ART223 Illustration I

Moday/ Wednesday 2:00-4:30 pm

Room: Wolf 318

Kristin Kest, Illustrator; kkest@ycp.edu , www.kestillustration.com

Office Hours by appointment.

Welcome to Illustration 1!

In this course, you will be introduced to the tradition of illustration, including some of the master painters of the past, and a few of the new artists who are working in digital media. We will also discuss genres, styles, techniques, materials, publishers, jobs, and everything that is pertinent to working as an illustrator.

In this first Illustration course, many of the assignments will require drawing from the IMAGINATION and learning how to properly use reference. We will also discuss layout and will review design, proportions, and the importance of thumbnail sketches.

The assignments will help to orient you to think like an illustrator and will be perhaps the most challenging aspect of this course.

This course will focus first on drawing and ideas.

Course Description: This course is an introduction primarily to the ideas, materials, genres, history, and methods of Illustration. Media including gouache, pencil, watercolor, and pen and ink are examined through hands-on projects and demonstrations. A survey of illustration history is included, which familiarizes students with notable names and past styles in illustration. The course emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, concept development, and creative problem-solving. Prerequisites: ART215 and:  ART216 OR ART220.

3 credit hours. Satisfies ADR I.

Goals: I hope to familiarize you with the general field of illustration,  the various ways and methods in which illustrations are executed, as well as acquaint you with some style and genre; however, what will be most emphasized is content, a crucial element to succeeding in this field.  You will be introduced to some the "illustration giants"  of the past and present and we will discuss much about the connections between fine art and illustration. You will be asked to consider how your personal life experiences influence your artistic choices, and how your work can then begin to reflect your philisophical ideas. You will begin to consider illustration as a self-generated endeavor. We will as an entire group (I-IV) also explore ways to work cooperatively to create a visual "product."

Basic Plan for the Course: You will be executing between 10 and 12 quick illustration projects over the course of the semester, plus you will be reading several articles (I will provide them for you electronically) for which I will request written replies via e-mail. You will also work with the group on some impromptu narrative sequence projects. During studio time, I will be presenting mini-lectures on basic materials techniques as well as some illustration history and some discussion, so plan to be able to complete your work at home in your studio. We will hold quick, group mini-critiques of the completed projects within specified timeframes as outlined in the syllabus.

Note: Syllabus is subject to change during the course of the semester.