VAFA100 Drawing Fundamentals

Department of The Arts: Visual Arts

I. Course Number and Title
VAFA100 Drawing Fundamentals
II. Number of Credits
3 credits
III. Number of Instructional Minutes
IV. Prerequisites
VAFA111 (C or better) or by permission of the Department of the Arts
V. Other Pertinent Information

Students work with nude models.

This course meets the General Education requirement for Arts/Humanities.

VI. Catalog Course Description
This is an introduction to the concepts and techniques of drawing. The course stresses disciplined draftsmanship. Students analyze the structure and appearance of natural forms. Relying on their perception, observation, and memory, they apply basic drawing skills. Black and white media are utilized to explore space, value, and volume.
VII. Required Course Content and Direction
  1. Course Learning Goals

    Students will:

    1. create the illusion of what they see in the natural, three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional surface [Arts/Humanites];
    2. practice the traditional use of black and white media;
    3. practice the technical skills of drawing;
    4. practice a number of working methods;
    5. recognize some of the aesthetic elements of drawing;
    6. apply the vocabulary of the arts as they develop rhetorical skills regarding their own work and that of others in the class; and
    7. analyze projects through critiques, oral presentations, and discussions.
  2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities

    Throughout the semester, students practice representational drawing of

    1. still life arrangements
    2. architectural space
    3. the human figure
    4. landscapes

    As they draw these different subjects, students will

    1. practice using traditional black and white media
      1. pencil
      2. charcoal
      3. ink washes
      4. pen and ink
      5. other appropriate media
    2. analyze
      1. visual relationships
        1. by comparing simple versus complex individual objects
        2. by comparing objects to each other
        3. by comparing objects to negative space
        4. of an object in relationship to the picture plane
      2. the principle structures that govern representational work
      3. the function and interrelationship of the design elements -- line, shape, value, texture, etc.
      4. line as used to describe form and volume
      5. how light affects the perception of form
      6. atmospheric perspective as it applies to landscapes
      7. proportional relationships of all things to each other with emphasis on the particular proportions of the human figure
      8. textural differences in objects
    3. apply 1- and 2-point linear perspective to create the illusion of 3-dimensional space on a 2-dimensional surface
    4. define value and tone
    5. based on their visual analysis, create representational drawings using a variety of media and drawing techniques
    6. describe elementary ideas about abstraction
    7. evaluate and critique their work, as well as the work of their peers
  3. Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals

    3. Students' portfolios are assessed for aesthetic quality and progress.

    Departmentally-selected textbook(s), and supply requirements are detailed by the instructor in each course section. See course syllabus.
