Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 211"
COURSE NAME: "Fresco Painting (Mandatory Materials Fee €50 or $70)"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall Semester 2012

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Pettit William
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: W 12:30-15:15
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course will provide students with the material techniques and art-historical context to understand Italian fresco painting. The art of fresco is particularly varied, and includes drawing, painting, color theory and plaster preparation. Students will leave the course with knowledge of these techniques and be familiar with the history of the fresco and with its important artists and their work in Rome.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

A multi-media workshop, the course combines elements of art history and studio art. While the goal is to provide an introduction to the history of fresco painting in Italy from the Roman period to the Renaissance, it is also to study the traditional techniques of fresco painting and engage in the production of fresco work. Students will learn all phases of fresco making, from mortar mixing and surface preparation, drawing studies and transfer, to dry pigment preparation and application. Student projects may vary according to background and interest, from research projects to actual paintings, and, due to the scope of the subject, collaborations and group projects are encouraged.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will leave the course with knowledge of the material techniques of fresco painting and be familiar with the principal artists in the genre.

Key skills taught:

-stages of fresco surface preparation, mortar and plaster mixing and application

-principles of drawing, design transfer, color preparation, mixing and application

-qualities and characteristics of materials

-recognition and understanding of principal fresco works in Rome

TEXTBOOK:

NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

Book Title	Author	ISBN number
The Artists Handbook	ralph Mayer	0670837016
Vasari On Technique	giorgio vasari	048620717x
The Craftsmans Handbook	Cennino Cennini	048620054x

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
	Grading is based on attendance and completed work. Attendance (20%) is to include punctuality and class participation. Students are expected to be on time and present physically and mentally during critiques and studio time. Completed Work (60%) Each student must complete a fresco measuring at least one meter square. Any or all of this work may be executed in groups.

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

Grading will be done on a percentage basis: 92-100% = A, 90-91= A-88-89= B+, 82 - 87% = B, 80 81=B-,78-79=C+,72 - 77% = C, 70-71= C-,68 69=D+ 62-67% = D, 60-61=D- less than 60% will result in failure (no credit).

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
attendance is mandatory.

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

CLASS Schedule

1. Introduction to course and materials. General introduction to fresco and mural painting. Discussion of materials: use, handling, hazards. Reading: Vitruvius, and Mayer pp. 360-385

2. Arriccio, surface and preparation. Some basics: materials, composition, perspective, process, and color. HW Sketching in pencil and watercolor. Reading: Vasari pp. 203-223, Cennini pp.20-57

3. Visit Museo di Roma a Palazzo Massimo alle Terme ($)Reading: Doerner pp.264-314

4. Plaster: sand coat and intonaco. HW Sketches and layout for Fresco I. Reading: Roettgen, vol.I, pp. 9-26

5. Work in class on Fresco I, intonaco, color, application. Reading: Mayer, pp.29-199 (Pigments)

6. review for midterm. Continue work of frescoes.

7. Midterm Exam. Fresco I due. HW: cartoons for Fresco II, Reading: Bruce Cole, part I

8. Studio. Layout and Cartoon transfer. Begin work on Fresco II

9. Studio. Measuring, levels and plumb lines. Fresco II due. Reading Bruce Cole, part I

10. Fresco III due. Egg tempera and secco painting. Reading: Bruce Cole, part III

11. Visit Santa Cecilia and Villa Farnesina ($)

12. Visit Santi Quattro Coronati and Basilica di San Clemente ($)

13. Critique. All work due. Prepare for Student art show.