This course will introduce students to a range of fundamental techniques and ideas related to drawing. Such an understanding of drawing will revolve around two key aspects of drawing and art making: The first aspect of drawing to be considered may be thought of as “thematic,” and will constitute a sampling of why and for what purposes drawings are created (eg.: representational drawings based upon observation, drawings for expressive and imaginative purposes, drawings for invoking memory, drawings for story-telling, etc.). The second aspects of drawing to be considered may be thought of as “formal” qualities. Such formal aspects of drawing include line, scale, tone, gesture, texture, etc. In practical terms it is often difficult to separate drawings or other artwork into such individual categories as these — more typically any single drawing will combine several of these formal qualities and may serve multiple purposes. As such, it is intended that students will, on the one hand, attain a working understanding of such a range of drawing qualities and purposes and will, on the other hand, create artworks where these ideas are considered together. With respect to the students’ artwork as well as its evaluation there will be a balance between such in-class activities as drawing from models and still-life set-ups; and projects that will be created out of class. Classes will be made up of working, “studio” sessions (with some classes potentially taking place outdoors) and discussion-based critiques.
- Teacher: Donald Lawrence