ARTS1101 Two-Dimensional Foundations

Credit Hours: 3 semester hours

Course Description

This course offers the basic concepts of visual organization: pattern, emphasis, rhythm, movement, contrast, unity, and balance; along with two-dimensional visual elements: line, shape, value, texture, space, form, and color; through discussion and classroom exercises. The latter part will address the perception and use of color with exercises based on standard color theory models, as well as historical, physiological, and psychological factors. Students are encouraged to utilize these concepts and structures to understand and create art on a flat surface.

Goals and Objectives

The goals of this course are as follows:

• Present basic elements of design

• Establish strategies for organizing space on a flat surface

• Develop basic drawing techniques

• Introduce color theory and various color models

• Improve abilities required to interpret and evaluate artwork

Students who complete this course will be able to:

• Identify key points in a composition and create work based on this knowledge

• Be more enlightened observers through a deeper understanding of two-dimensional art

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of color

• Employ basic strategies to create effective visual designs

• Consider and employ the appropriate level of finish and craft for a particular set of materials, processes, and ideas

Materials Needed

(Note that this list is best seen as an example of what may be needed. The specific materials may change depending on the faculty teaching the course.)

• Hardcover Sketchbook — Size 8” x 10” (min) and 12” x 19” (max). Consider wire bound for flat opening

• 11” X 14” Canson XL Recycled Bristol Board (96#) OR 11” x 14” Strathmore Bristol Vellum Pad (100#)

• Small plastic palette for mixing paint

• 2B, 4B, and 6B drawing pencils

• 2B charcoal pencils

• Blending stump(s)

• White Prismacolor pencil

• Kneaded eraser

• Small bottle of black India ink

• 3 small (soft, watercolor/acrylic) paintbrushes (in a variety of sizes — for example: 00, 02, and 08)

• Reeves gouache set (12 color)

• 1 tube white acrylic paint (minimum 4 oz. tube)

• 1 tube black acrylic paint (minimum 4 oz. tube)

• 18” metal ruler

• Prang (cake) Watercolor Set (8 color)

• Compass

• Scissors

• Uhu Glue stick OR Elmer’s Glue (in the bottle)

• 24 or 36 count pack of Crayola Colored Pencils

• Fine point black Sharpie marker

• Extra Fine point black Sharpie marker

• Slow-dry blending fluid (for gouache and acrylic paint)