Full Description
Often the finest artists do not make the best teachers. Many frustrated college students of art know this all too well as they suffer through unstructured classes with inexperienced teachers or graduate student instructors. In these situations, it is easy to blame the teachers. But the problem is largely institutional: most students graduating with MFAs from art schools receive little if any instruction in teaching art. If you find yourself in this predicament as teacher or student, this book is for you.
The first book to provide a comprehensive guide for teaching college-level art, The Art of Teaching Art is the culmination of respected artist and instructor Deborah Rockman's two decades of teaching experience. Believing that drawing is the backbone of all of the visual arts, she begins with a complete explanation of drawing concepts that apply to any subject matter, e.g., composition, sighting processes, scaling techniques, and methods for linear and tonal development. She then illustrates these concepts with step-by-step methods that easily translate to classroom exercises. Next, she applies the drawing principles to every artist's most important and challenging subject, the human figure. After an extended section on understanding and teaching perspective that explores illusionistic form and space, the focus of the book shifts to the studio classroom itself and the essential elements that go into making an effective learning environment and curriculum. From preparing materials lists and syllabi, to setting up still-lifes, handling difficult classroom situations, critiquing and grading student artworks, and shooting slides of student artworks, she leaves no stone unturned.
The Art of Teaching Art is the guide every new or experienced teacher of college-level art must have. Its helpful suggestions and numerous examples of student artwork from Rockman's classes will impart confidence to the inexperienced and fresh inspiration to the veteran instructors.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction A Philosophy of Teaching Drawing as the Backbone of Visual Communication Chapter 1
Essential Skills and Information What Every Teacher and Every Student Should Know about Drawing
Sighting and the Use of Sighting Stick
The Principles of Composition: Theory vs. Application
Suggesting Space or Depth on a Two-Dimensional Surface
Line Variation and Sensitivity
Working with Value Structure
The Technique of Scaling
The Golden Section
Setting Up an Effective Still Life Chapter 2
Teaching Essential Drawing Principles in Relation to the Human Figure
The Human Figure
Gesture Drawing or Rapid Contour Drawing
Enhancing the Illusion of Volume and Space in the Human Form
An Introduction to Portraiture
The Figure and Anatomy Chapter 3
Spatial Thinking and Visualization Teaching the Essential Principles of Perspective Drawing
An Introduction to Perspective
Perspective and Cubes
Using Perspetive Grids
Increasing Complexity in the Perspective Environment
Mathematically Precise Cubes in Two-Point Perspective
Constructing Ellipses in One-Point and Two-Poing Perspective
Using Measuring Lines for Regular (Equal) and Irregular (Unequal) Divisions of an Area
Inclined Planes in Perspective
Geometric Solids and Transparent Construction
Three-Point Perspective
Suggested Perspective Homework Assignments Chapter 4
Establishing the Classroom Environment, Conducting Critiques, and Assigning Grades
The Classroom Environment
Group Critiques
Individual Critiques
Diagnosing Problems in Student Work
Key Questions for Critiques
Grading Appendix A
Classroom Documents and Other Teaching Aids
Preparing for the Classroom Experience
Determining Course Content
Preparing a Slide Library Appendix B
Preparing Students for What Lies Ahead
Career Opportunities in the Visual Arts
Building a Resume
Preparing a Slide Portfolio
Writing Letters of Recommendation
Graduate School Checklist Bibliography
Artist Index
Index
