ART-125A - Fundamentals of Drawing - Ashley Shellhause

Introduction

Welcome to Art 125-A, Fundamentals of drawing. In this course, we will learn how to draw objects and our surroundings accurately from observation.

Course Description

In the first half of class, we will focus on contour line drawings and various proportional techniques. We will also cover linear perspective. In the second half of the class, we will cover value and color.

What to Expect in this Course

You will be expected to be present for the full three hour class time each day we meeting. We will take a 20 minute break in the middle of class.

Plan to spend about three hours outside of class each week on your drawing assignments. For homework, there will be exercises completed in your sketchbooks, extended drawings done on 18" x 24" drawing paper, readings with written responses submitted through Canvas with in-class discussions, and two extended writing assignments.

Types of Assessments

The bulk of your grade will come from extended drawing assignments. Most of those will be homework assignments, but two of them will be done in class. We will critique those as a group in class, then you will submit photos through Canvas for grading. For each extended drawing assignment done as homework, you will submit a preview thumbnail for a grade.

There are four reading assignments to be done outside of class. You will read a short article and submit your reactions to the article in writing through Canvas. We will then discuss the articles in class.

There are two, two-page each writing assignments. One is an exhibition review. You will be required to go to a museum or gallery outside of class to view a work of art in person. You will then write a review on the piece and submit it through Canvas. The other writing assignment is an artist statement that you will write about your final extended drawing assignment.

We will have two written mid-term exams and one final. Both will be taken in person in class.

See the syllabus for a complete listing of anticipated assignments and point values.

Textbook Information

There is no textbook for this class.

Other Relevant Course Information

Here is a list of anticipated materials needed for the class. We will discuss in more detail on the first day of class. You will need the sketchbook, large drawing pad, pencils, and erasers the soonest. We will use the other supplies later in class. Your supplies do not need to be new. For example, if you have a partially used sketchbook that is at least 8.5" x 11", feel free to use it.

Drawing sketchbook - At least 8.5”x11”, 11”x14” recommended

6-10 various graphite pencils ranging from 2h – 6b (at least 2h, hb, b, 2b, 4b, 6b)

Black dual-point marker, fine and broad tip, such as Sharpie

Kneaded eraser

White plastic eraser

Smudge sticks

1” blue painter’s tape

Ruler or yardstick

Pad of white drawing paper 18”x24” (at least 70 lb, 50 pages)

Large portfolio (paper or other) at least 22”x30” to hold work (can be made rather than bought, but should be sturdy and keep work from bending and smudging)

Container to hold supplies (shoebox or other)

Colored Pencils 

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 02/06/2025 Sub#: 1902