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MT. SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT
ARTS DIVISION
SERENA POTTER ARTD 15 A CRN 43056

BEGINNING DRAWING
3 Units
Building 1B/C Room 4 Monday/Wednesday 6:00-9:20pm
OFFICE HOURS: before class, by appointment
E-mail: Spotter8@Mtsac.edu
ProfPotter.weebly.com

End Date: 14-June-2020

Last Date to add class: 6-March-2020
Last Date to drop with a refund: 6-March-2020 Last Date to drop without a "W":
8-March-2020
Last Date to drop with a "W": 01 -May-2020
The Finals for this class will be on June 8th and 10th. Attendance is mandatory for
both sessions. You must be on time and stay the full period.

Course Description: An entry level course emphasizing creative expression through

the use of black and white drawing media.
Emphasis is placed on basic drawing methods and skills, composition and
exploration of drawing media.

No required textbook. I will be using canvas for this course. You are expected to keep
track of our course canvas. Also, Handouts and video demos are on course website, along
with Assignments and syllabus. ProfPotter.weebly.com

Course handouts will be included from such texts as Living With Art by Mark Getlien,
Successful Drawing by Andrew Loomis, and others.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Drawing Light Logic. Students will be able to create illusions of three-dimensional

forms using the rules of light logic.
Drawing Vocabulary. Students will develop an understanding of basic drawing
terminology that coordinates with the ARTSD 15A curriculum.
GEO Arts Analysis. Students completing an assignment in Area C (Arts) courses
will be able to analyze modes of artistic expression.
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Identify eye level/vanishing points. Students will demonstrate their understanding of

fundamental illusions of three dimensional forms on a two dimensional plane by
locating the eye level and vanishing points in examples of perspective boxes.
Light Logic. Students will be able to identify zones of light as explained by light
logic using appropriate vocabulary.

MO 1. Create original drawings, which demonstrate the capacity to perceive,

comprehend, and interpret the three-dimensional visual world using dry media in a
variety of techniques, which include stipple, line, and hatching.
MO 2. Utilize original and creative thinking in projects and writings.
MO 3. Utilize quick study drawing skills through visual notes and personal studies
as a basis for planning larger extended works of art.
MO 4. Utilize quick study techniques to develop extended drawings.
MO 5. Utilize the principles of composition in objective and subjective analysis of
historical and contemporary works of visual art.
MO 6. Synthesize the formal art elements and principles with the observed world in
varying compositional formats.
MO 7. Discuss, analyze, and evaluate personal works of art and that of
contemporary and historical artists by using appropriate art-specific terminology
for content, technique, and style in both written and oral critiques.

THIS IS A COURSE IN WORKING FROM DIRECT OBSERVATION.

YOU MAY NOT WORK FROM PHOTOS FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT, IN OR OUT OF
CLASS.

HOMEWORK AND GRADING POLICY:

Homework must be done well, carefully, and on time to the teacher’s satisfaction.

All assignments are graded according to how successfully it solves these issues:
Gesture and line
Accurate depiction of shapes as a whole and of their parts
Understanding of perspective and structure to create form in space
Clear values consistent with the light source used to create volume
Well ordered and coherent compositions
Demonstration of critical thinking to solve assigned problems

The following considerations are taken when evaluating success of the work:
How well you grasped the concept of each assignment.
Excellence in thinking and performance within the domain of the course.
The aesthetic quality of the assignment.
Disciplined creativity.
The depth of your involvement in the assignment, as seen in your completed
work (energy and concentration).
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Conceptual and expressive development, (visual intelligence, power of perception, and

disciplined creative sensitivity).
Skill and style development (craftsmanship and technique).
Effort devoted to work , as evidenced in finished work.

Note: Longer assignments will be weighted more heavily than shorter assignments.

Other factors affecting the outcome of grades:

Attendance and punctuality: For your Mid Term and Final Portfolios You will include
class work from each day that we meet in class. If you miss class, you miss creating the
work and it will affect your portfolio grade.
On time completion of assignments
All assignments must be completed for a passing grade of C-
Class participation
Presentation (keeping your projects in presentable condition. No tears, creases,
unnecessary smudging of material, etc.)
Spending a great deal of time working on a project does NOT by itself warrant a higher
grade. Your work must show clear evidence of an understanding of the topic outlined
within any given project.

You are required to present your work for a mid term and final review. Store your work in
a portfolio and keep it in good condition. Be sure to come to EVERY CLASS
PREPARED, this means having all of your materials with you! Attention will be given
to those students who are engaged and work throughout the class. Lack of productivity
while in class or taking long breaks will negatively affect your semester grade.
Late homework assignments will be lowered one grade. (Late work will only be accepted
one class session late.)

Re-submitting work: work may be re-submitted for re-grading only if the initial due
date was met. Improvements may be made by re-doing or re-working the assignment and
must be handed in the following week.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Active participation in class, including participation in group critiques. Attendance at
every class meeting. Being on time for class.
Producing carefully crafted work. Cleaning up after yourself.

STATEMENT OF ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH

DISABILITIES:
Students requiring accommodations must provide disability documentation that shows
the student has a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Once documentation has been provided and appropriate
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accommodations have been identified, students must request accommodation(s) prior to

each term.
If you have special needs, please let me know as soon as possible so that I may assist you
to be successful in this class. Students with disabilities are highly encouraged to register
with Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSP&S) located in the Student Services
Building, lower level, (909) 594-5611, extension 4290, or TTY for the deaf (909)
594-3447.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY POLICY:

As a studio class, it is imperative that you attend. ABSENCES WILL WARRANT
SIGNIFICANT ALTERATION TO YOUR GRADE. More than 6 absences (18 hrs.)
will warrant a failing grade. Showing up late 3 times or leaving early 3 times equals
1 absence. There will not be any incompletes granted for poor attendance. It is the
student’s responsibility to notify the instructor if you arrive after the attendance has
already been taken by writing your name on the board, otherwise it could count as an
absence. You MUST show up to both days of the Final with your work. If you miss the
Final your grade will be lowered by two letter grades (i.e. A would be lowered to a C, B
to a D, C to an F).

There are no excused absences. After missing class six times, for whatever reason, you
will fail the class. At this point you will have missed more instruction and in class
drawing time than is possible to make up.

There will be a twenty minute break half way through the class. Any excessive lateness
from breaks will be in the category of tardiness to class and will be factored in to the
grading accordingly.

It is the college policy that when a student absence exceeds the maximum number of
times the class meets within a three week period or has three consecutive absences or any
unexcused absences within the first two weeks of classes will result in the student being
dropped from the class.

It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop a class whenever he or she

determines that he or she can no longer attend the class.
Failure to officially drop a class may result in a failing grade and/or a financial
obligation to the college.
Instructors may drop students from their class rolls through the last day of the tenth
week of instruction of a regular semester for excessive absence as defined by the
instructor

Mid Term and Final Exams may only be made up by showing documented evidence of
for absence.
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College policy for repeating of courses:

If you have earned a “D”, “F”, or “No Credit” for a course, you may repeat that course
only once. A maximum of 12 units may be repeated with the first grade forgiven in
averaging the GPA. A student who withdraws from a course and receives a “W” on their
transcript may re-enroll for that course only one more time. The policies are changed
under extreme circumstances only.

Classroom / Studio Rules:

Disruptive Behavior Policy:
The Mt. San Antonio College Student Misconduct Guidelines are found in the Standards
of Conduct and state that a professor may remove a student from their classroom for
the remainder of the class time and the next class meeting if disruptive behavior
occurs. This includes: Obstruction or disruption of the educational process
Willful disobedience and a lack of cooperation with the instructor
Verbal or physical threats to students, faculty, or staff
Excessive talking in class
Active cell phones
Passing notes in class
Excessive lateness
Sleeping in class
Poor personal hygiene

NO PHONES in class. When you enter the classroom, turn off phones, and put
them away. You are going off the grid during class time. You may check your
messages during the break. If I see your phone you will be asked to leave and receive
an absence for the day. You will have to meet with the Dean before returning to
class.
No food in the classroom unless on a break. Place food containers in trash outside of the
classroom. Non Alcoholic drinks are okay as long as they have a lid.

Cheating and Plagiarism:

Cheating is seen as “a voluntary act for which there may be reasons, but for which there
is no acceptable excuse”. “It is important to understand that collaborative learning is
considered cheating unless specifically allowed by the professor”.
The term “cheating” includes but is not limited to:
• Plagiarism
• Receiving or knowingly supplying unauthorized information
• Using unauthorized material or sources
• Changing an answer after work has been graded and presenting it as improperly
graded
• Illegally accessing confidential information through a computer
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• Taking an examination for another student or having another student take an exam
for
you
• Forging or altering registration or grade documents
• Representing someone else’s work as your own.

The Academic Honesty Policies defines plagiarism as “representing somebody else’s

words or ideas as your own”.
If it is determined that a student has engaged in cheating or plagiarism, it may “constitute
grounds for a failing grade, probation, suspension, or expulsion”.

In addition to our class discussion of this issue, the Writing Center and the College
Library offer free workshops to help students properly quote, paraphrase and document
sources. Students can sign up for these workshops at the Writing Center (26B-100,
behind the clock tower); more information about these workshops is also available at the
Writing Center’s website, http://writingcenter.mtsac.edu.

LIABILITY:
The college is not responsible for any unsolicited work, or projects left behind by
students. The college is not responsible for any lost personal property, supplies or
equipment.
The college is not responsible for lost or damaged student work.

HOMEWORK AND GRADING:

90 - 100% = A (90 – 100 points)
80 - 89% = B (80 – 89 points)
70 - 79% = C (70 – 79 points)
60 – 69% = D (60 – 69 points)
0 - 59% = F (0 – 59 points)
There are 100 points possible.
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HOMEWORK:
Writing Assignment (10 points)
Sketchbook (15 points)
1st - (3 points)
2nd- (3 points)
3rd- (3 points)
4th- (3 points)
5th- (3 points)
6th-(Final Project) (10 points)
50% of Final Grade (100 points)

CLASSWORK / PARTICIPATION:
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Mid-Term Portfolio Review (In-Class Drawings) (20 points)

Final Portfolio Review (In-Class Drawings) (20 points)
Class Participation (10 points)
_____________________________________
50% of Final Grade (100 points)

STANDARDS FOR GRADING "A"-"F"

A = Excellent
In-class and homework drawing assignments go beyond the ideas presented in class both
in skill and creativity. Each drawing is an excellent example that shows few errors in
composition, sighting, measurement, and construction. Value and light logic is used
convincingly to create 3-dimensional volume. Most students will not receive an A.

B = Very Good
In-class and homework drawing assignments are successful at representing the ideas
presented in class both in skill and creativity. Each drawing exhibits good examples with
few errors in composition, sighting, measurement, construction and use of value.
Drawings show consistent, convincing 3-dimensional volume.

C = Good/Average
In-class and homework drawing assignments are adequate in skill and creativity. Each
drawing is an average example with minor errors in composition, sighting, measurement,
and construction. Ability to create volume is weak both in structure and value.

D = Below Average, barely passing

In-class and homework drawing assignments are incomplete and show lack of
understanding and coherence. Drawings show only basic understanding of the ideas
presented with many errors in composition, sighting, measurement, construction, and
value. Volume and structure is weak and not convincing.

F = Failing
Does not meet minimum requirements for a D. Work does not fulfill requirements of the
assignments. Little if any effort expended on an assignment.

INTRODUCTION: first class session

Overview of the course.
Explanation of expectations regarding classwork, outside assignments and group crits.
Explanation of grading procedures and attendance policy
Examples of assignments that will be covered and materials.

THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE OF TOPICS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS

NEEDED.
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LINE: (WEEKS ONE TO FIVE)

Demonstrations and lectures on the following topics:
Gesture, Contour, blind and modified, Cross Contour, Structural Line, Geometric Solids,
Line Weight Variation, Measuring, Positive and Negative space, organic form.
In class work will cover drawing various still life set ups from observation using a range
of graphite pencils.
Strategies to enable the artist to simplify the complex structures into manageable units
based on geometric solids.

PERSPECTIVE: (WEEK SIX TO EIGHT)

Continuation and development of concepts introduced in the first week and relating them
to the issues of perspective.

Demonstrations and lecture of:

Empirical (observational) perspective, linear perspective, and the concept of one
(parallel) and two point (angular) perspective as it relates to perceptual drawing.

Drawings will be completed using graphite pencils.

VALUE: (WEEKS NINE TO THE END OF THE SEMESTER)

Demonstrations and lectures on the following topics:
Light Logic, Geometric solids in relation to value, Biomorphic form in relation to value,
Hatching, Stipple, Rending in Tone, Modeling Form, Composition, Reductive Drawing,
Form in relation to texture and pattern, Working on Toned Paper, Atmospheric
Perspective, Creation and study of a value scale, composition, functions of light logic, the
function of value as shapes (open and closed shape), form in space.
Drawings will be completed using Charcoal pencils, vine charcoal, white pencil and
kneaded eraser.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS (all must be submitted for passing grade of C-)

Instruction sheets and due dates for each assignment will be posted on the course
website ProfPotter.weebly.com

If you manage your time properly you should be able to complete the assignments
on time. If you have trouble with any homework assignment you may show it to me
before it is due for additional help. Your assignments are due at the beginning of
class on the due date.

ASSIGNMENT #1 Medium: Graphite HB, 2B Size: 18” x 24”

Contour drawing of repetitious objects.
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ASSIGNMENT #2 :
Medium: Graphite HB, 2B Size: 18” x 24”
Line Drawing of a still life

ASSIGNMENT #3:
Medium: Graphite pencil HB, 2B, 4B Size 18”x 24”
One point perspective drawing of a room at home.

ASSIGNMENT #4:
Medium: Graphite HB, 2B Size:18” x 24”
Two Point Perspective Drawing of exterior building.

ASSIGNMENT #5:
Medium: Charcoal pencils: 18” x 24” Drawing Paper
Nine Step Value scale and drawing of eggs under single light source.

ASSIGNMENT #6: Final Project- Still Life

(Part I Due TBA
(Part II DUE finals week)
Medium: Charcoal with white pencil on toned paper. Size: Approximately 18” x 24”
Full Value Still Life

WRITING REQUIREMENT: You will research the drawings of an artist chosen from a
list provided and write a two page art analysis paper. Instructions on the course website.

SKETCHBOOK – Students will be filling a small sketchbook (No smaller than 4x 6 and
no larger than 8 x 10” and at least 100 pages) with blind contour drawings and sketches.
Included will be a blind drawing portrait of every student in the class, due at midterm.
This is based on outside observation. This is a visual diary. You may make entries in ink,
graphite or colored pencil as long as it has a fine tip. The sketchbook is an account of
your experiences from observation. It may contain written descriptions of some your
visual experiences. EACH Page should take 15 minutes.
Due: 50 pages are due by mid term. Another 50 pages of drawings are due at finals
week.

MID TERM PORTFOLIO includes in class work and assignments 1 through 3. Due at
Mid Term. You will provide an example of class work from each day that we meet in
class. If you miss class, you miss creating the work and it will affect your portfolio grade.

FINAL PORTFOLIO includes in class work from Week 9 (Value) on and homework
assignments 4 and 5. You will provide an example of class work from each day that we
meet in class. If you miss class, you miss creating the work and it will affect your
portfolio grade. Due Finals Week
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The Professor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus at any
time.

MATERIALS LIST:
1) 18" x 24" Strathmore Series #400 drawing paper or an equivalent weight all-
purpose drawing paper
1) 18” x 24” Smooth newsprint drawing pad. (Must say smooth on the cover)

1) Drawing board: Either 1/4" masonite, or the standard masonite drawing

board with two attached clips bought at any art store. If you buy the board with
two attached clips then buy one additional 3" clip. If the drawing
board does not have any clips then buy #3, 3" clips
2 of each) Graphite drawing pencils: HB, 2B, 4B and 6B (any brand)
2 of each) charcoal pencils: 2B, 4B, 6B, or medium, soft & extra soft buy
either Ritmo, Generals, Conte Paris or Pit.1 package (or 6 sticks) Vine charcoal,
approx. 1/4" thick, either medium or
soft, round sticks.
1) Large kneaded eraser

1) White plastic eraser

1) Roll viva towels or blue shop towels

1) Sander or sheet fine grained sandpaper for sharpening charcoal1) 1 can of matte finish
fixative, Crystal Clear or Blair final fixative
1) 1 well organized tackle box for supplies (or Tupperware), buy at a hardware store, or
art bin, or yard sale or cigar shop.

1) Canvas or cardboard carry case/portfolio to put drawing board and paper in.
1) shammy cloth

1) folder or portfolio for submitting homework – must fit 18 x 24” paper`

1) One sketchbook (No smaller than 4x 6 and no larger than 8 x 10” and at least 100
pages, if 50 then get two)

1) roll of artist tape, low adhesive.

Ruler

Materials needed after mid term: 1 white charcoal pencil

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4 sheets charcoal paper or pastel paper: medium gray (will cover in class)

Additional materials may be needed later in term, I will let you know.