ART 181: Intermediate Clay Sculpture

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Winter 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 108
Lecture Hours : 36
Lab Hours: 72
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 72
Prerequisite: ART 180.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

Intermediate clay sculpture classes will include modeling techniques, application of color, clay sculpting methods and sculpture concepts. Students may work with human models, animals, birds and other topics with emphasis on composition and craftsmanship. Material fee. 36 lecture hours, 72 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Use clay and art terminology consistent with ceramic construction practices
  • Demonstrate principles and elements of composition and craftsmanship in their clay work
  • Recognize the various consistencies of clay and demonstrate hand forming techniques

Major Course Content

Lecture - Through Use of Slides and Demonstrations

  1. Ceramic vocabulary (review)
  2. Art vocabulary (review)
  3. Clay introduction (review of composition)
  4. Unity in composition
    1. basic principle
    2. terms
    3. symmetry and asymmetry
    4. balance and harmony of masses
    5. traditional types of composition
  5. Diversity of composition
    1. echoes
    2. contrast
    3. drama
    4. originality
    5. center of interest
    6. rhythm
  6. Color on fired clay (review)
    1. trying new
    2. improving used
  7. Sealing color on fired clay (review)
    1. trying new
    2. improving used
  8. Proportions of the human figure (review)
  9. Proportions of the human head (review)
  10. Draping the human head and human figure (review)
  11. Selected topics (two per semester)
    1. proportions of an animal
    2. proportions of a bird

Lab Content

  1. Clay
    1. rolling slabs
    2. tiles
    3. stamps
  2. Hand built
  3. Coiling
    1. historical methods
    2. contemporary approaches
    3. interpretive
  4. Additive
  5. Subtractive
    1. human live model
    2. animal
    3. architectural
    4. plant
  6. Color on fired clay
  7. Historical methods
  8. Contemporary approaches
  9. Notebook

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Clay and Glazes for the Potter, a practical approach, Ceramics Monthly, Clay Art and Perception

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Written Critique of gallery shows, to be a minimum of 2 pages, artist report.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Visit an art gallery, and or museum such as the Getty Center, and write a review on one piece of pottery or sculpture and or review and do a written critique of a single room or "period" of art from that museum or gallery

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab