Instructor / Tom Hoffman: Office Room#345(by appointment)
Phone (801) 656-7045 / Email: / website:
Meets / 2205/001 T-TH 9:10am-12:05 Room 352
2205/004 T-TH 12:25pm-3:20 Room 352
Credit Hours / 2
Description / This Foundations course, required of all BFA majors in Studio Art, introduces students to the concept of illusion through the practice of basic principles and elements of design and composition using the technique of drawing. Mapping is a process of abstraction and translation of the physical world into two dimensions. Principles including scale, balance, emphasis, unity & variety, value, line, shape, and texture will be explored through a range of monochromatic drawing media, including: graphite pencil, charcoal, and ink. Beginning drawing skills will be taught and used through a series of projects that focus on independent decision-making, analysis and the effective use of terminology.
Prerequisites / Full Major or Intermediate or Minor status in BFA Studio Art
Objectives / Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to…
1. Demonstrate the following technical skills:
  • Create spatial illusion in drawing through line weight, cross contour lines, composition and value.
  • Define space through the identification and translation of positive and negative shapes, and one and two-point linear perspective.
  • Use compositional tools to create division, balance and in-balance in a drawing.
  • Define objects through Shape analysis.
2. Demonstrate understanding of basic (2D visual design principles and concepts:
  • Space
  • Scale
  • Balance
  • Emphasis
  • Unity & Variety
  • Value
  • Line
  • Shape
  • Texture
3. Demonstrate critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills:
  • Analyze and apply relative scale to groups of objects in a composition.
  • Create Emphasis in a drawing through the application of media, composition and focal points.
  • Effectively use black and white drawing materials to create Unity.
  • Create interest and Variety in a drawing using line quality, composition and value.
  • Develop Visual Language and Critical analysis through drawing, to include critiquing skills, and effective use of terminology.

Teaching and
Learning Methods / Class time is devoted to lecture, discussion, critique, demonstration, student/instructor conferences, and studio/lab work. Attendance, punctuality, use of class time, and participation in critiques and discussions is critical to your success in this course. Unless otherwise instructed, bring the appropriate tools and materials to every class session.
Required Materials
and Tools /
  • Strathmore, Canson, or Blick Drawing paper pad, size 18 X 24”, vellum surface
  • Sketchbook, spiral bound, choose one: 7 X 10”, 9 X 12”, 8 X 8”, 10 X 10”
  • Graphite pencils (Derwent Graphic or Faber Castell): 2B, HB, 2H
  • Black charcoal pencil, Hard, Medium and Soft (Generals brand)
  • White charcoal pencil
  • Pencil sharpener (Prismacolor or good metal sharpener)
  • Soft white eraser (I strongly recommend the retractable type available at both the UofU Bookstore and Blick
  • Kneaded eraser (Design)
  • Masking tape, 1” or ¾’’
  • Portfolio for carrying drawing pad.
  • #8 round water color brush

Required Text / Launching the Imagination (5th Ed.); Mary Stewart; McGraw-Hill Education
This textbook is required for all Studio Art Foundations courses.
Course Fees / The fee for this course is $20. Fees for this course will be used to pay for items essential to the student's successful completion of the course. This may include: materials, tools, supplies, equipment, service provider fees; honoraria for invited lecturers, costs associated with field trips or other required events.
Schedule of Topics / Week 1
Technical Topics:Types of line and line weight.
Principles/Concepts: Line.
Week 2
Technical Topics: Space – cross contour
Principles/Concepts: Shape – shape and form
Week 3
Technical Topics: Linear perspective (one & two point).
Principles/Concepts: Space, Line & Scale.
Week 4
Technical Topics:linear perspective
Principles/Concepts: Shape and form.
Week 5
Technical Topics: Mapping and composition.
Principles/Concepts:Division and Balance.
Week 6
Technical Topics: Mapping and composition.
Principles/Concepts: Space
Week 7
Technical Topics: Value and texture.
Principles/Concepts: Unity and Variety
Week 8
Technical Topics: Focal points
Principles/Concepts: Emphasis
Evaluation Methods
and Grading / Grades will be given on the basis of the student’s comprehension and demonstrated skill with the various techniques, materials and processes covered in the course, and the associated visual art/design principles. This will be evaluated through:
  • completion and quality of assignments
  • participation and performance in discussions and led demonstrations
Final course grade will be determined by:
  • 60% - Assignments (each project graded according to its own criteria andpoint scale)
  • 20% - Participation in demonstrations and completion of in-class exercises
  • 20% - Participation in discussions, critiques, and peer reviews

Non-Contract
Statement / This syllabus is meant to serve as an outline and guide for the course.Please note that the instructor may modify it at any time with reasonable notice to students. The instructor may also modify the Schedule at any time to accommodate the needs of the class.Should you have any questions or concerns about the syllabus, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor for clarification.