ILLUS-2024

PAINTING I: COLOR PERCEPTION AND EXPRESSION

Faculty: Various

Course Level: Sophomore - major requirement

3 CREDITS

Students will gain an understanding of basic color characteristics and relationships through observational painting and color mixing exercises. Perceptual phenomena of space and light are directly connected with principles of color organization on the palette, color mixing procedures and adjustment of color interaction in compositions according to properties of hue, value and chromatic intensity. The associative properties of color rooted both in the natural world and in cultural precedent are explored in relation to expressive priorities. Students explore the physical properties of the medium, gaining sensitivity to qualities of volume and depth and the textural character of the artwork through artistic handling of paint. Painterly precedent from the history of art and contemporary practice will be studied for inspiration and technical insight.

The primary medium for the course is oil paint, and students will be introduced to the complex layering and manipulations the medium makes possible. Water-based media such as casein or gouache will play a supporting role as vehicles for color studies and exercises in abstract color theory.

The semester ends with an extended project allowing the combination of observed and invented elements and emphasizing compositional color adjustment in connection with the artist’s expressive priorities.

Capacity: 15

Registration Restriction: Restricted to Illustration sophomores, open to all pending seat availability permission of department/instructor. 

Registration by Illustration Department Coordinator, course not available via web registration.