Course Overview: This course introduces and develops the basic techniques of painting. Oil paint will be the medium of instruction, and is the recommended medium for students (students will be allowed to paint in acrylic, however NO demonstrations will support water-based media). Class time will consist of exercises, demonstrations, discussions, and critiques. In addition to techniques and methods of painting we will also explore the intellectual/philosophical concepts that pertain to the subjects, materials, and processes. Homework will be given in the form of research and critical analysis as well as studio practice. Exercises will involve building a stretcher (at least one), stretching and priming a canvas (at least one), material and safety overviews (taken very seriously), color theory, application methods, as well as enhance the vocabulary and critical understanding of visual language as a whole. Students will be working with a broad range of techniques and subjects, concentrating on versatility while investigating individual growth.


Prerequisites: ART 231


Course Objectives:


• Heighten visual perception and awareness; develop observational skills and

   techniques through a variety of painting processes.

• Experiment with different processes and tools (brushes, palette knife, wet on wet,

   etc.) enhancing technical and expressive abilities.

• Demonstrate understanding of color and composition for aesthetic and

   communicative purposes.

• Develop the ability to articulate and discuss concepts/ideas of visual language and

   how you approach the medium.

• Professional presentation of artwork and/or ideas


Course Requirements:


• Attend class in compliance with the stated attendance policies

• Actively participate in daily classroom activities and studio work

• Follow given directions and instructions during structured exercises

• Actively and respectively participate in class discussion and critique

• Make sure all work is presented in a professional manner

• Maintain all necessary materials and supplies and replace any that become

   exhausted

• Visit and utilize local facilities and resources such as museums, galleries and

   libraries for research

• Comply with Studio format, policies, and etiquette





Studio Format:


This will be a rigorous studio production class. Students will paint for a minimum (no less than) of 2 hours each class period. Homework is assigned regularly and includes reading and occasionally writing as well as painting/drawing exercises. Class critiques are held as well as individual student-teacher critiques and will be administered by every student with the utmost importance and respect. (see Studio Etiquette below).




Attendance:


• Three tardies, early departures, extended breaks or any combination of such is

   recorded as one absence.

• At four absences, the final grade is lowered one letter grade.


This is a studio course, lessons are demonstrated and observed primarily within the CLASSROOM, and therefore consistent student presence is necessary during these scheduled class hours. Attendance, because it is required and expected, will not improve a student’s grade. Attendance will only affect the grade of a student by lowering it. Individual as well as class critiques will also occur periodically and will be reflected within a substantial portion of the overall grade.




Studio Etiquette:


Cell Phones & iPods: The studio area is a cell-phone free zone. No cell phones or iPods are to be seen or heard at any time in or around the art studios.  Evidence of cell phones , iPods, or their usage (checking, ringing, vibrating or answering before, during or immediately after class) is DISRUPTIVE. If you need access to your phone in the event of an emergency, you must receive permission to do so prior to the class period. Otherwise it must be turned off and stowed! . iPods may help facilitate a certain headspace for a student, however due to the introductory level of this course and  the consistent dialogue and exchange that demonstrations and instructions demand, iPods will not be allowed.


Behavior and Conduct: Studio practice requires much concentration and consideration, and therefore it is important to respect those around you. This is a very full class and space will be an issue. The ‘space’ of the studio is a special environment dedicated to the promoting learning and growth. Fellow classmates are valuable assets in developing techniques and understanding, so cultivating a gracious and mindful environment will benefit all. Student conduct that disrupts the learning process is not tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from class.


Facilities: Students are responsible for their own work area/space(s). This means you clean up after yourself before leaving the classroom. Students will also be responsible for any other equipment or tools that pertain to the studio or teacher/school. Drinks will be permitted so as they are contained in a sealable bottle/cup. Food is not allowed into the studio, however substantial breaks will permit eating outside of the classroom.





HEALTH HAZARDS IN THE PAINTING STUDIOS

Health hazards in the painting studios are primarily confined to the use of solvents and pigments.

SOLVENTS:

•Solvents and solvent containing paints and varnishes are probably the most hazardous materials painters use. All are fire hazards. All are very toxic when inhaled or ingested. Skin contact can cause skin damage and dermatitis. Mineral spirits, however, are less toxic than turpentine.

• For thinning oil paints and cleaning brushes, only odorless mineral spirits (OMS) may be used-such as Turpenoid, Gamsol, Safe-Solv. Health hazards of mineral spirits: skin contact - moderate; inhalation - moderate; ingestion - high.

• Turpentine is not allowed in the painting studios.

• Mineral spirits should be kept in closed containers.

• Ventilation fans must be on when solvents are in use.

• Solvents must not be poured down sink drains. Used solvent is to be disposed of in the 5-gallon containers provided for that purpose.

• Paint rags are a fire hazard. Do not put in trash or in lockers. RED CONTAINERS are for the disposal of oily paint rags only.

• Be aware that acrylic paints release small amounts of ammonia and formaldehyde during drying. Use ventilation.


PIGMENTS:

•Some pigments in general use are hazardous in any medium. Care should be taken to avoid ingestion and excessive skin contact with all pigments.

• Use disposable latex or vinyl plastic gloves.

• Wash hands thoroughly after painting (and from time to time while painting). Do not smoke, eat, touch your face, etc. until you have done so. Be especially careful of cuts or breaks in skin.

•Powdered pigments are easily inhaled and are therefore extremely hazardous. DO NOT USE!

• Pigments with lead are very poisonous and are not to be used. (Flake White, Silver White, Cremnitz White, Naples Yellow, Chrome Yellow, Chrome Green, Moly Orange.)

• Cadmium and Cadmium-Barium pigments are considered possible carcinogens and should be used with great care.

• Phthalocycline Blue and Green as well as Zinc Yellow are also possible carcinogens. Use with great care.

• Burnt and Raw Umber; Cobalt Blue, Green, Violet and Yellow; Manganese Blue and Violet; Hansa Red and Yellow are considered moderate hazards and should be used with caution.



FIXATIVE:

Fixative spray is very hazardous to inhale or ingest. Spray outside or in Sculpture spray booths ONLY!

•In general the use of this classroom space and the required materials for this course are considered low risk when common sense is observed

•It is important that you read and understand product labels for any media before use

•When purchasing materials such as acrylic paint, compressed charcoal, drawing ink and so forth, look for the label that identifies compliance with the ASTM (American Standards for Testing and Materials

•Wash hands thoroughly after the use of media (especially before eating) and avoid skin contact with paint containing cobalt or cadmium

•I will demonstrate the appropriate use of equipment when necessary

•Clean up after yourself; when washing ink from brushes, wash remaining traces of ink out of the sink and down the drain

•  Always wash your hands after handling art media -- especially before you eat

This classroom space and most of the required materials for this course are considered low risk when common sense is observed. It is important that you read and understand product labels for any media before use. When purchasing materials such as oil and acrylic paint, compressed charcoal, drawing ink and so forth, look for the label that identifies compliance with the ASTM (American Standards for Testing Materials). Wash hands thoroughly after the use of media (especially before eating) and avoid skin contact with paint containing cobalt or cadmium. I will demonstrate the appropriate use of equipment when necessary. Clean up after yourself; when cleaning brushes make sure all traces are out of the sink and down the drain.


Grading:

You will be graded as a student of art and not as an artist. A student’s work ethic is a crucial factor in determining a grade and this is determined through the individual student’s effort and involvement: physical (attendance) as well as participation in class exercises, discussions and critiques, as well as invested efforts in completing homework and research assignments. This will include practicing and improving upon technical skills, and openness to new ideas and approaches, the development in quality and quantity of your work. Grades are given once at midterm and then again at the end of the semester, and are based upon portfolio review, participation with class discussions, and individual growth.

• Classwork (exercises and discussions): 40%

• Homework  (studio and research assignments): 20%

• Critique (thorough participation and active observational skills): 20%

• Final Project : 20%



Assignments:


All students will be required to complete and retain all in-class and homework assignments. All assignments will be part of your portfolio and will be reviewed during midterm and at the end of the semester. Each assignment will have different parameters and deadlines and will be distributed with each particular assignment. Late assignments will drop a letter grade for every day late.



Individual paintings are evaluated by the following standards:


A – Exhibiting exceptional growth and development while meeting the challenges of the assignments and exercises. Displaying high degree of skill in execution, concept and technique, as well as composing a professional presentation.

B - Exhibiting substantial growth and development while meeting the challenges of assignments and exercises. Displaying some degree of excellence in skill in execution, concept and technique, as well as composing a professional presentation.

C - Demonstrating competence and considerable effort towards the challenge of assignments, but the need for further development is apparent. Concepts and technique/skills are underdeveloped and presentation needs more consideration and attention.

D or F – Failure to meet at least some consistency of attempt or achievement. Failure to be attentive to classroom instruction, to correct noted and repeated problems and in ability to meet any standard of professional presentation.









Final (Cumulative) Grade


A• Near perfect attendance, including no late arrivals

• Active participation during exercises and critiques

• High marks (grades) on most assignments – evidence of improvement will

   relieve earlier low grades)

• Exceptional  – all class and homework assignments and

   notes. Portfolio should be complete by semester’s end.



B• Good attendance, few late arrivals

• Active participation during exercises and critiques

• High marks (grades) on most assignments – evidence of improvement will

   relieve earlier low grades)

• Good Journal/Sketchbook – all class and homework assignments and

   notes. Portfolio should be 90% complete by semester’s end.


C• Adequate attendance, or grade lowered through lateness or the like

• Only physically present during exercises and critiques.

• Average or inconsistent marks (grades) on assignments, no clear aim or focus

   evident

• Incomplete Portfolio


D• Poor attendance

• Missed critiques

• Inconsistent work and effort

• Poor attitude and/or behavior

• Incomplete Portfolio


F• Poor attendance

• Missed or disrupt critiques

• Poor effort and attitude

• Incomplete Portfolio



AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION

The Disability Programs andResource Center provides university academic support services and specialized assistance to students with disabilities. Individuals with physical, perceptual, or learning disabilities as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact them for information regarding accommodations. Please notify me so that reasonable efforts can be made to accommodate you.



LAB FEE CHARGE NOTIFICATION

The Lab fee for this course is $15. Lab fees are mandatory, as noted in the footnote described in the online course schedule – meaning you must pay the charge as condition of enrollment in this course. If you remain enrolled in this course past Tuesday, September 21st (the add deadline), a charge for the above amount will appear in your University Account. The Art Department Office will email a notification when your University Account has been charged. Lab fee payments can be made at One-Stop Student Services (SSB 103) or the Bursar’s Office (ADM 155) after the charged appears on your student account. To see if your account has been charged, check your financial statement on you MySFSU page. Unpaid balances in the student university account can affect registration, graduation or other campus services.

ART 431 [03] - CRN: 37590 Credits: 3.0


PAINTING I

Fine Arts building / Room 210

Monday and Wednesday 6:10 PM – 8:55 PM

Fall 2010 Syllabus


NOTE: syllabus and schedule are subject to change

Michael Ryan

Email: michryan@sfsu.edu

Website: www.michaeljryan.com

Office: FA 293B

Office Hours: Wednesday 5 – 6, or by appointment.

Phone/Voicemail: 415-338-6000 extension: 19600

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