2-D Foundations

Fall 2015
Course # ARST 11100- 03
M/W 8:00- 10:45
Riley 301

Prof. Emily Beck

Contact: 303 Riley Hall/
ebeck1@nd.edu / 631-2977
Office Hours: 2:00-4:00
Monday or by appt.

Course Description and Objectives:

The fundamentals of two-dimensional design consist of the strategies and
tools an artist or designer uses to execute a composition on a flat picture plane.
In this course we will identify these design strategies, research the history of their
usage and recognize their contemporary applications (including their symbolic,
cultural and aesthetic influences). The objective is to understand the
advantages gained from these tools so that you may utilize them in our own art
not as a formula but as an aspect of your intuitive process. As artists and
designers, our intuition can be a tremendous ally, but conceiving of a strategy to
organize and execute our impulses can make a good work of art become great.
We will focus on the elements (space, line, value, texture, shape, form, color)
and principles (harmony, variety, balance, proportion, dominance, movement,
economy, unity) of design to understand how to make the most effective works
of art. The course will place a strong emphasis on understanding the power of
the art element- COLOR. We will learn what color is, theoretical approaches to
color interaction, how artist use it to control and engage the viewer, and how to
mix and master color in order to use it to full advantage in a composition. We will
explore drawing, painting, collage, mixed media and digital processes during
this course.
The objective of the course is that you demonstrate an advanced
understanding of the fundamentals of design through the creative application in
each of the compositions completed for the course. In addition, I will expect you
to identify and strengthen your individual art/design statement and to example
your statement both visually and verbally. Through class discussion and critique,
you will also strengthen your ability to think critically about your work and the
work of your peers, and be able to speak clearly and confidently using accurate
art terminology and vocabulary.

Learning Outcomes:
After completing this course, you will be able to:
Analyze works of art and design.
Enlarge and develop art vocabulary.
Learn fundamentals of form, composition, and color.
Recognize and discuss color properties (i.e., hue, value, intensity,
relationships, etc.) and the elements (space, line, value, texture, shape,
form, color) and principles (harmony, variety, balance, proportion,
dominance, movement, economy, unity) of design.

Demonstrate an understanding of how to explore and compose using the

elements and principles of design.
Demonstrate an understanding of how light, vision and the material world
affects color and the perception of color.
Evaluate the psychological, symbolic and cultural aspects of color and
design.
Develop a creative process and practice: generating, refining, and
implementing ideas as well as taking risks to push concepts.
Develop the ability to think creatively and critically to find the less obvious
and more effective solutions to problems of visual communication.
Understand the function of two-dimensional visual imagery historically,
contemporarily, and in your own practice as an artist/designer.

Reading/Writing Component:
Required Text:
Launching the Imagination, A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design, 5th edition,
Mary Stewart
ISBN: 9780073379302
**This textbook is used for both 2D and 3D foundations classes. If you plan on
taking both- dont sell the book back! If you plan on taking only 2D, you can
instead purchaseLaunching the Imagination, A Guide to Two-Dimensional Design, 5th edition, Mary
Stewart
ISBN: 9780077773434
Additionally, I will occasionally post readings and videos on Sakai that will
supplement the textbook. The posted readings will have a response prompt
which must be submitted to Sakai before class on the due date. We will discuss
the reading briefly in class that day.
You will also be required to attend two art events. The events are all
posted under the Calendar in Resources and Assignments tab on Sakai.
You will write a one-page reflection for each event and submit it to
Assignments tab on Sakai within 48 hours of the event. If you cannot attend
any of the posted events, come see me ASAP for an alternative assignment.

Class Supply Fee:

There is an $85 supply fee that should be paid in the art department main office306 Riley Hall. Make your check payable to ND Art Department. This is due two
weeks after the first class of the semester. This fee covers all of the materials that I
have provided for you.
**In addition to the supply fee, you may need to purchase the following:
Sketchbook, Pencil, eraser, scissors, canvas, collage materials, a supply caddy or
bag, fees for printing digital images, any additional materials specific to your
project ideas ($15-$50 additional dollars)

Sketchbook/Journal and Research Assignments:

I recommend that you use a sketchbook or journal for this course- you can
certainly use a sketchbook youve already started, or share with another course.
You could also make your own- or a use notebook or binder to store resources
for this course. For artists and designers- a sketchbook is a place to log ideas
(visual and written) as research for bigger projects. It can become a very
important part of your daily practice as an artist. This will be the place to keep
notes, thoughts, reflections, and vocabulary along side of sketches and
drawings. For each project, I will ask you to provide several thumbnail sketches
(small sketches that show multiple ideas or multiple versions of one idea), as well
as visual research of some sort, and written reflections of your creative process.
The contents of your sketchbook/notebook/journal will be graded throughout
the course.

Attendance:
Attending class is crucial to your success. Instruction, demonstrations,
critiques, observation of others and class discussions all work together to
strengthen your reception of this course. You are a valuable member of this class
and the presence of each member will help us reach the objectives of the class
together. You are allowed 2 unexcused absences for the semester. Each
absence beyond that will lower your grade by a letter grade. Three lates/early
departures will be equivalent to one absence. Critiques are required, posted and
graded. Absence on a critique day will result in a zero.
If you are unable to attend class due to properly authorized excused
absence (excused illness, school field trips, or excused sports-related activities)
you must submit the required documentation (official healthcare provider note
or school activity note) to me within one week after the excused absence.
Otherwise, the absence will be marked as unexcused.
No one may miss more than 6 classes for any reason. Over six absences results in
an automatic F, or the student must withdraw.

Grading:
65% Portfolio/Research/Written Reflections
10% Written Responses to homework prompts (including responses to readings
and videos)
15% Written Response to Art Events (3 total- including the Snite)
10% Participation in Critiques

For each assignment, I will be looking to see your understanding of the

objectives, your ability to think critically and creatively, and an outcome
that examples reflection, application, and perfect execution of your
resolution. All projects are due on the posted due date or critique date.
Late projects will be assessed at -10 point penalty, but will be accepted
up until the final day of classes.

Late homework will only be accepted one class day after the due date
with a -10 point penalty. After one class day, the homework will not be
accepted. Additionally, written responses will be dropped 10 points if it is
handed in after the due date and 20 points if it is handed in more than 1

week after the due date (I will accept written responses up until the last
day of class).
** Expect to spend between 2-6 hours per week outside of class on
homework assignments, completion of projects and research.

Grading Standards:

A = Excellent: 100-90
The objectives have been surpassed, and the solution is fully developed and
innovative beyond the requirements. Craftsmanship is exceptional and reflects
careful attention to detail and investment in presentation.
B = Good: 80-89
The objectives have been exceeded, and the solution may be unique and
unusual. Craftsmanship is clean and attention to detail is apparent.
C = Average: 70-79
The objectives have been solved, but the solution is obvious and lacking in
innovation. Craftsmanship is adequate but attention to detail is minimal.
D = Passing: 60-69
The objectives have been solved poorly, and the solution shows lack of
understanding of the problems presented. Craftsmanship is sloppy.
F = Failing: below 59
The objectives have been unaddressed, and the solution is incomplete.
Craftsmanship is ignored

Academic Honor Code:

The graded work you do in this class must be your own.

Students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the Universitys
Academic Code of Honor. This includes policies and procedures that govern
copyright and plagiarism in all aspects of this course. For more information:
http://honorcode.nd.edu/

CLASS SCHEDULE: (Schedule subject to changes or adjustments)

Week 1:
Wednesday- (8/26)
- Introduction to class, syllabus overview.
- Definitions of basic art terminology and the Elements of Art- Lecture and class
discussion.
- Introduction to first project- Manipulating the ELEMENTS of art (critique/due date 9/9)
Homework: Read the Introduction and Chapter One (Basic Elements) in Launching the
Imagination
Week 2:
Monday- (8/31)
- Research and work day- Manipulating the Elements
- Demo Day- pen and ink, collage, and acrylic paint
* * TUESDAY 9/1- LAST DAY TO CHANGE CLASSES
Wednesday- (9/2)
- Work Day- Manipulating the Elements- small group discussions
- Brief introduction to 2nd project
Homework- Read Chapter 2 (The Element of Color) and take and print 2 digital
photographs (specifications on project handout).

Week 3:
Monday- (9/7)
- Introduction to COLORs properties and theories. Lecture and class discussion.
- Full description of second project- COLOR transformations- using a digital photograph
that is transformed with selected and symbolic color schemes (due date/critique 9/28)
Wednesday- (9/9)
- Introduction to Critique techniques using first project- Manipulating the Elements.
- Demo Day- Color mixing, paint application and using Illustrators Image Trace
- Work Day- COLOR transformations.
Week 4:
Monday- (9/14)
- Work Day- Color transformations. - Introduction to homework assignment- Digital Color
Wheel (using digital photographs and Photoshop) due 10/12.
- Demo on digitizing the color wheel using Photoshop (for DIGITAL COLOR WHEEL
Homework).
Homework- Read Chapter 5 (Problem Seeking and Problem Solving). Begin
photographing color samples for digital color wheel (due 10/12)
Wednesday- (9/16)
- Work Day- Color Transformations (printing in the digital print lab)
- Question/Answer on Digital Color Wheel
Week 5:
Monday- (9/21)
- Work Day- Color Transformations (printing in the digital print lab)
Wednesday- (9/23)
- Introduction to the Principles of Two-Dimensional Design- Lecture and discussion.
- Introduction to third project- ILLUSTRATIONS of the PRINCIPLES using the ELEMENTS.
Focusing on one subject, concept or theme, filtered through the principles, using mixed
media, cut paper collage, or acrylic paint (due date/critique 10/12)
-Brainstorming and thumbnails for- Illustrations of the principles
Homework- Read Chapter 3 (principles of two-dimensional design)
- Digital Color Wheel
Week 6:
Monday- (9/28)
- Critique Day- Color Transformations
- Work Day- Illustrations of the principles
- Demo Day- Mixed media collage, Typography
Wednesday- (9/30)
-Work Day- Illustration of the principles- small group discussion
Homework- Read Chapter 7 (Developing Critical Thinking)
- Digital Color Wheel
Week 7:
Monday- (10/5)
-Work Day- Illustrating the principles
Wednesday- (10/7)
- Final work day- Illustrating the principles.
- Introduction to fourth project- MEMORY meets RESEARCH painting (due 11/16)
Homework- Read Chapter 8 (Constructing Meaning)
-Brainstorming and researching memory - Digital Color Wheel

Week 8:
Monday- (10/12)
- Critique Day- Illustrating the principles.
- Digital Color Wheels Due Today
- Brainstorming, researching and sketching for memory painting.
Wednesday- (10/14)
-Sharing of research/memories. Beginning to translate memories to images, elements
and compositions. Breaking the boundaries of clich and creating thumbnail paintings.
- Field Trip to the Snite Museum of Art.
Homework- Write one-page reflection from the visit to Snite (specifics on Sakai) and
submit response to Sakai by 10/28.
Week 9:
NO Class- Mid-Term Break
Week 10:
Monday- (10/26)
- Introduction to fifth project- Illusion of MOTION/Motion project. Using motion to unveil a
story of memory, time and space. You will create a 30 sec to 1 min moving image. We
will consider the Element and Principles with a strong emphasis on COLOR to construct
meaning or tell a story of your memory from project 4 (narrative or non-narrative)
through a moving image (due date/critique 11/30)
Wednesday- (10/28)
- Work day- MEMORY painting
- Work day- MOTION project- Brainstorming and storyboarding.
Homework- Watch 3 episodes of artist from the PBS series- ART 21, respond to prompts on
Sakai by 11/2. Storyboards for Motion project due 11/4.
*FRIDAY October 30- LAST DAY FOR COURSE DISCONTINUANCE
Week 11:
Monday- (11/2)
- Work day- MOTION project and MEMORY PAINTING
- Demo Day- introduction to Adobes PREMEIR and AFTER EFFECTS
Wednesday- (11/4)
- Work day- Motion project and Memory painting
- Storyboards and sample components due for Motion Project
Homework- Stop Motion/Motion Video Response (due 11/11)
Week 12:
Monday- (11/9)
- Work day- Motion project and Memory painting
- Scanning and/or photographing components
Wednesday- (11/11)
- Work day- Motion project and Memory paintings.
- Scanning and/or photographing components
- Small group critiques on paintings.
Homework- working on project 4 and 5
Week 13:
Monday- (11/16)
- Critique Day- Memory/Research paintings.

- Finishing touches on Animations- adding sound and credits.

Wednesday- (11/18)
- Work Day, Animations.
- Finishing touches on Animations- adding sound and credits.
Homework- Finishing Animations
Week 14:
Monday- (11/23)
- Introduction to final project- Reflection of ARTIST STATEMENT- Visual ECONOMY.
Making a composition that is reflective of your statement, and considers the elements
and principles to complete a unified composition. You will have two sources of inspiration
to guide you- a color source and composition source. The media is open to pen and ink,
acrylic paint, collage, mixed media, digital media, or photography, but must include
some element of color. (due on EXAM DAY 12/14)
- Last day for animation trouble-shooting, exporting final movies
Homework- Read article on Artist Statements and Interview of artist and read artist
statements from the posted websites (all on Sakai). Write and submit response as
specified on Sakai by 11/30.
Wednesday- (11/25)
NO CLASS- Thanksgiving break
Week 15:
Monday- (11/30)
- Critique Day- Stop Motion/Motion Animations.
- Work Day- Final Project, researching and brainstorming, meeting one-on-one
Wednesday- (12/2)
- Work Day- Final Project, researching and brainstorming
Homework- Begin draft of artist statement
Week 16:
Monday- (12/7)
- Work Day- Final Project
Wednesday- (12/9)
- Final Class Day- Work day for Final Project.
FINAL EXAM: MONDAY, December 14th 8:00-10:00 am
**Attendance is required for final exam as you will present and critique the final project
for a grade. Plan your travel accordingly.