Instructor
Assistant Professor Suzanne Wright
Phone 319-335-1371
Email : suzanne-wright@uiowa.edu
Office location
Visual Arts Building E142 VAB
Student drop-in hours
Monday and Wednesday’s 12:30 -2 (Both days)
Students are invited to drop by during these hours to discuss questions about the course material or concerns. I am also available by appointment if you are unable to attend my drop-in hours and may be available for zoom meetings.
Course Supervisor N/A
Division or Area Head
Suzanne Wright Email : suzanne-wright@uiowa.edu
Departmental Executive Officer (DEO): Professor Andrew Casto
Email: andrew-casto@uiowa.edu
Phone: 319-335-1376 Office location: 150 Art Building West
Student Complaints
Students with a complaint about a grade or a related matter should first discuss the situation with the instructor, then with the course supervisor (if there is one), then with the Area or Division Head, and finally with the Departmental Executive Officer (DEO) of SAAHD. Sometimes students will be referred to the Studio or Art History Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) or Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).
Undergraduate students should contact CLAS Undergraduate Programs for support when the matter is not resolved at the previous level. Graduate students should contact the CLAS Graduate Affairs Manager when additional support is needed.
Course’s College (Administrative Home)
For undergraduate courses
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the home of this course, and CLAS governs the add and drop deadlines, academic misconduct policies, and other undergraduate policies and procedures. Other UI colleges may have different policies.
For graduate courses
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the home of this course, and CLAS governs the policies and procedures for its courses. Graduate students, however, must adhere to the academic deadlines set by the Graduate College.
Drop Deadline for this Course
You may drop an individual course before the drop deadline; after this deadline you will need collegiate approval. You can look up the drop deadline for this course here. When you drop a course, a “W” will appear on your transcript. The mark of “W” is a neutral mark that does not affect your GPA. To discuss how dropping (or staying in) a course might affect your academic goals, please contact your Academic Advisor. Directions for adding or dropping a course and other registration changes can be found on the Registrar’s website. Undergraduate students can find policies on dropping CLAS courses here. Graduate students should adhere to the academic deadlines and policies set by the Graduate College.
UI Email
Students are responsible for all official correspondences sent to their UI email address (uiowa.edu) and must use this address for any communication with instructors or staff in the UI community. For the privacy and the protection of student records, UI faculty and staff can only correspond with UI email addresses.
Description of Course
"Advanced Concepts in Drawing: Towards an Independent Studio Practice" is a course open to all graduate students in any area of study and to undergraduate students who have taken "Concepts of Drawing”. Drawing has been called the distillation of an idea. Drawing sensibilities pervade all visual media yet drawing can be independent of all other media. How do we make our own drawing ventures resonant or challenging?
The course goal is to more deeply understand drawing through advanced-level self-paced experiences and investigations. Historical and contemporary drawing references and a full range of materials can be used. All forms of drawing can be explored. Focused critiques and independent studio production are the key components. The class will consist of cross –major conversations in small group critiques, peer-exchange critiques, larger group reviews and individual analysis. Drawings from this course may integrate or extend other areas of study, including thesis content and personal visual inquiries. The goal is to understand drawing in a multivalent way through paced experiences and investigations via short research projects, studies investigating content and ideas, articulation about drawing concerns and ideas in critique settings and presentations, and to make drawings with agency and primacy of their own.
Course Objectives: By the end of the class students will have an in depth and new understanding of how different combinations of medium’s allow for a new visual expression and also help develop a students own complex visual language. Overall students will be given many opportunities to question and discover new forms of modern and contemporary art with the use of painting, drawing and sculpture. Which will give them a better understanding of the variety and complexity in art and life.
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this class you be able to:
1. Identify and apply methods and strategies to aid the development and technical execution of independent work.
2. Integrate form, materials and content in work via experimentation, problem solving and invention.
3. Gather and integrate research and analysis to inform work.
4. Make presentations on specific artists that engage in some sort of hybrid art practice
5. Indicate intended and /or potential future directions for your work
6. Create and curate a group exhibition
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1.Demonstrate an intermediate skill level in the use of their chosen paint medium.
2.Analyze the formal and conceptual qualities of a work of contemporary painting using the vocabulary developed during the semester.
3.Use the acquired knowledge of technique, form, content, theory, criticism and modern and contemporary painting history to generate effective paintings and to analyze and discuss his or her own work and that of others in terms of technical proficiency, aesthetic qualities, and cultural meanings.
4. Critique and discuss his or her own work and that of others in terms of technical proficiency, aesthetic qualities and cultural context.
This course also has specific Studio Art Outcomes, which apply to students from any major. In this course students will,
• Investigate the unique power of works of fine art to represent and inspire human thoughts and actions by exploring and discussing principles of contemporary art.
• Organizing ideas into well-unified compositions
• Demonstrating skills in the execution of a successful projects/drawings, paintings
• Demonstrating a more sensitive and enlarged personal vision
• Explore the particular expressive potential of an artistic medium or media
Textbooks/Materials
There are no required textbooks, however there is an ongoing
Reading list: ONGOING
Noble, Guy. Drawing Masterclass: 100 Creative Techniques of Great Artists. Prestel. 2017.
Simblet, Sarah. Anatomy for the Artist. DK Pub. 2001.
Franck, Frederick. The Zen of Seeing: Seeing/Drawing as Meditation. Vintage Books. 1973.
Edwards, Betty. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Penguin. 2012.
Oehler, Sarah Kelly. Charles White: A Retrospective. Art Institute of Chicago. 2018.
Gilbert, Elizabeth T. Drawing Tools & Materials. Quarto.2019.
Lassnig, Maria. Works, Diaries & Writings. Koenig Books. 2015.
Rodari, Florian. Shadows of the Hand: The Drawings of Victor Hugo. Drawing Center. 1998.
Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. Penguin Books. 1972.
Kentridge, William. Six Drawing Lessons. Harvard. 2014
*The following is a list of potential Drawing materials: these are not required, but could be utilized this semester, I will be uploading to ICON, a more extensive material list that pertains to painting and sculpture
Materials & Supplies
BFK Heavy weight 18x24 paper, tape, black conte (HB, 2B, 6B),
“Staedtler Mars” Plastic Eraser (vinyl eraser), shami cloth, vine charcoal, white acrylic paint
4 sheets, 18x24 BFK Heavyweight Paper
Vine Charcoal, Conte, Pastel Black Charcoal, various color pencils, various 4H-6HB graphite pencils
Shami Cloth
Black Ink, Brushes for ink
Black and White Acrylic Paint, Acrylic Gesso
Color Ink, Color Conte (optional)
Cups and re-closeable jars for water and diluted ink
Miscellaneous found or used papers from previous classes
Small Set of Water- based paints and appropriate brushes (acrylic, watercolor, or gouache)
Sketchbook: 8.5 x 11”, 9x12”, or 11x14”, 100 pages or equivalent
Acrylic Matte Medium (used as glue, a transparent acrylic medium or glaze)
Computer aided assignments may be done on your computer or our lab computers. CD or Flash drive, and printed images may be necessary.
Exacto blade or scissors
Additional materials as needed for individual investigations
The required textbook(s) for this course are:NONE
Course ICON site
To access the course site, log into Iowa Courses Online (ICON) using your Hawk ID and password.
Grading System
undergraduate grading guidelines and procedures, see this page. For graduate grading guidelines see this page.
Final grades will be awarded based on the following ranges:
use and misuse of AI tools, https://teach.its.uiowa.edu/artificial-intelligence-tools-and-teaching
Grading System and the Use of +/-
A B C D F
A+ B+ C+ D+ F
A B C D
A- B- C- D-
Course Grades
Final course grades will be assessed based on your performance in the following activities:
30% Completion of assignments indicating application of knowledge gained in class.
How well does it complete the project requirements?
Does it demonstrate mastery of assignment goals?
Is there marked improvement of skills over the course of the semester?
30% Demonstration of effort, consideration, and commitment to projects
Does it demonstrate comprehension of the dynamics of good composition?
How significant were the visual risks that the artist took in the image? Was the work presented professionally, complete and clean?
30% Participation in class discussion and critiques, verbalization of ideas
-Was the student engaged in class critique and did he/she demonstrate verbal comprehension of the elements of art?
- Was the student able to verbally articulate ideas and formal choices within their artwork.
Expect a minimum of six-eight hours weekly outside class to complete projects. Art requires time, thought and attention to detail. Please plan ahead and do not rush projects. Follow directions and save all assignments until the end of the year.
Was the student engaged in class critique and did he/she demonstrate verbal comprehension of the elements of art and design?
10% FINALPROJECT
(No homework 3 weeks past the due date will be accepted.)
Attendance:
Because this is a studio class: Attendance will be crucial. Many of the techniques, theories, and class critiques are cumulative and require your presence and participation. You are permitted two unexcused absence without damage to your grade. More than two missed classes will lower your grade by a letter (so, from an A to an B), and missing four or more classes will put you at risk of failing the class.
Studio ART Grading Guidelines
A grade of A+ is a high honor grade and is reserved for truly excellent projects that leave little or no room for improvement. The work is conceptually complex, technically excellent and shows that the student is capable of original, independent, creative and critical thought. The formal decisions work to clearly and effectively enhance the conceptual components of the project. These projects serve as models for other students both creatively and technically.
A grade of A- a high honor grade given for excellent work that is substantial and has only a slight room for improvement in form, content or technique. The work is conceptually complex, technically excellent and shows that the student is capable of original, independent, creative and critical thought.
A grade of B+ is an honor grade given to work that is just shy of excellent. The work is complete and clearly focused, all technical areas have been grasped but the project requires some refinement in form, content or technique. If the project consists of more than one work all of the pieces need to be of a consistent technical and formal level.
A grade of B is an honor grade given when students’ work demonstrates a solid understanding of the assignment and is of considerable achievement. The work is technically and conceptually good, however, some area of the project has not been developed or exploited. The work shows great potential but could have been developed further either technically, conceptually or formally.
A grade of B- is given when students’ work demonstrates a solid understanding of the assignment and is essentially well done but areas of form, content and/or technique need to be more fully realized or examined.
A grade of C+ is an average grade given when students’ work demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of what is required by the assignment in terms of technical, formal and conceptual concerns. While the work satisfies the basic level of the assignment the formal and/or conceptual elements of the project are not very complex.
A grade of C is an average grade given when student’s work demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of what is required by the assignment in terms of technical, formal and conceptual concerns. While the work satisfies the basic level of the assignment the formal and/or conceptual elements of the project are not complex enough.
A grade of C- is given when the work is just acceptable. Significant development needs to occur in more than one of the areas of formal, technical or conceptual levels.
A grade of D+ is given when the work presented is below average and unsatisfactory in terms of solving the requirements of the assignment. The formal, conceptual and technical levels of the assignment are below expectations
A grade of D is given when the work presented shows little understanding or connection to the assignment or has serious technical flaws so that it calls into question the student’s comprehension of the process being used. The student has only minimally met only the most basic requirements of the assignment.
A grade of F is given when the work presented does not meet the basic requirements of the assignment.
Assignment due date /Re-doing Projects:
If you are unsatisfied with any project, you may rework it as many times as you desire. Only the highest grade earned on any single assignment will be recorded. This policy does not apply to any project that is turned in late.
Projects are expected to be DONE for critiques, and will be considered late if they are not. Please know that I am always interested in troubleshooting projects, for concepts, materials, and installation, so there is never a “Dumb” question. During the week, I will try my best to get back to young your inquiry as soon as I am able.
As advanced students you are required to attend both visiting artists lectures in Painting and Drawing. If you have a scheduling conflict, please discuss this issue with me and I will help you find an alternative lecture to attend.
INFORMATION=POWER
I will always provide a Detailed information about assignments, in ICON. This will include my expectations for what may be due. I will go over different projects in class and what may be expected etc. and then usually the following day upload that information into ICON. Please know that. You can always ask me questions via email or set up a zoom, or during class
Attendance and Accommodations
You can find CLAS guidance on absences
here.
Attendance:
Because this is a studio class: Attendance will be crucial. Many of the techniques, theories, and class critiques are cumulative and require your presence and participation. You are permitted two unexcused absence without damage to your grade. More than two missed classes will lower your grade by a letter (so, from an A to an B), and missing four or more classes will put you at risk of failing the class.
Please consider using the absence form in ICON under Student Tools. This will help especially if you are absent more than once or twice and if it is health related.
More info on absence:
Class attendance will be taken at the beginning of class. Lateness of more than 15 minutes or
early departure is considered an absence (and habitual lateness of under 20 minutes will also
affect your participation grade as every three times you are late counts as one absence).
Participation including attendance, is 15% of your final grade, and will be reduced according to
the structure below:
•85-90% attendance = “Participation” Grade can be no higher than a “B.”
•75-85% attendance = “Participation” Grade can be no higher than a “C.”
•70% or less attendance will result in failure of the course.
For EXCUSED absences due to emergency, illness, court appearance, death in the family, or in
order to observe a special religious holiday from affecting your attendance by emailing
documentation of your excused absence (such as a doctor’s note, or note from family) to the
instructor. Regardless if an absence is excused or unexcused, you MUST be in dialogue with
your instructor or a peer to keep pace with course content, and arrange for alternate
participation with any team or collaborative projects. Excused absences are updated twice a
semester, along with your Participation Grade.
Absence grading system: Three unexcused absences will lower your grade half of a letter (A > A-)
• Four unexcused absences will lower your grade one letter (A> B)
• Five unexcused absences will lower your grade two letters (A>C)
• Six unexcused absences will result in a final grade of “F.”
*Three tardies is equal to 1 absence. Arriving more than 10 minutes late to class counts as a tardy. Missing more than an hour of class is equivalent to an absence.
If you miss a class, you are responsible for getting all notes and relevant information. IF YOU MISS A CLASS IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET HOMEWORK FROM THE PROFESSOR OR ANOTHER STUDENTS AND NOT TO WAIT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING CLASS PERIOD TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU MISSED.
Absences from Class
https://provost.uiowa.edu/student-course-policies
University regulations require that students be allowed to make up examinations which have been missed due to illness, religious holy days, military service obligations, including service-related medical appointments, jury duty, or other unavoidable circumstances or other university-sponsored activities. Students should work with their instructors regarding making up other missed work, such as assignments, quizzes, and classroom attendance.
Absences for Religious Holy Days
https://provost.uiowa.edu/student-course-policies
The university is prepared to make reasonable accommodations for students whose religious holy days coincide with their classroom assignments, test schedules, and classroom attendance expectations. Students must notify their instructors in writing of any such religious holy day conflicts or absences within the first few days of the semester or session, and no later than the third week of the semester. If the conflict or absence will occur within the first three weeks of the semester, the student should notify the instructor as soon as possible. See Policy Manual 8.2 Absences for Religious Holy Days for additional information.
Absences for Military Service Obligations
https://provost.uiowa.edu/student-course-policies
Students absent from class or class-related requirements due to U.S. veteran or U.S. military service obligations (including military service–related medical appointments, military orders, and National Guard Service obligations) shall be excused without any grading adjustment or other penalty. Instructors shall make reasonable accommodations to allow students to make up, without penalty, tests and assignments they missed because of veteran or military service obligations. Reasonable accommodations may include making up missed work following the service obligation; completing work in advance; completing an equivalent assignment; or waiver of the assignment without penalty. In all instances, students bear the responsibility to communicate with their instructors about such veteran or military service obligations, to meet course expectations and requirements.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Having a disability is not a barrier to making phenomenal art: but we do need to know what you are
negotiating to properly support your process. If you have any limitations or documented learning
disabilities, please let us know immediately. This includes language limitations, physical illness,
limitations or disabilities, including invisible disabilities such as chronic disease, learning disabilities, head
injuries or diagnosed attention deficit disorders—we want to help make this class a positive experience
for you from the beginning.
https://provost.uiowa.edu/student-course-policies
The University is committed to providing an educational experience that is accessible to all students. If a student has a diagnosed disability or other disabling condition that may impact the student’s ability to complete the course requirements as stated in the syllabus, the student may seek accommodations through Student Disability Services (SDS). SDS is responsible for making Letters of Accommodation (LOA) available to the student. The student must provide an LOA to the instructor as early in the semester as possible, but requests not made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled activity for which an accommodation is sought may not be accommodated. The LOA will specify what reasonable course accommodations the student is eligible for and those the instructor should provide. Additional information can be found on the SDS website.
In my studio classroom I am committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment for all of my students. I encourage open communication about accommodations and disabilities, and invite any student who may need support to initiate a confidential conversation at any time. I recognize that all students have unique strengths and learning styles, and my goal is to ensure everyone has equitable access to succeed in this course.
In regards to accommodations, religious holidays and athletic obligations:
I would prefer our conversations to begin with an email. A conversation is needed about what constitutes a reasonable accommodation in each specific circumstance.
Other Expectations of Student Performance and technology.
Turn off cell phones and personal devices before entering the classroom. If you on your device during class time you will be marked absent. I understand life and circumstances happen, If for some reason you need to receive a text or phone call during our studio class, please let me know at the beginning of class.
I have expectations for your civil behavior in the class and there will be and consequences for any disturbances of the class. Students are not allowed to be on their phones during class time. If you are needing to make an important call or return a text, please discuss this with me before class begins. We all have the right to come to class and work with a distraction free learning environment please help and listen to each other, arriving prepared for class included in this.
Free Speech and Expression
https://provost.uiowa.edu/student-course-policies
The University of Iowa supports and upholds the First Amendment protection of freedom of speech and the principles of academic and artistic freedom. We are committed to open inquiry, vigorous debate, and creative expression inside and outside of the classroom. Visit the Free Speech at Iowa website for more information on the university’s policies on free speech and academic freedom.
Non-discrimination Statement
https://provost.uiowa.edu/student-course-policies
The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Senior Director, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, the University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1316, 319-335-0705, ui-ocrc@uiowa.edu. Although not required, students have the option to share their pronouns and chosen/preferred names in class and through MyUI. Instructors and advisors can find information about a student's chosen/preferred name in MyUI.
Classroom Expectations
https://provost.uiowa.edu/student-course-policies
Students are expected to comply with University policies regarding appropriate classroom behavior as outlined in the Code of Student Life. While students have the right to express themselves and participate freely in class, it is expected that students will behave with the same level of courtesy and respect in the virtual class setting (whether asynchronous or synchronous) as they would in an in-person classroom. Failure to follow behavior expectations as outlined in the Code of Student Life may be addressed by the instructor and may also result in discipline under the Code of Student Life policies governing E.5 Disruptive Behavior or E.6 Failure to Comply with University Directive.
The unauthorized video or audio recording of academic activities (e.g., lectures, course discussions, office hours, etc.) by a student is prohibited. Students with a reasonable accommodation for recording approved by Student Disability Services should notify each instructor and provide the Letter of Accommodation prior to using the accommodation. A student may record classroom activities with prior written permission from the instructor and notice to other students in the class that audio or video recording may occur. Any and all classroom recording must be for personal academic use only. The distribution, sharing, sale, or posting of recordings on the internet (including social media), in whole or in part, is prohibited and doing so may be a violation of the Code of Student Life and/or state or federal privacy, copyright, or other laws.
Academic Honesty and Misconduct
All students in CLAS courses are expected to abide by the college’s standards of academic honesty. Undergraduate academic misconduct must be reported by instructors to CLAS according to these procedures. Graduate academic misconduct must be reported to the Graduate College according to Section F of the Graduate College Manual.
The University of Iowa is a community of scholars which emphasizes the mutual responsibility of all members to seek knowledge honestly and in good faith. Students are responsible for doing their own work, and academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated anywhere in the university. Students themselves must do all work on their own projects. No designs done prior to the semester may be submitted.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
Standard AI policies in my college art studio classes
As AI technology continues to evolve, our professors at this University are developing specific policies for its use in art studios, aiming to harness its potential while safeguarding the authenticity of human creativity and promoting academic integrity.
Keep in mind this landscape is still evolving,
1. Emphasizing traditional skills and a personal voice
• AI should not replace the development of foundational art skills and the cultivation of an individual artistic style and voice.
• The primary focus remains on the student's unique creative journey, with AI serving as a tool to enhance that process.
2. Permitted AI use
• Using industry-standard tools within creative software (like Adobe Creative Cloud) that incorporate AI features for basic image manipulation is generally permitted.
• AI tools can be valuable for:
• Research and exploration.
• Brainstorming ideas and creating initial concepts.
• Generating visual references.
• Providing feedback and critiques.
3. Transparency and citation
• Students are required to disclose and cite any use of AI tools in their work, similar to citing other research or sources.This disclosure helps us maintain academic integrity and allows us as instructors to understand you, the student’s process.
• Citations might include details about the specific AI tool used, the prompts entered, and the extent to which AI contributed to the work.
4. Avoiding plagiarism and intellectual property issues
• Submitting AI-generated work as entirely original without proper attribution is considered a breach of academic integrity and will be treated as plagiarism.
• Students are asked to avoid using copyrighted material as training data for AI tools or for generating works in the style of existing artists without proper authorization or citation, according to the College for Creative Studies.
5. Penalty for know instances of academic misconduct: A Failing Grade: Receiving a zero on the specific assignment, test, or even failing the entire course where the misconduct occurred is a potential penalty. In some instances, a permanent notation reflecting academic dishonesty may be added to the transcript along with the failing grade.
Date and Time of the Final Exam:
There is not a Final Exam, but there will be a final project due and critiqued in week 16. You should
expect the final critiques to run over 1 or 2 class periods.
More info about Final Exams: The final examination date and time will be announced by the Registrar generally by the fifth week of classes, and it will be announced on the course ICON site once it is known. Do not plan your end of the semester travel plans until the final exam schedule is made public. It is your responsibility to know the date, time, and place of the final exam. According to the Registrar’s final exam policy, students have a maximum of two weeks after the announced final exam schedule to request a change if an exam conflict exists or if a student has more than two exams scheduled for the same day (see the policy here).
Calendar of Course Assignments:
Aug. 25 Opening of classes
Week to week a brief Calendar
Monday. And Wednesday schedule 10:30 am - 12:30
Week 1. Monday August 25th and Wednesday 27th
Week 2. Monday September 1st Holiday No classes and Wednesday 3rd
Week 3 Monday September 8th and Wednesday 10th
Week 4 Monday September 15th and Wednesday 17th
Week 5 Monday September 22nd and Wednesday 24th
Week 6 Monday September 29th and Wednesday October 1st
Week 7 Monday October 6th Wednesday October 8th
Week 8 Monday October 13th and Wednesday October, 15th
Week 9 Monday October 20th and Wednesday October 22nd
Week 10 Monday October 27th and Wednesday October, 29th
Week 11 Monday November 3rd and Wednesday 5th
Week 12 Monday November 10th and Wednesday 12th
Week 13 Monday November 17th and Wednesday 19th
Week 14 Monday November 24th and Wednesday 26th Nov. 23-Nov.
30 - Fall Break
Week 15 Monday December 1st and Wednesday 3rd
Week 16 Monday December 8th and Wednesday 10th FINAL CRITIQUES
Dec. 12 Close of classes
Dec. 15-19 Final examination week
List of Assignments/works in class Fall 2025
Reading assignments
These will be assigned throughout the semester, some in the form of PDF’s that will be sent to you will also be required to go to the library for the “Research as Practice” ongoing assignment
We will also establish a practice of sharing information, So it will be helpful to others when you think there is a show, a reading , and article for others to read during the semester.
Notes on the word Intention, Intentionality,
Intentionality is a philosophical concept and is defined by the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy as "the power of minds to be about, to represent, or to stand for, things, properties and states of affairs”. The term refers to the ability of the mind to form representations and should not be confused with intention. Intention is a mental state that represents a commitment to carrying out an action or actions in the future. Intention involves mental activities such as planning and forethought Artists' are among the primary data retrieved by art appreciators. However, artistic creation is not always deliberate; artists sometimes fail in their intentions; artists' achievements depend on art world roles, not only intentions; factors external to the artist contribute to artwork meaning; artworks stand apart from their creators; and interpretation need not be exclusively concerned with recovering intended meaning.
Course Objectives: By the end of the class students will have an in depth and new understanding of how different combinations of medium’s allow for a new visual expression and also help develop a students own complex visual language. Overall students will be given many opportunities to question and discover new forms of modern and contemporary art with the use of painting, drawing and sculpture. Which will give them a better understanding of the variety and complexity in art and life.
The following is a project overview, that said this syllabus s subject to change depending on the tenor and pace of our time together. *These projects are not necessarily in order
Project 1: Trust your eyes and your intuitions
Techniques and games to provide inspiration
Surrealism in art, poetry, and literature uses numerous techniques and games to provide inspiration. Many of these are said to free imagination by producing a creative process free of conscious control. The importance of the unconscious as a source of inspiration is central to the nature of surrealism.
Surrealist automatism exercises :
Automatic drawing
Automatic painting
Automatic writing
Automatic poetry
Exquisite corpse with objects and collage
The power of Value, line and trust.
A line is a mark made by a tool as it is pulled across a surface. Sometimes called the path of a moving point, a line is visible because its value contrasts with that of the surface on which it is drawn. There are several types of lines including, but not limited to: contour, Pure contour, modified contour, cross, gestural, varied line, decorative, calligraphic, hatched, dividing, and implied.
Or
Project 1
Take a Journey : finding accidental art
Daily Compositions
Collaboration
Project 2: object hacking
Hacking can be characterized as s reconfiguring something that already exists in a way that gives it a new meaning or role. This project will explore hacking as a strategy for innovation and investigate the concept of functional fixedness. You need to change at least one thing about the object.
Assignment: You are to take a trip to the Goodwill. While you are there, you are to buy an object to hack, try to keep it under $20.
Working collectively: If you would like to pool your resources so that can buy larger items such as furniture and “Hack” as a collective.
Project 3 Making a Drawing with a sculptural element
Some artists make drawings the conventional way—Pencil to paper—but experiment with subject matter. A hundred years ago, a debate about subject matter revolved around whether a drawing should be realistic or more abstract. This eventually led to nonobjective art with no recognizable subject matter.
Today artists choose freely among these approaches to imagery. Abstract and nonobjective drawing is seen in the work of some artists, but others have returned to a “realism” that resonates with our complex, media-saturated world. Others appropriate subjects and images from art history or the media to re-contextualize cultural images and thus address contemporary issues.
For artists working today, drawing has survived but has taken many forms and approaches. Contemporary artists continue to question their art and redefine the idea of a 2-dimentional practice.
Assignment:
Students will create drawing with a sculptural element, experimenting with different surfaces and simultaneously we will start to re-contextualize images and ideas, this will aid in the subject matter for this work of art. A sculptural drawing can give you a chance to think about drawing as a three-dimensional art form and also familiarize you with new art materials and processes.
Sculptural drawing: this could involve a number of options:
1) Drawing on a three-dimensional surface.
2) Students may choose existing objects to serve as a nontraditional canvas.
3) Create your own by carving designs into a sheet of foam or rubber.
4) Using paper, canvas or wood or any 2 dimensional surface add a 3 dimensional element
Project 4 : Research As Practice, a detailed PDF that outlines this process will be provided and a portfolio presentation is required.
RESEARCH COLLECTION: Research as Practice _ Ongoing assignment where each artist will present to us their individual findings in the later part of the semester.
1. Aesthetic Research : giving pleasure through beauty
2. Pragmatic Research : realistic research
3. Empirical Research: experiences rather than theory
4. Theoretical Research/
5. Personal Research/self analytical
6. Material and process
7. Other artists process and research collection
Individual presentations: What exactly ‘research’ does or can mean in the context of artistic practice.
Project 5. Hybrid Drawing
Hybridity could mean the blurring of traditional distinct boundaries between artistic media such as drawing, painting, sculpture, film, performance, architecture, and dance. It also can mean crossbreeding art making with other disciplines, such as natural and physical science, industry, technology, literature, popular culture, or philosophy. Hybrid art forms expand the possibilities for experimentation and innovation in contemporary art.
Project 6 Expand your Page :
Drawing that is vast in scale and has immeasurable detail: Micro / Macro Drawings
Working on a large scale pic can be both mentally and artistically liberating whether you use your whole body to apply your materials fast and furiously or you try your hand at painstakingly re-creating a photo photograph in pencil.There can be a techniques that tackle inhibiting thoughts and possibly making the drawing on site in multiple pieces of paper tape together.
Conversely draw small, drawing on a small scale is a challenge for many artists, it forces you to exercise greater control when applying pencil to paper this task is worth the effort because when you go back to work on a larger surface your mind will be more focused and you will see an improvement in your hand I coordination.
For Finals:
1. Presentation of your Final work in series
2. Bring in some past work for this class that may or not be related to the final. These works can be presented on a table or next to your final, but you view them as important to your process and or progress.
3. Ask yourself these questions, I/we would like to hear some of your answers to these questions.
Questions of reflection: In the beginning of the semester I asked you all to reflect on what you might want to achieve for yourself and your art practice this semester, did that happen? and or how did this change for you/your practice?
What are some significant accomplishments this semester? and or what did you accomplish this semester?
Any transformation from the beginning of the semester till the present?
Any regrets or re-do’s?
What do you want for yourself and your practice in the next few months?
in the next year?
Student Support Resources and Related Policies
Academic Support for this Course
Student drop-in hours
Monday and Wednesday’s 12:30 -2 (Both days)
Students are invited to drop by during these hours to discuss questions about the course material or concerns. I am also available by appointment if you are unable to attend my drop-in hours and may be available for zoom meetings.
Mental Health
Students are encouraged to be mindful of their mental health and seek help as a preventive measure or if feeling overwhelmed and/or struggling to meet course expectations. Students are encouraged to talk to their instructor for assistance with specific class-related concerns. For additional support and counseling, students are encouraged to contact University Counseling Service (UCS). Information about UCS, including resources and how to schedule an appointment, can be found at counseling.uiowa.edu. Find out more about UI mental health services at: mentalhealth.uiowa.edu.
Basic Needs and Student Support
https://provost.uiowa.edu/student-course-policies
It can be difficult to maintain focus and be present if you are experiencing challenges with meeting basic needs or navigating personal crisis situations. The Office of the Dean of Students can help. Contact us for one-on-one support, identifying options, and to locate and access basic needs resources (such as food, rent, childcare, etc.).
Student Care and Assistance
132 IMU
dos-assistance@uiowa.edu
319-335-1162
Basic Needs info:
· Basic Needs and Support Resources
Sexual Harassment/Sexual Misconduct and Supportive Measures
https://provost.uiowa.edu/student-course-policies
The University of Iowa prohibits all forms of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and related retaliation. The Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct governs actions by students, faculty, staff and visitors. Incidents of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct can be reported to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance or to the Department of Campus Safety. Students impacted by sexual harassment or sexual misconduct may be eligible for academic supportive measures and can learn more by contacting the Office of Civil Rights Compliance. Information about confidential resources and videos explaining these resources can be found on the Office of Civil Rights Compliance website.
Conflict Resolution
https://provost.uiowa.edu/student-course-policies
The Office of the Ombudsperson is a confidential, impartial, informal, and independent resource for any member of the university community with a problem or concern. The Office of the Ombudsperson offers a safe place to discuss conflicts or concerns. Students are encouraged to reach out for assistance. The office will brainstorm with students to help identify options, answer any questions, and provide referrals to other offices as appropriate. More information about the Office of the Ombudsperson, including how to schedule an appointment, can be found at ombudsperson.org.uiowa.edu.
School of Art, Art History, and Design addendum for those taking classes in Studio Art:
General Safety Training
If you are enrolled in a studio-based course in the SAAHD, you are required to read, understand and complete all ICON Safety and Orientation module(s) assigned to you on your icon dashboard. You have been automatically enrolled in this coursen and you can locate it on your list of icon courses. Additionally, the entire list of all program-based safety/orientation icon courses can be accessed via the SAAH home page, under “SAFETY” for your convenience.
Studio Model Policy and Guidelines
Drawing from the live nude model may be part of some drawing and painting courses and may include models of any gender identity. Sculpting from a live nude model could be part of a sculpture course and may include models of any gender identity. Instructors and students should demonstrate consideration for the model and behave professionally and with respect. This will include an instructor discussing the purpose of particular poses with the model, and the right of the model to choose to accept or reject a given assignment. It is not appropriate to touch the model or ask that models touch one another in a pose. All sheets used in any modeling session are to be put in the blue laundry box located in bag in each room. Only the faculty member and the students enrolled in the class are allowed in the studio classroom when the model is posing. The doors to classrooms using studio models should be kept closed, and signs posted on the door for privacy.
Wood shop Use and Fees
The School of Art, Art History, and Design Wood shop is a common use facility for any student enrolled in a studio art class. The wood shop has a $25 fee per semester. This fee goes towards the replacement of consumables and other shop related expenses. The students will be U-billed after they have received required safety training. This is required every semester.
2025 Fall Semester
Aug. 25 Opening of classes
Sept. 1 University holiday, no classes, offices closed
Nov. 23-Nov.30
Fall break (consult Dentistry and Medicine
collegiate offices for break dates)
Nov. 27-28 University holidays, offices closed
Dec. 1 Classes resume
Dec. 12 Close of classes
Dec. 15-19 Final examination week
Dec. 18-21 Commencement ceremonies*
Dec. 25 Federal holiday, offices closed
Dec. 25-26 University holidays, offices closed