ART 2600 - Painting I (3 credit hours)

Matthew Choberka (he/him)

Office phone: 626-7270

matthewchoberka@weber.edu

Kimball Visual Arts Center KA 309, T/R 3:00-5:45 PM

Office Hours:
Wednesdays September 6, 2:30-4:30, KA 326 or by Zoom.

Additional office hours by appointment. Please contact me by email to set up an alternate time.

"I take measurements so that the subject has a real link to the rectangle; it also gives me freedom to make a whole surface…I’m painting an idea not an ideal. Basically I’m trying to paint a structured painting full of controlled, and therefore potent, emotion."

Euan Uglow

"I'm always questioning, and that motivates me- this idea of trying to start over every time. That's what keeps painting interesting (and maybe a little bit scary) for me."

Laura Owens

“Painting what I experience, translating what I feel, is like a great liberation. But it is also work, self-examination, consciousness, criticism, struggle.”

Balthus

Course Overview

In this course we will introduce and explore formal and conceptual issues of painting, giving each student a foundation for ongoing investigation in the practices of contemporary art. Perceptual painting, or painting from observation, will be our starting point. We will, however, have the opportunity to explore imaginative and abstract approaches to our work as well. This course offers you a chance to dig deeply into the possibilities of painting and, as such, will require a high level of commitment from each student.

Core Themes and Learning Outcomes

The Department of Visual Art and Design's Learning Outcomes include several that are particularly applicable to this course, as we focus on the development of our understanding of painting processes, techniques, and concepts. These outcomes state that we can judge our success when, within the three categories outlined below, our students create works that demonstrate learning with these outcomes- whether they are Introduced (I), Developed (D), or Mastered (M). The outcomes highlighted in bold below are those specifically relevant to this course.

Creation/Innovation

Produce technically proficient visual work (I)
Utilize conceptual frameworks, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking skills in the making of visual media (I)
Demonstrate the ability to learn, adapt, and apply new techniques, tools, processes and ideas (I)

Analysis/Communication

Assess, analyze, and synthesize historical and contemporary information regarding visual art and design
Communicate effectively and ethically about visual media through written or oral means
Recognize and identify historically influential styles, movements, periods, theories, and practitioners of art and design in a global context

Professionalization/Collaboration

Implement contemporary professional practices in the field
Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively, ethically, and effectively with peers
Explain visual art and design as a profession, practice, and global community

It is important for me to state from the outset the most important themes of the class, and the goals I have for your development as painters at the conclusion of the course. There are many ways to understand the challenges of contemporary painting, and to consider how painting fits into the world of art more broadly, but

…put simply, the key objective of the course is for each of you to work toward a fuller understanding of the essential interplay of concept, form, and materiality that characterizes painting in its fullest realization.

Great painting is always strong on all three fronts. The concepts that are embodied in the work must be complex and pertinent to the contemporary world. The formal pictorial elements must work together with surprise, dynamism, and vitality. And the material qualities of the object must reflect the artist’s conscious choices, further strengthening the viewer’s experience in front of the work. If we each can broaden and deepen our understanding of painting, we will find it to be a form that still speaks with unique authority to human experience. Even at the introductory level, I will expect each of you to constantly examine your own decisions in your painting practice, and to be willing to make hard changes to push that practice further. Within the framework of concept, form, and object I have presented above, we will explore diverse ideas related to contemporary painting, including:

Introduction to terminology, materials, and techniques of oil painting

Basics of studio practice

Painting as metaphor

Introduction to painting the human figure

Relationship of value and color in painting

How color creates light

Full and limited palette painting

Working from observation, sources, and imagination

Painting in art history and contemporary art

Classes will consist of painting sessions, critique and discussion of student work, and image presentations for discussion and analysis. In-class painting sessions will be used to introduce longer-term paintings and independent studio work.

NOTE: The class schedule is subject to change. I will keep everyone informed as to our plans at least a few weeks in advance.

Evaluation

In order to maintain an atmosphere of dedication and rigor with regard to our study of painting, I will provide online feedback to you for each painting project, using a rubric that addresses the content, form, and object criteria discussed above. These marks will indicate my assessment of your work for the current project, taking into consideration your engagement with the goals of a given assignment, effective use of studio time, meaningful participation in discussions/critiques, preparedness in terms of required materials and assigned readings, and attendance. Through this periodic feedback, you will get a sense of how well expectations for the course are being met.

Attendance Policy

Since we will be discussing ideas from our readings throughout each class meeting, attendance of all meetings is very important. Students should be sure to contact peers in order to catch up on any missed material or assignments.

Every student receives three (3) "free absences." Use these absences wisely, as any absences over three (even for the best of reasons) will count against your final grade. In addition, you must arrive at class each session on time, and stay for the entire session. For every two late arrivals to or early departures from class (10 minutes or more), you will be assessed one absence. Arriving in class 30 minutes late will be considered an absence.

IMPORTANT: Students with 6 absences will not be able to pass the class. See me to discuss withdrawing/dropping the course.

Grading Policies

Please be aware that a minimum grade of C is necessary for any art major to receive credit for a course in the Department of Visual Arts toward his or her major. In other words, a grade of C- or below will not count as credit towards a degree in any art major.

Each student is responsible for completing all assignments and projects fully and on time, and will be graded on this basis. In general, you should be prepared to spend a minimum of 6 hours per week outside of class to complete the assigned paintings, and any assigned reading and writing. Your grade for the course will be determined by your full participation in all aspects of the course, including class discussions, critiques, reading/writing, and studio projects.

A Your work consistently embodies dedication and excellence.

B Your work meets and, occasionally, exceeds requirements on a consistent basis.

C Your work consistently meets minimum requirements of the course.

D Your work meets course requirements only occasionally.

E Your work consistently fails to meet requirements.

Grading Scale

A 93-100 C 73-76

A- 90-92 C- 70-72

B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69

B 83-86 D 63-66

B- 80-82 D- 60-62

C+ 77-79 E 0-59

Critiques/Discussion

Critiques are an essential part of the class, and offer us a chance to take stock of how the principles explored in class are being put into practice. Once again, the importance of participation for both your grade and the overall value of this class cannot be overestimated. Remember that, while the term itself implies criticism, it is much more valuable to discuss in precise terms how a painting is working, in relation to the principles of form and concept we are currently exploring, rather than to make vague value judgments.

Discussion of formal and conceptual ideas in painting will be a part of each and every class, whether in a structured or more casual setting. Keep looking at painting, in whatever form you can, and be ready to bring your observations and questions about what you see into the class discussion.

IMPORTANT: Our schedule, assignments, class materials, and evaluations will be posted through the Canvas system on the My Courses menu of your Student Services tab in eWeber. You must check this site regularly for discussions, announcements, and messages. I will announce class changes (i.e. cancellations) through Canvas, and it is each student’s responsibility to get current information. The class schedule will be based on our progress, and is subject to change. In general, I will keep everyone informed as to our plans at least a few weeks in advance.

Class policy in the event that unforeseen circumstances necessitate school closures

In the event of an extended campus closure, I will use Canvas to provide instruction utilizing that online course system. Information and resources will be provided each week and I will expect you to login to the system on a regular basis to keep up with coursework. Assignments will be provided through the online system with clear due dates and expectations. If you should need to communicate with me, please use Canvas email. If you are not familiar with the Canvas system, please sign up for orientation to the online learning system as soon as possible.

Materials

The Art Elements shop in our building has prepared oil-painting kits and a set of canvases for the class. If you choose to use an existing set of oil paints or to get materials from other sources, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have the full range of colors, tools, and surfaces found in the kit. The surfaces included in the kit will get us started, but you will need other surfaces later in the semester, and may have to replenish your supply of colors, solvents, and medium. We may also have a workshop and project to build your own stretched canvas.

Other required supplies:

Small metal or glass cans or jars, with lids, for medium and thinner (4)

Paper Towels

Soap for brush cleaning (Murphy’s Oil Soap works well)

Recommended- An old shirt, smock, or apron for painting sessions

Health and safety in the studio

The use of oil paints, solvents and mediums present several health and safety issues. It is important for all students to follow these rules:

Keep lids on solvent and medium containers when not in use, and store the containers in the solvent cabinet when leaving the studio for the day or for an extended period.

Use solvent disposal can to dispose of used solvents and medium. NEVER pour solvents or medium down the sink drains.

Dispose of all used paint rags in the air-tight can. Rags left out with solvent and medium create fumes, and can spontaneously combust.

Electronic devices in the studio

I will typically play music in the studio during painting sessions. If you prefer to listen to you own music during painting sessions, you may do so, but must keep devices at a volume that allows you to be aware when I am addressing the whole class, and to remove headphones so as to hear our conversation. Use of these devices, including for texting, email, and voice calls is not allowed in the studio or for any reason during critiques and discussions.

Student Code

All students are responsible for knowing and adhering to the Weber State University Student Code.

Visit (http://www.weber.edu/ppm/Policies/6-22_StudentCode.html) for more information about the Weber State University Student Code. Violations of academic ethics and honesty include, but are not limited to, the following types of academic misconduct:

Plagiarism, which is the unacknowledged (uncited) use of any other person’s or group’s ideas or work. This includes purchased or borrowed papers.

Please be aware that in this class cheating of any sort will result in a grade of zero on the assignment in question and may be grounds for failure of the course. Instances of academic misconduct will be documented in a memo and forwarded to the Dean of Students for their records. If you are in doubt regarding any aspect of these issues as they pertain to this course, please speak with me.

Harassment/Discrimination

Weber State University is committed to providing an environment free from harassment and other forms of discrimination based upon race, color, ethnic background, national origin, religion, creed, age, lack of American citizenship, disability, status of veteran of the Vietnam era, sexual orientation or preference or gender, including sexual/gender harassment. Such an environment is a necessary part of a healthy learning and working atmosphere because such discrimination undermines the sense of human dignity and sense of belonging of all people in the environment. Thus, students in this class should practice professional deportment, and avoid treating others in a manner that is demeaning or derisive in any respect. While diverse viewpoints and opinions are welcome in this class, in expressing them, we will practice the mutual deference so important in the world of work. Thus, while I encourage you to share your opinions, when appropriate, you will be expected to do so in a manner that is respectful towards others, even when you disagree with them.

Note Regarding Course Content

This course may deal with material that may conflict with your core beliefs. It is my judgment that this material is relevant to the discipline I am teaching and has a reasonable relationship to my pedagogical goals. If you do not feel you can continue in this course, please drop it within the designated time frame to do so without penalty. I am not willing to make alternative assignments to the material in the syllabus.

PP-M 6-22 outlines the procedure for students to follow:

Determine before the last day to drop courses without penalty, when course requirements conflict with the student’s core beliefs. If there is such a conflict, the student should consider dropping the class. A student who finds this solution impracticable may request a resolution from the instructor. This policy does not oblige the instructor to grant the request, except in those cases when a denial would be arbitrary and capricious or illegal. This request must be made to the instructor in writing and the student must deliver a copy of the request to the office of the department head. The student’s request must articulate the burden the requirement would place on the student’s beliefs.

University Policy: Any student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for Students with disabilities (SSD) in room 181 of the Student Service Center. SSD can also arrange to provide course materials (including syllabus) in alternative formats if necessary.

Counseling Center

Being in college can add a whole new set of challenges to balancing family, work, friendships, and other responsibilities. If you’re feeling overwhelmed,anxious or even just a little down, please take advantage of the FREE, confidential services at the counseling center. Contact them at 801-626-6406; Student Services 280; weber.edu/CounselingCenter.

Stay Informed

The department and the Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities (www.weber.edu/cah) want to ensure you stay updated on all of the events, announcements and opportunities in our college. In addition, you will have the opportunity to win prizes on Facebook and Twitter that you will not want to miss. As such, we encourage students to follow our college on the various social media platforms listed below.

Facebook.com/WSUartsandhumanities.com and Facebook.com/WSUDOVA

@WeberStateArts and @DOVAWEBER

Lindquist College of Arts and Humanities

Department of Visual Art & Design website: https://weber.edu/artanddesign