ART 210 Visual Concepts I / 2D design
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Steve Bradley, Associate Professor of Visual Arts
Fall 2005, FA 114 , Office #219-C, t:# 5-2721

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Design is both a verb and a noun.” Paul Rand, 1993
OBJECTIVE
Two broad objectives will be covered. 1) Students will gain an intuitive working knowledge of how a 2-dimensional page can be visually stimulating, and effective toward a particular set of goals. Through the exclusive use of shape, form, texture, line, value and color, students will investigate the dynamics of abstract connotations in their compositions. Compositions will be explored through terms of objectivity, music, weight, unity, balance, asymmetry, emphasis, pattern, scale change, repetition and variety, texture, negative and positive space, light, and value. Students will become fluent in the vocabulary during group discussions of pr ojects, and will be able to analyze compositional goals throughout the field fine and applied arts. 2) Students will integrate these compositional issues within a color vocabulary. Students will be introduced to both additive and subtractive color understanding a distinction between hue, saturation and brightness. The color theories of Joseph Albers will be examined closely, as well as full color photographic corr ection. Finally, students will be intr oduced to the historical theories, including Bauhaus and Japanese art, which culminated into these foundation objectives. This hands on studio course will offer the beginning art student a thorough introduction to basic composition theory and application as applied to all the contemporary fine and applied arts including: graphic design, print, film/video, computer arts, painting, sculpture and architecture.
METHODS
The primary objectives of this course will be met through hands on experiences. Students will ‘draw’ through the use of an X-acto knife, and torn paper, photo copying, and compose with collage techniques. Color will be studied through both the use of the computer and collage materials (Color Aid paper and magazines). The class will critique each of the seven projects in or der to build an application of both terminology and intuitive understanding of the compositional objectives. Students will work in groups, be active participants in the discussions, and critiques. Lecture materials will cover compositional examples throughout the disciplines of fine and applied arts utilizing slides, the computer and video. A quiz on vocabulary may be given at the discretion of the Instr uctor.
GRADES AND REQUIREMENTS
There are 9 primary assignments that are equal to 8 points each /points 72 pts. total. The exercises (thumbnail drawings, showing up to class prepared including Participation and attendance , which will = 28 points. You will receive a letter grade that will have a # equivalence that when added up will be your final grade. A letter grade will be given on all collected or evaluated work from each student.

40%
32%
28%
Objectives (understanding of project objectives)
Craft, execution of projects / exercises and papers
Participation (including discussions, attendendence, prepared to work in class / visiting artists / lectures exhibitions)
A
Well above the expectations of the project. Outstanding participation, attendance, and mastery of project conceptual objectives, executed with excellent craft
B
Above average assignments with mastery of conceptual objectives, very good craft, good participation.
C
Average execution of assignments with adequite understanding of concepts, adequate craft, average participation.
D
Below the expectations of the course, poor grasp of conceptual objectives, poor craft and materials, little participation, in critiques.
F
Unsatisfactory work, failur e to grasp conceptual objectives, unsatisfactory craft and poor participation in critiques.











Work must be completed on time and in full satisfaction of each project goal. Approximately one third of studio class time is dedicated for students to work on their projects. For a three-credit course, six hours per week is required outside of class time. Some weeks will require more, some weeks will require less time outside of class. Project critiques are mandatory. Failure to complete a project on time will result in the loss of two full grades.
No exceptions. Failure to fully participate in project critiques will result in the failure of this course. On-time attendance is mandatory. Students may miss two class days without affecting their grade. Upon the third absence, their overall final grade is lowered one full letter grade. When a student is late to class, unprepared to work, or leaves class early a record will be kept. Upon the third time a student is late, unprepared, or leaves early, or any combination thereof, their overall final grade will lowered by one letter. Upon mid-semester, students may request their standing overall grade. A student’s attendance record may be requested at any time.
Office Hour
office hr: Tuesday 1:00-2:00 pm & by appointment
Besides my office hours Tuesday & Thur 1-2pm and by appointment. Please make use of these hours if you have any problems, special needs or if you simply wish to discuss your work with me outside class.

Note: Taking advantage of office hours is one of the best ways to optimize your education. This course outline is subject to change if necessary, at the discretion of the instructor. Please obtain and read a copy of the current Student Handbook, which contains the Student Code of Conduct.
Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services (Counseling and Advising Building, room 122) is committed to the elimination of discriminatory obstacles that place students at a disadvantage on the basis of disability. DSS is the designated office that obtains and files disability-related documentation, certifies eligibility for services, determines reasonable accommodations, develops with each student individualized plans for the provision of such accommodations and serves as a liaison between faculty and students regarding disability-related issues. If you receive services through DSS and require accommodations for this class, make and appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss your approved accommodation needs. Bring your Œcontact letter_ provided by DSS to our appointment. I will hold any information you share with me in strictest confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise. DSS will require appropriate documentation of disability.
Integrity clause
By enrolling in this course, each student assumes the responsibilities of an active participant in UMBC's scholarly community in which everyone's academic work and behavior are held to the highest standards of honesty. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty, and they are wrong. Academic misconduct could result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal. To read the full Student Academic Conduct Policy, consult the UMBC Student Handbook, the Faculty Handbook, or the UMBC Policies section of the UMBC Directory
Recommended Text
Design Basics, by David Lauer & Stephen Pentak, 5th Edition (earlier edition ok)
Alternative Recommended Text
A Design manual by Shirl Brainard, 3rd Edition (earlier edition ok)
REQUIRED Text
Contemporary Color, Theory and Use, Steven Bleicher, Thomson, Delmar Learning, UMBC Book store
PROJECT CRITIQUE DATES
Please note these dates are subject to change. TBA first of the semester FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE WEDS :: TBA soon
printable supply list >> here  
Most supplies are from Utrecht unless otherwise stated Utrecht/Mica
indicates most urgent materials to purchase
1 - Strathmore Drawing Pad Regular 18x24 (Item No: 36189) Reg Price: $10.49
2 - Canson Paper, Black (or Canford paper Black 1.54) 1.49/1.35
2 - Dreadnought Grey, (or Canson paper Steel Gray 1.49/1.35) 1.54
1 - Canson Paper, White (or Canford paper, Snow White, 1.54) 1.49/1.35
6-7 sheets- Crescent 110 Illustration Board 30x40 +, Cold Press, heavyweight,
(may be substituted wCrescent 310, must be heavyweight 2.19
1 - Combination Notebook/Sketchbook (must have no lines)
Push Pins, Gray, Aluminum, Black, White or Clear .79+
1 24‰ (or 30‰) T-Square 20.99-23.97/11.03
1- Black Sharpie Marker 1.15/.99
1 - 12(or larger) ‰ C-Thru triangle 4.99/3.60
1 - 30" ruler, Fairgate Aluminum Cork Back Ruler 30in
1- Alvin Cutting Mat Green 12x18 (Item No: 48670) Reg Price: $14.99 $11.29 or if you can purchase a larger one it is advisable, such as the
Alvin Cutting Mat Green 18x24 (Item No: 37333) Reg Price: $26.99
1- Compass (cheap toy ok) 1.05 (mica only)
3 - HB Pencils (any brand: Start, Sanford, Faber-Castell) .39-.99
1 - Staedler White Eraser .85
1 - Pencil Sharpener .49-3.49
1 - Excel Hobby Knife Knife, #1 1.49
1 - Artists Tape, 1‰ x 60 yards 5.29 // looks like masking but is better quality and is repositional
1 - Excel X-Acto Blades, 20pk, #11 10.10
Rollataq Adhesive System - Hand Applicator, Item#7530 -
Art Bin 9.99+
Burnishing Roller, Item#7535 lightimpressionsdirect.com 10.95
Acetate .003 thickness, roll: 20‰x12‚ utrecht.com 5.99
1 Elmers Glue, 4oz 1.49
• if possible purchase other glues to experiment with such as Rubber Cement. R.C. is toxic, look for other non-toxic options
1 - All purpose art brush or foam brush (for gluing)
1 - Portfolio, 23x31", Red Star w/out handle 6.31
w/handle (both need water proof bag)
or MICA Cardboard folio (needs water proofing) 8.49/1.79
or Vinal/Canvas Porfolio 26x28‰ 14.99
Color Aid Book 314 Colors 3x4.5, Item No: 38433 (Purchase through back /// order: utrecht.com) 29.99
2 Bainsville 80 Illustration Board, 22x28‰ must be heavyweight or double thick 5.89
Utrecht Colorwheel 9.25in, Item No: 51813 utrecht.com 4.99
lightimpressionsdirect.com 26.95
suggested: Utrecht Recycled Newsprint, 100 sheets / 9x12 2.49
Where to purhcase materials
SUPPLIERS DIRECTIONS
Utrecht Art Supplies
http://www.utrechtart.com/
229 West Chase Street, (near Howard St.)
Baltimore MD
410-727-7004
Take 695 to 95N Baltimore to Martin Luther King Blvd (MLK) after a couple of miles MLK branches to the right, on the right is a Rite Aide, go through Rite Aid and park on Chase St. Utrecht is across the street from Rite Aid on Chase St.
MICA Book and Art Supply Store
1200 Mt. Royal Ave. (intersection of Dolphin St.)
Baltimore MD, 21217
410.225.2276
Take 695 to 95N follow signs to Downtown Baltimore. Make a left on Charles St. Go through downtown and Mount Vernan (a couple of miles). Turn left on Mt. Royal Avenue. Go around the Curve, passed the Lyric and park.