24SPR Creative Writing and Drawing: Object Stories WED 9:00AM (04/10-05/01)

Instructor: Lyle Colombo, PhD. / 4 Weeks / Apr 10 - May 1 / Wednesday / 9:00AM-12:00PM
Class Size: 5-10

Course Description: The stories of our lives are intricately tied together with the objects we possess. In this course we will use both in-studio drawing time and guided exercises in creative writing to explore the physical trappings of our lives and draw out the tales they tell. Each meeting will begin with guided exercises in creative writing and drawing, during which time we will review the essential elements of creative writing and the basic design elements of the visual arts. This will be followed by time to develop and work on more substantial projects. Students will end the course with a short series of illustrated works of creative writing. This course is suitable for all skill levels; no prior drawing or creative writing experience is needed.

Course Learning Objectives & Outcomes: Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of creative writing and drawing. They will advance their ability to evaluate works in both disciplines based on those principles. We will go over five perceptual skills needed for creating successful still life drawings: The perception of edges using contour drawing, the perception of spaces using negative space, the perception of angles and relationships with sighting, the perception of lights and shadows, and the perception of the gestalt, or whole. Various forms of creative writing will be introduced, including poetry, memoir, creative non-fiction, flash fiction, and essay. A variety of creative writing exercises and complementary two-dimensional art projects will help students discover and hone their unique voice and style.

Supplies:

• Notebook or looseleaf paper
• Drawing pad (11X14)
• Set of six drawing pencils
• 4B graphite stick
• Vine charcoal
• Pencil sharpener
• Chamois cloth
• Polymer eraser
• Gum eraser