SUPPLIES

Where to Buy

You will find more choices and professional advice at Jerry’s Artarama at IH-35 and Hwy 290 in Austin. If buying online I recommend: Dick Blick or Jerry's Artarama.

Paint Colors

Buy oil or acrylic paints (or both) in the following colors:

Lemon Yellow or Yellow Light

Orange or Scarlet or Red Light

Alizarin Crimson or Magenta

Dioxazine Purple

Ultramarine Blue or Phthalo Blue Red Shade

Phthalo Green Yellow Shade or Viridian

Titanium White (large tube)

Mediums (mixed with paint to alter viscosity and drying time)

Oil painters: Mineral Spirits, and Liquin Impasto (unless you buy an alkyd-based paint like W&N Griffin)

Acrylic painters: Acrylic Matte Medium

Palettes

Any large flat surface is fine. Larger mixing surfaces are more convenient. Glass is the easiest to clean. Wood is traditionally used for hand-held palettes. A lot of painters use paper palettes today for the ease of clean-up.

Brushes

Special note: natural-hair brushes can damage easily with acrylic paints. Synthetic fiber brushes are recommended for acrylic painters.

Bristle Flat and Filbert #2, #4, #8 (add #12+ sizes if working larger)

Bristle Round #2

Sable or Synthetic Round #2

Sable or Synthetic Liner or Script Liner #1 or smaller

Palette Knife

Medium-size, spade-shaped head, angled handle

Canvases/Surfaces

Common surfaces for painting include unprimed and primed stretched canvas, canvas mounted on panels, and panels without canvas. You can make your own cheap surfaces by buying a large sheet of Masonite at Home Depot or Lowes and having them cut it down to smaller sizes for you in the store. I recommend a variety of sizes and types of surfaces so that you can learn their strengths and weaknesses along the way, but 3 medium or large surfaces and about a dozen smaller surfaces are recommended. If you use unprimed surfaces buy Gesso from the art supplier and prime your surfaces with enough time for the gesso to dry (24 hours recommended)

More Tools of the Trade

Acrylic painters should use containers of water and a fine mist spray bottle (easily found at cosmetics store)

Old Master’s Brush Cleaning Soap

Brush cleaning containers (metal containers for oil painters using odorless mineral spirits)

Rags, toilet paper, paper towels, Q-tips, etc. for paint manipulation and clean-up

Low-tack masking tape

If you want to stretch your own canvases: canvas pliers, heavy duty staple gun, staples, and gesso

COURSE POLICIES and GRADING SYSTEM

Attendance/Participation, Grading System, and Late Work

Participation is critical for the successful completion of this course. Students are expected to attend meetings daily (Mondays through Thursdays) for five weeks at 1:00pm. If a student misses’ class then it is solely the responsibility of the student to acquire the information missed and complete the work in time for critique and grading.

30% of the semester grade will come from daily participation rewarding student’s efforts: Students will earn 50 points towards their participation grade each day they arrive on time, and 50 points for staying until the end of each meeting. Only two absences are allowed for the semester. Missing more than ten minutes of a meeting by arriving late or leaving early is considered an absence. Not participating in critiques, sleeping, or working on other course subjects during this class is considered an absence. After two absences the student’s semester grade will be reduced by ten points per absence.

70% of the semester grade will come from project assignments. Regular critiques, both as a group and individually, will provide students with information regarding their progress throughout the semester. The professor will be available to meet with students during class privately, after class in office hours, and at scheduled meetings to answer any questions.

Project Grading Criteria

1. Demonstration of the Concepts of the Projects

Each assignment addresses concepts and vocabulary that are integral to the progress of further art studies. The student must exhibit in his or her speech and class work a comprehension of the key concepts and vocabulary of each assignment. As the semester progresses the student is expected to expand upon the vocabulary and concepts of earlier projects to exhibit personal growth in the discipline of painting.

2. Use of Media and Techniques

The student must exhibit manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and a growing mastery of the use of the painting media and techniques presented in class. It is expected that students will study independently outside of class as well as through homework and classroom assignments.

3. Composition

Composition involves arrangements of shapes, lines, textures, values, and colors. The elements and principles of design will be discussed and applied to develop effective visual communication through painting media and techniques. Students will use these concepts in their work and speak about their compositions using appropriate vocabulary.

4. Visual Impact, Expressiveness

Visual impact and expression in art are generated by the relationships between subject matter, materials, and design. With experience one develops an eye for impact and expression in visual art. The students of this course are expected to trust in Prof. Robbins’ long experience and be attentive and receptive to his critical responses to student work.

5. Presentation, Timely Completion

Smudged, dirty, cockled, damaged or poorly cropped art is not acceptable at any time, for any reason. Serious artists present their work with pride. Good students give significant time and effort to their projects, and they deserve to be treated with respect in turn. Finishing in time for critique and presenting the work with care sets the tone for what viewers will think about the work, and the artist’s professionalism.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The professor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date listed in the college calendar. The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Incompletes

An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the professor’s discretion.  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their professor if they believe circumstances warrant.  The professor will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1. Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the professor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The professor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2. The professor will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the professor to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the professor to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the professor submits at the end of the semester.   

3. The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the professor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4. Students will retain access to the online course classroom information through contact with the professor in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be given access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the professor who awarded the Incomplete.  

5. When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the professor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not granted.

Homework, Readings, and Sketchbook

Students are expected to practice the contents of this course at home as needed to fully comprehend the concepts and apprehend the techniques studied. Coursework must be turned in on time for full credit. Project assignment grades will be reduced by ten points per class period late. In sketchbooks students are expected to take summary notes from lectures as well as draw for painting preparation.

COLLEGE POLICIES

Health & Safety Protocols

Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances.  The college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus.  If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

• If you have not done so, ACC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available throughout the community. Visit www.vaccines.gov/ to find a vaccine location near you.

• Campuses are open to faculty, staff, and students.  The college and its departments and offices may invite internal and external guests to their events and activities, though access is still restricted for external parties seeking to host activities at ACC.  The college’s Appian Health Screening App remains available to everyone who visits campus. This continues to be a good way to check your own health before coming to class or work. 

• If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility.  Testing is now widely available.  To find testing locations near you, click this link.

• If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self-reporting tool located here.

• ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus.  Per CDC guidelines, face masks remain a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19. 
  
   

• The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.
  
   

• Please be sure to carry your student, faculty, or staff ID badge at all times while on campus.
  
   

Because of the everchanging situation, please go to ACC’s Covid website at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus?ref=audiencemenu for the latest updates and guidance.

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state, and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct 

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling . 

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an outbreak of illness, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. 

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 512-223-1231.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xfmZHOPD_H1wgGKq1N7Irv6gvXxOXzbZ/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

The Testing Centers will allow only limited in person testing and testing time will be limited to the standard class time, typically one and one-half hours.  Specifically, only the following will be allowed in the Testing Centers:

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Testing: All approved SAS testing

• Assessments Tests: Institutionally approved assessment tests (e.g., TSIA or TABE)

• Placement Tests: Placement tests (e.g., ALEKS)

• Make-Up Exams (for students who missed the original test): Make-up testing is available for all lecture courses but will be limited to no more than 25% of students enrolled in each section for each of four tests

• Programs incorporating industry certification exams: Such programs (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) may utilize the ACC Business Assessment Center for the industry certification exams (BACT) at HLC or RRC

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at:

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support 

Student Accessibility Services

Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of each semester they are enrolled, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the legal document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations (NAA)” from SAS.

Until the instructor receives the NAA from the student accommodations should not be provided.  Once the NAA is received, accommodations must be provided.  Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to deliver the NAA on the first day of class.  

Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

An online tutor request can be made here:

https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/

Additional tutoring information can be found here:

austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

Library Services

ACC Library Services offers both in-person and extensive online services, with research and assignment assistance available in-person during limited hours of service. Although all college services are subject to change, plans include ACC students signing up for study space and use of computers at open libraries, extensive online instruction in classes, online reference assistance 24/7 and reference with ACC faculty librarians. In addition, currently enrolled students, faculty and staff can access Library Services online (also 24/7) via the ACC Library website and by using their ACCeID to access all online materials (ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos). ACC Libraries offer these services in numerous ways such as: "Get Help from a Faculty Librarian: the 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat service," an online form for in-depth research Q and A sessions, one-on-one video appointments, email, and phone (voicemail is monitored regularly).

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu

• Library Information & Services during COVID-19: https://researchguides.austincc.edu/LSinfoCOVID19

• Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php

• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/

• Email: library@austincc.edu

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here:

https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now

• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.

• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.

• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  

• A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

• The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: 

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.   

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help.  However, if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24-hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)

• The Williamson County 24-hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255

• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755

• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Recommended Reading List (not required)

The Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques by Ralph Mayer

Classical Painting Atelier by Juliette Aristides

Interaction of Color by Josef Albers

Hawthorne on Painting by Mrs. Charles W. Hawthorne

What Painting Is by James Elkins

Critical Terms for Art History by Robert S. Nelson and Richard Shiff

COURSE OUTLINE/CALANDAR

This schedule is subject to change at the professor’s discretion.

Week #1:

Course Introduction, Supplies, Prepping and Cleaning Techniques

Composition, Design, Light and Shadow

Indirect Under-Painting Techniques: Open and Closed Grisaille

Value/Color Strings

Week #2:

Limited Palettes, Absence of Secondary/Fill/Reflected Lights, Moon Study with Scumbling

Mixing Mastery Color Wheel, Perceptual Interactions of Colors

Indirect Over-Painting Techniques: Glaze, Semi-glaze, Velatura, Scumble, Impasto

Simultaneous Contrast and Broken Color

Direct Painting, Cape Cod School/Hawthorne Mud Heads

Week #3:

Warm Grounds

Atmospheric Painting

Dappled Light Painting

Week #4:

Cool Grounds

Portrait Painting

Week #5:

Studio Paintings from Studies

Course Rationale, Student Learning Outcomes/Common Course Objectives

This Painting course focuses on observational drawing and painting skills, visual literacy, design, and traditional painting techniques. Emphasis will be placed on structured use of painting media, mature conceptual and formal image development, and communication through composition/design.

Students of this course will:

- use traditional, academic painting media and surfaces

- accurately depict proportional and spatial relationships

- develop painting methods based in perceptual and constructive techniques

- create expressive representations of forms and surfaces

- execute paintings that emphasize relationships between figure and environment

- interpret subjects perceptually and expressively

- relate form, subject, context, and content

- discuss peer paintings in group critiques using appropriate vocabulary

- present completed works in a professional manner