework Three: Painting from still-life by observation of color on an 18” x 24” prepared gesso of water color     paper. •        Homework Four: Painting from still-life with transparent objects by observation of color on an 18” x 24” prepared     gesso of water color paper, canvas or canvas pad. •        Homework Five: Painting from complex still-life by observing on an 18” x 24” wood board by using glazing     methods of painting or by observation of color. •        Homework Final Project: Painting from complex still-life by observing color on an 18” x 24” canvas, prepared     gesso of water color paper or wood board.