Fall 2002:  Art 140-3, MW 12: 3:50 p.m.

Course Objective

To explore the basic elements of design:  line, shape, texture, pattern, value and color.  The course will focus on six design problems that will explore the principle of asymmetrical balance in composition.  In addition to exercises exploring the basic elements, an analysis of a master painting will be undertaken to develop a good working knowledge of the concept of asymmetry.

1. Exploration of Surface:  a rubbing problem to include the exploration of all design elements with the exception of color.
2. Painting Analysis:  the study of the concept of asymmetrical balance through the exploration of basic compositional components in a painting.
3. Shape Search:  creation of a vocabulary of geometric and organic forms with emphasis on line, texture/pattern and shape.
4. Black/White Shape Problem:  variation on a theme.
5. Value Problem:  variation on a theme with emphasis on value and its role in defining space.
6. Color Problem:  study of the seven basic color contrasts as defined in Johannes Itten’s The Elements of Color.

Outside Assignments

1. Advertisements:  successful/unsuccessful.  Select an example of each from a magazine and explain why in paragraph form.
2. Find seven examples in magazine advertising of the seven color contrasts described in The Elements of Color.

Permanent markers, X-acto knife, glue, ruler, acetate, black lumber crayon, l.ightweight bond paper, poster board, mat board, portfolio, optional media (colored construction paper, acrylic paint, brushes).

Attendance Policy

Students are responsible for all information and assignments presented in class.  It is the policy of this instructor to permit three absences without penalty.  A fourth absence will result in the loss of one letter grade.  Further abuse of the attendance policy by the student may result in additional grading penalties or withdrawal from the course.  It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor if he or she enters the classroom after the attendance has been recorded.

Grading Policy

Class critiques will follow the completion of each assignment.  All students are expected to participate.  Late assignments will be reduced by one letter grade.  If work is not turned in, a zero will be recorded for that assignment.

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