Course: 2-D ART / Fall 2019 – Spring 2020
Instructor: Yasmine Samimy – email: ysamimy@bellsouth.net
Sections: R01 010431001 - Mon/Wed & Tues/Thurs - 1:10pm – 3:45pm
Location: Room 5208
CLASS BLOG: nwsa-2dart.blogspot.com
Course Overview and Objective:
This Studio course is an introductory exploration of the fundamental principles of two-dimensional art taught through a series of weekly lectures, projects, and critiques. The course focuses on developing the ability to skillfully manipulate and combine core elements of design – line, shape, value, form, texture, color and space will be explored in relation to principles of 2D-art: what we do with these elements .We will investigate the use of communicative tools such as composition, color, hierarchy, scale, rhythm, figure/ground, balance, unity. Skills are developed in exploring various art-making techniques using various mediums.
Concepts developed form the basic building blocks to the fundamentals of visual art/communication. You will develop a working process that lead to a comprehensive body of work through assigned projects breaking each concept down individually. This will develop your awareness and vocabulary of 2-D Art concepts that allow you to engage in critical analysis in future works. You will understand the importance of having a strong foundation when developing your compositional skills important for further study and understanding in the following years.
There will be a total of 18-20 final pieces presented for end of semester juries. Each project will be followed by an in class critique. All projects will be displayed for final juries. Sketchbooks are an integral part of critiques. They will be a part of your final grades
Understanding the Elements of 2D Art in composition
Line (defined by point moving in space/plane. Could have illusion of two- of three-dimension, descriptive, implied or abstract, perception), Value (darks to light), Shape as Space (positive & Negative, figure/ground relationship, framing/framal reference), Form (as 3-dimensional, volumetric, includes height, depth, width), Texture (implied or tactile), Color (hue, chroma, value, color wheel, emotion of color)
Application of Principles of 2D Art in composition
(Both elements and principles work together in art-making)
Balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical, overall composition. Equilibrium, stability) – Movement (guide the viewer’s eye throughout the work of art. The flow of overall composition) – Contrast (could apply to color interactions, differences between elements) – Proportion relative size of one part of a whole/scale & dominance relative to composition. Relative to body – Unity/Harmony/Variety – Emphasis/focal area/hierarchy (could also be contrasting elements), Rhythm/repetition/sets tempo of piece
The Course is a guided investigation of basic concepts and techniques of visual organization in two-dimension format starting with black and white and moving into color. ALL projects will be based on developing compositional problem solving, your process and refining your abstract thinking. You will develop an awareness of the formal elements of composition, a working knowledge of the fundamental principles and sensitivity towards the interrelationship between form, content and use of color. Students will learn to verbalize and express their creative process and critical thinking.
COURSE GOALS:
Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate basic understanding of the following:
- The importance of technical skills, neatness, good craftsmanship, presentation skills.
- Being prepared for class and working in a timely fashion. Respect Deadlines.
- Utilizing in-class time towards the completion of directed exercises assigned projects
- An understanding of elements, principles, theories and language used in 2-dimensional arts and its application.
- Abstract & critical thinking. Become familiar with using art-specific vocabulary and terminology in critiques.
- There will be no use of shadows and gradients in this course. Most projects will be used with solid (flat) colors.
- Learn to resolve your work through brainstorming, thumbnails, doing studies in sketchbook before final pieces
- Importance of experimentation and taking risks in the “Creative Process” to come up with solutions.
- Creative process and self-evaluation as well as peer work (Art does not exist in a vacuum).
- Conscious seeing and visual acuteness. Be aware of your environment in and out of class. Learn to see.
- Be an active participant in the studio and learning the importance of communicating your ideas.
- An understanding of how creating values scales and applying to compositions.
- Creating composition through collaging techniques and mixed media.
- Importance of color wheel and the relationships of colors and theory of different color combinations.
- Learn to evaluate and recognize the success of a composition and analyze where improvements are needed.
- Taking class notes when needed for specific project instructions
- Becoming resourceful with different methods of research and using school resources
(i.e., the library, the gallery, museums, looking up individual artist’s works).
Classroom RULES & RESPONSIBILITIES
– Consistent, prompt attendance (Role will be taken during each class)
– Cell phones and other electronic devices are limited to PRODUCTIVE uses (listening to music while painting, or researching artists and assignments). NO checking email, social networking, texting, etc… NON-PRODUCTIVE use will result in disciplinary action. Failure to comply will result in class-wide no phone policy.
– Students are responsible for cleaning the work area and returning supplies to the closet (brushes, containers, cutout paper…) before leaving class.
– CLEAN UP WILL START AT exactly 3:30 PM. Class will be dismissed only when all materials are cleaned and put away in proper place.
– Maintain classroom equipment and property (Clean brushes well, dry them, put them away.
– Do not throw out brushes, clean the sink, do not paint walls, put garbage in trash containers, etc…)
– Present assignments on time, and neatly (late work will result in a lower grade)
- RESPECT your work and each other’s work
- Participate in critiques, discussions and follow deadlines on all projects. Critiques are opportunities to
comment, analyze, and evaluate work in a supportive and constructive way with the class.
- Come to class prepared with your art supplies. Do not be wasteful or lose your art supplies.
- Keep talk volume down while brainstorming on conceptual ideas and creating layouts while in class
- Must have written note if you need to leave early or have any appointments whatsoever
- You may listen to your own music with headphones when working.
- No music or earbuds while lecturing and no playing on computers, texting, snapchat, etc. during class
Maintain a sketchbook
Each of you are required to maintain a sketchbook that contains all of your research, sketches, ideas, studies, exhibition reviews, collages, and inspirations. Your sketchbook will be presented during juries and should be completed. The sketchbook will also serve as a class notebook, and must be brought to all class meetings. Every project should be represented in your sketchbook and requires (at a minimum): an inspiration page (including notes, research and art-historical/cultural references) and a minimum of three thumbnail sketches (small sketches) and three variations of each.
Always work in your sketchbook. Do thumbnails/sketches/studies for every project in it. Sketchbooks will be reviewed in juries! They will be 1/3 of your final grades.
Critiques are an integral part of all classes. All students are brought together for regular/informal or final critiques—generally when they have major assignments due. Each student must show his/her work and briefly discuss his or her intent. The class is then expected to provide positive feedback and offer suggestions for improvement.
all students participate. The process begins with a recap of the criteria for the project and a reminder to address the criteria as part of their discussion. I will interject when I feel that there is something that has not been addressed or have an idea about a possible solution or suggestion for a next piece.
The vocabulary of art is introduced through the foundation classes. Additionally, there is ongoing dialogue with students on an individual basis during class time.
Each project will be collected and kept in folders in class and will be reviewed, refined and returned to you to be presented for final juries at the end of each semester. ALL your work is important so work through each project diligently for your presentations.
