Brief description

Module Title: Drawing 1: Analytical Matters
Developing strategies for Drawing

Academic Year: 2002/3

Co-ordinator: Paul Croft

Other Staff: Simon Pierse, Chris Webster, Judy Macklin, Jo Hounsome

Semester: 1

Course Delivery: Lectures: 2 Seminars: 3
Tutorials: 6hrs Practical Study: 66hrs

Assessment: Portfolio: 100%

Brief Description

The purpose of this module is to provide opportunities for developing methods of research and skills in drawing that build upon the foundation given in AR10120 Art Practice 1 and AR10220 Art Practice 2 completed at Level 1. The module thus represents a critical transition from a prescriptive mode of instruction underlying the study of Art in Part 1 to a more student orientated and self-directed mode of learning that is characteristic of all modules in Part 2.

The main focus of the module is therefore dependent upon initiating research into subject matter or a range of subject matter that is pertinent to the student’s interests and experience while at the same time developing appropriate technical competence in the medium. Students are encouraged to develop their own strategies for working and are expected to become self-reliant.

The module encourages students to challenge their own established mode and patterns of working – expanding the boundaries and definitions of what constitutes drawing by undertaking a programme of critical experimentation with the medium in relation to a defined problem or intent.

Students are required to discuss their work with the tutor and within the context of group seminars and should be capable of initiating independent research in to appropriate precedents, current practice and issues pertaining to their own practice. Students are asked to compile a logbook of information and material that is both pertinent to their self-directed study and also relevant to the practice of drawing. Consequently the module places equal emphasis upon conceptual issues as well as the technical aspects of drawing.

The module involves two separate components: The first being prescriptive requires the student to research and record a specific subject or concept using a variety of research techniques including sketches, analytical drawing, technical drawing, photography, collage, photocopy and writing to build up a body of resource material that may be used to develop work for the second component of the module. Being self-directed, the second component may be used to either develop further, work already initiated or alternatively a new subject or concept may be investigated.

Whilst this module is regarded as being independent, students are encouraged to make conceptual and technical connections with other modules that may be taken such as: AR20120 Painting 1, AR20230 Painting 2, AR20520 Printmaking 1, AR20630 Printmaking 2, AR20720 Photography 1 and AR20830 Photography 2.

Syllabus

The module is largely self-directed and students are advised that a minimum of six hours per week working in the studio will be required for each of the projects. Additional research and drawing should be completed within the student’s own time – either at the studio or at home.
The discipline of working in a studio space has a number of benefits. First it enables the tutor and other members of staff to talk with you about your work outside the allotted tutorial times. Secondly it creates a situation in which you can work alongside, encourage and discuss the work of your peers. Thirdly a positive group ethos and a sense of independence and mutual interdependence as a body of students fosters a healthy, productive and competitive environment and a forum for cross fertilisation of ideas.

In addition to weekly tutorials a short series of lectures and seminars are organised as follows:

1. Group Seminar: Methods of Research
Group seminar to introduce the module, outlining structure and content. Students are encouraged to identify either a subject, theme, concept or simple object that may be used to underpin research carried out for the first component of the module.
Methods of researching are discussed and strategies for developing project work are suggested.

2. Lecture: What is drawing for?
Lecture outlining categories of drawings – academic approaches including life drawing and anatomy; drawing used for recording and information – sketching and notation; drawing used for planning and instruction – diagrams and plans; drawing for drawing-sake and conceptual concerns. Looking at broad areas of subject matter – life drawing, portraiture, still life, landscape, conceptual approaches etc.

3. Lecture: Materials, Methods and Formats
Lecture looking at the range of materials, methods and formats used by artists in the making of drawings. Including traditional techniques of pencil, crayon, pen & ink etc to the use of more non-conventional techniques including mixed media, photography and printmaking, use of transfers etc.

4. Group Seminar: Review of Research Methods
Students are asked to make a short informal presentation of their work completed to date; demonstrating techniques and strategies used to research their chosen topic.
Ideas for the development of work in to the second component are discussed.

5. Group Seminar: Final Meeting
Students are asked to make a final presentation of work completed for the second component of the module. Evaluation of project work and information concerning assessment procedures.

Skill Development

The module will assist the development of the following academic and transferable skills:

· Subject Specific Skills – Research: use of sketch books, notebooks, photography, photocopying, computer programmes, writing and drawing to record, investigate and develop images and ideas
· Subject Specific Skills – Drawing: employing a range of materials, tools, techniques and approaches to develop skills of drawing
· Associated Subject Skills – Photography and Painting: use of photography, film and painting as appropriate
· Self-directed project work: through research and production of a portfolio of drawings and associated material
· IT Skills – Photoshop: use of scanning, computer manipulation and drawing tools
· Oral discussion and presentation – developed through tutorial and seminar contact
· Self-management – time management in completion of self-directed project work

Assessment

Portfolio Component (100%)
Assessment of the module is by portfolio submission at the end of the semester. The portfolio of work should contain evidence of research and drawing for both module components.
First Component: should include sketches and drawings using a variety of media, photographs, computer-generated material and writing as appropriate to record information about a specific subject or concept- presented in a sketchbook, as a logbook or in a file.
Second Component: a series of no more than six completed images that either develop further the work initiated in the first component or are used to investigate a new subject of interest. All work should be supported with research material pertaining to the subject and to the practice of drawing.

Conditions
Portfolio Assessment must be passed. Failed assessment requires resubmission of a new portfolio of work.

Bibliography

Bean, Jacob 17th century Italian Drawings in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. 1979

Currie, Stuart Drawing, 1400-1600: invention and innovation. 1998

Godfrey, Tony Drawing Today: draughtsmen in the Eighties, 1990

Hockney, David David Hockney: a drawing retrospective, 1995

Lambert, Susan Reading Drawings: An Introduction to looking at drawings

National Gallery of Ireland Master European drawings from the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. 1983

Rowell, Margit Sigmar Polke: works on paper 1963-1974. 1999

Wadley, Nicholas Impressionist and Post Impressionist drawing. 1991

Walker Art Gallery Twentieth century British drawings and Watercolours in the Walker Art gallery, Liverpool. 1969

Aims

The module should enable you to:

A develop research skills of drawing, sketching, photography, recording and writing
B develop knowledge and experience of a range of media, tools and approaches   
C develop a programme of research and self directed work that gives expression to personal ideas and concerns
D develop awareness of contemporary and past exponents of relevant art practice
E develop a self-critical approach to creative working

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module you are expected to be able to:

1. Produce a portfolio of drawings that clearly demonstrates the development of a subject or concept that is of importance to you (A, B, C)
2. Capable of completing visual research using a range of media, tools and techniques as seen in supporting sketchbooks, logbooks and files (A, B, C)
3. Identify your own art practice within the context of contemporary and historic traditions of drawing – evidenced by material included in the supporting logbook
(D, E)

Relation to Assessment
Objectives 1,2,3 are assessed by portfolio submission and observation through tutorial and seminar contact.