Welcome to Two Dimensional Design.

Two-Dimensional Design (Art 1020), Spring 2010
Syllabus
Instructor: Jess Hinshaw

Office Hours by appointment
Email: jhinshaw3@student.gsu.edu
Website: http://pro-jection.blogspot.com

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the basic formal elements of two-dimensional art and design. Classroom projects are meant to familiarize you with these elements of design: line, shape, value, texture, and color. We will concentrate on them separately and manipulate them on a flat (2-D) surface. We will also discuss and use the principles of design: balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, rhythm/repetition, variety and unity, and work them into your critical vocabulary. In class you will develop ideas for assigned projects, participate in demos and critiques. Homework will include sketchbook assignments, research and, of course, time to spend completing projects.

Critiques: Informal critiques are impromptu discussions pertaining to the work at hand that are unplanned and called as we see the need. Formal critiques will be held the day assignments are due. These critiques are opportunities to look at projects and discuss their merits and shortcomings. Critiques are a time to ask questions and give your opinion. Recognition of problems and “mistakes” in a constructive environment will help you to learn and make better work in the future. It is incredibly important that you attend and participate in critique.

Attendance Policy: PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS! 2-D design is a studio course that will require your regular attendance and participation for success. Attendance is mandatory. Roll is taken at the beginning and end of class. Leaving immediately after first roll results in a full cut. Leaving before second roll results in a half cut. Two “half cuts” add up to become a full cut. A MAXIMUM OF THREE CUTS ARE ALLOWED. Each additional class missed reduces your course grade by a full letter grade. Four absences will reduce a "B" to a "C", for example. It is possible to fail this class on absences alone. There is no such thing as an “excused absence” for this class. Whether you are seeing the doctor or going to see your favorite band, all absences are equal.

Cell Phones: You may not use your cell phone during class. All cell phones should be off and out of sight for the duration of class. No text messaging, no picture taking, no receiving or making calls during class.

Grading Policy :Grades for assignments will be based on effort, effective use of visual ideas, imagination (concept) and overall quality and impact of your work. There is a focus on your personal development.

Each project will receive a letter grade from A+ to F based loosely on the following criteria:
· Successful resolution of the assigned problem, use of various design principles
· The design process
· Craftsmanship, neatness, technical ability, attention to detail, presentation etc.
· Initiative, scope of undertaking, did you challenge yourself?
· Inventiveness, absence of cliché solution

There will be five major assignments in this class. Each of these will count for 15% of your final grade, and another 15% will come from class participation in critiques. Assignments turned in late will receive one letter grade lower than deserved. “A” work that is turned in late will become a “B.”

Letter grades for this class will be given according to the following criteria:
A – Outstanding work. Firm grasp of the concept, original ideas, flawless craft, and overly ambitious.
B – Excellent work. Strong execution of the assignment, dynamic and ambitious choices.
C – Good work. Assignment is completed and concept is understood.
D – Below average work. Concept is not explored or properly executed. Technical problems.
F – It is very difficult to receive an F for an assignment in this class. Every aspect of the piece is wrong, and no attempt at critical thinking is displayed.

Materials

Sketchbook approx 9"x 12" with detachable sheets
Waterproof black ink, small bottle
Bristol board pad, vellum14"x17"
Scissors, X-Acto knife
18"-24" metal ruler
Drawing pencils (4b recommended)
White eraser, Staedtler Puraplast eraser
Small plastic mixing tray for paints
1/2" flat brush, #6 round brush (synthetic bristles)
primary yellow, red, and blue, also black and white: Acrylic paints, approx. 60mL tubes or bottles
Black drawing pen, Faber Castell PITT pen or MICRON,

Please do not use Sharpies or other markers for these projects.

You may need additional materials later in the course. I will let you know when these are needed.

Course Outline
Projects
Shape -- Use a variety of shapes to compose layout pages for comic books, with the shapes as the subject matter. 1 week
Texture/value self-portrait - Use textures to create patterns. Use patterns to create value
scale. Apply scale to portrait using grid transfer from photo. 3 weeks
Monochromatic Scale – mix black and white to create a monochromatic scale with gradual progression. 1week
Monochromatic Projects – Explore the limitations and possibilities of painting in one color but varied values. 3weeks
Principles of Design – Work on 3 small, short projects dealing with balance, unity, and space. 2-3 weeks.
Final Project - Comprehensive project using principles and elements of design. 3 weeks



*This course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary

Calendar Spring 2010

January 12 – class overview
January 14 – Shape

January 19 – No Class, MLK day
January 21 – Shape

January 26 – Shape
January 28 – Shape Critique

February 2 – Intro to Line
February 4 – Line

February 9 – Line
February 11 – Line

February 16 – Line Critique
February 18 – Intro to Texture

February 23 – Texture
February 25 – Texture

March 2 – Texture
March 4 – Texture critique

March 9 – Spring Break
March 11 – Spring Break

March 16 – Monochromatic intro
March 18 – Monochromatic painting

March 23 – Monochromatic painting
March 25 – Monochromatic painting

March 30 – Monochromatic Critique
April 1 – Intro to principles/Space

April 6 – Space/Balance
April 8 – Balance/Unity

April 13 – Unity/Final project discussion
April 15 – Final project

April 20 – Final project
April 22 – Final project

April 27 – Final project
April 29 – Final project

May 4 – Final Critique