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

This two-semester sequence provides a structured transition from Sculpture I, offering a systematic method and further development of modeling, casting and finishing a sculptured figure. Demonstrations are given on constructing the total figure with additional methods of modeling feet, hands and head. Frequent class critiques are held. Various methodologies are explored in constructing a figure from memory as well as from the model with particular emphasis on producing a finished sculpture. Composition is discussed with emphasis on constructing the figure using composition concepts and devices. Sculpture majors must earn a minimum grade of C- in this course to receive credit. May be taken by juniors and seniors on a space-available basis to count towards fulfilling the Figure Sculpture requirement. Estimated cost materials: $125.00

Choose elective studio course this semester.

Students study artistic anatomy of the human figure so that they can thoughtfully construct a thirty-two inch écorché (fillet figure) sculpture. During the first half of the course students study and construct the skeletal system. The second half focuses on the study and construction of the muscular system.

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.

Drawing majors must earn a minimum grade of C- in this course to receive credit.
Estimated cost of materials: $25.00

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. 

1.5 instructed hours and 3 hours of required independent work each week.

The second half of the nineteenth century witnessed the rise of the European avant-garde: the Realists, Impressionists, Post- Impressionists, Symbolists, Cubists, and Surrealists. Rapid social, economic, and political changes encompassed a revolution
in communication systems and technology. The first half of the twentieth century saw a shift from European to American modernism and the rise of abstract expressionism as Clement Greenberg’s answer to a purely autonomous art form. This course will explore art and visual culture in relation to urban capitalism, colonialism, nationalism and internationalism tracing theories of representation, perception, and modernism from the 19th to the 20th centuries.

Mold making is explored through the various techniques and methodologies of constructing a mold incorporating the various materials such as plaster, silicone, latex, polyurethanes and alginates. Positive form or the cast from the mold is explored through use of various materials such as plaster, ultracal, FGR95 used with polymers, cement, epoxy, polyester
resin, polyurethane resin and wax which is used for the lost wax bronze casting process. The foundry process of the “raw cast” is explored to facilitate learning in welding, chasing and the patina process in finishing a bronze sculpture. Students are required to make a mold and finish a cast in the materials of their choosing.

Estimated cost of materials: $275.00

Please review the semester’s course schedule for the specific figure sculpture course being offered, the instructor of record, and time/days offered.

An introduction to drawing as representation through graphic symbols. Ways that the handand its acquired cursive habits propel graphic representations and ideas are demonstrated. Through the in-depth study of a variety of precedents, the role that calligraphic dynamismand acuity play in stimulating observation and spurring inventiveness is established and experienced. Students’ own cursive habits are buoyed through free-hand copying andinternalization of examples, and by applying them in both figure drawings and in on-sitelandscape drawings. Emphasis is also placed on formal creativity through the calligraphicallypropelledinvention of scenes and objects.

Drawing majors must earn a minimum grade of C- in this course to receive credit.

Estimated cost of materials: $85.00

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. At least 13.5 hours of independent work is expected each week.

The College offers a range of sculpture 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.

2 instructed hours and 4 hours of required independent work each week.

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

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. 

3 instructed hours and 1.5 hours of required independent work each week.

Estimated cost of materials: $35.00

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.