ART 1051 - Introduction to Painting

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 1 Lab 4
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of painting: principles, methods, materials, and critique. Topics include painting from observation, the use of color, and the application of the principles of design. Painting assignments are supported by readings, discussions, and research of historic, cultural, and contemporary painting issues. Open studio hours are available for outside class work if needed.
MnTC Goals
6 Humanities/Fine Arts

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: ART 1024 , ART 1041  

Major Content
1. Introduction to Materials

1. Paint: Types
2. Substrates: canvas, paper, board
3. Brushes: Types and purpose

2. Sketchbook/Visual Problem Solving

1. Idea generation
2. Creative problem solving

3. Cultural/Historical Overview

1. Art Making and Culture: Why is Art important?
2. Western traditions/historical context
3. What is a painting?
4. Cultural implications of formal modes and elements
5. Introduction to painting beyond western traditions
6. Changing painting traditions

4. Introduction to Color

1. Introduction to color theory
2. Color vocabulary
3. Color and perception

5. Color Application

1. Approaches to color in painting
2. Choosing a color palette/color key
3. Color balance and harmony
4. Luminosity

6. Composition and Picture Plane

1. Introduction to Gestalt theory
2. Balance
3. Compositional movement
4. Establishing visual rhythm

7. Shape, Volume and Gesture

1. Painting from observation
2. Planes, volumes and objects
3. Dynamic brushstrokes
4. Gesture and meaning

8. Content

1. Creating meaning through visual metaphor
2. Subject matter

9. Spatial Conventions

1. Introduction to spatial illusion
2. Perspective and other spatial conventions
3. The meaning of space and place

1. apply the basic visual elements and principles of design using paint to communicate visual concepts.
2. apply a variety of painting techniques to make an effective perceptual and/or conceptual solutions to assignment problems.
3. apply the fundamental methods of painting toward the effective manipulation of color, form, and illusion of space.
4. create original paintings that demonstrate an ability to make effective aesthetic and technical judgments.
5. explain the vital role and value the fine arts and humanities have on the development of culture.
6. critique the effectiveness of Painting principles as applied in personal works and works of others.
7. apply health and safety practices within the discipline.

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