Studio Drawing and Visual Composition

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Lucia Marchetti (Associate Professor of Art and Art History)
• Email: lmarchetti@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Lovell Hall 170
• Office Hours:
  • Wednesday & Friday: 2:00–3:30 p.m. (In person, Lovell Hall 170)
  • Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Fundamental principles of observational drawing and two-dimensional visual composition, with studio practice in line, value, perspective, texture, and mixed drawing media. ART 110 is an intensive, hands-on studio foundation course exploring the core principles of observational drawing and two-dimensional visual design. Working directly from still life arrangements, architectural interiors, natural forms, and the draped human figure, students develop technical proficiency in contour line, cross-hatching, tonal modeling, linear perspective, and textural rendering. The studio curriculum emphasizes disciplined mark-making using graphite, charcoal, conté crayon, and ink washes. Through iterative sketchbook practice, weekly studio critique, and portfolio development, students learn to translate three-dimensional spatial relationships into compelling, unified two-dimensional visual compositions.

Prerequisites

None.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ART 110, students will be able to:

1. Master Observational Drawing Techniques: Execute accurate observational drawings demonstrating precise contour lines, accurate proportions, negative space awareness, and sighting techniques.
2. Apply Value and Tonal Modeling: Create continuous tonal gradations and dramatic chiaroscuro to render three-dimensional volume, form, and directional light on two-dimensional surfaces.
3. Construct Linear and Atmospheric Perspective: Construct one-point and two-point linear perspective systems and apply atmospheric perspective principles to depict spatial depth convincingly.
4. Experiment with Diverse Drawing Media: Utilize a range of traditional drawing media—including graphite pencils, vine and compressed charcoal, conté crayon, and ink washes—with expressive technical control.
5. Engage in Constructive Studio Critique: Articulate constructive critical evaluations of peer artwork and self-critiques using formal visual art vocabulary during studio critique sessions.
6. Curate a Professional Studio Portfolio: Assemble, document, and present a cohesive final portfolio of finished drawings and preparatory sketches demonstrating technical progression and thematic depth.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Alkimi University Custom Studio Drawing Kit (drawing board, 18x24 Strathmore 400 drawing pad, newsprint pad, graphite set 2H–6B, vine and compressed charcoal sticks, kneaded eraser, blending stumps, conté crayons, black ink, and portfolio case). Approx. $65 to $80 at the campus bookstore.
2. M. Kathleen Martin. Drawing from Observation: An Introduction to Perceptual Drawing. 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, 2009. Approx. $45 used or rental, $80 print purchase.
3. Total estimated cost: Approx. $110 to $160.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 1: AI Not Permitted for Graded Work)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), ART 110 operates under AI Level 1.

• What is permitted: You may use generative AI tools to research historical drawing techniques, look up biographical information on master draftsmen, or explore color and value theory concepts.
• What is prohibited: You may not use generative AI to generate reference images for observational drawing assignments, produce digital drawings presented as manual work, or automate compositional sketches.
• Disclosure: Every studio portfolio submission must be accompanied by an authenticity affirmation certifying that all observational sketches, studies, and completed drawings are hand-rendered by the student.

Grading Components and Weights

• Studio Project 1: Line, Proportion, and Sighting: 15% (Due Thursday, September 17 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Studio Project 2: Tonal Value and Chiaroscuro Still Life: 15% (Due Thursday, October 8 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Midterm Studio Portfolio Critique: 15% (Due Thursday, October 22 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Studio Project 3: Perspective and Spatial Composition: 15% (Due Thursday, November 12 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Weekly Sketchbook Studies & Exercises: 15% (Weekly observational sketchbook assignments submitted for review each Thursday; lowest score dropped)
• Studio Critique Participation & Work Ethic: 10% (Active verbal engagement during studio critique sessions, punctuality, and productive studio work habit)
• Final Capstone Portfolio and Critique: 15% (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No individual extra credit assignments are offered in ART 110. Course grades are earned through consistent studio practice, project deliverables, and portfolio evaluations.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Studio drawing is an experiential discipline requiring hands-on studio practice, direct observation under controlled lighting, and peer critique. Attendance at every studio session is mandatory. You are permitted two unexcused absences without penalty; subsequent absences will reduce your final course grade by one third of a letter grade. Missing more than five studio sessions will result in a failing grade. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Studio projects and portfolios submitted late lose one letter grade (10%) per day overdue, up to a maximum of three days, after which work is not accepted. Sketchbook assignments must be present in the studio on critique days to receive credit. Missed in-class studio setups cannot be replicated outside of studio hours.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).