ARTS 114 - Introduction to Painting

3 Credits: (2 lecture, 2 lab)

Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the materials, processes, and discipline required to create paintings. It will explore the medium of acrylic and oil paints through the use of different techniques and approaches to materials. The classroom will be expanded by museum trips, film/videos, slide lectures and demonstrations.

Text
Albala, Mitchell. Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice. Watson-Guptill, 2009.

Materials: Art supplies as designated by instructor.

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Identify basic techniques and concepts of acrylic and oil painting, composition and design skills.

B. Create color mixtures through observation of subject matter.

C. Complete projects using appropriate color properties and harmonies.

D. Critique his or her own artwork and the artwork of others.

E. Identify the elements of art that can be applied to other areas of study.

F. Create paintings that demonstrate the expression of individualized

concepts, feelings, viewpoints, and techniques.

Content
A. Introduction to Materials and Techniques.

B. The Blank Canvas - “Inspiration”.

C. Sketching and Underpainting, Alla Prima Painting, and Value or Monochromatic Painting.

D. Plein Air Palette.

E. Composition, Aerial, and Linear Perspective Theories.

F. Use of Texture.

G. Presentation of Finished Work, Framing Techniques, and Critiquing the Finished Work.

Student Evaluation
Evaluation will be based on painted and written projects. Paintings will be evaluated on the following criteria: technique and concept, effort, creativity and thoughtfulness. Specific criteria will be handed out with individual assignments.

Bibliography
Allrich, Steve. Oil Painting for the Serious Beginner: Basic Lessons in Becoming a Good Painter. New York: Watson-Guptill, 1996.

Audette, Anna Held. The Blank Canvas: Inviting the Muse. Boston: Shambhala, 1993.

Jennings, Simon and Sally Bulgin. Art Class: A Complete Guide to Painting. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1999.

McNiff, Shaun. Trust the Process: An Artist’s Guide to Letting Go. Boston: Shambhala, 1998.

Ocvirk, Otto G., Robert E. Stinson, and Philip R. Wigg. Art Fundamentals: Theory and Practice. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.

Schmid, Richard. Alla Prima: Everything I Know About Painting. Manchester Center, VT: Stove Prairie Press, 1999.

Warner, Sally. Making Room for Making Art: A Thoughtful and Practical Guide To Bringing the Pleasure of Artistic Expression Back into Your Life. Chicago: Chicago Review, 1994.

Zhang, Hongnian and Lois Woolley. The Yin Yang of Painting: A Contemporary Master Reveals the Secrets of Painting Found in Ancient Chinese Philosophy. New York: Watson-Guptill, 2000.