This is a foundation course where problems are presented for the student in line, tone, space, form, color and texture. Organization of design is explored by learning the principles of balance, rhythm, proportion, variety and harmony. Emphasis is placed on developing and understanding composition. Projects include posters, brochures, CD covers and logos. Each class period is devoted to discussion and demonstrations or viewing different examples of media and graphic techniques.
Students personally experiment with each medium in class.
The course is an overview of the last two centuries in the art world. A sense of history is gained through class lectures, the viewing of slides, and regular field trips to the Museum of Fine Arts. As students are introduced to the masters' works, they are observing color, form, technique, and subject matter which they can relate to their study of contemporary artists as well. Art History is a participatory study with students attending exhibits or visiting the MFA to view works and later write short papers on their observations and thoughts. Using their anatomy textbook as well as photo reference, students do a series of drawing of the human figure including gesture, contour, movement, proportions, skeletal foundation and muscular structure.