ART 115: Figure Drawing I

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 108
Lecture Hours : 36
Lab Hours: 72
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 72
Strongly Recommended: ART 111, ENGL 101.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

An introduction to the structural understanding of the human form, based on study of the figure in history, theory, and aesthetics and its practical application to drawing from live model. 36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Analyze and draw the human form in a convincing, expressive, and analytical manner.
  • Demonstrate the ability to analyze proportions and creatively apply those principles to student's own drawing.
  • Draw the human form with a synthesis of technique and creative expression.
  • Analyze and express the human form in various drawing media.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic structural and gestural expression of the human figure.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of history, theory, and aesthetics as applied to the figure.
  • Demonstrate ability to analyze aesthetic compositions using the figure.

Major Course Content

  1. Study of the Theory of Drawing - Visualizing and Memory in the Creative Process
  2. Value and the Figure in Positive Space and Negative Space and Their Expressive Implications
  3. Contour and Gesture Drawings Both as Tools and Forms of Expression
  4. Introduction to Proportion and Volume of the Human Form and its Expression
  5. Linear Perspective, Analysis of Figure in Space, Including the Spatial Relationship to the Composition and the Idea Expressed
  6. Analytical Studies and application of Human Anatomy for drawing the Living Figure
  7. Analysis of Small Forms Within the Figure
  8. Compositional Studies Based in Historical, Theoretical, and Aesthetic Research of Figurative Art

Lab Content

  1. Drawing Media
    1. Dry Media
    2. Wet Media
  2. Line
  3. Positive/Negative Space
  4. Value
  5. Light Logic
  6. Proportion
  7. Volume/Form
  8. Linear Perspective
  9. Spacial Relationships
  10. Composition
  11. Small Form Analysis
  12. Anatomy for the Artist

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Instructor supplied handouts

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

2-3 page Museum paper- a formal visual analysis of 3 figurative works from the museum.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Students will be required to complete the following types of assignments outside of the regular class time:
Complete sketchbook drawings from observation Draw skeletal and muscular studies of the figure Set direct lighting on face, hands and feet and draw Compile all drawings into a portfolio Finish incomplete drawings Research and prepare for artist presentation or Formal Visual Analysis paper Practice skills with given media Read required materials Write critical responses to drawings Observe activities related to course content, such as museums and galleries Participate in activities related to course content Visit art galleries and museums

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab