ILLUS-2028

PAINTING II: OBSERVATION AND IMAGINATION

Faculty: Various

Course Level: Sophomore - major requirement

3 CREDITS

This course will continue the study of color organization and use of the oil medium begun in the fall semester, with increased emphasis on compositional structure and adjustment. Assignments will feature imaginative or hybrid compositions, combining observed and invented components. Using principles of color, directional light and spatial structure to solidify atmospheric unity, we will explore the implication and construction of narrative. Work in class will solidify the student’s ability to evoke volume, space and light. We will examine the breadth of creative choice in color use to illuminate the expressive qualities of various options.

Students will study the role for color in directing the viewer’s navigation of a composite subject, or imbuing a simple image with depth and complexity. Color design is introduced as an abstract structure that underlies figurative imagery, providing an important expressive subtext. Quick compositional studies in gouache of a work in progress will be used to focus atmospheric and spatial effect. The historical development of color use in painting and cultural associations of style will be explored in slide lectures and experimentation.

A capstone assignment will tie the principles of color and composition to a large narrative painting combining diverse imagery from reference and imagination, and emphasizing clarity and subtlety of structure in service of personally determined content.

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.