Advanced Painting, PNTG:4100:0001
The University of Iowa
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Spring 2026
Course meeting time and place Monday/Wednesday in ABW, 1:30P - 3:20 pm
School of Art, Art History, and Design
https://art.uiowa.edu/
Instructor: Assistant Professor Suzanne Wright
Phone: 319-335-1371
Email: Suzanne-wright@uiowa.edu
Office location: Visual Arts Building E342 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 Painting is an upper-level studio course designed for students with prior coursework in painting who are prepared to pursue sustained, self-directed investigation. Emphasis is placed on the development of a cohesive body of work through advanced exploration of materials, scale, process, and conceptual intent. Students refine their individual visual language through rigorous studio production, research, group critique, and individual instruction. The course encourages critical engagement with historical and contemporary painting practices while situating students’ work within broader cultural, theoretical, and professional contexts.
Regular critiques, readings, and presentations support the articulation of ideas and processes. Students are expected to demonstrate increasing independence, technical proficiency, and conceptual clarity.
Advanced Painting serves as a critical bridge between intermediate studio coursework and capstone or post-baccalaureate work in painting. At this stage, students are expected to move beyond skill acquisition toward research-driven practice, where material decisions, imagery, and process are aligned with conceptual inquiry. The course supports students in developing a sustained studio practice that reflects both technical mastery and intellectual engagement.
Within the context of the University of Iowa School of Art, Art History, and Design, Advanced Painting plays an essential role in preparing BFA and BA students for professional practice, graduate study, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The course emphasizes critical dialogue, peer learning, and reflective practice, reinforcing the School’s commitment to research, experimentation, and contemporary relevance. By fostering independence, critical thinking, and material fluency, Advanced Painting equips students with the tools necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of contemporary art. Advanced Painting serves as a critical bridge between intermediate studio coursework and capstone or post-baccalaureate work in painting. At this stage, students are expected to move beyond skill acquisition toward research-driven practice, where material decisions, imagery, and process are aligned with conceptual inquiry. The course supports students in developing a sustained studio practice that reflects both technical mastery and intellectual engagement.
Learning Outcomes
• Practice critical reasoning & problem-solving by creating and critiquing works of fine art in painting (Analysis, Critical Reasoning, & Problem-Solving).
• Apply knowledge and experience to complex aesthetic problems (Analysis, Critical Reasoning, & Problem-Solving).
• Use imagination to discover and generate novel artistic ideas and products (Inquiry, Discovery, & Creativity).
• Formulate specific questions, and design appropriate methods and media to address those questions in works of fine art (Inquiry, Discovery, & Creativity).
• Generate a final product that demonstrates understanding of aesthetic and intellectual sources (Inquiry, Discovery, & Creativity).
• Use their knowledge of aesthetic principles to create and critique works of fine art (Aesthetic Appreciation).
Additionally to successfully complete this course the students will be expected to:
• Demonstrate skill in various oil painting techniques.
• Demonstrate the use of contour, gesture and values (tones), and hues in painting.
• Explore and discuss principles of composition
• Describe the aesthetics and techniques of old masters, contemporary masters of painting, and student work.
• Demonstrate a more sensitive and enlarged personal vision.
• Explore the possibilities of a unique style in painting.
• Demonstrate the use of perspective in still life, figure and landscape.
Paint the figure using contour, gesture in painting techniques
Textbooks/Materials
There are no required textbooks, however there is an ongoing
Recommended TEXTS:Posted to icon throughout the semester:
From this List:
Invisible Dragon by Dave Hickey
aZ lump or two - Helen Molesworth
Selection from Russell Ferguson, The Undiscovered Country
Gerrit Vermeiren, "Noise," Luc Tuymans: I don't get it
Simon Schama, "Interview with Jenny Saville," Jenny Saville
Marcia B. Hall, "Lisa Yuskavage's Painterly Paradoxes," Lisa Yuskavage
"Cecily Brown in Conversation with Lari Pittman," Cecily Brown
Bruce Hainley, "An Interview with Richard Hawkins, simultaneously"
Peter Galassi, Before Photography: Painting and the Invention of Photography
Selection from Gerhard Richter, The Daily Practice of Painting
Alison M. Gingeras, "Interview with John Currin," Dear Painter
Tamara Jenkins, "Holy Innocents," Lisa Yuskavage: Small Paintings 1993 - 2004, pp. 13-23
Chromophobia by David Batchelor
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
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.)
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.
Course Grades
Example: Advanced Painting Studio — Expected Workload
*please note we will work together one-on -one at the beginning of the semester to discuss your present day practice and any upcoming BFA /MFA reviews etc.
Students enrolled in an advanced painting course are expected to maintain a rigorous, self-directed studio practice that reflects sustained inquiry, technical proficiency, and conceptual development. The workload is structured to mirror professional studio expectations and to support the production of a cohesive body of work over the course of the semester.
Studio Production
Students are expected to produce a minimum of 4–12 resolved paintings over the semester, with additional studies, experiments, and preparatory works completed as part of the research process. Works should demonstrate increasing ambition in scale, material complexity, and conceptual depth. Students are encouraged to work in series and to revise or rework paintings in response to critique.
Studio Hours
In addition to scheduled class meetings, students should dedicate 12–18 hours per week to independent studio work. This time includes painting, surface preparation, material testing, documentation, and reflective writing. Consistent studio presence is essential for maintaining momentum and depth of investigation.
Research and Visual Investigation
Students are expected to engage in ongoing research that informs their studio practice. This may include studying historical and contemporary painters, visiting exhibitions, reading theoretical or critical texts, and maintaining a visual research archive. Research findings should be evident in both the work produced and students’ ability to articulate context during critiques.
Critique and Participation
Active participation in group and individual critiques is required. Students must present work-in-progress regularly, articulate artistic intent, and respond thoughtfully to feedback. Peer critique is considered a central component of the learning process and contributes significantly to studio development.
Writing and Reflection
Students will complete 2–3 short written reflections (1–3 pages each) addressing process, conceptual development, and critical influences, as well as a final artist statement contextualizing their body of work. Writing is treated as an extension of studio research rather than a separate academic task.
Professional Practice Components
Advanced students are expected to document their work professionally, participate in portfolio reviews or mock studio visits, and engage in discussions related to exhibition practices, funding opportunities, and post-graduate pathways. Attendance at lectures, visiting artist talks, and exhibitions is strongly encouraged and may be required.
Final Review
The semester culminates in a comprehensive final critique or review, during which students present a cohesive body of work demonstrating growth, risk-taking, and conceptual clarity. Evaluation emphasizes process, consistency, responsiveness to critique, and the ability to situate one’s work within a broader artistic and cultural context.
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.
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 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, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING NOTES AND RELEVANT INFORMATION.
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
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.
PLEASE CONSIDER: 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:
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.
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. The exception to this is during studio/work time, and you are listening to music or (whatever).
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.
Class Recordings
https://provost.uiowa.edu/student-course-policies
For all courses: 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 : N/A
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 2 class periods.
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 and Exams
Course Title is
Advanced Painting
Prerequisites: PNTG:2420
Start and end times: 1:30P - 3:20P MW 319 ABW
Instructors: Suzanne Wright (Primary Instructor)
Calendar of 2026 spring Iowa
Jan. 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, no classes, offices closed
Jan. 20 Opening of classes
March 15-22 Spring break
March 23 Classes resume
May 8 Close of classes
May 11-15 Final examination week
May 14-17 Commencement ceremonies**
Week to Week: a more detailed version will be posted to our ICON advanced Painting Sight and will vary depending on your level and what you may need during this semester.
Monday and Wednesday meetings
Week 1 - Jan 20 Opening of classes Wednesday Jan.21- 1st meeting of Advanced Painting
Week 2 - 26th &28th
Week 3 - Feb 2nd & 4th
Week 4 - 9th & 11th
Week 5 - 16th & 18th
Week 6 - 23rd & 25th
Week 7 - March 2nd & 4th
Week 8 - 9th & 11th
Week 9 - 16th & 18th March 15-22 Spring break
Week 10 - 23rd & 25th
Week 11 - 30th & April 1st
Week 12 - 6th & 8th
Week 13 - 13th & 15th
Week 14 - 20th & 22nd
Week 15 - 27th & 29th
Week 16 - 4th & 6th FINAL Critiques
Notes on Assignments/works in class Spring 2026
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.
Details about specific assignments: A detailed list of potential assignments, larger projects, conceptual prompts will be provided by me in detail, through-out the semester on ICON, they will be provided in a separate document or documents or built into your ICON site.
Visiting artist lecture series: attending the visiting artist lectures will be obligatory for this advanced painting class, there will be a minimum of 2 lectures designated for Painting and Drawing in the spring 2026.
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.
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 and Well-Being
College can be both exciting and challenging, and your mental health is an important part of your overall success. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, or personal difficulties, you are not expected to manage these challenges alone. The University of Iowa provides confidential counseling and wellness resources to support students.
In this course, I aim to create a respectful and supportive learning environment. If circumstances arise that affect your ability to participate or meet course expectations, I encourage you to communicate early and seek support. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and your well-being matters as much as your academic and creative work.
UIOWA:
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.
Woodshop Use and Fees
The School of Art, Art History, and Design Woodshop 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.