VAFA111 Drawing Basics
Department of Arts and Communication: Visual Arts
- I. Course Number and Title
- VAFA111 Drawing Basics
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 4050
- IV. Prerequisites
- None
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
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Students selecting Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Multimedia, or Fine Woodworking as their major must schedule an entrance portfolio review with the Department of the Arts.
VAFA111 is required for all first-semester art majors without an entrance portfolio. It may be taken as an elective course by all non-art majors. No nude models are used.
Based on the portfolio review, VAFA111 may be recommended for development of drawing skills prior to enrolling in VAFA100 Drawing Fundamentals.
Weekly homework required outside of class is generally 5 hours. Course may be team taught.
This course meets the General Education requirement for Arts/Humanities.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course introduces and reinforces preliminary skills related to basic drawing concepts. The course comprehends three major units: (1) Simple shapes and Proportions; (2) Measuring and Perspective; and (3) Light and Composition. Students improve their concentration in a studio setting and develop essential skills related to drawing structural forms.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- practice basic skills, including drawing shapes, drawing simple geometric and organic forms, analyzing proportions, creating simple line drawings using contour techniques, and measuring angles [Arts/Humanities];
- create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface (i.e., using techniques, such as the system of linear perspective or the analysis of light and form) [Arts/Humanities];
- practice concentrating on their work for extended periods of time; and
- demonstrate a professional attitude in the studio and in the timely completion and presentation of their work.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
Throughout the semester, students practice representational drawing of simple geometric objects, simple organic objects, three-dimensional space, and light on form. Specifically, students use mostly pencil (and perhaps also charcoal and other traditional black and white media), to explore:
- visual relationships (comparing objects to each other, comparing objects to negative space, and analyzing an object in relationship to the picture plane;
- line as used to describe form and volume;
- light as it affects the perception of form;
- value and tone;
- proportional relationships of all things in their context;
- one- and two-point linear perspective to create the illusion of 3-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface; and
- linear perspective as it applies to landscapes.
Students create simple drawings based on visual analysis. They evaluate and critique their work, as well as the work of their peers.
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
- Course learning goals are assessed with group critiques of all assignments, based on the successful design, execution, and completion of specific projects.
- At least two individual critiques with the instructor are held each semester to assess projects, using the above criteria and to review students' overall progress.
- Students' portfolios are assessed for aesthetic quality and progress.
- Projects are assessed through critiques, oral presentations, and discussions.
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Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
May include, but are not limited to presentation of material through lectures that are supplemented with slides, videos, books, digital formats, and demonstrations. See course syllabus.
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Review/Approval Date - Unavailable; Revised 4/2010; Revised 8/2010; Core Added 2/2012; Revised 4/2012; New Core 8/2015;Revised(5/20)