Course Outline for Art 23
2-D Foundations

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 03/11/2021
Catalog Description:

ART 23 - 2-D Foundations

3.00 Units

Introduction to the concepts and applications of two-dimensional art from various cultures, historical periods, and aesthetic sensibilities. The course covers fundamental theoretical concepts and terminology common to all two-dimensional art activities, including the study and analysis of the basic principles of organization and elements of line, shape, value, texture, color, spatial illusion. Designed to develop a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lecture presentations, studio projects, problem solving and written assignments. (May not receive credit if ART 10 has been completed)
1009.00 - Applied Design*
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00
Laboratory 1.00 72.00 0.00 72.00
Total 3.00 108.00 72.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the basic elements of two-dimensional art, including line, shape, texture, value, color and spatial illusion;
  2. demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the organizing principles of two-dimensional art, including balance, proportion, repetition, contrast, harmony, unity, point of emphasis, and visual movement;
  3. independently produce visual compositions and problem-solving projects that successfully incorporate the basic elements and organizing principles of two-dimensional art;
  4. make individual aesthetic decisions and judgments related to their own artwork;
  5. skillfully use a variety of artistic materials, techniques and tools;
  6. translate ideas and visual experience into images using both formal and conceptual approaches;
  7. discuss, critique and evaluate their own two-dimensional compositions, as well as those of their classmates;
  8. discuss and write a critical evaluation of two-dimensional art using the appropriate vocabulary and terminology pertaining to the basic elements and organizing principles of two-dimensional art;
  9. examine, compare and analyze historical and contemporary examples of two-dimensional art, within a global context.
Course Content:
A. Fundamental theoretical concepts and terminology common to all two-dimensional art activites.
1. Line
2. Shape
3. Value
4. Texture
5. Color
6. Spatial Illusion
B. Organizing principles of two-dimensional art.
1. Balance
2. Proportion
3. Repetition
4. Contrast
5. Harmony
6. Unity
7. Point of emphasis
8. Visual movement
C. Manipulation of the basic two-dimensional elements.
1. Visual problem solving
2. Two-dimensional awareness
D. Dynamic relationships of two-dimensional elements and organizing principles.
1. Contrast
2. Scale
3. Balance
4. Harmony
E. Introduction and development of skills using a variety of media.
1. Cut paper
2. Ink
3. Paint
F. Translation of ideas and visual experience into images.
1. Formal approaches
2. Conceptual approaches
G. Evaluation and critique of examples of two-dimensional art.
1. Cultural
2. Historical
3. Aesthetic sensibilities
H. Critical evaluation and critique of class projects.
I. Examination of contemporary two-dimensional art.
1. Trends
2. Materials
3. Approaches
J. Exploration and manipulation of the basic two-dimensional elements.
1. Dynamic relationships
2. Two-dimensional awareness
H. Techniques and tools appropriate to introductory study in art using a variety of artistic materials and media.
1. Pencils
2. Markers
3. Inks
4. Paints
5. Glues
6. Cut paper
7. Cutting tools
I. Evaluate students two-dimensional compositons.
1. Discussion
2. Critique
3. Design foundations
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Analyze master and student works in oral and written critiques.
  2. Distance Education
  3. Field trips to current exhibitions, gallery shows, speakers, and films relevant to the project viewed and discussed in class.
  4. Formal lectures with slides and related visual aids.
  5. One-on-one instruction with demonstrations related to hands-on assignments.
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Use contour drawings to learn about: 1) Function actual and implied lines serve in a composition. 2) The expressive attributes of line.
  2. Compose a two-dimensional design that uses negative and positive shapes to create the illusion of foreground, middle ground and background.
  3. Design a nine-step value scale from light to dark.
  4. Create a color wheel.
  5. Write a formal analysis of a selected work from a museum field trip.
  6. Create an Autobiographic Collage.
  1. Class participation in oral and written critiques..
  2. Development of a design portfolio, which reflects the goals of each activity.
  3. Written essay comparing and contrasting thematic and contextual elements including historical, cultural, and social and analysis of elements and principles of design.
  4. Objective exams on the terminology.
  5. Final critique of student work.
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. design unique compositions, using the elements and principles of design that show craftmenship and attention to detail;
  2. develop painting, collage, and assembly techniques along with individual style and content;
  3. write a formal analysis of a work of ART that describes elements and principles of design related to the content attended by the artist.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Davis, Jeff (2016). Foundations of Design Wadsworth, Centgage.
  • ART 23 Tools and Materials Kit.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Introduction to the concepts and applications of two-dimensional art from various cultures, historical periods, and aesthetic sensibilities.