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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Choose elective studio course this semester.

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.

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.

Painting majors must earn a minimum grade of C- in this course to receive credit.
Estimated cost of materials: $100.00

Materials and techniques comprise the visual language artists use to communicate.  Understanding how the language intrinsic in all material carries content through its very materiality – its history, nature, personality and context – is essential for all artists.  Through lecture, demonstration and primarily hands-on participation, this course will study the technique and applications of a wide range of painting materials, historic to modern, making the connection between material and content palpable, useful, and available to the student for exploration in developing their artistic voice.  As much as possible, students will create the materials and explore possibilities of their use, effect, and relationship to their work.  Techniques covered include distemper, watercolor, egg tempera, oil, encaustic, fresco, including ancient and contemporary applications and their differing effects; supports include paper, panel, and canvas in multiple preparations; and proper understanding and exploration of tools.  Includes an in-depth discussion of studio hazards/safety and conservation materials to promote a long and safe working life, archival preparation, use and storage for long-lasting artwork. 

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

An exploration of two key and contrasting approaches to the representation of light in drawings and of ways specific drawing media are deployed in connection with each. The first approach is based on brightness levels, calibrated according to a global scale. The second approach is based on brightness changes, providing opportunities for the representation of light through linear, rather than tonal, means. The disparate artistic impact and potential of these approaches is discussed and demonstrated in a variety of studio-based work, including figure drawing and invented and observed scenes.

Drawing majors must earn a minimum grade of C- in this course to receive credit.
Estimated cost of materials: $75.00

Choose elective studio course this semester.