The particular qualities of water-based media demand an approach very different from pencil drawing or oil painting. Each class treats a new aspect of materials, associated techniques, and artistic possibilities. Students will paint from observation both in and out of class in such genres as the still life, the nude, landscape, portrait, etc. On-site excursions will address problems in landscape, rendering architecture, and depicting nature. Inspiration will come from many historical examples, including Far Eastern traditions. Italy, and Rome in particular, offer important models.

Every class begins with a brief presentation and demonstration of issues such as: using preliminary thumbnail sketches and pencil underdrawings, planning compositions, maintaining the integrity of the original white surface, building layers of transparent color, observing light and dark and utilizing chiaroscuro, cultivating spontaneity and freedom of execution, and studying historic and contemporary examples.

In-class painting exercises and assignments will be supplemented by group critiques and museum visits. Like all studio classes, much of the work will be executed outside of class, in the form of homework assignments. Class discussions and group critiques serve to evaluate and analyze work, increase awareness, sensitivity, and skill in communication.

By the end of the course students will be familiar with the materials and basic techniques of painting with water-based media, will have produced a small personal body of work, and will be aware of historical and contemporary artists in these genres.

They will have acquired:

·      Skill in painting from observation

·      Skill in manipulating color and basic color theory

·      Experience with various paint handling methods

·      Increased visual sensitivity

·      Improved visual problem-solving and communication strategies, and sharpened artistic judgment

Students are expected to spend at least 3 hours a week outside of class time on assigned projects. Details of assignments will be given each week

Week 1

Introduction to materials, with demonstration of simple techniques.

Week 2

Initial exercises in black and white using ink.

Line, tone, value.  Understanding positive and negative space.

Week 3

Exercises in black and white using in continued.

Line vs. tonal value, greyscale. Compositional exercises. Thumbnail sketches, pencil preparatory and under-drawing

Week 4

Asian traditions and the calligraphic mark

Slide presentation: Asian techniques, aesthetics, and influence. Suminagashi exercises

Week 5

On-site class

Complex compositions and simplification of visual information

Organic and inorganic subject matter

Week 6

Midterm critique and discussion. Group critique of work to date

Week 7

Introduction to watercolors, including presentation of images

Basic color theory. Chromatic black vs black

Week 8

Watercolor continued

In-class exercises using the still life: light to dark and transparency, and volume/form

Week 9

Museum visit (details to be established)

Week 10

On-site painting class

Depicting surface reflections of water. Depicting water in the landscape

Week 11

Watercolor continued: the figure

Basic proportions, portraiture, flesh tones

Week 12

Watercolor continued, the figure

The figure in space, group compositions

Week 13

Other applications of water-based media: Fresco demonstration and exercises

Week 14

Finalization of the portfolio Setup for end of semester student art show

Week 15

Final critique