How does one build imaginative, communicative, expressive, painted images from direct observation? How does one paint not just what they see but how they see? What factors shape the way we look at the world, and how can we use this information to make meaningful work? Painting: Observation and Image looks very closely at these questions through the physical and formal practice of painting. This online intensive painting class practices the watercolor medium as it connects to the larger history of art, from Chinese landscape painting to western modernism, and on to the most contemporary international practices. Along the way we’ll learn how to apply the medium’s unique formal capabilities, employing technical experimentation to study color theory concepts, non-objective and representational image construction, pattern, and the use of painting as a way of seeing.

Work and pace: This is an intensive course - we cover a semester's worth of material in just 4 weeks! You can expect a brisk pace and a challenging, but accomplishable, amount of work. The university defines a credit hour as “two hours of outside class work for each hour in class or equivalent.” (Source) . As our class officially “meets” for 4 hours each day, 4 days a week. Technically then, in and out of class work time is 48 hours per week! Realistically, it’s a good idea to set aside 20-30 hours each week for the class; that’s 16 hours for in class, and another 9-14 hours for outside of class work. This is a deep commitment that can yield an even deeper learning experience than is possible in the comparatively fragmented schedule of a typical semester. You might think of this class as a one month painting marathon.

GRADING Final Grade breakdowns are determined as followed below. You will receive grade feedback at mid course and final portfolio reviews. Qualitative discussions of your work occurs throughout. Each assignment has a set of learning objectives that are used for evaluation and feedback, and stated ahead of starting work. PAINTINGS: 60% PARTICIPATION: 30% SELF REFELCTION: 10%