Catalog Description

Advisory: Completion of ART 12A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: Introduction to figure sculpture using the live model. Emphasis on understanding the human figure as it relates culturally to contemporary and traditional sculptural concepts. Introduction to a variety of construction materials beginning with clay, plaster and mixed media. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Critique class projects for craftsmanship and aesthetic outcomes individually and in groups.
  • CSLO #2: Analyze a variety of sculptural techniques such as relief, additive, and subtractive as they relate to formal and abstract figurative concepts.
  • CSLO #3: Analyze and distinguish the historical aspects of both design and technique in figure sculpture.
  • CSLO #4: Portray the historical and cultural importance of the human figure in art.
  • CSLO #5: Apply and use proper and safe methods for using clay, plaster, foam, alginate, wax casting equipment, and appropriate sculpture working tools and equipment.

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

90

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives: 
1. describe the process of conception, design, execution, finish and presentation in creating original works; 
2. describe appropriate tools and technology to create art works; 
3. describe proper and safe methods for using clay, plaster, foam, alginate, wax casting equipment, and appropriate sculpture working tools and equipment; 
4. describe a variety of sculptural techniques such as, relief, additive, and subtractive as they relate to formal and abstract figurative concepts; 
5. investigate the historical and cultural importance of the figure in art; 
6. critique class projects for craftsmanship and aesthetic outcomes individually and in groups; and 
7. examine and discuss the historical aspects of both design and techniques in figure sculpture.
Laboratory Objectives:
1. create individual works by a process of conception, design, execution, finish and presentation;
2. perform basic ceramic construction techniques as they relate to free standing figurative sculpture;
3. select and use appropriate tools and technology to create art works;
4. select and apply proper and safe methods for using clay, plaster, foam, alginate, wax casting equipment, and appropriate sculpture working tools and equipment;
5. use a variety of ceramic techniques such as, relief, additive, and subtractive as they relate to formal and abstract design concepts;
6. create and develop contemporary personal sculptural forms through a series of figurative sculpture expressing the above concerns;
7. critique class projects for craftsmanship and aesthetic outcomes individually and in groups;
8. investigate and apply experimental methods of sculpture fabrication and finish of figurative art works.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - C1 Arts
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

      Articulation Information

      • CSU Transferable
      • UC Transferable

      Methods of Evaluation

      • Classroom Discussions
        • Example: Classroom discussions include idea development at the beginning of an assignment, problem solving student’s in-progress work and assessing completed projects. These discussions include both optional contributions to the conversation as well as full class critiques where all students are required to participate.
      • Projects
        • Example: When observing a live model, students will construct a clay sculpture on a wire armature, depicting the actual proportions of the model's pose. Student will be evaluated based upon their ability to use the visual measuring techniques of angling and ratio units to render a proportional human figure.
      • Reports
        • Example: Reports include assigned artist research as well as gallery visits papers. Written reports include student research, observational writing, and critical observations based on class information and topics.
      • Skill Demonstrations
        • Example: When making an abstract sculpture based on the figure, students will use formal design principles (such as mass, volume, size and eye movement) to convey a sense of the interpreted figure. Students will be evaluated on how well they use these design principles to move beyond a literal or "true to life" representation of the human body.

      Repeatable

      No

      Methods of Instruction

      • Laboratory
      • Lecture/Discussion

      Lab:

      1. The instructor will lead class discussions and critiques on the politics, aesthetics, and evolution of figure sculpture. Students are to provide examples of various figure sculptors addressing the evolution of the figure in their work.

      Lecture:

      1. The instructor will lecture on the concepts of fabrication techniques and provide a demonstration of fabrication techniques, surface treatments, and power tools. Students will then demonstrate various fabrication techniques.

      Typical Out of Class Assignments

      Reading Assignments

      1. Research and read about 3 contemporary figurative artists and take notes on how they approach the human figure.

      Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

      1. Maintain a notebook of lecture material and a sketchbook of ideas and designs for class projects. 2. Research and write a short essay based upon a visit to a gallery or sculptor's studio.

      Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

      Participate in three class critiques. Critique example: The critique process involves the student presenting a finished art piece, class response, and instructor input: a) The student presents a finished piece of artwork. They should describe their piece using formal design concepts and three-dimensional vocabulary terms; b) Students should address any technical issues important in the constructing of their piece; c) Students should address how their piece fits the conceptual criteria of the assignment; d) Class and instructor should give feedback and elaborate their own responses to this information.

      Required Materials

      • Classic Human Anatomy: The Artist's Guide to Form, Function, and Movement
        • Author: Valerie L. Winslow
        • Publisher: Watson-Guptill
        • Publication Date: 2009
        • Text Edition: 6th
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • 500 figures in clay. Volume 2
        • Author: Nan Smith
        • Publisher: Lark Books
        • Publication Date: 2014
        • Text Edition: 1st
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Sculpting the Figure in Clay: An Artistic and Technical Journey to Understanding the Creative and Dynamic Forces in Figurative Sculpture
        • Author: Peter Rubino
        • Publisher: New York : Watson-Guptill Publications
        • Publication Date: 2010
        • Text Edition: 1st
        • Classic Textbook?:
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • The Human Factor The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture
        • Author: Ralph Rugoff, Penelope Curtis, Martin Herbert, Lisa Lee, James Lingwood
        • Publisher: Hayward Publishing
        • Publication Date: 2014
        • Text Edition: 1st
        • Classic Textbook?: No
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Mastering Sculpture: The Figure in Clay: A Guide to Capturing the Human Form for Ceramic Artists (Mastering Ceramics)
        • Author: Cristina Córdova
        • Publisher: Quarry Books
        • Publication Date: June 14, 2022
        • Text Edition: 1
        • Classic Textbook?: No
        • OER Link:
        • OER:

      Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

      Clay working tools including fork, spray bottle, towel, needle nose pliers