Introduction to Art History/Art Appreciation
Tereza Swanda, Art Instructor
~Jiddu Krishnamurti, Think
on These Things
~Sylvia Plath, The
Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath
Course objectives
The class will provide an overview of art history
from various perspectives. Art Appreciation introduces the importance of art in
today’s world and the purposes art has served from prehistoric through modern
eras in a variety of cultures both Western and non-Western. We will place art
in context of the family, politics, religion, sexuality, social protest and
entertainment. We will cover fundamental line, space, perspective,
light and color, and practice drawing, painting, sculpture, photography as well
as video for some. Progress will be made through exercises, slide lectures,
demonstrations, discussions and homework assignments.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. To slow down, focus on what is in the moment.
2. To recognize something, in oneself, from the process of another.
3. Learn how to read, VISUALLY, when at times we are unable to express it
in words.
4. Learn to analyze and critique not just the art, but
social constructs; political, social, economic, THE SELF.
5. Learn to reconstruct, in a ‘natural’ way.
We will learn basic drawing skills.
We will develop visual literacy, recognizing brushstroke, line, gesture,
color and the emotions that are applied to each.
We will see from a broader perspective- Use principles of linear
perspective and atmospheric (aerial) perspective and foreshortening in the
establishment of an illusionistic 2-D space. Distinguish light from dark in
figure/ground relationships.
We will view all media and distinguish formal as well as psychological,
ephemeral, political, spiritual elements of each artwork.
The course will enable students to gain an insight into the significance of
creativity in its many physical manifestations
We will conceptualize and render light, shadow and volume through
appropriate technique and by judgment of value and contrast.
We will distinguish between objective and subjective art.
We will use standard art vocabulary to critically analyze artwork at a
fundamental level.
The goals covered
in 'Art Appreciation' are communication, critical thinking & problem
solving, society & human behavior, science & technology, aesthetic
perspective, historical perspective and information literacy.
Studio Rules
Respect the
space and the space of learning. Think in these terms all the rest make perfect
sense.
·
The classroom which at times will turn into a
studio must be kept clean. This is a shared space. Leave it cleaner and tidier
than found.
Suggested Reading
Henry M. Sayre. A World of Art. Pearson Education, Inc.
New Jersey, 2013, 2012, 2007.
Howard Zinn. People’s History of the United States.
HarperCollins Publishers, NY, 1980, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2003.
Requirements
1. Participation is mandatory. All students are
expected to contribute to classroom discussions and critiques. We learn a lot
from each other, and ideas are generated from other ideas. Important components
of participation include being on time and adding to the class discussion. A slide
show and demonstration occurs at the start of many classes. (Also, check google
drive daily as assignments will only be posted online.)
2. Come to class prepared to work with all
necessary supplies. Reminders are on the schedule.
3. If a class is missed, find out what was
missed, and what assignments were due.
4. Homework is a component of this class. Expect
3-4 hours outside of class per week. Assignments must be complete, presentable,
and on time. Extensions will be considered for unusual circumstances, but must
be discussed in advance. If an absence happens on a due date, bring the
assignment to the next class.
Academic Adjustment
If you feel you may need an academic adjustment for
any type of disability, please see me before class.
Evaluation
Receive points for every in-class assignment and
homework projects. Evaluation will be
based on the following criteria:
1. Demonstrated grasp of key concepts, presentation, and creative
solutions.
2. Prompt completion of assignments.
3. Class participation (see Requirements #1). Extra credit/make-up work is
available.
4. A reasonable sense of effort, wonder, and enthusiasm.
Final grading is based on accumulated points during
the term. 90-100 =A, 80-90=B, etc.. Number 4 (above) will determine where you
fall when you are hovering between two grades.
The following is
an example of a prior grade sheet
for this class:
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Pts.
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Assignment
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Assessment criteria
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Week 1
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1. Identify slide (7)
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Research the times and content of the artwork (2)
Write about it’s relevance to you (3), How much can you read visually?(2),
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2. Hand gesture,
homework (7)
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Direction lines (2), Contour(2), Shading and
contrast (3)
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3. Reading
Krishnamurti (7)
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On
Love, (How we see) (2), Discussion (5)
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Week
2
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4. Compare and
Contrast Artwork(7)
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Analyze
2 pieces of work (2), Identify each (1), What era/eras are they from? (1) How
do they relate? (1) What is your interest? From what perspective are you
writing? (2)
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5. Zentangle/doodle
(7)
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Absorption(4), composition (1), variety and
quality of line (2)
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6. Reading excerpts from People’s History (7)
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Choose
a struggle from History (1), Find and read about it in People’s History of
the US (1), Present it in class in connection to an artwork- poster, drawing,
(5)
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Week 3
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7. Image and text (7)
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Look
through contemporary media, online, commercials or magazines (2), What is the
message?(1), How are the advertisers/politicians portraying that message
visually? (1), Who is the audience? (1) How would the image read in a
different context, another time? (2)
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8. Collage, Mixed
Media (7)
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Concept,
Message (4), Use of color (2), Use of text (1),
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9. Analyze an artwork
that uses image and text – It can be as simple as the title of the work and
the artwork (7)
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What is the political, social, economic message
of the piece? (2) Who is the audience, time and what is its impact? (2)
Presentation (3)
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Week 4
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10. What is color?
What is light? (7)
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Color
wheel, (1) Complements and neutrals,
charts (2) Observing the natural world (4).
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11. Research Impressionists,
Rothko (7)
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How
did various artists think of color? (1), What era did that thinking reflect?(1),
Presentation/Discussion (5)
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12. Readings on
connections between spirituality, science and art (7)
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Choose
an artwork that exemplifies what the Dalai Lama is talking about in the
article (2) Present the image and justify the connection (4) Discussion (1)
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Week 5
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13. Goya’s Humanity (7)
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Study
the process of one artist (2) How did the process reflect the different
developmental stages? (2) What were some conclusions after a lifetime of work,
if any? (3)
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Week 6
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14. Self evaluation (7)
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Use
of visual vocabulary (2), writing and grammar (2), honest assessment (3)
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15. Final- Trip to the
Institute of Contemporary Art (10)
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Discussion
(5), Presentation on one artist (3), Sketching (2)
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Absences: After 2 absences, final grade will go down 5
pts for every missed class
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Lates and early
departures:
Every two count as an absence
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Extra
credit
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Attend
gallery reception (2)
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Total
points/grade (108) Includes extra credits
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Questions
If you want to know anything, ask. Use my email or
see me in person. Please talk to me if experiencing difficulties in the class,
if current grade status is needed or if a large amount of absence is expected.
ART
APPRECIATION
Materials List, Cost
$15.00 covers all material
Paper
Drawing paper/sketchbook-
your
choice but no smaller than 9 x 12 “
Media
Pencils
or woodless graphite pencils: 6B (softer pencil), 4B, 2B, HB, 2H (harder
pencil)
Pen
Charcoal
Kneaded
rubber eraser
Gluestick
Paint
Misc
Masking
tape
Magazines
Camera/mobile
phone
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