2005 Fall Painting Foundations ARTS 2316.

002
Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. AS1.118
Instructor: Betsy Belcher
Office Hours: 12:30–1:30 in classroom or by arrangement
CALENDAR:
The following calendar is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
8/20 Discussion: materials, studio procedures, overview. First assignments explained.
8/27 Color terminology, color theory and color schemes in painting. Value scales, tints,
shades, color wheels. Using paint, paint qualities, setting up your palette. Work in
class (assignments due 9/3). Prepare canvas for first painting.
9/3 Group review and discussion of color assignments. Discussion: composition and
structure. Begin limited-palette still-life painting in class.
9/10 Work in class. Prepare underpainting for next assignment. Complete first painting.
9/17 Critique of first paintings (due at beginning of class). Analogous color-scheme
painting: begin in class.
9/24 Analogous color-scheme painting: work in class. Artist research project introduced.
10/1 Analogous color-scheme painting: work in class. Last class day for assignment.
(Cropped-image project homework given – due 10/8)
10/8 Analogous color-scheme still-life: critique in class (due for grading). Review
homework assignment. Cropped image painting: begin work in class.
10/15 Cropped image painting: work in class.
10/22 Cropped image painting continues. Preparation of painting surfaces discussed and
demonstrated.
10/29 Cropped-image painting continues. Self-portrait assignment given (plan, ideas or
preparatory sketches due next week for review).
11/5 Review ideas for self-portrait assignment. Begin work on project. Cropped image
painting due at beginning of next class.
11/12 Critique of cropped-image painting. Self-portrait painting: work in class.
11/19 Self-portrait painting, work in class. (Final class day. Absolutely no late work or
extra credit accepted after today.)
11/26 Thanksgiving Holiday! NO CLASS!
REMEMBER: final project is due for critique 12/3 at 9:30 a.m.
12/3 Final day! Last paintings discussed in class/due. Semester review.
GOALS:
This class introduces students to the fundamentals of oil painting materials and techniques.
Students will be given variety of assignments to develop an understanding of painting, through
exposure to both the technical and intellectual demands of the discipline. Working primarily
from direct observation, classroom assignments will stress learning to see, to control materials
and to gain insight into the creative process.

1. Cultivate each student’s capacity to observe closely and carefully, as well as to translate
“seeing” into painting.
2. Introduce students to the vocabulary necessary to talk about paintings. Begin to shape their
ability to discuss and analyze the structure and meaning of paintings.
3. Expose students to the wide variety of techniques and approaches used by painters over
the course of history.
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2005 Fall Painting Foundations ARTS 2316.002
Instructor: Betsy Belcher

4. Allow students to investigate their ability to communicate through the creative means of
painting; introduce them to the notion of a visual language.
5. Develop the student’s facility and familiarity with the practical aspects of painting.

ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is essential. All students are expected to arrive on time, ready to work.
Working for the duration of the class period is necessary in order to complete all the assign-
ments required for the class. Class discussions, lectures and critiques are required activities.
Studio work outside of classtime is expected. Anticipate that you will spend at least as
much time working outside of class each week as you spend in class time every week.
Each student is allowed one (1) unexcused absence during the semester. Unexcused
absences can have a serious adverse affect your grade. Every unexcused absence beyond two
(2) will result in an automatic reduction of your final grade. Each additional absence (beyond
the first two) will lower your final grade by one mark. For example, if you have three absences,
a B+ will become a B, or if you have four, your B+ will become a B-. Unexcused absences in
excess of four (4) are not acceptable.
Chronic tardiness will also count against your grade. I will note late arrivals and departures.
Two (2) late arrivals or departures (10 minutes or more) will count as one absence. Please be
aware that tardiness is extremely rude behavior. Be on time.
It is the responsibility of each student to contact the instructor, via e-mail or in person, for
information regarding missed assignments.
If you have a personal or family emergency, illness or other serious difficulty, please let me
know. We will work together to find a compromise. I rely upon you to let me know that there is
a problem!
All cell phone ringers and beepers should be turned off during class. If you must use the
phone, please leave the classroom.
As noted before, work outside of class is expected. Paintings take a commitment of time.

GRADING:
Grades will be based on the following criteria –
1. Attendance. Arrive on time, set up to work and clean up afterward.
2. Successful, on-time completion of all assigned projects. Late work will be subject to a
deduction of one full grade mark (a B w ill become a C) for every week it is late. This
applies to homework as well as paintings done during classtime.
3. Participation in critiques, group evaluations and classroom discussions.
4. Creative problem-solving, personal growth, effort expended in research for self-directed
painting projects and achievement of goals.
5. One extra-credit project will be offered to improve your grade. Remember that your extra
credit project can only improve one grade by one mark (you may turn a B into a B+, for
example). Extra credit work must be completed in accordance with the written instructions
provided by the instructor or by prior written agreement. I will not consider extra work that
does not conform to these instructions.
6. Deductions will be taken for excessive absences and chronic tardiness. Active participation
in class and an interest in finding out more about painting (at local museums, galleries and
the excellent resources of our library) will be an added benefit to your grade.
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Fall 2005 Painting Foundations ARTS 2316.002
Instructor: Betsy Belcher

7. Each painting or project is graded individually after a class evaluation and discussion. These
grades will be averaged and will count for approximately 85% of the final grade. Homework
and research are the basis of other grades, amounting to approximately 15% of the final
grade. Attendance, participation in discussions and making an effort are indispensable and
are an important part of doing well in the class. An extra-credit assignment will be available
to help improve one of your grades.
Assigned grades will be based on standard measures:
A Work shows a superior attempt to develop skills and understand concepts; a strong commit-
ment is evident. Surpasses minimum requirements with innovative and thoughtful solutions to
assignments. Willing to spend time necessary to do work of a high standard. Participates in
discussions, shows interest in ideas, critical thinking and inquiry. All work is completed on time.
B Student shows a good to above-average improvement in skill and very strong effort overall.
All work is completed on or before deadlines, and participation in critiques and discussions
displays an ongoing interest in ideas and concepts relevant to painting. Work is well considered
and attention is paid to craftsmanship.
C An average effort is made. Shows some improvement in skill and understanding. Meets
assignment guidelines. Lack of effort and care are evident in the quality of finished work and
presentation. Projects usually completed by date due. Verbal contribution is small. Little work
done outside of class.
D Poor attempt at completing course assignments. Little attention shown to developing skills
or craft. Small interest in ideas/concepts introduced. Work is sloppy and not completed by due
date. Little work done outside of class. Chronic tardiness/absence interfere with class work.
F Finished work not presented for critiques and assignment deadlines ignored. Lack of effort,
craft or skill, and little attention is paid to thinking through assignments. Chronic absence or
tardiness interferes with completion of assignments.
WITHDRAWALS AND INCOMPLETE GRADES:
Students are responsible for keeping up with course work and are expected to withdraw
from the class if they feel unable to attend class regularly or to finish assignments. Students are
responsible for knowing the last date for withdrawals. Consult the academic calendar if you are
not clear about specifics. Incompletes will not be given.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY:
Scholastic dishonesty is strictly prohibited. Students who violate University rules on
scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in
the course and/or dismissal from The University. Since such dishonesty harms the individual,
all students and the integrity of The University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly
enforced.
MATERIALS:
It is each student’s responsibility to purchase the supplies necessary to complete the work
for this class. A supply list will be provided on the first day of class. Please bring all necessary
supplies to the second class and be prepared to work. Lockers are available in the studio area
for storing supplies. Students must provide their own locks.