Tom Monteith * 2006
Office hours by appt. (please use email), ASL 105
email: tmonteith@csus.edu
Course web pages: http://classes.al.csus.edu/monteith/

Prerequisite: ART 24 (Beginning Watercolor)

Add/Drop Policy: refer to current Class Schedule for add/drop procedures.

Course Description: Further development of painting skills primarily through the practice of still-life, landscape and figure, using watercolor as the principal medium. Problems in abstraction/reduction may be given. Emphasis will be on direct observation and use of color to make form. Emphasis on complex visual composition and painting technique. Assignments given to develop visual discernment and form-making skills. Compositional problem-solving will be emphasized, as well as critical analysis based on the visual decisions made in the work. Slides presented as needed to supplement firsthand experience of making paintings. Possible field trip(s). Class will require out-of-class preparation time and possible homework assignments. Possible exhibition of students' work at the end of the semester (Week 15)Ñparticipation will be required (preparation/hanging/etc.).

Course Objectives: Develop visual compositional and technical skills, together with conceptual understanding. Direct visual decision-making (responding directly to the eye). Compose and structure a work using color, with primary consideration to space, three-dimensional form and volume, illumination and atmosphere. Discern and account for observed relationships of hue and value, temperature and quality of light, etc. Making many paintings (as a means to achieving greater fluency, independence and confidence in visual decision-making).

Attendance: Attendance is required. No make-up possible. Sign attendance sheet for each class. Sign and date all work (on back of painting). Final grade drops 1 grade with 2 absences. 3 absences = 2 grade drop, etc. Arriving late and/or leaving early is noted and can affect the final course grade. Expect to work in-class the entire allotted studio-time each week.

Evaluation: Portfolio of course work to be maintained in good condition. Work will be discussed/critiqued regularly throughout the semester. Individual/small group portfolio review may occur at mid-semester. A final portfolio review will occur at the end of the semester. Course grade to be determined by quantity and quality of class work (level/quality of form-making, discernment & use of color, follow-through, consistency in application of discussed techniques), as well as participation in discussion and critiques.

Text: None required. Slides/reproductions to be presented as needed. Use of the library encouraged. Some books may be placed on reserve for reference.

SUPPLIES: ( up )

Panels: Melamine "coated" wood panels, 1/4" or 1/8" thick, 2' x 2'

Paper: -watercolor paper, 18 x 24" pad (140 lb.) (Strathmore 400 Series) (block not suggested)
-white drawing paper, 18 x 24" (for quick studies) in addition to paper (in rolls) at ASL available for use)

Paint: paint tints, ("Tints-All" brand or equiv.) tubes and watercolor paints, (7.5 or 21 ml. Tubes)
basic primaries: yellow(s), red(s), blue(s), supplemented with other colors.

• yellow (cadmium)
• red (cadmium]
• blue (ultramarine and phthalo)
• alizarin crimson
• white (permanent/titanium, Chinese)
• black (ivory)
• burnt sienna
• green (phthalo or viridian)
• orange (cadmium)