Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Portrait and Figure Painting (Face-to-Face)

ART 3450-01

Course: ART 3450-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: ARTD
CRN: 10311

Course Description

Designed to further the study of anatomy in a variety of media. Emphasis will be on the interpretation of the head and figure in paint. Paintings will be accomplished using live models. (Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): ART 2410 and ART 3110 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Repeatable for Add’l Credit? Yes - Total Credits: 6

Required Texts

There are no required texts for this course. However there are required materials as follows:

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Oil Paints - 37 ml.  Make sure it says OIL and NOT ACRYLIC.  (Gamblin, Grumbacher, or Winsor and Newton are all good brand choices. Paint quality affects your outcome.) 
 
1)  Thalo Red Rose or Alizarin Permanent (Note that regular alizarin crimson is fugitive/color in that it alters over time but can be used for class purposes)
2)  Cadmium Yellow Light (PY35) or Hansa Yellow Light (PY3)
3)  Cadmium Yellow Medium or Deep (PY37)
4)  Cobalt Blue, Cobalt Turquoise, or Thalo (Phthalocyanine) Blue (cool shade)
5)  Ultramarine Blue or Ultramarine Deep (PB29) 
6)  Viridian (PG18)
7)  Cadmium Red Light or Medium (PR108)
8)  Yellow Ochre
9)  Burnt Sienna or Transparent Red Oxide
10) Raw Umber
11) Titanium white 200 ml (You could divide it up and get a 37 ml. tube of quick dry white for your charts and have regular for your paintings) 
 
Brushes: This can be according to personal preference if you have painted before. Make sure you have a variety in size/shape. 
1)  #10 - #12 Flat Bristle
2)  #6 - #8 Flat Bristle
3)  #4 Flat Bristle
4)  #1-#2 Flat Natural/Synthetic
5)  #4 Fan – Natural
6)  #6-8 Filbert
 
Other Stuff:
1)    Liquin and Cobalt Dryer
2)    Canvases or ground of choice for in-class work. At least six (6) minimum 12"x16"
3)    Canvases or ground of choice for Out-of-class work. Two (2) minimum 12"x16" and one (1) minimum 20"x24". Please see assignments for details. 
4)    Palette of your choice. Many have found a Masterson palette holder 16”x12”  and a Paper Palette pad 16”x12” to be useful in the shared studio space.
5)    Canvas panels or canvas sheets 8x10 or larger, for technical exercises Total: 2
6)    GAMSOL ONLY.  NO TURPENTINE, Odorless Paint Thinner, or Mineral Spirits.
7)    Jar (to wash your brush in)
8)    Palette knife to mix paint. 
9)  Rubber Cement or Glue Stick to create collages (Unless you choose to do this digitally)
10)  Exacto Knife or Scissors
11)  Sketch Book - approx. 9"x12" or sketch paper
12) Pencil/Eraser
13) Cropping tool, optional 
14) Proportional divider, optional
15) Gloves, optional
16) Paper Towels. (Blue shop towels are inexpensive in the automotive section and work well)   

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will master sighting techniques to achieve an accurate likeness.
  • Students will demonstrate a variety of observational and constructive strategies to represent the face and figure.
  • Students will use appropriate terminology to critique and discuss their own work and that of others in the context of contemporary figurative painting.
  • Students will gain an understanding of contemporary portraiture and become familiar with best studio and business practices.



Course Requirements

The painted portrait transcends mere objectivity; its purpose is neither to flatter nor to deceive. Instead, the artist’s responsibility is to approach their work with honesty, sincerity, and authenticity. Each brushstroke becomes a tangible record of the artist’s process of discovery and empathetic contemplation of their subject.

For many viewers, a portrait serves as their only face-to-face connection with the individual depicted. For others, it may evoke cherished memories of someone they knew. The essence of the subject’s presence should resonate far beyond any recollection of brushstroke or surface.

Commissioned portraiture represents a unique collaboration between the artist, the client commissioning the work, and the subject of the portrait. The portrait artist must navigate the client’s motivations and expectations while upholding their own artistic vision and integrity.

STUDIO ENGAGEMENT

  • DEMONSTRATIONS: In-class demonstrations are essential for your progress. While most formal demonstrations occur at the beginning of class, I may pause the session at any time if needed. I will often paint alongside the class, providing opportunities for observation and questions. Feel free to ask questions at any time, and I will also offer guidance, including painting directly on your canvases when necessary.
  • INDIVIDUAL STYLE: While I expect you to learn the concepts and techniques taught in this course, I do not expect you to paint exactly like me. Developing your unique artistic voice is a priority. Painting alongside your peers will also be a valuable part of your learning experience.
  • STUDIO READINESS:
      • Be at your easel and ready to paint by 10 minutes past the hour for each studio session, unless otherwise designated as a critique or non-painting day.
      • Ready to paint means:
        • Brushes, medium, Gamsol, and paints are prepared on your palette.
        • A surface is ready for painting.
      • Always keep a few prepared surfaces on hand. While in-class work is not often required to be kept, you may occasionally create a painting worth preserving. Note: Painting over dried, previously painted surfaces is not allowed. 
    • Easel Location Selection:
      • For poses lasting more than one class period, easel locations will be chosen by lottery for students present when the pose is set.
      • Students who arrive late or are absent will select their positions upon arrival.

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction
Week 2: Painting from the Live Model. Pre-Instruction Painting and Monochrome Sketching
Week 3: Painting from the Live Model - Monochrome Sketching
Week 4: Painting from the Live Model - Limited Palette 
Week 5: Painting from the Live Model - Begin Multi-Session Full-Color Paintings Set A
Week 6: Painting from the Live Model - Set A Continued
Week 7: Painting from the Live Model - Set A Continued
Week 8: Painting from the Live Model - Set A Continued
Week 9: Painting from the Live Model - Set A Continued
Week 10: Spring Break
Week 11: Painting from the Live Model - Begin Multi-Session Full-Color Paintings Set B
Week 12: Painting from the Live Model - Set B Continued
Week 13: Painting from the Live Model - Set B Continued
Week 14: Painting from the Live Model - Set B Continued
Week 15: Painting from the Live Model - Set B Continued
Week 16: Scheduled Final 

Critiques for assignments as scheduled.

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


Paintings must be turned in for the in-class critique. Only paintings present for the critique will be graded. Following the critique, Students will have until the time of the scheduled final to continue improving their paintings. This is optional but highly recommended.




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.

Assignments and Grading


ASSIGNMENTS

Your grade for this class will be determined by your average of your score on the following in-class and independent assignments weighted as follows: 

      • 10% — Sketchbook
      • 30% — In-Class Paintings and Assignments
      • 20% — Out-of-Class Self Portrait from Life
      • 20% — Out-of-Class Portrait from Life
      • 20% — Out-of-Class Painting from a Photograph

GRADING

Paintings will be graded on how well they meet the parameters of the assignment as discussed in class when the assignment is introduced.  Overall design and skill in execution will be the primary factors in grading but it is STRONGLY suggested that you read the rubric for each assignment carefully.  

Student performance will be assessed in group and personal critiques and ultimately the body of work produced in the class.  Point of consideration will be:

  • Attendance- especially during presentations
  • Ability to communicate both visually and verbally artistic intent.
  • Work ethic

CRITIQUES & LATE WORK:

Paintings must be turned in for the in-class critique. Only paintings present will be graded. Following the critique, Students will have until the time of the scheduled final to continue improving their paintings before they are due for final grading.

Studio Expectations and Etiquette

Please adhere to the following standards for safe and courteous behavior in the studio:  

    • MODELS:

The opportunity to work with a live model is invaluable for your artistic development and should be treated with the utmost professionalism.

      • Respect for the Model: Models are professionals and should be treated as such. The model’s changing area is strictly private and must not be entered by anyone while the model or their belongings are inside.
      • Setting Poses: The professor will set and adjust the model’s pose as needed. Students are not permitted to direct the model to change their pose.
    • DURING SESSIONS
      • Once a pose begins, students must remain in the studio.
      • Re-entry is not allowed while a pose is in progress, especially when working with an undraped model.
      • Students who return late from breaks should wait outside until the next scheduled break to re-enter. Opening the door during a pose is disruptive to the class and stressful for the model.
      • Consequences for Disruptions:
      • Students who fail to return from breaks or re-enter during poses will receive a verbal warning.
      • Repeat offenses will result in being marked absent for the session.
    • PHOTOGRAPHY:
      • It is inappropriate to photograph or ask to photograph our models. Please see me to discuss any exceptions.  

  • Rudeness and unprofessional language or behavior will not be tolerated.

    • CELL PHONES:
      • Set your phone to silent or vibrate mode.
      • Use cell phones only during breaks.
      • In case of an emergency, step outside the studio to make or take calls.
      • Music and audio is allowed through the use of headphones or earbuds during work time as long as you can still hear and respond to instruction. 
      • **DO NOT WATCH VIDEOS** during work time or critiques. Doing so will result in being marked absent for the day.
    • TALKING IS ALLOWED AS LONG AS:
      • The instructor is not speaking.
      • You continue working while conversing.
      • You keep your voice at a low volume.
  • FOOD AND DRINKS:
    • Food and drinks are allowed as long as they are not distracting (e.g., overly loud or strong-smelling).
    • Use common sense and be considerate of others.
  • CLEANLINESS AND SAFETY:
    • Clean up any mess you make.
    • Keep the pathway behind your easel free of clutter.
    • Dispose of OMS (odorless mineral spirits) and other materials properly.
    • Clean your brushes and other tools according to posted guidelines. (PAINT CANNOT GO DOWN THE SINK)

Office Hours


Office BH 127F: T 9:00am-2:00pm Please schedule an appointment using Calendly.
Links to an external site.  

https://calendly.com/ben_sowards/office-hours

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.