Figure Drawing Course Syllabus
Course Information
ARTS 3367 FIGURE DRAWING SYLLABUS Fall 2013
Mondays: 7:00-9:45 pm
Building: Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building
Room: 4.910
Professor Contact Information
Instructor: JEFFREY MIRANDA
Cell: 915.255.9670
Email: jxm069000@utdallas.edu
Use my email to contact and not elearning***
OFFICE HOURS: Arrangements need to be made ahead of time to assure accessibility, or we can reschedule for a
mutually convenient time.
Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions: Drawing foundations
Course Description
The Artist has always been intrigued with the human figure as the quintessential example of understanding form and the
functions of movement in drawing. It is implied that if one can draw the figure, one can draw most anything. Most
essential forms in nature can be found in the study of the figure.
This is an introductory class for students that have had some basic drawing experience. The course will cover a
background introduction of the many diverse representations and applications of the human figure throughout art.
Students will begin with the basic simple armature and its relationship to gesture, balance and proportion employing
schema variations to block out form. We will advance to the muscular draping, focusing on an anatomical survey of basic
underlying forms and their connections. By adding a veil of flesh which defines the mass and volume through shading, we
have completed the basic figure drawing process. The figure will then be individualized in a problem directed toward
image stylization.
This process of discovering and replicating the physical characteristics of the human figure will be the premise for
introducing the primary vocabulary of drawing elements.
We will encounter linear dynamics, various contour line applications, rendering, shading and compositional etiquette using
a variety of materials and techniques.
Students who have had this course in previous semesters may work independently on specific goals.
Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes
1. Students will apply basic foundation drawing skills to principles of gesture, anatomy, and creative interpretation of the
human figure.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of classical and contemporary drawing styles and artists.
3. Students will experiment with various drawing materials and processes to produce both accurate and creative
representational works.
4. Students will appropriate related vocabulary to the analysis of finished work in a constructive and critical dialogue.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS
Required Text:
The Nude Figure, by Mark Edward Smith,
SUGGESTED COURSE MATERIALS
(SEE MATERIALS HANDOUT FOR MORE ACCURATE LIST)
These may be purchased at any art supply
Asel Art Supply at Beltline and Coit will have all of these supplies bundled in kits for you. You are not required to buy
them there or as a kit. You will receive a discount there and at several other places such as Utrecht Art Supply on line
101 South Coit Rd. , Richardson, 75080 (972) 690-6320 two doors down from Jason‟s Deli.
FIGURE DRAWING MATERIALS
6 sticks of compressed charcoal or 1/2 box 3 sheets BFK rives 22x30” 250grs.
Vine charcoal 12 counts, med thick, soft Bulldog clips large
Woodless pencils 2b, 6b Smudge sticks 3/8”
Conte‟ crayons blk 2 pk. Sienna 2 pk. 2 large kneaded erasers
2 charcoal pencils 6 b 1 white vinyl eraser
Newsprint pads 50 sht 24x 36”
18"x 24in drawing pd. (Smooth not newsprint)
ASSIGNMENTS & ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Day 1 Aug. 25 In Class: Class introduction. Policy and Procedure Materials/
expectations/ strategies/ grading Lecture: Introduction to the Figure
ASSIGNMENT: READ HANDOUT: Kenneth Clarks “The Naked and the
Nude". Write up synopsis due Sept. 8th.
Day 2 Sept. 2 Labor Day: No class
Day 3 Sept. 8 In Class Demo: Materials demonstration and easel use
***Primer to anatomy (hand out) boney and muscle landmarks (test on these
will be Oct. 27th). Gesture Intro: various techniques/demo
Discuss “The Naked and the Nude”.
Assignment: Vesalius Figure copy due Oct. 20th (7 week drawing), see examples
Day 4 *Sept.15 In Class Drawing
Gesture drawing/beginning model drawings
Various gestures approaches and contour; scribbles, axis lines,
contours, and Mass. Handout on human proportions (memorize these
basics- Test on Oct. 6th)
Day 5 *Sept. 22 In Class: Continue Gesture Foundation
Straight Line Gesture, Volumetric Gesture, and Calligraphic Expression
Assignment: Use „The Nude Figure‟ and practice gestures, (use
various approaches and determine what style works best for you. Do at
least 30 figures, turn in Oct. 6th.
Day 6 *Sept. 29 In Class: 5 Minute Drawings (The initial key to successful drawing)
Introduce measuring technique. *Study basic handouts for form blocking
Assignment: Practice gestures in sketchbook, refer to handouts.
Day 7 *Oct 6 Human Proportion Test (in Class)
Lecture: Schema: The blocking of form (with demo).
Introduction to foreshortening. Need to know basic human
proportions by this day (test in class)
Assignment: Copy Bridgeman handouts to turn in Oct. 27th / freestyle
schema. In sketchbook take 6 figures from “The Nude Figure” and
translate to schema form blocking, due Oct. 13th.
Day 8 *Oct. 13 Class Work: Carving (articulating form) using schema
***Mid Term test on Gestures and schema 30sec. 1 min., 2min,
5 min. and schema drawing.
Day 9 *Oct. 20 Vesalius Drawings Due. In Class (Mass Gesture)
Day 10 Oct. 27 TEST on body landmarks! Lecture: "Techniques and Composition of
Value": Introduction to value application. Turn in Bridgeman copies.
Assignment: Translate figure handouts into value, due: Nov. 3rd.
Day 11 *Nov. 3 In Class: Value drawing in class
Assignment: Take 5 class gestures and add value, due Nov. 10th.
Day 12 *Nov. 10 Lecture: Intro to final outside and in-class project. Outside project will
be due Dec 15th (Final Critique). The Final In-class model drawing due
on Dec 8th for exhibition. Proposals for Outside Final projects due Nov.
17th. Tutorial: Hands, Feet and Head. Assignment: Practice in
sketchbook from handouts and home models. At least 10 heads, 10
hands and 10 feet in various poses. Due: Nov. 17th.
Day 13 *Nov. 17. In Class: Begin final long pose. Set up and composition (you will only
have the model for these 3 sessions on this pose so DO NOT MISS
CLASS!!!**** Proposals due for Outside Final project.
Day 14 *Nov. 24 Fall Break
Day 15 *Dec. 1 In Class: Continue In-Class Project.
Day 16 *Dec. 8 In Class: Final In Class Project Due (Long Pose).
Day 17 Dec. 15 In Class: Final Critique on outside final drawing. You
must attend this class.
This syllabus is subject to change with proper notice
Grading Policy
Attendance: After 2 absences your grade will be seriously affected! It may result in a final grade being lowered one
letter grade. If you made a B+ then you would get a C+. The viewing and discussions about your peers‟ work and the
assistance and review by your instructor are most important learning criteria.
Should you be incapacitated or miss a class due to circumstances beyond your control, please contact me so you do not
get behind. If you are very ill let me know so we can make some other arrangements if possible.
You are responsible for getting all the information that goes on in class regardless of your absence.
GRADING:
Grading visual materials in the arts can often appear to be subjective, mysterious and down right confusing. I am
employing a system that has some gray area but that will hopefully give you a clear idea of where you stand grade-wise.
This assessment may not always be a failsafe representation of what you know or what you have accomplished, though it
will give you an idea of what is expected of you.
Below I have listed the evaluation categories and the criteria by which your grades are considered.
1. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
Has the student addressed issues related to the problem in a manner that suggests an understanding of the
artistic concept and applicable material usage?
Has one applied the previous assignment experiences to the present work?
Has one made use of research and readings relevant to the problem?
2. QUANTITY OF WORK
How much time has a student put into the production of the work?
How much time has been put into the research and preparation of the work?
How much has one followed through with his idea and what resolution has been made after critique?
3. CREATIVITY OF CONCEPT & APPLICATION
*How much originality and creative manipulation has been projected into the process and concept of one‟s solution?
Does the solution suggest prospects for future development?
Has the student combined other resources in an inventive way?
Has there been an element of risk involved?
4. ATTITUDE
Has the student found the problem challenging in an inquisitive and open minded way?
Does the student ask questions, offer comments, listen and focus his attention?
Has the student participated in the critique in a constructive way?
******ASSIGNMENTS THAT ARE NOT TURNED IN ON DUE DATE MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR AN A
Aside from all these categories, I do take into account various learning styles and talents. Improvement weighs more
heavily on your grade at the end of the semester that at the first, with a lesser emphasis on talent and ability. Those with
talent, ability and experience will be expected to rise to the challenge through effort and the unique application of concept.
Assignments will be given a grade at the time they are due, based on the evaluation categories. This grade may be
altered as one reworks or refines the assignment.
Portfolios will be graded at finals time as the summation of course accomplishment. Productivity is very important at
this period in your study. The more you do and see, the faster your skills will increase. Your productivity is the only way
you can visually demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have acquired.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignments will usually be given for the following period. Out of class work should be completed before the class begins
on the day the assignment is due. This is considering being on time! Getting behind will only make things more difficult.
You will be penalized for late work! Being late means you missed the critique. You may redo assignments following
critiques to improve your grade. If you turn in your work late and miss the critique you will not be allowed to
redo your project. A work that is late can not be given an A.
You are responsible for knowing all that goes on in class. If you don‟t know, find out! Ask questions, learn to anticipate,
know who to call and write things down. This is all part of your survival training for the real world. Remember, one thing
lead to another. It is as important to reflect as it is to perceive. I am looking for involvement more than perfection.
Make sure you understand the objectives of all the assigned problems. If you are not sure, please! Don‟t hesitate to make
sure! Do not wait until the end of the semester. I will be glad to talk to you regarding any class-related problems.
NOTEBOOK:
I want to emphasize the importance of keeping your notebook informed and up to date with the class. We will cover a lot
of information very rapidly. What will seem obvious and memorable at the present time may likely be forgotten by the next
week. This is a valuable resource from which to plot our progress. It is a necessary habit that will prove essential in
whatever way one applies one‟s self. Additional print material put into your notebook that is relevant to the course such
as articles, photos, of other work, examples of ideas, etc. will be
Your notebook will be 10% of your final grade. It should contain class notes, research, life references, ideas, cut-
out scribbles, questions, critique notes, etc……
LOST WORK:
I can only grade what work is not turned in as work not done. Keep up and protect your work with pride. All work should
be viewed as important to your development. Your preparatory studies reveal the breadth and scope of your total search
effort and creative energies so save and submit all of your studies for grading. Only work done for this class will be
considered for grading.
INCOMPLETES:
Generally, NO incomplete will be given for a semester grade. Exceptions to this policy will be granted only if severe
physical and/or mental/emotional difficulties prevented you from functioning in the university system as a whole.
Incomplete will be given by the above terms if a passing grade was expected at the time of difficulty.
To receive an incomplete grade, a passing grade must have been maintained prior to interruption of normal class activity.
The basis for removal of an incomplete will be as follows: In class completion of missed work in the next semester
following the “I” grade. No “independent” study proposals will be considered. The exact terms for the removal of the
incomplete will be discussed relative to the individual‟s given situation.
** See requirements listing in following page
Course & Instructor Policies
I would like to take this opportunity to fill you in on some general course expectations and policies regarding attendance,
grades, classroom etiquette, assignments, materials and attitude. Questions and/or difficulties in this course most often
arise in these areas. It is your right to be informed of my beliefs and strategies on these issues.
Please do not hesitate to discuss with me any questions, concerns or problems you may have about this course during
the semester. If you don‟t feel comfortable approaching me in class, then feel free to contact me at the above number or
during my posted office hours. Please remember that it is the University policy that faculty are only required to
respond to emails sent from a university account. So you may use your own personal off campus email but I am
not required to respond.
SUPPLIES:
You will be responsible for purchasing your own supplies from the Bookstore or Asels who will offer kits (see handout).
You may also order them through Utrecht Art Supply. (At Utrecht.com) or any other art supply outlet. Asels is located at
the Southwest Corner of Beltline and Central on the service road just 3 doors down from McDonalds. Their # is 972- 690-
6320. They give student discounts so remind them! Bring your supplies to class.
ROOM USE AND LOCKERS/STORAGE:
The rooms we will be using are free to use whenever they are not occupied by another class in progress. You shall be
assigned a locker for the semester. All lockers will have to have a taped label naming its owner and semester and
instructor. Anything left in the locker or drawer after the semesters end will be disposed or recycled. Building hours are
8am-10pm. After 10pm the doors are locked. You may remain in the building to work late after 10pm. There is no
curfew. The building is open all day Saturday, but is closed Sunday. The air conditioning cut off at 10pm weekdays and
completely off on Sundays. Bring a sweater if you get cold easily. Always clean up after yourself, including your easel and
your wiping down your tables. We do not have a maintenance crew to do that.
Field Trip Policies
Field trips will be announced in the syllabus by date. You must fill out the proper forms at the beginning of the
semester or not be eligible to participate in the field trip. All students will be responsible for their own
transportation. Field trips not occurring on class date and times will not be mandatory unless stated otherwise.
Student Conduct & Discipline
The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and regulations for the orderly
and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each student and each student organization to
be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which govern student conduct and activities. General
information on student conduct and discipline is contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is
provided to all registered students each academic year.
The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of recognized and
established due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules and Regulations, Board of
Regents, The University of Texas System, Part 1, Chapter VI, Section 3, and in Title V, Rules on Student
Services and Activities of the university‟s Handbook of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and
regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are available to
assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391).
A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship. He or she is
expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents‟ Rules, university regulations, and
administrative rules. Students are subject to discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such
conduct takes place on or off campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.
Academic Integrity
The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because the value of
an academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the student for that degree, it is
imperative that a student demonstrate a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.
Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related to applications for
enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one‟s own work or material that is not one‟s own.
As a general rule, scholastic dishonesty involves one of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion
and/or falsifying academic records. Students suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary
proceedings.
Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any other source is
unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university‟s policy on plagiarism (see general catalog for details).
This course will use the resources of turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over
90% effective.
Email Use
The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication between faculty/staff
and students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some issues concerning security and the
identity of each individual in an email exchange. The university encourages all official student email
correspondence be sent only to a student‟s U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email
from students official only if it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a
high degree of confidence in the identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted
information. UTD furnishes each student with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with
university personnel. The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method for students
to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to other accounts.
Withdrawal from Class
The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level courses. These dates
and times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration procedures must be followed. It is the
student's responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or
withdraw any student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F"
in a course if you choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled.
Student Grievance Procedures
Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities, of the
university‟s Handbook of Operating Procedures.
In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments of academic
responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the
instructor, supervisor, administrator, or committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the
respondent”). Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. If
the matter cannot be resolved at that level, the grievance must be submitted in writing to the respondent with a
copy of the respondent‟s School Dean. If the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the
respondent, the student may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the
School Dean‟s decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate or Undergraduate
Education, and the deal will appoint and convene an Academic Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic
Appeals Panel is final. The results of the academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.
Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff
members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations.
Incomplete Grade Policy
As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at the semester‟s
end and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete grade must be resolved within
eight (8) weeks from the first day of the subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course
and to remove the incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is
changed automatically to a grade of F.
Disability Services
The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities equal to those of
their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are
Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday,
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:
The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)
Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable adjustments necessary to
eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. For example, it may be necessary to remove classroom
prohibitions against tape recorders or animals (in the case of dog guides) for students who are blind.
Occasionally an assignment requirement may be substituted (for example, a research paper versus an oral
presentation for a student who is hearing impaired). Classes enrolled students with mobility impairments may
have to be rescheduled in accessible facilities. The college or university may need to provide special services
such as registration, note-taking, or mobility assistance.
It is the student‟s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an accommodation. Disability
Services provides students with letters to present to faculty members to verify that the student has a disability
and needs accommodations. Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after
class or during office hours.
Religious Holy Days
The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for the travel to
and observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property tax
under Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas Code Annotated.
The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible regarding the
absence, preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused, will be allowed to take the exam
or complete the assignment within a reasonable time after the absence: a period equal to the length of the
absence, up to a maximum of one week. A student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam
or assignment may not be penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the exam or assignment
within the prescribed period may receive a failing grade for that exam or assignment.
If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of observing a
religious holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has been given a reasonable
time to complete any missed assignments or examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a
ruling from the chief executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or
designee must take into account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student and instructor will
abide by the decision of the chief executive officer or designee.
Off-Campus Instruction and Course Activities
Off-campus, out-of-state, and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state law and University policies
and procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities. Information regarding these rules and regulations
may be found at the website address given below. Additional information is available from the office of the
school dean. (http://www.utdallas.edu/Business Affairs/Travel_Risk_Activities.htm)
UT Dallas Syllabus Policies and Procedures
The information contained in the following link constitutes the University’s policies and
procedures segment of the course syllabus.
Please go to http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies for these policies.
The descriptions and timelines contained in this syllabus are subject to change at the discretion of the
Professor.
