MCCCD Program Description

Figure Painting

Course: ART263

First Term: 2012 Fall

Lec + Lab 3 Credit(s) 6 Period(s) 5.1 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S

Description: Study of the nude and clothed figure in painting with special attention upon relevant color palettes, direct and indirect figurative painting techniques, and development of anatomical knowledge and compositional structure. Students will draw upon both historical and contemporary modes of depicting the figure to develop a personalized approach to figure painting. Live models, photographs, drawings, Planes of the Head models, and the studio skeleton will be used as the basis of projects.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Execute studies and completed paintings from the live model. (I, IV) 2. Develop compositions based on original photographic materials or drawings. (II, IV) 3. Utilize flesh tone palettes and different types of underpainting techniques. (I, II, III, IV) 4. Create studies of the head with attention to anatomy, proportion and the effects of light. (I, IV) 5. Make paintings that incorporate the figure into an environment, narrative or communicate personal attitudes or experiences via figurative subject matter. (II, III) 6. Paint a self portrait or portrait based on the live model. (I, IV) 7. Discuss personal work and the work of peers both in progress and in finished state. (V) 8. Engage with instructor to discuss technical, compositional, and anatomical issues pertinent to personal work. (V)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Painting methods A. Painted studies from the live model B. Underpainting approaches (grisaille, verdaccio) C. Alla prima and indirect painting approaches II. Painting elements A. Design and composition B. Traditional and contemporary approaches to portraiture C. Nude and draped figure compositions D. Color and the figure III. Historical and contemporary painters A. Classical and academic approaches to the figure B. 19th, 20th century and contemporary figurative artists IV. Resources A. Painting from the live model B. Painting from drawings C. Painting from photographic materials D. Painting from an artistic mannequin head V. Group and individual evaluation of both completed paintings and works in progress

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 6/26/2012

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.