Spring 2007

ARTS 620
Learning Architectural Language through Free Hand Drawing

Ackerman,Marilyn J.

01/22/2007 - 05/05/2007
Thursday 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Art Workshop 105

Students will learn in the field the basics of both architecture and drawing by exploring various early Connecticut structures including architecture on the Wesleyan campus. Some of the most beautiful drawings are the freehand studies of architecture. Through drawing, we learn in a unique way to see the fluid beauty of the architectural detail. The Wesleyan campus and its local environment offer us an unusual scope of architectural diversity to draw upon. From a variety of structures, including the towering gothic revival spire of Wesleyan's '92 Theater to the elegant gravity of Russell House's fluted columns, we will learn basic components in building design, relationships to the landscape, and a working vocabulary in architectural style and detail.

Through slide presentations, we will look at classic architectural studies and the buildings that inspired them. Classes will begin with on-site short lessons in gesture drawing, contour drawing, perspective drawing, and depth of field. Students will be expected to visit architectural sites in Durham, East Haddam, and either Guilford or Madison, Connecticut.

Students are required to participate fully in class activities and discussion, and make weekly pin up presentations. There will be daily drawing assignments, written assignments from readings, and the term portfolio reviews.

Materials will include pencil, conti, ink, and ink wash on various surfaces.

No previous drawing experience is needed.

A syllabus for this course is available at:
http://www.wesleyan.edu/masters/courses/Spring_2007/Spring_2007_Syllabi/syb_arts620.html


Marilyn Ackerman (B.A. Wesleyan University; M.Arch. Yale University) is president of a regional design firm, consultant to the State Historical Commission, National Park Service, and Nation Trust for Historic Preservation. She was previously on the adjunct faculty at Wesleyan University and the University of Hartford.

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

Consent of Instructor Required: No

Format: Studio

Level: GLSP Credits: 3 Enrollment Limit: 18

Texts to purchase for this course:
J. Frederick Kelly, EARLY DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE OF CONNECTICUT (Dover), Paperback

Virginia McAlester, A FIELD GUIDE TO AMERICAN HOUSES (Knopf), Paperback

READING MATERIALS AVAILABLE AT BROAD STREET BOOKS, 45 BROAD STREET, MIDDLETOWN, 860-685-7323

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