Shirley E. Scheier
Studio-based class introducing students, through particular studio practice of individual instructors, to methods of visual awareness, principles of organization, and approaches to visual and conceptual observation. Relationship between art history and contemporary art practice. Artistic medium in each class varies with instructor expertise.
Students will learn the fundamentals of composition, conveying visual ideas, and basic relief (linocut/woodcut) printmaking technique. Relief Printmaking is one of the four traditional methods of printmaking, in which the image is printed from the raised surface of wood or linoleum, and the unprinted areas have been cut away.
Student learning goals
An outline for step-by-step process translating an idea to visual form to an edition of linocut prints Value of collegiality in development of individuals’ art work
Visual thinking through a process of revision
Use of the picture plane to convey a concept
Use of compositional black and white elements of line, texture, shape in conveying idea
Use of a figure/ground space and understanding of equivocal space in conveying idea
Understanding the value of craftsmanship
General method of instruction
Lectures will provide a visual starting point for the assignments. Relief prints will be visually analysis in terms of composition, line quality, equivocal space, and other aspects of visual structure. Each student will be given a photocopy visual reference for use in developing their own imagery in terms of composition, edges of shapes, cutting technique, texture, line. Students must be prepare to carry out the majority of their work in Print Workshop Room 201
This is an entry-level course. Students should have an avid interest in the arts. Students must be able to spend 8 hours per week outside of the 2 weekly class periods to carry out homework assignments. No previous experience with drawing or printmaking is expected of the student.
Class assignments and grading
Materials and methods for the students' individual final portfolio: drawing, collage, works-on-paper, linocut, and hand printing.
Grading: Grading occurs throughout the quarter in response to your ability to transfer basic introductory drawing and visual structure into relief printmaking, participation in group and individual discussions, quality of completed prints, progress with compositional issues and cutting technique, experimentation using the working proof / collage methods, craftsmanship and skill, and incorporation of suggestions into your work. Students have the opportunity to meet in group critiques and individual meetings with the professor throughout the quarter.