Welcome to Art History

OVERVIEW

You will be introduced to and explore the discipline of art history and  visual materials in selected times and cultures of our world in this course.  You will learn how to look at and describe works of art after we discover what art is, and what is its purpose. This will include observation of digital images on the internet, short readings and writing assignments and some simple art production activities.  Individual lessons will focus on each of the above ideas with both instruction and practice. Module One focuses on the basics of art history with prehistoric cave drawings, basic component of line as an element and the basic tool of drawing.  Student assignments will be assessed by the instructor.

PORTFOLIO

As part of the lessons you will complete certain exercises that need to be collected and put into a portfolio. They will be evaluated when we meet in person. All of these may be done on regular

8 1/2 x 11” paper in pencil (2B to 6B) or fine felt marker.  Make sure they are labeled carefully.  You may use a folder for each module or insert all module work in a notebook.  Activities to be included in your portfolio are marked with an **.

NOTE:  In the art history of all cultures you will find that the human figure, clothed or nude, is one of the most depicted subjects.  Because of the importance of certain nude figure representations in art, they are part of our studies.  Please be assured that the consideration in choosing these artworks is purely historical and aesthetic.

SEMESTER 1

• Module 1-What is Art?
• Module 2-Art as Communication, The Painted Word
• Module 3- Sculpture, the Third Dimension
• Module 4- Sacred Architecture

SEMESTER 2

• Module 5. The 3 R's Plus
• Module 6 -  Impressionism to Modernism
• Module 7 - Modern times in the art world
• Module 8 - Cultural Groups and their art