Art Course Descriptions

ART 305: Basic Drawing, 4 credits

Course Description: Fundamentals of drawing are explored through hands-on studio experience including introduction to materials and mediums, contour drawing, sighting, modeling, creating three dimensionality (shading; chiaroscuro ), understanding positive and negative space, creating texture and mastering linear and aerial perspective. Elements of design and composition will be studied. Exercises will include still life, landscape, portraiture, on site drawing. Works of master artists will be presented, educational trips (Midland Center for the Arts, Alden B. Dow Home and Studio)and interaction with guest artists with response papers required will also be included. Course requires consistent attendance and students will be graded individually on process and progress.
Course Prerequisites: Previous art classes are helpful, but not required

Goals and Objectives
By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

1. Students will be expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the drawing process as experienced in a wide variety of exercises and completed drawings.
2. Students will understand how to use basic drawing materials including various grades of graphite, estompes, kneaded and white erasers, types of drawing papers, grids, freehand sighting, etc.
3. Critical visual perception will be developed through in-class critique, visits to exhibitions and presentations by guest artists.
4. Students will comprehend the importance of design and composition as essential components of successful drawings and master art works.

ART 308: Beginning Acrylic Painting, 4 credits

Gain working knowledge of the following: the color wheel; primary colors; secondary colors; tertiary colors; analogous colors; complementary colors; neutral colors; monochromatic colors. Physical properties of color (hue, value, intensity, tint, and tone) are discussed as well as the elements and principles of art (line, color, shape, pattern, rhythm, unity, balance, and composition).

ART 385

Special elective courses in fine and applied arts are offered in studio classes that include Beginning Drawing, Beginning Painting, Color and Design and lecture and experiential classes in Understanding Art, Art History, Global Art, Non-Western Art and Art and Business. Students receive hands-on experience as well as being given to opportunity to participate in cultural experiences.

Goals and Objectives
By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

1. To give students the opportunity to have first hand experience with studio techniques.
2. To develop an appreciation of the arts, enhancing the students’ cultural awareness.
3. To instill an understanding of the arts and business connection.