This course is designed to give students an introduction to the basic techniques of wet and dry drawing media on site in the city of Rome. Using natural and urban landscapes as subject matter, the course will explore the principles of picture-making such as composition, perspective, form, and the study of light and dark. The idea of the sketchbook favors a quicker approach to representing nature, and functions as a record of the artist’s travels both inside and outside the city. The majority of classes will take place outside, weather permitting.

Like all studio classes, much of the work will be executed outside of class, in the form of homework assignments. Slides of artwork will be shown and museum and gallery visits will be scheduled in order to familiarize students with the particular genre. Class discussions or critiques will take place to evaluate and analyze work as a group.

Students will acquire the material and intellectual skills necessary for representing three-dimensional environments on a two-dimensional surface. They will gain competence in evaluating and understanding artwork.

Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F.

A:  Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensiveknowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.

B:  This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.

There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.

C:  This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D:  This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.

Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.

F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

       Two absences will result in a penalty of one letter grade from the final. Three absences may constitute failure for the course. absences may be excused only if accompanied by an official letter.

1. 1/19) Introduction to course and objectives, and materials. HW: tonal scales
2. (1/26) Saint Peter’s Square. Meet at the obelisk. Exercises in composition and scale.
3. (2/2) Santa Maria in Trastevere. Meet at the fountain. simple perspective
4. (2/9) Critique. Meet at art studio
5.  (2/16) Ara Pacis. Complex perspective and environment
6. (2/23) Protestant Cemetary, Caio Cestio (Piramide). Light and shadow
7. (3/2) Midterm drawing: Ponte Sant’Angelo. Meet on Castle-side of the bridge. speed and fluidity.
8.  (3/9) Midterm critique. Meet at the art studio.
9. (3/16) Santa Sabina, Aventine. atmospheric perspective
10. (3/23) Spring Break, no class
11. (3/30) Piazza Navona. Human form, foreground and background.
12. (4/6) Critique. Meet in class
13. (4/13) Piazza Mattei (Ghetto). The human form.
14. (4/20) Il Tempietto, Gianicolo