Section 3

Unit Title Visual Studies

Unit Code CVA102
Programme Foundation Degree (Arts) Computer Visualisation and Animation
Credits 10 Level 1 Unit Status Mandatory

Contact Time 60 Access to Resources 10 Independent Study 30

Life and observational drawing is a fundamental skill for an animator.

This unit focuses on the principles of drawing particularly as a tool
for analysing and describing the human form.

The ability to observe and describe, volume, form and motion by

sketching is vital to the development of an animator. Observation
and drawing of life provides students with an understanding of how
human movement can be represented in animation. Drawing
provides an immediate feedback loop between idea and realisation
and is an integral part of the creative process. It is not simply a
communication tool but is constantly used in the development of
Introduction
animation ideas.

In this unit, students explore the theory and practice necessary for
successful rendering of the human form through the discipline of
direct observation. The unit includes an exploration of basic
anatomy, and the drawing techniques used to express movement,
utilising the centre of gravity and weight distribution, foreshortening
and spatial relationships, silhouette drawing, as well as measured
drawing techniques. The unit has a particular focus on the
observation of movement and the representation of the dynamics of
movement.

Topics typically covered include:

• Life drawing;
• Principles of drawing – mark making and tools of the artist;
• Observational drawing technique;
Indicative • Construction;
Curriculum • Foreshortening and spatial relationships;
Outline
• Describing the human form – proportion and volume;
• Understanding anatomy of the human figure for drawing;
• Line variation and quality;
• Working within time constraints for pose to pose observation;
• Developing an individual drawing style.

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 Section 3

In order to pass this Level 1 unit, students must show that the
following learning outcomes have been achieved:

Knowledge and Understanding

1. Recognise how observation and drawing develops an

understanding of human movement; (LO1)
Unit Learning 2. Have a sound knowledge of observational drawing
Outcomes techniques. (LO2)

Skills

3. Observe and analyse the human form for the purposes of

representation; (LO3)
4. Use a variety of mark making techniques and media to
illustrate forms at rest and in motion. (LO4)

This unit will make use of the following:

Teaching and • Life drawing classes;

Learning • Critique, feedback and peer review will form part of each class
Strategies study;
• Self directed practice through the medium of the traditional
sketchbook.

Students are required to compile a specified number of drawings,

which will form a portfolio of drawing.

Formative Assessment
Students will receive written feedback on work in progress at the mid
point of the unit, giving them an indication of their performance in
relation to the learning outcomes before final unit submission.
Assessable
Summative Assessment
Elements
• A complementary portfolio of drawings comprised of work
produced through the life drawing classes.

Each assessed element will contribute to the final grade, in the

proportions shown in the following table:

Assessable Elements Percentage of Final Grade

Portfolio 100%

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 Section 3

By the end of this unit learners will be able to demonstrate:

• An understanding of human movement derived from

Assessment observation and sketching; (LO1, LO3)
Criteria • Evidence of sound observational drawing technique using a
range of techniques and media; (LO2, LO4)
• Competence in the illustration of forms at rest and in motion.
(LO1, LO4)

Smith, Mark, Edward. (1998) The Nude Figure: A visual reference

for the artist, Watson-Guptill Publications.

Constance, Diana. (2002) An Introduction to drawing the Nude:

Anatomy, Proportion, Balance, Movement, Light, Composition, David
and Charles.

Indicative Hogarth, Burne. (1996) Dynamic Figure Drawing, Watson-Guptill

Reading List Publications.

Fabry, Glenn. (2005) Muscles in Motion: Figure Drawing for the

Comic Book Artist, Watson-Guptill Publications.

www.awn.com (Animation World Network)

www.figuredrawing.com/learn.html

Faculty of Communication Media Definitive Document: 21 July 2006