ARTS2301: Principles of Drawing

Abstract

As visual artists, drawing is not only an invaluable vehicle for our imaginations, but it lies directly at the core of the creative process; drawing is primarily about seeing, and the practice of drawing trains our eyes to find differences and distinctions in the world that will give our images authenticity, originality and visual interest. Working primarily in charcoal, graphite and pen, this course will concentrate on basic intuitive and perceptual drawing methods, as opposed to technical drawing skills, and will include exercises intended to test our definitions of what drawing is and what drawing can do. Emphasis will be placed on the enhancement of observational skills and the methods used to interpret objects and images from our 3-dimensional world onto the 2-dimensional plane, with special attention paid to mark-making, creating surface texture and atmospheric depth, gradation of value (chiaroscuro/use of light and dark), and fluctuation of line. Drawing is an endeavor that requires prolonged practice and substantial time each week of independent work is required.