Pre-requisites

Students who have completed a beginning painting course or university level equivalent. The additional submission of slides/CD of previous work is mandatory. It is strongly recommended to have a sound knowledge of modern and contemporary art.

Description

This course focuses on the tradition of oil painting, studying the fundamental principles and techniques developed by artists throughout history to inform contemporary practice. Extending beyond the traditional ‘Model in The Studio’ format, this course expands on contemporary practices, working from both observation and found images as visual reference, specifically focusing on the grammar of painting and how to translate personal and conceptual concerns into a sophisticated body of work. Students will develop a critical and visual vocabulary of art, advance technical, aesthetic and conceptual skills, and explore modes of inspiration and creative expression.

Method

Exercises and projects will be introduced with slide lectures, discussion and demonstrations. Throughout the course students will actively engage in individual and group critiques. During the second half of the semester students will develop a final project. The semester culminates in a group exhibition.

Means of Evaluation

• 20% Attendance and Participation
• 40% Midterm Review
• 40% Final Review

Grades

Grades range from A+ to F. The SACI grading scale follows:
A+ Outstanding
A Excellent
A- Nearly Excellent
B+ Very Good
B Good
B- Nearly Good
C+ Above Satisfactory
C Satisfactory
C- Below Satisfactory
D Unsatisfactory
F Failure

A: Outstanding. Work is done with the highest commitment to excellence with a refined understanding and research of painting skills. Participation is consistent, all classes are attended. Open studio work is completed on time and goes consistently above and beyond what is required.

B: Above Average. Work is strong and shows a good understanding of painting skills. Participation may be inconsistent, but still good. Open studio work usually shows an understanding of what is covered.

C: Satisfactory. Work is average. Participation may be inconsistent. Open studio work is completed with average dedication and understanding

Attendance and Punctuality

Punctual class attendance is mandatory and all students are expected to take an active role in protecting a serene learning environment.

• You are expected to stay for the duration of the class and to leave only during official breaks unless you explain in advance a medical necessity to the instructor Frequent missed time in class may be counted as an unexcused absence.
• If you are unable to attend class, you must inform your instructor in advance.
• An absence is excused for documented and serious medical problems. An undocumented medical absence is at the discretion of the instructor.
• Each absence will lower the participation grade by 1/3 of a grade. (ie an A will become an A-, and A- a B+ etc.)
• Students must attend the midterm and final reviews. If you do not have an excused absence from the midterm and final reviews you will receive an F as a final grade.
• If you must miss class for reasons other than a medical emergency, you should discuss with the instructor the consequences of the absences. It is ultimately the instructor's decision to assess how your absence may affect your academic performance. In exceptional circumstances (which do not include personal travel) the instructor may decide to excuse the absence and provide you with alternative work to make up for missed classes, site visits or field trips if applicable.

Schedule

The instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus when necessary and will inform the students if and when this occurs.

The Learning Environment

The painting studios are group spaces and require that everyone respect the space of others. Being aware of your impact and actions is fundamental. Please keep it at all times clean and return all materials/supplies to their appropriate spaces.

All members of the class are expected to respect the learning environment and the instructor's efforts to maintain it. All phones, laptops and other electronic devices are only allowed to be seen or used during class or specific tasks with the approval of the instructor.

General Safety & Emergency Instructions

Click here for a pdf of SACI's General Safety & Emergency Instructions.

Additional Safety & Studio Rules

It is essential that care and attention is taken in regards to studio practice.

Air-Exchange System
When working in the ground floor studios an air-exchange system can be utilized for maintaining proper ventilation and extraction of undesirable fumes and odors. The control panel is located on the wall opposite of the stairway between the printmaking and painting studios.

There are also skylight panels, which can be opened and closed using switches located in the small sky-lit studio off of the main painting studio, another on the wall next to the stairs going into the basement storage area, and also in the studio with skylights off of the main lecture hall.

Disposal of Materials
Do not ever throw used solvents, thick washes, acrylic mediums, etc. down the sink. Do not leave half-filled jars or containers of turps, mediums, or varnishes around in the studio. Small metal disposable containers for this use are supplied by the painting department. Pour out only what you need and throw away the residue. There is a special disposal barrel for this located just to the right of the sink in the painting studio. The same goes for throwing out saturated rags or paper towels. The disposal barrel for these materials is also located just to the right of the sink in the painting studio.