Required Supplies:

1 Sketchbook 18” x 12” (recommended)

1 Drawing Paper Pad 18” x 24”

1 Workable Spray Fixative 

A set of pencils: 4H, 2H, B, 2B, 6B

Vine Charcoal 

1 Kneaded Eraser 

White Polymer Erasers

Blending Stumps 

Pencil Sharpener 

By the end of this semester, students will be able to:

Describe visual subjects through the use of accurate and sensitive observation.

Generate drawings which demonstrate descriptive, expressive, and conceptual approaches. 

Utilize varied materials and techniques with informed aesthetic and conceptual strategies. 

Demonstrate an appropriate level of professional practice, including safety, craft and presentation. 

Analyze and critique drawings verbally and/or in writing. Relate drawing to design, art history and contemporary artistic production.

• Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or visual communication.

• Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.

• Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.

• Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities.

• Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Establishing an Independent Work Space

Student should create an environment where they can set up required still life materials or subjects that will be drawn from observation. The space should be similar to our studio space: lighting can be adjusted, various angles and distances can be taken to view the subject. If one is unable to establish such a space independently, use of the LSCPA studio can be arranged.

Critiques

Critiques are an integral part of the course and will take place often throughout the semester.

Formal critiques will take place on the designated date that a project is due. You will be evaluated on your participation, etiquette, engagement and use of vocabulary we have learned in class. Failure to attend a scheduled critique may result in a failing grade for that project (unless prior arrangements were made before the scheduled critique). If you are absent for class(es) prior to a scheduled critique you are still responsible for having your completed assignment ready for the day of critique. If you do not have your project completed you are nonetheless expected to attend and participate in discussion.

Student comments are expected to be thoughtful and sensitive and must be designed for the artist to improve his/her artwork.

Informal critiques will sometimes spontaneously occur during workdays. Therefore, students should be present in class and ready to participate in critique and discussion at all times.

Critiques are calculated in your Studio Projects grade. You will lose points for late arrival, early exits, elongated breaks, lack of engagement, use of phone during critique, and poor etiquette.

Sketchbooks

A sketchbook specific to this course is required.  It will be used for studies, and for thumbnail sketch preparation for projects, and notes during demonstrations and critiques.  However, separately, 45 pages of drawings from observation (still life materials, room interiors, and architecture are recommended) (reinforcing class topics, practice to improve individual drawing processes that need improvement) are expected by the end of the semester (recommended 20-30 minutes per drawing).  The sketchbook will be collected periodically for page counts and evaluations (a “check” signifies drawings are satisfactory, “check plus” indicates the work is strong, and a “check minus” indicates the drawings are weak and need more time invested in them.  An “X” will indicate an unacceptable sketch).  There will be a page count and review quarterly with a target number of pages at each review of 11, 22, and 33. 45 are due by the final.  A minimum number of 6, 17, and 28 pages are required at each review.  In the instance of completing below the minimum required page count at review, for example 4 pages when 6 are required, there will be a two page penalty from your final sketchbook count at the end of the semester.  This policy applies to all quarterly page counts.  It is also recommended to paste or tape handouts and loose sketches into the sketchbook to maintain a record of assignments and creative output.  An alternative is to have a folder to keep all handouts.

Food

Food is not allowed in the classroom. The custodians will yell at me if we get insects. Water bottles and closed-top drinks are allowed.

Phone and Music

I expect you to be an adult with your phone usage. You are welcome to listen to audio on your headphones. I do not want to see videos playing or idle games.  If phone usage becomes disruptive, I reserve the right to ban phone usage from the classroom. 

Email

You are required to put the class and section number in the subject line of the email. I will respond promptly in 24-48 hrs. I am available during business hours Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. I do not respond to emails in the evening or the weekend. Please use your lamarpa email to communicate with me as emails from Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, etc. may end up in a clutter folder and I will not see it, and therefore, not respond. Include your first and last name and your course number and section.

Most questions can be answered by reading the class syllabus, assignment sheet, or other directions available to you in Blackboard. Students should always be aware of the tone and structure of their correspondence. 

RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR AND CLASSROOM CIVILITY POLICY 

To foster a productive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment, all students are expected to demonstrate respectful behavior toward their peers, the instructor, and the learning process. Disruptive behaviors that impede the learning and civility of the class will not be tolerated.

Expectations for Classroom Behavior

• Arriving on Time: Please make every effort to arrive promptly. Late arrivals disrupt the flow of the class and the concentration of others.

• Staying in Class: If you anticipate needing to leave early, inform me in advance and sit near the door to minimize disruption.

• Engaging Fully: Participate in class activities with focus and commitment. Use laptops, tablets, and other devices only for class-related purposes.

• Using Technology Responsibly: Silence phones and refrain from texting, taking calls, or using devices for non-academic purposes during class.

• Respecting the Learning Space: Avoid behaviors such as whispering, chatting, or wearing headphones during class, as these can distract others.

• Waiting for Dismissal: Packing up before the end of class signals disengagement and distracts others. Please wait until class is dismissed.

Prohibited Behaviors

• Persistent chatting, talking, or whispering that interrupts the class or distracts others.

• Use of electronic devices for non-academic purposes.

• Antagonistic behavior toward the instructor or other students.

• Behavior that undermines the instructor’s ability to teach or students’ ability to learn.

Consequences for Disruptive Behavior

• First Occurrence: A verbal warning will be issued, and the behavior will be documented.

• Second Occurrence: You may be asked to leave the class for the remainder of the session.

• Repeated Occurrences: Continued disruptive behavior may result in further disciplinary action in accordance with university policies, including removal from the course.

Syllabus Change Policy

I reserve the right to adjust this syllabus, assignments, and due dates as needed.  Any changes will be announced in class and sent as an announcement through the Blackboard system. You should check your email daily for any announcements about the course

Attendance

Attending Critiques is mandatory.

Roll will be taken at the beginning of class. 5 minutes late will mark you tardy. 10 minutes will mark you absent. You must attend every assigned class day according to LSCPA policy. Attendance is expected. Life, partying too hard, and breakups all happen. You have 3 unexcused absences before you drop a letter grade. Use them wisely. Excessive absences and tardiness will have a detrimental effect on your overall performance in class. 

3 Lates = 1 Absence for Class 

3 Unexcused Absences = 1 Letter Drop for Class

6 Unexcused Absences = 2 Letter Drops for Class

9 Unexcused Absences = Fail the Class

Grading and Assignments

• 
  Grades are earned, not given.

• Students are expected to complete in-class and homework assignments in a timely manner and in accordance to project requirements (which include craftsmanship, accuracy in measuring, perspective, proportion, point of view, solidity of form, light logic, contrast, value scale, definition of edges, composition, level of completeness, etc.  In addition it is recommended that students take on greater challenges, being creative, thinking visually, being innovative, establishing conceptual strength to projects, and communicating ideas clearly in critique)

• Successful artwork results from students exhibiting intellectual curiosity, focused work ethic, timely completion of artwork, careful consideration of criticism, openness to new information and a commitment to fully explore and implement that information, pushing artwork beyond one’s previous limitations.

• No images can be drawn from photos, memory, or imagination unless otherwise specified.  This class focuses on drawing from DIRECT observation, any project that deviates from this requirement will receive an F.

• All projects must be original and made for this class

• A sincere commitment to each project from start to finish is expected in order for students to achieve the best quality in their work.

• YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WORK A MINIMUM OF SIX HOURS PER WEEK OUTSIDE OF CLASS

• Assignments will be collected for grading. Do not fold or roll your artwork!  Always spray and cover your drawing with a newsprint cover sheet taped in place.

• Use good paper for longer homework and in-class drawings.

• Cost of supplies, though understandable, cannot be accepted as an excuse for incomplete assignments.
  
  EXHIBITION ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT
  As part of your artistic development, students are strongly encouraged to regularly attend art openings available in the community and beyond during the semester. Venues include, but are not limited to, the Dishman Art Museum, the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, and the Art Studio, Inc. Students in this class will receive 5 extra credit points (maximum) on a given assignment for attending an event. You must submit proof of attendance such as an exhibition card and a one page written description/review (single spaced) of the exhibition to receive your extra credit points.