Lyme Academy

Drawing I is a two-semester course focusing on the fundamentals of drawing,emphasizing perceptual, analytical and imaginative approaches. The course enhances students’ observational sensibilities and hand-eye coordination, develops an understanding of methods, concepts and drawing systems, and encourages experimentation and “outside the box” thinking. Through regular critiques,students begin to make critical decisions about their work.

Estimated cost of materials: $75.00

Students are introduced to the elements and principles of two-dimensional design, how to recognize and identify them and apply them in their own work. Through analysis of compositions as well as problem-solving exercises, students will develop an intellectual and practical understanding of the construction of a work of art, expand their color sensibility and vocabulary and broaden their understanding of the visual and verbal language of design and color.

The Critique Handbook, Buster & Crawford, ISBN-10: 0131505440, Retail $26.00

This two-semester course provides students with the skills necessary to construct paintings using the three-dimensional world as reference. Using oil paint, students proceed through a series of sequential assignments designed to promote a thorough understanding of value and color and to introduce them to formal conventions employed by both historical and contemporary painters. Students develop an intentional, reliable approach to painting, familiarity with materials and techniques and understanding of composition and color theory, improving their creative approach and critical judgment.

The Critique Handbook, Buster & Crawford, ISBN-13: 978-0205708116, Retail $24.00
Estimated cost of materials: $150.00

This two semester introductory course explores the observation and duplication of three-dimensional form and composition. This course also serves as an introduction to the tools, materials and techniques of modeling the human figure. The history and traditions of sculpture will be discussed as a foundation and context for understanding class exercises. Observation of basic forms will begin the systematic study of convexity, concavity, planar orientation, projection, volume, silhouette, line, symmetry and proportion. These foundational concepts will be coupled with methods for accurately observing, measuring and depicting an object in three-dimensions. The synthesis of these methodologies will be the cornerstone for assessing figural archetypes and anatomical structures.

Modeling and Sculpting the Human Figure, Lanteri, ISBN-10: 0486250067, Retail $14.95
Estimated cost of materials: $199.00

English Composition is designed to develop and hone those writing and critical reading skills basic to any college-level coursework. Careful seeing leads to effective writing— only by devoting our scrupulous, passionate attention to the texts and images we encounter, are we able to evaluate them in writing. In weekly assignments students work on organizational and structural strategies; analytical writing skills; and methods of revision. Over the course of the semester students undertake a variety of writing assignments of increasing length and complexity, developed through multiple drafts and constructive peer review.

The Essay Connection (9th edition), Bloom, ISBN-10: 0547190786, Retail $90.95

This is a two-semester required course examining major periods, styles, and themes in Western Art. The first semester examines works from the Prehistoric era to the Gothic period, continued in the second semester by the study of works from the Renaissance through the early twentieth century. Lectures and readings are devoted to presenting students with a repertoire of significant painting, sculpture, and architecture, and an understanding of the meanings of these works within their original cultural contexts. Students are also challenged to expand their observation and vocabulary skills through close formal analysis of the visual properties of art. Exam essays and writing assignments develop research skills and promote the development of analytic and critical thinking. Requirements each semester: purchase of textbook, assigned readings, museum visit, two exams, a short presentation and essay. Completion of both semesters of this course is required for entry into all upper level Art History courses.

Janson’s History of Art: The Western Tradition, Janson, ISBN-13: 9780205685172, Retail $157.20

Working from direct observation students will broaden their visual vocabulary by developing a
more sophisticated utility of formal painting elements and techniques. Students will interpret
perceptual cues on a two dimensional canvas utilizing painting devices such as lost and found
edges, color as form and space, value hierarchies and shapes, and control of painterly surface
texture to obtain desired space, subject characterization, mood and 2-D design. Venues will
include landscape, studio set ups, and interior spaces.

Prerequisite: Painting majors must receive a C- or above in this course to advance within the major.
Estimated cost of materials: $250.00

Essential and effective figure painting skills such as relative proportion and color/value as form are introduced as the student learns to construct human forms in space. Formal strategies of compositional design guide perceptive interpretation as students orchestrate the figure as a dynamic element of picture making. Various methods and techniques will aid the student in constructing not only competent paintings of figures, but also well-executed figure paintings.

Estimated cost of materials: $199.00

An introduction to essential and effective figure drawing procedures. Sound life drawingpractices are established and practiced in treating the representation of the live model as the transcription of visual information gathered through select, focused observations made froma fixed position. Observation-based strategies involving selection and emphasis, grouping, the cueing of spatial depth, size calibrations and eye level are pursued. Consistent with anobservational approach, the aptness of constructional procedures that establish figural mass or trajectory, or that vivify additional planar contrasts, is also addressed.

A Students must receive a C- or above in this course to advance within the major.
Estimated cost of materials: $25.00

This two-semester lecture course studies spatial illusion with specific reference to the convention of linear perspective. In the first semester, students learn to represent simple geometric forms on a two-dimensional surface as they would appear in a three-dimensional space. Homework assignments allow them to apply the various methods to more complex figures. The second semester surveys cast shadows and reflections. 

Estimated cost of materials: $35.00

An exploration of the physiology of the joint and muscular systems of the human body in a series of illustrated lectures. Emphasis is placed on physiological principles governing the body’s movements. Points of intersection between such principles and artistic concerns are also addressed. The live model is present during the lectures on a periodic basis to demonstrate and vivify course material. Required weekly readings from the course text, The Anatomy of Movement, by Blandine Calais-Germain, supplement information presented in the lectures. Students are evaluated on the basis of a graded final examination. 

All students are required to complete one humanities course. Humanities courses are generally offered during the fall semester, and should be taken when indicated on the planning sheet to ensure adequate progress towards degree and successful scheduling. Please review the semester’s course schedule for specific information regarding topic, the instructor of record, and time/days offered.

Students develop the process of generating, organizing and articulating visual ideas through various approaches and methods. They will explore multiple solutions to visual problems with an emphasis on generating a repertoire of large and small sketches in various stages of resolution. The focus here is on the process of creative expression. The goal is to find fresh visual responses to enrich students’ aesthetic vision and development. This course is the prequel to Junior Painting Project.

Prerequisite: Successful (a grade of C- or above) completion of PT265. Painting majors must
receive a C- or above in this course to advance within the major .

Estimated cost of materials: $100.00

Materials and techniques are the building blocks of an artist’s visual language and repertoire.
Through lecture, demonstration and hands-on participation, this course will study the
techniques and applications of a wide range of historical painting materials and explore
the possibilities of their use in the studio. Techniques covered include silverpoint, ink, egg
tempera, distemper, watercolor, and oil, including both ancient and contemporary applications;
supports including preparation of paper, panels, and canvas, as well as in-depth discussion of
studio hazards/safety and conservation materials.

The Painters Handbook, Gottsegen, ISBN-13: 978-0823034963, Retail $24.95
Estimated cost of materials: $399.00

Students can take either, DR275, DR345 or DR485 to satisfy this requirement. Please consult those course descriptions for prerequisites.

All students are required to complete one science course in addition to the fulfilling the College’s Anatomy requirement. Science courses are generally offered during the fall semester, and should be taken when indicated on the planning sheet to ensure adequate progress towards degree and successful scheduling. Please review the semester’s course schedule for specific information regarding topic, the instructor of record, and time/days offered.

All students are required to complete two social science courses. Social science courses are offered during both fall and spring semesters, and should be taken when indicated on the planning sheet to ensure adequate progress towards degree and successful scheduling. Please review the semester’s course schedule for specific information regarding topic, the instructor of record, and time/days offered.

The Senior Studio course is an opportunity for BFA students in their final year of study to deploy skills and concepts learned throughout their educational experience in generating work or works for the Senior Exhibition that achieve independently conceived artistic goals. The production and development of artwork through disciplined studio practice is supported and evaluated through individual weekly consultations with faculty members and through periodic group critiques. End of term critiques with faculty and peers serve to highlight individual progress.

Prerequisite: Successful (a grade of C- or above) completion of PT365.

The College offers a range of painting courses.  Please review the semester’s course schedule for specific information regarding topic, the instructor of record, and time/days offered.

This course examines the practical, philosophical and artistic challenges in pursuing a career as a fine artist. Emphasis is placed on the adjustment in transitioning from the academic environment to the working world and its effects upon the discipline of being an artist. The course covers several aspects of the business side of art including the documentation, presentation and marketing of one’s artwork as well as information concerning: grant opportunities and artist’s residency programs; website development; graduate school; gallery representation, curatorial/museum work and teaching. Through class discussions, assignments, course materials and guest speakers, students are exposed to the various practitioners that comprise the art world and gain the necessary skills for their development as professional artists. Co-requisite Senior Studio.

Art & Fear, Bayles & Orland, ISBN-13: 978-0961454739, Retail $12.95
ART/WORK, Bhandari & Melber, ISBN-13: 978-1416572336, Retail $16.95

Each semester, an upper-level art history seminar is offered, with topics that change regularly. All students seeking the BFA degree must complete two seminars as a requirement for graduation. Please review the semester’s course schedule for specific information regarding seminar topic/s, the instructor of record, and times/dates offered.