ARTS 242(S) Oil Painting
During the fifteenth century in Europe, some painters began to make a small alteration in the formulation of their paints. Instead of binding their pigments with egg yolk, they ground those same pigments in drying oils. This seems a very minor change, but it is possible that no other development in the visual arts produced a more dramatic revolution. This course will serve as an introduction to representational painting in oils. A primary focus will be the development of sound basic working methods. We will consider both direct, "alla prima" painting, and indirect painting in glazes. In particular we will develop skills in: preparing supports, underpainting in monochrome, broad modeling of form, color mixing, and textural applications. At the same time, we will study the interrelation of method and expressive content in the painting. Every formal and technical choice can enhance or alter the character of the painting, sometimes in quite profound ways. Evaluation will be based primarily on the fulfillment of assignment objectives and participation in class activities. Lab fee. Prerequisite: ArtS 100 or ArtS 103. It is recommended that students also complete ArtS 230. Enrollment limited to 16.