STUDY PROGRAMME
Painting and Visual Arts

AFAM CODE
ABST47

DISCIPLINARY AREA
Painting techniques

DISCIPLINARY FIELD
Painting techniques

CREDITS
8

APPROACH
Theoretical / Project based

The study of artistic and pictorial techniques represents the grammar of Visual Arts, and allows to acquire all the technical skills and understanding needed to create all types of bi- or three-dimensional representations. Through the learning of technical procedures, the students will become aware of the nature of the materials used in fine arts, their use, and how to select them for specific needs. The course comprises both theoretical study and visual, tactile and olfactory familiarisation as well as manipulation, use and experimentation with different techniques.

The total credits for this course are 8, divided as follows:

• Painting Techniques: 4 CFA

• Engraving: 4 CFA

The Painting Techniques module, aimed at acquiring a comprehensive background in the artistic-pictorial techniques, has its goal in the understanding of artistic materials for what refers to their structure and application to the students’ creativity. The course also aims at providing technical-practical tools (through laboratory activities) as well as the essential knowledge (through theoretical lessons) to experiment with, choose and adopt the most suitable solutions to each student’s work and artistic expression, beside a practical and theoretical understanding of the materials and procedures that have been used from ancient times until today in the artistic world.

The Engraving module focuses on the understanding and experimentation with different engraving techniques: copper engraving (etching, aquatint, soft-ground etching, embossing, drypoint and mezzotint), xilography and linocut, and their related matrix printing techniques, to create artistic and/or graphic projects.

The Painting Techniques module focuses on artistic materials for what refers to their structure and application, in order to provide complete technical and artistic support to the students’ creativity. It consists in both theoretical study and in visual, tactile and olfactory familiarisation as well as manipulation, use and experimentation with different techniques.

As for the Engraving, the module includes the use of different media (metal, wood, linoleum, plexiglass, etc.), copper engraving techniques (drypoint, mezzotint, etching, acquatint, soft-ground etching, monotyping), xilography and linocut, as well as different procedures for the etching of the printing matrix (with multi-matrix and multi-colour printing on paper and textiles). Moreover, through the acquired knowledge and competences, the students will be guided through the creation of a final project (book, poster, etc.). During the course, a series of meetings with contemporary artists will be organized.

• Theoretical/project based classroom lectures

• Workshops

• Use of tutorials, videos or other media tools for detailed study

• Classroom debates and presentations

• Individual study and research

• Field trips (conferences, meetings, visits to exhibitions as organized by the professor or department)

Assessment is based on the overall competence of the students and may include:

• Oral exam

• Written exam

• Submission of papers, projects or research work

Further details on specific tests can be provided by the professor during the course. Assessment criteria include commitment, active participation and personal growth of the students over the course.

• Nicodemi G. B. Dizionario delle Tecniche Pittoriche Antiche e Moderne – Il Castello ed. Milano.

• Piva G. Manuale pratico di Tecnica Pittorica – Hoepli ed. Milano, 1980.

• Mattini – Moles La Chimica nel Restauro – Nardini ed. Firenze, 1989.

• Forti G. Antiche Ricette di Pittura Murale – Nuova Grafica Cierre ed. Verona, 1984.

• Ronchetti G. Pittura Murale – Cisalpino/Hoepli ed. Milano 1990.Clèrin .F Manuale di Scultura – Sovera Multimedia ed. Roma, 1995.

• Maltese C. I Supporti nelle Arti Pittoriche – Mursia ed. Milano, 1990.

• Cennini C. Il Libro dell’Arte – Neri Pozza ed. Vicenza 2003.

Further bibliographic recommendations may be provided by the professor during the course. A lot of the referenced material, together with other in-depth study material, can be consulted online in MyNaba, in the Library section.