VISA 1201: Mark and Image
Note: This course is only available for registration to students residing in Canada
This studio course in art, with ten one-hour programs, is for anyone who wishes to explore a new approach to drawing and communication. It begins with the fundamentals of physical mark-making; visual literacy; and points, lines, and shapes. It goes on to look at the human form; at analysis and interpretation of objects, both manufactured and natural; at functional drawing for communicating information; and at advances in electronic technology. Each unit's program begins with a lecture/demonstration followed by a studio session featuring students working on the program theme. Each program concludes with an exhibition of students' work.
Learning outcomes
- Use a wide range of drawing tools, including pen and ink, pencil, charcoal, pastel, Conté, and paint.
- Use diverse techniques such as frottage, collage, and assemblage.
- Use the systematic research, experimentation and development method to create original drawings.
- Draw handmade and manufactured objects.
- Interpret natural forms in terms of structure, growth, change and relationships, in your drawings.
- Interpret the human figure in terms of the effects of light and action, and in relationship to particular contexts, in your drawings.
- Explain the visual language of marks and various communication systems.
- Describe various traditional and contemporary systems of perspective and projection.
- Discuss the contributions that selected artists have made to the development of contemporary art.
- Develop a personal visual language.
- Represent personal ideas and images of humanity in drawings.
Course topics
- Unit 1: Material and Action
- Unit 2: Point and Line
- Unit 3: Plane and Shape
- Unit 4: World of Objects
- Unit 5: Forms in Nature
- Unit 6: World of Information
- Unit 7: The Human Image: Figure
- Unit 8: The Human Image: Context
- Unit 9: Human Image: Concept
- Unit 10: Individual Directions
Required text and materials
Students will receive the following:
- VISA 1201 Art Supply Kit and Sketch Book
Students will receive a supply kit containing studio materials needed for the course.
Assessments
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory project.
| Assignment 1: Material and Action | 9% |
| Assignment 2: Point and Line | 9% |
| Assignment 3: Plane and Shape | 9% |
| Assignment 4: World of Objects | 9% |
| Assignment 5: Forms in Nature | 9% |
| Assignment 6: World of Information | 9% |
| Assignment 7: Human Image: Figure | 9% |
| Assignment 8: Human Image: Context | 9% |
| Assignment 9: Human Image: Concept | 9% |
| Assignment 10: Individual Directions | 9% |
| Mandatory Final Project: Notebook Documentation | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
