Unit rationale, description and aim
Drawing is a fundamental foundation of all visual art practice that will inform future practical areas of study.
In this foundation unit students be will introduced to the essential skills and methods of creating two-dimensional artwork. Emphasis is placed on the development of drawing skills in a range of mediums such as charcoal, pencil and ink through studio-led projects. Students will also develop a critical awareness of contemporary drawing practices and explores the content and context of art internationally and in Australia.
This unit also aims to emphasise reflective critical thinking and the development of confidence in visual art making. Presentations and discussions surrounding art processes and ideas are also undertaken in order for students to make critical insights about their own work and that of others.
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.
Identify and develop skills and techniques that ex...
Learning Outcome 01
Make evident an understanding of skills-based prac...
Learning Outcome 02
Articulate the way in which the historical and con...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics may include:
Students will be introduced to the fundamental experience of working in a range of two-dimensional art media through project-based tasks. 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. Students will experience various media, techniques and skills in areas such as: still life, observational drawing and perspectival drawing through skills-based studio-led research practice.
There will be a focus on Workplace Health and Safety for the professional artist.
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy involves exploring practical and technical skills through studio-based lectures and practical sessions for the development of a portfolio of work. The journal documents the application of self-directed research into art practice and techniques, and encourages critical reflection and assessment of practice.
Assessment items have been carefully considered for this unit to reflect the overall approach of assessment standards for this university. The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate their achievement of each learning outcome. Learning outcomes based on acquired knowledge through lectures, workshops, and practical exercises, as well as through individual study and practice, will contribute towards an expanded knowledge in this subject area, as well as helping to attain the graduate attributes set out within this unit outline.
- The Portfolio of Drawings A assignment assesses skills and techniques acquired during lectures/demonstrations and studio practice in the use of the medium. This meets LO1 and LO2.
- The Portfolio of Drawings B assignment assesses skills and techniques acquired during lectures/demonstrations and studio practice in the use of the technical applications and use of variable media. This meets LO1 and LO2.
- The self-directed artwork plus research documentation task ties together skills in competency developed throughout the lectures and practical sessions and tests skills in the documentation of Visual Arts research processes and an understanding of contemporary art practice and how this informs students' own practical work. This final assessment task meets LO1, LO2, and LO3.
Overview of assessments
Portfolio of drawings A
Portfolio of drawings A
30%
Portfolio of drawings B
Portfolio of drawings B
30%
Self-directed artwork plus research documentation...
Self-directed artwork plus research documentation
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The learning and teaching strategy for this unit focuses on fostering a sense of belonging in the art studio as a place where core competencies such as skills-based drawing techniques, critical and reflective thinking and research investigations occur. This is implemented through weekly lectures and practical demonstrations and exercises/clinics that contextualise the assessments in relation to contemporary two-dimensional practice and their historical lineage. This unit also will introduces students to a variety of art mediums, drawing techniques and processes, as well as historical and contemporary practitioners. Group discussion about the artworks in progress will promote critical thinking about how cultural production contributes to society and the ethical perspectives associated with exhibiting artwork publicly.