Tom Monteith * Spring 2004, S 10-350, ASL 106
Office hours by appt. (use email), ASL 105
email: tmonteith@csus.edu

Prerequisite: ART 24 (Beginning Watercolor) or equivalent

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.

Some classes during the semester may be in-the-field. As such, the class will meet at a particular site to work "plein air". The field trip(s) may be out of town. Attendance is mandatory. Students will be expected to provide their own transportation on the field trip(s). Carpooling is suggested. All students must sign a release-from-liability form before going on any of the field trips. Safety issues to be discussed prior to the field trip(s). All expenses involved with the field trip(s) to be paid by the students.

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.š Some books may be placed on reserve for reference.

SUPPLIES: ( up )

Panels: Melamine "coated" wood panels, 1/4" thick, 2' x2'

• watercolor paper, 18 x 24" pad (130 lb.) (Strathmore 440) (block not suggested)
• white drawing paper suggested supplement (for quick studies) in addition to paper (in rolls) at ASL available for use)

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

• round, large #12 watercolor brush (can supplement w/ small #3/#4, med. #6/#8)
• flat, 1" and/or 1-1/2", and 2" brushes

Misc.: water container(s): plastic bucket, etc. (plastic jar with lid useful for outdoor work)

palette: the palette must be LARGE, FLAT unobstructed surface (plastic, plexiglas, metal, etc.; tray/sheet, pan, plate, etc., preferably white)
(may supplement with other palette forms)

sponges
paper towels/kleenex tissue and rags
**wear paint clothes

containers for tints
spray bottle
masking tape (small clips option for outdoor work)
portable container for supplies: backpack (useful for outdoor work), toolbox, etc.
pencils, 6B and reg. #2 or HB, & pencil sharpener, kneaded eraser
scissors
straight edge/metal ruler (to tear paper into smaller pieces)(optional)
painting board/support for outdoor work, etc.

gesso, 1 gal. + large housepainter's flat bristle brush & large container for mixing.

for stretching canvas: staple gun, staples (5/16"), canvas pliers, screwdriver, pliers, hammer, wood/hardware to construct stretchers, wood glue, sandpaper, canvas: unprimed cotton duck canvas, #12 (preferable) or #10

**other materials may be announced. Canvases may be required at some point in the semester (perhaps 3'x4' in size)--to be discussed. Use of the shop requires passing a safety test concerning use of power tools, etc.. Health and safety issues regarding materials will be discussed.