DA 109 Art Fundamentals

School of Arts and Technology

DA 109 Art Fundamentals introduces students to the fundamental elements of art. Students are encouraged to improve their existing drawing skills and to experiment with new methods of expression. Students work with still life and the human form to explore line, texture, pattern, form, shape value, depth and composition. Human anatomy and proportion are also studied. Images from art history and advertising are analyzed to challenge students to see and create critically. Students are also acquainted with basic tools in Adobe Illustrator. Students will create completed artwork with both traditional media and Illustrator software.

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Yesbctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks15
Total Credits
Total Hours60
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture3
Lab (lab, field, computer)1

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Explain terms and concepts of art production
  2. Apply the fundamental concepts of art to drawings and illustrations
  3. Take creative risks, and experiment with materials and media
  4. Defend design choices
  5. Critique art projects and illustrations
  6. Create illustrations using Adobe Illustrator
  7. Produce a portfolio of original drawings and illustrations

Teaching and Learning Approach

Concepts covered during lecture and in group discussion will be explored further through hands-on learning in the drawing studio and computer lab. Completed artworks are analysed during in-class critique sessions. Significant opportunities for growth and learning are provided by in-class critiques. Therefore, all students are encouraged to actively participate in class discussion and critiques, and to provide thoughtful feedback to their peers in a productive and respectful manner.

Learning Resources

Required: None Recommended: None

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Line and the Picture Plane 2. Texture and Pattern Introduction to Illustrator – Setting up your workspace Adobe Illustrator - Using the pen tool - straight and curved lines, open and closed paths, editing, moving and filling shapes and changing the dynamic of a stroke 3. Form and Shape and the Figure Ground relationship 4. Value Adobe Illustrator - Creating custom Gradients 5. Depth (Part 1) Creating Radial and repeating patterns in Illustrator The Perspective Grid tool 6. Depth (Part II) 7. Composition 8. Proportion 9. Adobe Illustrator: Using layers. 10. Studio Day - work on Final Portfolio Projects 11. TBD 12. Portfolios Due Student showcase 13. Individual Critiques

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Quiz 1:15%
Quiz 2:15%
Short drawing exercises: (x4)2, 35%
Short Adobe Illustrator exercises (x4) Impersonal and Expressive Line â€" Drawing6 of5%
Hands2, 4, 5, 710%
Form and Shape â€" Matisse Cut out Project2, 4, 5, 710%
Illustrator Project â€" working with Layers2, 65%
Drawing using Value â€" Still Life2, 4, 5, 710%
Composition Drawing â€" Still Life2, 4, 5, 710%
Proportion â€" Skeletal Drawing2, 4, 5, 75%
Final Project: Portfolio of Images2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 730%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
  DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.