Course Description

 This course focuses on the development of fundamental technical, conceptual and perceptual skills in transparent watercolor. The stress of the course will be on use of materials, problem solving, basic skills, drawing, composition and color.

Objectives

 - develop an understanding and appreciation of the application of transparent watercolor
 - develop workable ideas for watercolor paintings
 - understand and use both value and color in structuring paintings
 - use a full palette and paint with mixed colors
 - develop and pursue ideas in painting throughout the semester
 - work and rework paintings in response to suggestions

Assignments

Portfolios

 Two portfolios are to be turned in through the course of the semester and will include paintings done in class and from outside assignments. Late and incomplete portfolios receive grades of C or lower. Portfolios should have all paintings required and paintings must be finished. Also, presentation is an important part in the evaluation of your portfolios - keep your paintings in good condition.

Sketchbook

 Used as a means for recording visual ideas, developing visual organization, as well as developing and maintaining a level of skill, sketchbooks are to be used by the students and to be handed in with the portfolios. They will be graded.

Outside Assignments

 Outside assignments are divided into major assignments and minor assignments. All are graded according to criteria provided at the time of assignment. You are expected to spend three hours per week on outside assignments.

Grading Procedures

 Your portfolios will be the major factor in determining your grade. Attendance, participation and attention to deadline will affect the grade as well.

Attendance Policy

 More than three absences will lower your final grade by one letter grade. Every absence thereafter will lower your final grade by a partial letter grade. Grades are based on quality of work and participation. The class demands your full attention and participation, therefore consistent effort during and outside of class is important. In class, this means attendance is required and will be taken every class. Students arriving late or leaving early will be given a half absence.

Daily Sketches

 Students are required to bring an 8½" x 11" sketch for each class period. They are to be done from observation and done at home. They are turned in at the beginning of each class. If they are not done or if you forget them at home you will receive a ½ absence for that class period. You cannot make up sketches you miss. If you are absent from class, you can turn in the sketch due from that class to the next class period. You are responsible for one sketch per class. Do not forget to bring them to class.

 Also, students arriving unprepared for class will, at the discretion of the instructor, be marked absent, either in full or in part.

Studio Policies

 - You must be prepared for class. It is your responsibility to have the required materials and to have completed the assigned work. Get the telephone numbers of other students so that you can contact them about assignments and materials in the case that you are absent. Outside assignments will be posted weekly on the class web site; see the class address at the beginning of the syllabus. The instructor will not call to inform you of course work missed nor bring materials for assignments to every class for the benefit of those who missed. At the risk of being redundant, the responsibility is yours.
 - To create a studio environment conducive to concentration and work, please keep casual conversation to a minimum while drawing. Please use breaks for conversation and for looking at others work.
 - Painting can get messy so dress appropriately. Also the studio is used by others so please be conscientious about cleaning up prior to the end of class.
 - Lockers are available. Choose a locker, supply your own lock and then sign up for the locker in the Art Office.
 - The use of personal stereos and the like is not allowed in class. Please turn off cell phones and beepers while in class. Also, foods and beverages are not allowed to be consumed during class working time.
 - Do not spray fixative in the building or in the stairwells. Fixative should only be used outside.

Office Hours

 If you have any questions or concerns about your work or the course, please do not hesitate either to speak or to arrange an appointment with me. You can also contact me by email; my address is at the beginning of the syllabus and is also posted on the web site. My office hours are listed on the first page and appointments should be made in advance so that conflicts in time do not arise.