NEW RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, VIRGINIA SYLLABUS

Art 125: Introduction to Painting
Instructor: Rahn Binkley
Spring 2009
NEW RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DUBLIN, VIRGINIA
SYLLABUS
I. Course Description
Introduces study of color, composition and painting techniques. Places emphasis on
experimentation and enjoyment of watercolor, acrylic and/or oil, and the fundamentals
of tools and materials. Lecture/demonstration 2 hours, Studio instruction
3 hours, Total 5 hours per week.
II. Introduction
The purpose of this course is to give students a basic foundation in painting. Color
mixing and painting techniques will be emphasized. The student will work in watercolor,
and choose between acrylic and oil.
III. Specific Objectives
1. Students will learn characteristics of watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints.
2. Students will learn about different surfaces for painting.
3. Students will apply drawing skills to their paintings.
4. Students will learn color theory and color mixing.
5. Students will learn techniques for painting in watercolor.
6. Students will learn techniques for painting in acrylics.
7. Students will learn techniques for painting in oil.
8. Students will develop their ideas about painting through critiques.
9. Students will develop their own personal style of painting through experimentation.
IV. Instructional Procedures
Studio instruction, demonstration, lecture, field trips, guest speakers, videotapes,
critiques, student presentations.
V. Instructional Materials
Students will need watercolor materials and a set of either acrylic or oil paints. Students
will need brushes suitable for the medium. Students will need illustration board,
watercolor paper and canvas or canvas board. Pencils are also required. Approximate
cost of supplies: $80 or more.
*Feel free to ask me about any materials you want to purchase and use.

General Guidelines for Paint Supplies (watercolor, acrylic, oil):
Sets with 10 colors in acrylic and oil are adequate for this class (You may also choose
to supplement your set with more colors.), but for watercolor, I recommend buying
separate watercolor tubes. (See below for suggested colors.)
The best brands of paint are: Grumbacher, Windsor and Newton (Cotman), Liquitex,
and Shiva Oils.
All paints need brushes. Be sure to have fine, medium, and broad brushes for
watercolor, acrylic or oil. Make sure you get the right kind of brush for the type of paint
you are using.
Don't buy any kiddie art supplies.
If you want to keep your clothes clean, bring an apron or some kind of smock.
Watercolor Supplies:
Suggested colors: cadmium red, cadmium yellow light, alizarin crimson, ultramarine
blue, yellow ochre, viridian hue, burnt sienna, burnt umber,- and if you can afford it:
lemon yellow, thalo blue, indian red, permanent rose, indigo.
Paper: Strathmore 400 Watercolor block or Arches are good brands. (11x15", 13x17",
or 15x20")
A white plastic dish makes a fine palette, water container.
All supplies are suggestions. You may vary brands and colors.
Oil Supplies:
CAUTION! Oil paint must be thinned with a solvent. Many people are allergic to
turpentine and paint thinner. Special odorless paint thinner must be used in class.
For brush cleaning: a 15oz metal can or slightly larger, or you may purchase a brush
cleaning screened container.
Suggested Colors: Cadmium red, cadmium yellow light, alizarin crimson, thalo blue,
Ultramarine (or cobalt) blue, chromium oxide green, green earth, burnt sienna, raw
sienna, raw umber, titanium white (large tube)
Canvas: pre-stretched canvas, minimum 9x12", maximum 20x24".
Palettes for oil paint: disposable paper palette, covered palette in class, plexiglass,
hand-held palette.
Cotton rags: old t-shirts or jeans are fine.
Acrylic Supplies:
Canvas and Colors: same as for oil.
Palettes for acrylic: a white plastic plate, covered palette, paper, etc.
Brush cleaning: Water container, paper towel.
No text book is required.

VI. Course Content
1. Painting materials: watercolor, acrylic, oil
2. Painting surfaces
3. Drawing techniques for developing paintings
4. Color theory and color mixing
5. Color, line, texture, form ( 3-dimensional), space, value
6. Composition and design: proportion, rhythmic movement, contrast, balance,
emphasis, unity
7. Techniques for watercolor painting.
8. Techniques for acrylic painting.
9. Techniques for oil painting
10. Subjects covered: still life, landscape, portrait, abstract.
11. Framing and matting
12. Student Presentation and critique.
VII. Evaluation
Grading in a visual art course is subjective. Students should feel free to discuss assigned
grades at any time. Grading is based on demonstrated skill, mastery of technique and
completion of assignments according to instructions. Time, effort, improvement shown,
and active participation in critiques are also considered. Attendance is considered in
assigning grades.
VIII. Attendance
Students who miss more than 6 classes will receive a letter grade lower than what was
earned in the course. It is very important to attend class on a regular basis. Students
should let the instructor know if several classes are to be missed so make up work can
be assigned. In case of inclement weather which causes the school to close, students
will check for assignments on the online Blackboard.
IX. Withdrawal Policy
Student Initiated Withdrawal Policy
A student may withdraw from a class without academic penalty during the first sixty
percent (60%) of a session. For purposes of enrollment reporting, the following
procedures apply:
a. If a student withdraws from a class prior to the termination of the add/drop period for
the session, the student is removed from the class roll and no grade will be awarded.
b. After the add/drop period, but prior to completion of sixty percent (60%) of a session,
a student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a course will be assigned a grade of “W”
c. After that time, if a student withdraws from a class, a grade of "F" will be assigned.
Exceptions to this policy may be made under mitigating circumstances; such
circumstances must be documented and a copy of the documentation placed in the
student's academic file.
A grade of withdrawal implies that the student was making satisfactory progress in

the class at the time of withdrawal, or that the withdrawal was officially made before
the deadline date published in the college calendar, or that the student was
administratively transferred to a different program.
Instructor Initiated Withdrawal Policy
A student who adds a class or registers after the first day of class is counted absent from
all class meetings missed. Each instructor is responsible for keeping a record of student
attendance in each class.
Students who have not attended class by the last day to drop class and receive refund
must be deleted by the instructor during the following week. No refund will be applicable.
When a student's absences equal twice the number of weekly meetings of a class, the
student may be dropped for unsatisfactory attendance in the class by the instructor.
When an instructor determines that absences constitute unsatisfactory attendance, a
Faculty Withdrawal Form should be completed and submitted to the Admissions and
Records Office.
The last date of attendance must be documented. A grade of "W" will be recorded during
the first sixty percent (60%) of a course. Students withdrawn after the sixty percent
(60%) period will receive a grade of "F" except under mitigating circumstances, which
must be documented. A copy of this documentation must be placed in the student's
academic file.
The student will be notified of the withdrawal by the Admissions and Records Office. An
appeal for reinstatement into the class may be approved only by the instructor.
X. Cheating
Turning in someone else work will result in an F on the assignment. All work should be
completed in the semester the student is taking this class. Old work done in high school
or in other art classes is not acceptable.
XI. Fire
In case of fire, exit the art room by the front door. Turn left and exit Martin Hall at the
main entrance.
If you have any questions, call me at (540) 921-0409.