ARTS109 - Drawing

Year

Credit points

Campus offering

Prerequisites

Unit rationale, description and aim

This unit introduces students to the fundamental processes and production of two-dimensional artwork. Emphasis is placed on the development of drawing skills in a range of mediums such as charcoal, pencil and ink. This unit also develops a critical awareness of the scope of contemporary drawing practices and the exploration of the content and context of art internationally and in Australia. The acquisition of essential skills and knowledge to promote reflective practice that reveals the importance of drawing as a fundamental foundation of all creative disciplines including theory and design. 

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

LO1 - Determine and identify the basic relationships that exist between two-dimensional art forms (GA4, GA5, GA8, GA9)

LO2 - Explore the content, ethics and context of contemporary two-dimensional art by both local and international artists (GA4, GA5, GA6, GA8, GA9)

LO3 - Demonstrate the knowledge, processes and skills entailed in making a range of project-based two dimensional art works (GA3, GA4, GA5, GA8, GA9)

LO4 - Articulate the way in which the historical and theoretical contexts of art and design can inform students’ own practice (GA4, GA5, GA8, GA9)

Graduate attributes

GA3 - Apply ethical perspectives in informed decision making

GA4 - Think critically and reflectively 

GA5 - Demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession 

GA6 - Solve problems in a variety of settings taking local and international perspectives into account

GA8 - Locate, organise, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information 

GA9 - Demonstrate effective communication in oral and written English language and visual media 

Content

Topics may include: 

Students will be introduced to the broad experience of working in a number of two dimensional art forms. Issues of intention, content, process and context will be explored through a number of project-based works. The unit will lay the foundation for the development of the students' individual approach to the production of artworks in their continuing studies in the discipline. Students will be directed to reflect on the way in which art and design historical and theoretical contexts can inform their own emerging practice, broadening their awareness of contemporary drawing art practices.

This studio-based unit supports the development of the students' individual art making intentions in two dimensional practices. Students will experience various media, techniques and skills in areas such as: still life, drawing from the model and perspectival drawing. The emphasis of the unit is on an open-ended, exploratory investigation of two dimensional art forms in the selected areas of practice through rigorous project-based studio drawing exercises.

Knowledge of art and design history and theory will enhance the students' ability to develop an individual approach to their practice.

There will be a focus on Workplace Health and Safety for the professional artist.

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

The assessment strategy involves exploring practical and technical skill for the development of a portfolio of work. The journal documents the application of self-directed research into contemporary art practice and techniques, and encourages critical reflection and assessment of practice.

Assessment strategy and rationale

The learning and teaching strategy for this unit focuses on fostering studio culture and embedding core competencies such as skills in a range of media, reflective practices and fostering an understanding of studio-led research. This strategy is implemented by presenting lectures that contextualise the assessments in relation to contemporary two-dimensional practice and their historical lineage. This unit introduces students to a variety of art mediums, approaches and processes.

Overview of assessments

Representative texts and references

Allen, H. (ed.) (2010). Australia: William Blandowski’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aboriginal Australia. Canberra: Aboriginal Studies Press.

Butler, C.(2010). On line: Drawing through the Twentieth Century

New York: Museum of Modern Art.

Dexter, E. (2005). Vitamin D: New Perspectives in Drawing, London, Phaidon.

Dine, J. (2005). Jim Dine: Some drawings, Oberlin Ohio Steidl.

Hauptman, J. (2007). Georges Seurat : the drawings 1859- 1891 New York: Museum of Modern Art.

Horowitz, F. A. (2006). Josef Albers: To Open Eyes, London, Phaidon Press Ltd.

Isaacs, J., (2002). Australian Aboriginal Paintings, Australia, New Hollander Publishers.

Keeler, C., & Couzens, V., (2010). Meerreeng-an: here is my country :the story of Aboriginal Victoria told through art.  Melbourne: Koorie Heritage Trust

McCaughey, P. (2006).Voyage and landfall: the art of Jan Senbergs, Vic., Miegunyah Press, Carlton.

Pethebridge, D. (2010). The Primacy of Drawing: Drawings1968-1982, Yale University Press.