In an attempt to get up to speed with the semester thus far, I am going to list various challenges I’ve come across, changes I have made this semester (or plan on implementing in future semesters), and other thoughts. I will look at each class I am teaching individually.

Beginning Drawing

-Introducing the “analytical” and “intuitive” way of approaching observational drawing (as well as a mix of both) seems to help students really learn the material. You have done this in the past, but you should really stress these terms.

-Create a cardboard viewfinder with students in class: http://donnayoung.org/art/sighting.htm

-In the “cross contour” line drawing exercise, don’t require that students draw “around” objects. Simply draw cross contour lines on the surface they see.

-Use the more expensive Canson paper for the drawings with black and white materials on a neutral value (gray) sheet of paper. The cheaper posterboard does receive drawing materials well enough (you get what you pay for).

-Decreasing the number of assignments has worked well, however, be sure to communicate that the weekly vocabulary / drawing needs to have more investment.

Introduction to Printmaking

-Introduce monoprinting first (before drypoint / etching). This is a process more similar to painting (a medium more students are familiar with, even if they have no printmaking experience). This will get them comfortable with studio procedures and equipment in a more

-Integrate more specifics into the project requirements in the first half of the semester (even though the first half is largely technical exploration). Each technique will be couple with a general theme. Students will be required (this is more closely aligned with what I expect in my other classes will make expectations more concrete). (I AM DOING THIS)

-Student fees cover supplies in the cabinets as well as Rives BFK printmaking paper.

-For the second half of the semester, introduce an exchange portfolio (on top of the long-term project).

-Encourage exploration OUTSIDE of the theme as well (for technical sake).

-Show lots of REAL prints.

-Require students to make one presentation using artists / projects they research on printeresting.org.

2D Foundations

-Breaking the longer “Composition” presentation into shorter chunks (relevant to specific project objectives) and presenting more frequently has worked better than introducing the entire presentation at the beginning of the semester (and attempting to reference it throughout).

-“Donald in Mathmagic Land” is terribly useful for explaining the Golden Ratio.

General Art History

-Ensure the sketchbook assignments and discussion threads align with the material covered each week.

-My organization seems to have worked very well (this is my first online class). I haven’t received “I’m confused about…” emails since the first week. The weekly emails / announcements have been useful.

General Art

-The 2 presentations for the “Line Wars” projects take too long. Present “Focal Point and Dynamics” and require students look at the “Line” presentation on their own outside of class.

-You don’t have time to teach observational drawing AND linear perspective in one day (I’m not sure why I thought this was even possible). Either add another day for linear perspective, or toss it out altogether.

-Students need an unbelievable amount of precautionary warnings regarding the dangers of XActo Blades. WAY more than you would think.

-Reiterate early and often the attendance policy and the fact that no late work is accepted (students need to make arrangements to turn in work before the due date if they anticipate missing class).