Mondays & Thursdays x1221 / 2^nd floor RC

In this class we will explore painting through the use of oil paints. There are four main goals that we will work toward throughout the semester.

[1] The understanding of the formal elements of painting as applied to the two-dimensional picture plane. The course will focus on an exploration of color and space achieved through the paints. We will begin by analyzing value structure and composition. Concepts of color theory will be addressed and applied (color mixing, activating neutrals, recognizing the relativity of color, and considering the limited palette).

[2] Learning about the materials. What the necessary materials for oil painting are. How the paints are best used, economically and archivally. Where to buy materials. How to work with them. We will learn about mediums that can be used with the paints that have the capacity to alter the properties of the paints.

[3] Learn from each other and to develop our abilities to speak critically. This goal most often will manifest itself in the form of a "critique". In this course, you are expected to ask questions, to share your work and ideas with the class, to offer your opinions and suggestions, to keep an open mind, and to listen to each other. The goal is to be able to feel comfortable discussing artwork and to be able to learn to think critically regarding your own work.

[4] Develop an appreciation for art. Although the class is not designed as an art appreciation course, I believe by doing (by making paintings) grows an appreciation for what has been done (other works of art). In addition to our studio activities, we look and discuss works by other artists in order to help articulate the assignments and to find examples that may be inspirational.

Every studio class you will be working. You need to come prepared with all the materials necessary for that day and be ready to work. Your materials may be kept in the lockers in the studio, but often times there may be additional materials that you need for particular assignments. Many of the assignments in order to be completed will require time outside of class. You should estimate approximately four or five hours a week of homework. The paintings will have due dates, at which time we will look at the work as a whole class in the form of a critique. The assignments must be hung during the critiques, whether completed or not. Although it is expected that you have made the effort to complete the paintings for the critique, you are welcome to do revisions or completion of the work after the critique. Participation in the critiques is also expected. We want to provide each other with as much feedback as possible, and to have the opportunity to share what we learned with each other.

The studio is to be used by many students and in order for the space to function fully it is necessary that everyone be responsible for their impact on the space as well as respectful of the other students using the studio. Do not leave your materials and paintings lying around in the center of the studio. Instead, please put your materials in a locker and place the paintings on the drying racks or some of the shelves on the sides of room. Leave the taborets and easels available to others when you are not working. Please clean up after yourself. Wipe off any wet paint that you may have gotten on the easels, taborets, chairs, tables, floors, etc. All waste material should be place in the garbage pails and not left elsewhere. I state all this because this has been a problem in the past and it needs to be addressed at the beginning of the semester.

Save all the work done throughout the semester. This is your portfolio. We will meet at midterms and will reflect on the work in your portfolio at that stage. This will be a brief one on one meeting. It will provide an opportunity to evaluate your development independent of the class. At the end of the semester, I will be look at your complete portfolio, while determining the final grades, and you will have the opportunity to discuss the work/semester then as well.

Final grades will reflect the quality of the completed work, your attendance and class participation. Do all the assigned projects. Respect the due dates. Come to each class prepared and ready to work. Have the ability to be self-critical, patience with yourself, an open-mind that will allow you to experience multiple perspectives, and the desire to paint.

Linseed Oil, 8 oz.

Solvent, odorless is preferred (Turpenoid), about 16 oz size

Palette knife, 2 7/8", diamond shaped

Brushes, "Flat" Bristle Brushes, No, 2, 6, and 8,

Camel Hair (or other soft, inexpensive, natural hair) Round No. 6 and No. 1

Gesso brush, 2"

Cotton Duck Canvas, unprimed, 12 oz or 14 oz cotton

Can be purchased as needed by the yard

Stretchers, can be purchased as needed in the appropriate dimensions

White Acrylic Gesso, quart size

Scraper knife, for scraping paint off of glass

Canvas Pad, 16" x 20" or 14" x 17"

Jars, four glass jars with lids. You may be able to reuse jars from the kitchen

Scouring Pad, something to put inside the solvent jar for cleaning the brushes

Glass, on the second floor of Carpenter there are piece available. Be very careful walking with it across campus. Use the duct tape to protect edges and stop breakage.