Florence, Italy - Course Descriptions - Beginning Painting

Course Information

Contact Hours and Credits

Availability

Summary

In this introductory oil painting course, students will learn the basic techniques of pictorial representation: color mixing, color composition, the depiction of light and form through painterly means, alla prima painting, under-painting and glazing. Through studio assignments, students will explore a variety of approaches to oil painting and gain competence using these techniques and materials. Studio assignments will be augmented by discussions, critiques, illustrated lectures, museum visits and the analysis of historic and contemporary paintings.

Full Description

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this introductory oil painting course, students will learn the basic techniques of pictorial representation: color mixing; color composition; the depiction of light and form through painterly means; alla prima painting; under-painting and glazing. Through studio assignments, students will explore a variety of approaches to oil painting and gain competence using these techniques and materials. Studio assignments will be augmented by discussions, critiques, illustrated lectures, mseum visits and the analysis of historic and contemporary paintings.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Attendance: Prompt and regular attendance is required of all students. Excessive lateness and absences will adversely affect your grade. 5 absences will result in automatic failure of the class. If you miss more than 20 minutes of any class period, you will be counted absent.

Classwork: During the semester we will do the following projects:

• 2 black and white paintings

• 2 grisaille paintings

• 1 complementary color painting

• 1 full color gridded still-life

• 1 still-life or self portrait

• 1 tromp-l’oeil painting

Each of these assignments will be essential in helping you learn to paint with oils. Therefore, you must give your utmost effort to each, whether it takes an hour to complete or several class sessions. Most of the paintings will require a considerable amount of time and work outside of class in order to be completed well and on time. Plan on this, and work steadily throughout the term.

Absent students will be required to make up any missed work.

Sketchbooks: Each student is expected to maintain a sketchbook in which studies and ideas are sketched, developed, edited, written about, etc. The sketchbook will be an important tool for generating and refining visual ideas.

Homework: Each week, you will be required to make at least one study from observation of a work of art (painting, sculpture, architecture) of your choice. This is to be done in your sketchbook. We will discuss these studies at the beginning of class each Monday.

Critiques: We will have four formal critiques during the semester (see the calendar). We will also have informal critiques as the need arises. Critiques are an important way to learn about art by observing the strengths and weaknesses of specific works. The goal is to improve your powers of observation and to improve your ability to communicate verbally about the work. Critiques are never meant to applaud or insult individuals. Critiques are about artwork, not about people. All comments are intended to be constructive and educational.