Stanford University, Continuing Studies Program, Summer 2012, Art 83
8 weeks, June 28 - August 16, Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Instructor: Trevor Tubelle, www.tubelle.com
Beginning Painting
Syllabus
This course is designed for beginners and those who have minimal painting experience.
Students will learn the basics of handling acrylic paints and brushes and explore a variety of
techniques (glazing, layering, impasto, alla prima, and others) and subject matter (landscape,
self-portrait, and abstraction). We will cover the fundamentals of composition, tone, and
blending colors. One-on-one and group discussions will also touch upon concepts crucial to
the creative process, including critical thinking, discipline, spontaneity, metaphor, and others.
Technical demonstrations and short writing projects will complement our studio work. The goal
of this course is to give students the basic tools and ideas necessary to begin their own
personal painting practice.
This course may not be taken for a Letter Grade. There is a non-refundable model fee of $15.
Course Objectives
To become familiar with the basic methods, techniques & tools of painting
To take part in a community of artists
To enjoy the challenging and nuanced processes of painting
Course Requirements & Grading
Please make a commitment to the work we’re going to do together. Students who want to get the
most out of this class should be on time, have regular attendance, and complete all assignments.
Grading options:
No Grade Requested: Default option
Letter Grades: Not offered
Credit/No Credit: No more than two absences and completion of all assignments and active
participation is required
Course Structure
We’ll be painting (and drawing) the majority of the time, but there will also be slide lectures,
demos, class discussions, and short writing projects. At the start of every class we will have a
warm-up before the main project. You’ll receive a handout via email before each class that
explains the project we’ll be doing that week, which materials to bring, and what to work on at
home. I recommend printing the handout and bringing it to class (or bringing a digital copy on a
device) if you would like to take notes during demos.
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Course Materials
For the first class you will need:
Work Clothing: Always wear old clothes, coveralls or an apron that can get dirty.
Acrylic Paints & Brushes: An inexpensive set of basic acrylic paints and a small assortment
of inexpensive short-handled brushes such as: #0 fine point, #3 fine point, #2 flat bristle, #6
flat bristle, 1.5 inch utility brush, etc. Also, one medium-sized “Asian-style” calligraphy
brush.
Surfaces: Get at least three (to start) 11 x 14 in. or so pre-primed canvas boards.
Painting-related Materials: Mixing cups, a palette, rags, palette knife, small spray bottle (for
water), a small color wheel, etc.
Painting Transport: You’ll need a way to safely transport wet paintings, as there is no
storage at school. One option is to bring a cardboard box large enough to put a painting
into without the wet surface touching anything.
Portable Art Kit (PAK):
A PAK is a small, portable container with supplies and a small sketchbook. The key aspect
of the PAK is that it is truly portable—it must fit in a backpack, pocket, or purse. Use it
to write down ideas, plan a piece, sketch on the fly, and brainstorm freely without judgment.
For your PAK you need:
Sketchbook: Must be 5” x 7” or smaller.
Pencils and/or Pens: A small assortment of your choosing.
Container: A small and portable box/bag for supplies.
Mini Painting Set: Some examples of small, portable watercolor painting sets:
• Pentel Aquash Mini Watercolor Set (Find at Kinokuniya Stationery & Gift,
see “where to buy supplies” below)
• Winsor & Newton Cotman Mini Watercolor Set (www.dickblick.com)
• Koi Pocket Watercolor Pan Set (www.utrechtart.com)
During the semester you will also need:
Pencils: One soft (B5) pencil. Also an eraser and a small pencil sharpener.
Charcoal & Conté: Some soft vine or willow charcoal sticks.
Additional Surfaces: Get as needed throughout semester. Some options: canvas board,
wood panel, stretched/unstretched canvas, watercolor/printmaking paper, cardboard, etc.
OPTIONAL: gloves, sandpaper, acrylic mediums, blow-dryer/heat gun, etc.
Where to buy supplies:
Kinokuniya Stationery & Gift: 1581 Webster St. at Post St. in Japan Town mall in SF
Accent Arts: 392 California Ave. @ Ash St.
University Art: 267 Hamilton Ave. @ Ramona St.
Michael’s (Sunnyvale): 818 W El Camino Real @ S. Pastoria Ave.
Michael’s (Mountain View): 2415 Charleston Rd @ Independence Ave.
Michael’s (Cupertino): 20640 Homestead Rd @ Forge Way
Michael’s (San Mateo): 1750 S Delaware St. near Concar Dr.
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Course Outline
Day 1:
Introductions, syllabus & materials
Class objectives & prior experience
Demo: Location, body position, set-up & clean-up
Project: Messiest & Lousiest Painting
Home Project: 1) Get PAK & other supplies. 2) Define “good” vs. “bad” painting.
Day 2:
Demo: Fast & furious layers & textures
Project: Lay-Tex Chaos
Home Project: Finish Lay-Tex painting.
Day 3:
Slide lecture (located in different room/building)
Demo: Starting a painting, mixing colors, composition
Project: Photo Landscape
Home Project: 1) Finish Photo Landscape. 2) Do fast Plein-air Landscape
paintings in PAK.
Day 4:
Demo: Shading, blending, contrast
Project: De-Stilled Life
Home Project: 1) Finish De-Stilled Life. 2) Make fast self-portraits in PAK.
Day 5:
Demo: Carving out heads
Project: Self-Portrait
Home Project: Finish Self-Portrait.
Day 6:
Demo: Mixing media
Project: Abstract Mash-up
Home Project: 1) Finish Abstract Mash-up. 2) Plan and prepare for next week’s
Pick ‘n Choose project.
Day 7:
Discuss: Getting “un-stuck”
Project: Pick ‘n Choose
Home Project: Fast paintings of people walking in PAK.
Day 8:
Demo: Volume, form & gestural marks
Project: Figurative Gestures (we’ll have a model)
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