Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Basic Drawing (Face-to-Face)

ART 1020-01

Course: ART 1020-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: ARTD
CRN: 10118

Course Description

A studio class which focuses on the basic techniques of observational drawing: realistic representation, light and shadow, and linear perspective. Students will gain appreciation of the visual arts through the development of fundamental drawing skills. This course is appropriate for students not pursuing art as a major and no prior drawing experience is necessary. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English program majors may not enroll 

Required Texts

A full supply list can be found through this SUPPLY LINK. 

Materials can be purchased from various locations including the SUU Bookstore, Blick (the above link), Amazon, Michaels etc. Drawing Paper Pad, Pencils, Eraser, Pencil Sharpener, and Sketchbook should be gathered and brought to class by week 2. Full supply list should be gathered by Module 3. It is your responsibility to replenish supplies as needed.  Additional materials may be required but will be announced on the first day of class. 

 

Learning Outcomes

  • Utilize multiple strategies to approach the representation of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface.
  • Apply formal concepts concerning space, light, movement, volume, perspective, texture, and flatness to drawn compositions.
  • Use a range of drawing methods to create works that communicate a clear and intended message or concept.
  • Apply knowledge of line, value, proportion, and measuring when approaching drawing. 
  • Approach still life drawing, interior space drawing, and exterior space drawing with knowledge of line, value, proportion, and measuring.
  • Substantive, self-directed artistic activity: Ability to generate questions, analysis, and reflection to drive a personally effective and expressive portfolio of drawing.
  • Assess the effectiveness of their own drawing practices.
  • Give and receive critical constructive feedback through critique and review and demonstrate an understanding of relevant vocabulary.

Course Requirements

Studio Approach + Participation

As a studio course, learning happens through approaches specific to a workshop environment. Active participation is essential for one’s own benefit and that of the class. An active participant thoughtfully contributes to critique and works hard during class-time. 

READINESS: You are expected to have the basic supplies for class every class session unless otherwise instructed. It is your responsibility to arrive and set up  your drawing station by the start of class. 
ENGAGEMENT: You are actively Drawing, Listening, Discussing, Collaborating, etc. If you finish a drawing early, you might be asked to start a new one and expected to continue working on course related content. 
CLEAN UP: You should allow yourself time at the end of class to help the instructor  and your fellow students clean-up, put easels and drawing boards back, and put away supplies.  
HOMEWORK EXPECTATION:  The majority of work in this class can be completed during class time. Sketchbook Assignments will constitute the majority of homework. Drawing is like learning a new language or musical instrument, it takes repetition and a lot of practice. 
ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments for this course will be tailored towards reinforcing methods we are studying in class. They must be done from direct observation unless otherwise instructed. 
SLIDES AND DEMONSTRATION: Slide talks will take place when introducing new content to provide reinforcement of the skills introduced. Technical demonstrations will be a vital component of this course. Make sure you situate yourself so you can see the instructor or slide presentation.

Critique

Being able to effectively evaluate your own work and the work of others is a valuable skill that we will develop throughout this course. Furthermore, it is extremely valuable to engage with your peers and learn from each other, as we all work a little bit differently. Effective critique requires considerate observation, using neutral questions and as opposed to opinion-based questions, explanation and reflection, and dialogue. We will regularly participate in sharing our work. Sometimes this will take the form of longer, more formal critiques, sometimes in small groups, and other times it will be shorter, more casual sharing of our work.

Grading + Participation Evaluation

 
100 A= drawings show outstanding application of concepts and display effort.
95 A= drawings show an excellent understanding and application of all concepts.
85 B= drawings show a satisfactory understanding and application of most concepts.
75 C= drawings show some understanding and application of some concepts.
65 D= drawings show a lack of understanding and unsuccessful application of most concepts.
55 F= missing a majority of the assigned work.

Grades will be distributed with corresponding Canvas Assignments. You will receive written comments with your grades to help clarify the successful aspects of your work as well as the areas that need development. All assignments will be posted on Canvas and must be submitted in person. You will receive written comments with your grades to help clarify the successful aspects of your work as well as the areas that need development.

The following are considered in the assessment of your performance in this class, just completing an assignment does not guarantee an “A”:

  • Your consideration of the assigned objectives for a project. 
  • The reflection in your work of visual principles, concepts and techniques that are being investigated in class. 
  • The degree to which you develop a concept or idea. 
  • The presentation of your work and its degree of resolution, how you take your ideas through to completion. 
  • Your assimilation of the criticism and feedback that you receive about your work.
  • Your overall ambition and involvement with the projects undertaken and processes explored in this course.
  • Your ability to work independently, with discipline and responsibility. 
  • How your work progresses. 
  • Effort level in class – are you working? Do you start a new drawing if you finish early?
  • Are you drawing from observation?

Course Outline

Module 1

Topics: Course Introduction. Observational Line Drawing (Blind Contour, Modified Contour, Cross Contour). Negative and Positive space. Contextualizing lecture introducing topics and examples of historical and contemporary artists. 

Module 2

Topics: Geometric Shapes and Forms, Measuring, Sighting, work with construction lines to create volumetric forms, Ellipses, and Linear Perspective. Introduction to value and mark making. Contextualizing lecture introducing topics and examples of historical and contemporary artists. 

Module 3

Topics: Value and Tonal Orchestration. Contextualizing lecture introducing topics and examples of historical and contemporary artists. 

Module 4

Topics: Self Portrait and Final Drawing Assignment. Contextualizing lecture introducing topics and examples of historical and contemporary artists. 

Final Critique

Final Critique: Takes place at the pre-determined date and time during finals week. Attendance is factored into your final project grade.

Course Outline is subject to change

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late work for full credit is not accepted in this course for full credit. If you have extenuating circumstances which make it so that you cannot submit an assignment on time, you need to communicate with me in advance of the assignment’s due date with a plan for when you can complete it by. For each class day that an assignment is received late, it will receive a 2 point deduction. There will be two opportunities to make up a missed assignment or re-work an assignment for a new grade.

Attendance Policy

Studio courses are experiential in nature and rely heavily on in-class instruction, collaboration, and critique. As such, attendance is mandatory.

A student who misses more than 25% of scheduled class time (including unexcused absences and tardiness) will receive a final grade no higher than a “C–”, and may fail the course, regardless of performance on assignments.

Excused absences—such as those due to documented illness, university-sponsored activities, or other legitimate circumstances—may be made up with appropriate documentation (e.g., a doctor's note or official university communication). It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor before the absence when possible and to make arrangements to complete missed work promptly.

Consistent attendance and active participation are essential to your success in this course and in your development as an artist/designer.

Course Fees

ART courses have a $19.00 per credit fee

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.