Mon/Wed 2:30–5:00
Instructor: Travis Petersen
Email: travisapetersen[at]hotmail.com
Course Description
Introduction to fundamental skills in realistically constructing the human figure using dry media. Study the anatomy of the human figure: dynamics, pose, and motion; emphasizing figure-drawing skills such as extreme foreshortening, perspective, and drawing the gestural motion of the human form. Uses live models (draped and/or undraped).
Course Objectives
To gain proficiency in observational skills, visual and mechanical measuring techniques, anatomy, value, and composition
To explore abstraction and non-objective imagery
To gain an understanding of terms and vocabulary
Topics include: Composition, Line, Gesture, Construction, Shape / Form, Value, Perspective, Movement, Technique, Structure, Landmarks
Expectations
Come to class on time, ready to draw.
Be respectful toward me and your classmates; this includes but is not limited to: talking quietly when painting, avoid bringing strong-smelling food into the classroom, maintaining personal cleanliness, listening to the opinions of others during class discussions, responding respectfully to other’s opinions during discussions, etc.
No cell phone use in class; if you need to make or answer a call, step out of the classroom.
No working on homework from other classes.
Clean up your own workspace; this includes personal supplies, classroom supplies, and work area. The classroom is a communal studio space and is shared by several classes.
The model is to always be treated with respect. This is a professional environment. Any inappropriate actions or comments will not be tolerated. If you participate in or instigate inappropriate comments or actions toward or about the model, you will be permanently removed from the class. If inappropriate conduct occurs, you may be banned from taking any figure classes in the future. For privacy reasons, the classroom door will remain closed during class time. Absolutely no photography allowed.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. Since we will be having regular lectures, discussions, and in-class projects that are done in a successive order, it is important you don’t miss class. You are allowed two (2) unexcused absences. Excused absences will be up to the instructor’s discretion. Tardiness is considered an unexcused absence after the first 10 minutes of class. This means that if you are not present within 10 minutes of the start of class, you will be marked as absent. After two unexcused absences, each additional two absences will result in a full grade reduction. Six absences will result in an incomplete or fail.
We will spend at least a third of the semester in class discussions, critiques, and lectures. Every student is expected to participate. Participation will constitute part of your grade.
Assignments
In-class assignments as well as out-of-class homework assignments will be given on a weekly basis. In-class assignments are due at the end of class on the same day. If you are absent for an in-class assignment you will not be able to make up what you missed.
Out-of-class assignments will be given at the beginning of each week and are due the following week at the beginning of class unless otherwise stipulated.
You are responsible to find out what is due each week. Late work will not be accepted. If you can’t make it to class, your work still can. The instructor reserves the right to change assignment criteria week to week.
Along with weekly and in-class assignments we will have a midterm project, a final project, and a final exam. The final exam will measure your knowledge of the bones and muscles. You will be expected to draw and label the bones and muscles from memory. Grading will be assessed with evaluation reports.
Grading Breakdown
| In-class Assignments & Participation | 30% |
| Homework Assignments | 20% |
| Midterm | 20% |
| Final Project | 20% |
| Final Exam | 10% |
Grading Scale
A = Excellent. Ability and execution surpasses ordinary standards of what is expected.
B = Good. Complete portfolio that reflects improvement and techniques above average.C = Fair. Problems with attendance and/or incomplete portfolio, erratic performance.
D = Poor. Attitude, attendance, and effort lacking. Not completing objectives.
E = No Credit.
Canson or Strathmore Newsprint Pad: 18x24, smooth
Canson or Strathmore Drawing Paper: 18x24, 80lb, smooth
Sketchbook: 8x10 or larger, 100 sheets, white
Graphite pencils (blue kind): HB and two each of 2b, 4b, 6b, 8b
Charcoal (square)
NuPastel (dark color)
Kneaded eraser
Sharpener
Drawing board or Masonite with clips (big enough for 18x24)
Utility knife and sandpaper block or strip for sharpening
Box or container for the above drawing supplies
A portfolio for keeping your work together
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Instructor reserves the right to change this schedule at any time, including topics covered or order in which they are covered.
Week 1 – Assessment
Mon: Class Introduction, Syllabus, Supply List
Wed: Assessment of Students, Drawing from Model
Week 2 – Proportions
Mon: Gestures, Proportions in the Figure
Assignment 1: Skulls
Wed: Drawing from Model – Proportions, Ted Talk
Week 3 – Negative Shape
Mon: Assignment 1 Due, Critique Day
Wed: Drawing from Model – Negative Shape
Week 4 – Skeleton
Mon: Skeleton Breakdown
Assignment 2: Écorché of Skeleton
Wed: Drawing from Model – Skeleton inside Gestures
Week 5 – Shadow Shape/Envelope
Mon: Assignment 2 Due, Drawing from Model – Shadow Shape, Ted Talk
Wed: Drawing from Model – Envelope
Midterm Assignment
Week 6 – Contour/Value
Mon: Drawing from Model – Contour line
Wed: Drawing from Model – Value
Week 7 – Midterm Critiques
Mon: In-Class Work Day for Midterm, Ted Talk
Wed: Midterm Reviews/Critiques
Week 8 – Lifting Technique
Mon: Drawing from Model – Lifting/Ten-minute Rubdowns
Week 9 – Muscles
Mon: Muscles Breakdown
Assignment 3: Five-minute Presentations
Wed: Drawing from Model – Muscles Groups, Ted Talk
Week 10 – Muscles
Mon: First Five Presentations Due, Drawing from Model – Muscle Groups
Wed: Second Five Presentations Due, Drawing from Model –
Muscle Groups
Week 11 – Final Project/Muscles
Mon: Third Five Presentations Due, Drawing from Model – Muscle Groups
Wed: Fourth Five Presentations Due, Drawing from Model –
Muscle Groups, Final Project
Week 12 – Écorché/Muscles
Mon: Drawing from Model – Long pose
Assignment 4: Écorché/Muscles
Week 13 – Multi-Figure Composition
Mon: Assignment 4 Due, Drawing from Models –
Multi-figure Composition
Wed: Drawing from Models – Multi-figure Composition
Week 14 – Holiday Break
Week 15 – Studio Time
Mon: In-class Studio Work – Final Project
Wed: In-class Studio Work – Final Project
Week 16 – Final Project, Critiques, Exam
Mon: Final Project Due, Final Exam, Begin Final Critiques
Turn in Portfolios (all homework, in-class assignments, etc)
Wed: Final Critiques Continued
NOTE:
Students who need accommodations because of a disability should contact the UVU Accessibility Services Department (ASD), located on the Orem Campus, in LC 312. To schedule an appointment, or speak with a counselor, call the ASD office at 801-863-8747, or for Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals, use the video phone number, 886-760-1819.