Spring 2026 Course Syllabus
Course: ARTS-2316 (Section: 1, CRN: 10301)
Painting I
LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Mary Catherine Wilbur
Email wilburmc@lamarpa.edu
Phone 4099846209
Office Performing Arts Center - Room: 155
Office Hours MWF 9am-10am/10:50am-11:50am  
TR 12:15pm-2:15pm
Additional Contact Information
Course Information
Description Exploration of ideas using painting media and techniques, creating a visual interpretation of cultural expression leading to an appreciation of works of the human imagination.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

None
Additional Materials/Resources

Supplies for this class are provided by LSCPA. Should you be interested in purchasing your own set of supplies, they are listed below:

Student or Professional Grade Acrylic Paint

Cadmium Yellow Medium

Lemon Yellow

Permanent Alizarin Crimson/Crimson

Cadmium Red

Ultramarine Blue

Phthalo Blue/Cerulean Blue

Burnt Sienna/Raw Umber

Yellow Ochre

Titanium White

Black (Lamp Black, Bone Black, Chromatic Black…any black paint really.)

*We are using a double primary palette. Any warm/cold combination of a primary color is acceptable. 

Palette Knives (plastic or metal)

Canvas Boards
Stretched Canvas

Canvas paper/primed canvas/gessoed cardboard for studies

Flat and Round brushes in various sizes

Sandpaper

Acrylic Paint Mediums

Mediums can be added to change acrylic paint’s flow, drying time, texture, and more. 

Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes


Painting I is designed to provide all students with experiences using creative problem solving that can be further developed through additional study in painting or through study in other media. In this course, students will:

1. Generate works that demonstrate descriptive, expressive, and conceptual approaches.

2. Apply the elements of art and principles of design.

3. Use varied materials and techniques with informed aesthetic strategies.

4. Analyze and critique works verbally and/or in writing.

5. Relate painting to art history and contemporary artistic production.

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

Core Objectives
  • 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.

Lecture Topics Outline

Tentative Schedule 


Quizzes and Assignments Open by 2pm on Mondays. Assignments are due at 11:59pm on the due date unless otherwise noted. Assigned readings and assignment schedules are subject to change. 


 

Week

Topic/ 

Assignments due in bold (Subject to change: check Blackboard for any updates)

Readings/Homework

1

1/20

Course Introduction, Syllabus, Materials Overview


Color Theory and Paint Handling Exercises: Tints/Shades, Color Wheel, Harmonies, Color Mixing, Simultaneous Contrast

Syllabus Quiz: Due 1/24

Familiarize yourself with this course and policies.


Homework: 

Syllabus Quiz

2

1/26

Color Theory and Paint Handling Exercises: Tints/Shades, Color Wheel, Harmonies, Color Mixing, Simultaneous Contrast


Painting 1: Grisaille/Drawing Demo (3 Days)

Homework: 4”x6” study of simple subject in grayscale.

3

2/2

Continue Painting 1: Grisaille

Painting 2: Color Still Life (4 Days)

Introduction to Studies/Underpaintings, Color Relativity, Chroma/Neutrals

Homework: 4”x6” study of simple subject in color

4

2/9

Continue Painting 2: Color Still Life

Types of Color-Mixing

Homework: Artist Research (2 Artists)

5

2/16

Continue Painting 2: Color Still Life

Painting 3: Still Life with Neutrals

Homework: 4”x6” study of neutral objects

6

2/23

Continue Painting 3: Still Life with Neutrals

Homework: Artist Research (2 Artists)

7

3/2

Continue Painting 3: Still Life with Neutrals


Style in Painting: Emulating the style of other/developing a personal style (In-class research and study day)

Homework: 3 3”x5” studies of another artist’s style

8

3/9

Spring Break: No class this week

Cont. HW

Artist Research (2 Artists)

9

3/16

Painting 4: Stylized Painting (4 day)

Homework: 3 Compositional studies

10

3/23

Continue Painting 4 Stylized Painting

Homework: Artist Research (2 Artists)

11

3/30

Lecture: Process/Non-representational/Abstract Art

Painting 5: Process Art (4 Days)

Homework: 2 process art studies

12

4/6

Continue Painting 5: Process Art

Homework: Begin Studies for Final

13

4/13

Continue Painting 5: Process Art

 

14

4/20

Gesture Painting

 

15

4/27

Painting 6: Final

 

16

5/4

Continue Painting 6: Final

 

17

5/11

Final Critique : May 12th

 
Major Assignments Schedule

Tentative Schedule 


Quizzes and Assignments Open by 2pm on Mondays. Assignments are due at 11:59pm on the due date unless otherwise noted. Assigned readings and assignment schedules are subject to change. 


 

Week

Topic/ 

Assignments due in bold (Subject to change: check Blackboard for any updates)

Readings/Homework

1

1/20

Course Introduction, Syllabus, Materials Overview


Color Theory and Paint Handling Exercises: Tints/Shades, Color Wheel, Harmonies, Color Mixing, Simultaneous Contrast

Syllabus Quiz: Due 1/24

Familiarize yourself with this course and policies.


Homework: 

Syllabus Quiz

2

1/26

Color Theory and Paint Handling Exercises: Tints/Shades, Color Wheel, Harmonies, Color Mixing, Simultaneous Contrast


Painting 1: Grisaille/Drawing Demo (3 Days)

Homework: 4”x6” study of simple subject in grayscale.

3

2/2

Continue Painting 1: Grisaille

Painting 2: Color Still Life (4 Days)

Introduction to Studies/Underpaintings, Color Relativity, Chroma/Neutrals

Homework: 4”x6” study of simple subject in color

4

2/9

Continue Painting 2: Color Still Life

Types of Color-Mixing

Homework: Artist Research (2 Artists)

5

2/16

Continue Painting 2: Color Still Life

Painting 3: Still Life with Neutrals

Homework: 4”x6” study of neutral objects

6

2/23

Continue Painting 3: Still Life with Neutrals

Homework: Artist Research (2 Artists)

7

3/2

Continue Painting 3: Still Life with Neutrals


Style in Painting: Emulating the style of other/developing a personal style (In-class research and study day)

Homework: 3 3”x5” studies of another artist’s style

8

3/9

Spring Break: No class this week

Cont. HW

Artist Research (2 Artists)

9

3/16

Painting 4: Stylized Painting (4 day)

Homework: 3 Compositional studies

10

3/23

Continue Painting 4 Stylized Painting

Homework: Artist Research (2 Artists)

11

3/30

Lecture: Process/Non-representational/Abstract Art

Painting 5: Process Art (4 Days)

Homework: 2 process art studies

12

4/6

Continue Painting 5: Process Art

Homework: Begin Studies for Final

13

4/13

Continue Painting 5: Process Art

 

14

4/20

Gesture Painting

 

15

4/27

Painting 6: Final

 

16

5/4

Continue Painting 6: Final

 

17

5/11

Final Critique : May 12th

 
Final Exam Date May 12, 2026 - 9:30 AM   Through  May 12, 2026 - 12:15 PM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B  70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D  Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade

Painting 1 - Grisaille

10%

Painting 2 - Color Still-Life 

10%

Painting 3 - Neutral Still-Life

10%

Painting 4 - Stylized Painting

10%

Painting 5 - Process Painting

10%

Final Painting

15%

Homework/Studies

15%

Artist Research

10%

In-Class Activities

10%

Course Policies
Instructor Policies

Establishing an Independent Work Space

Students 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. Students will be expected to do research on at least 8 artists and place their research in their sketchbook. 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.


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

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 Policy

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

Additional Information
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Commercial Music, Visual and Performing Arts
Chair:CASP
Email:CASP
Phone:(409) 983-4921