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If you require special accommodations to attend the class regularly please feel free to contact me at any time.  I will try to have these accommodations arranged for you as soon as possible.  I am open to discussion on any question or problem you may have related to this class, and can meet outside of my regular office hours.  Just schedule an appointment with me a few days in advance at the appointment sheet outside my office.  

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This is an intensive 4 week long workshop in which the students are exposed to a variety of printmaking techniques, approaches and concepts.  Focus will be on experimentation and integration of traditional printmaking media with unorthodox graphic media.  Techniques such as linoleum-cut, woodcut, and monotype are covered, in addition to introduction to basic intaglio processes.  The students will also be presented with a variety of techniques, essential printmaking terminology, and the basic aspects of storing, preserving, collecting and curating fine graphic art.  From the very beginning, the students are taught workshop procedures and are instructed in the proper and the safe use of the shop equipment and tools.  

CLASS FORMAT

The classes will be developed in several different ways and the instructions may be based on one or more of the following:

Practical Classes
These classes will consist of studio exercises, short lectures, discussions and individual assignments. The classes will be intensive and the student will be given homework every week.  The student is also encouraged to use visual resources beyond the ones presented in the classroom.

Theoretical Classes
These are the key lectures supported with slides, films, books and various articles on drawing and art. We will also look at original art works when appropriate and available (see field trips bellow).

Critiques
The group critiques will be scheduled both in class setting and privately. The students will present the work done in/out of class.  Suggestions for completion will be given regularly.
YOU MUST NOT SKIP THESE SESSIONS!!!

Field Trips
To Los Angeles area museums/galleries/visiting artist lectures when appropriate to the course of study.  

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS

Read this syllabus.  I don't need it.  You do.  It is solely designed for you.  Save it too!!!!
Take advantage of the things you learn in this class and combine them in the field where artistic knowledge plays an important role.

Participate in critiques and discussions. Say what you think, how you feel and why you think and feel that way.

Challenge yourself to work even when you don't feel like working. This class is also about discipline and acquiring good habits which are essential for your future career.

Do ask. Accept this subject as an area where you can and want to learn many things.  

JOURNAL / SKETCH BOOK ASSIGNMENTS

Project studies, project development, test proofs, etc.(outside of class), and free studies.  The maintenance of a sketchbook is a course requirement.  We will discuss your sketches regularly.     

IN/OUT CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS

in-class studio assignments (regular weekly assignments)
out-of-class assignments (regular weekly assignments)
reading assignments(when assigned)
class participation (regular weekly assignments)
typewritten reviews of museum's exhibitions/visiting artist lectures (when assigned)    

LAB RULES - CLEAN-UPs - COLLECTIVE STUDIO DUTIES

Any missed group clean-up of printmaking lab shall rigorously affect your overall standing in this class.
Absolutely no lacquer spraying of fixatives indoors.
Absolutely no leaving the studio messy after yourself.  Clean up after yourself.
Absolutely no walkmans.

Any waste product that poses a threat to your health and the environment will have to be properly handled.  Any improper handling of such materials as inks, turpentine, mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, etc. may be fatal for your health.  Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that you read the health and safety instructions prior to using certain materials and equipment.

All the hazardous wastes must be disposed of through the College's Hazardous Waste Management System.  If you happen to be by yourself and have any doubt about a particular substance, check with Professor Poskovic or Campus Safety at 4211 for the proper handling.  

LATE WORK & INCOMPLETE GRADES

This is a short term, therefore late work, or incomplete projects will not be accepted.  In order to earn credits for this course, all the assignments required for the final critique will have to be turned in by the due-date.  Incomplete grades will not be granted, and exceptions may be made in a case of an extreme emergency.  The student will have to turn in a written statement explaining the situation prior to his/her request for such a grade.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

This is a short term, and attendance is mandatory.  Information is given throughout the class period, thus it is essential that you remain present for the entire time.  If you should not miss any class you will be rewarded bonus points which may improve your overall grade for about 10 %.  However, if you are absent more then three ( 3 ) times, the next absence will result in lowering your grade for one full letter (seriously) regardless or reason.  This policy will be rigorously maintained, and exceptions will be made only in case of an extreme emergency.  A written statement must be submitted in such a case.

Any missed review, lecture or group critique shall also effect your grade.  You are responsible to notify me if you will be late or absent.  If you need to be somewhere before the class starts, or before it ends, or if you are going to miss the class due to an illness you must also let me know.

Be on time and prepared with proper materials to begin the work.  You are expected to be fully engaged in studio activity while the class is in session.  I will take attendance 10 minutes after class starts and will make a note of any student who leaves earlier than the session is over.  About 10 minutes after the class-time has begun I will record absences, which shall count as a complete absence (whether you are late 10 minutes or one hour, it will count the same).  

EVALUATION & GRADING

The work produced is evaluated in accordance with Whittier College grading policy and my personal observation of your work.  It is based on attainment of production, aesthetic quality of production and class participation in critiques and discussions.

In determining your grade I shall consider:

50 % - an average grade earned from all the exercises done during the course of study
20 % - self-motivated work outside of the class (ESSENTIAL)
10 % - class participation in critiques and discussions (ESSENTIAL)
10 % - proper presentation of your final portfolio and sketchbook (ESSENTIAL)
10 % - proper attendance and a positive working attitude in the classroom (ESSENTIAL)

"A" Excellent work and absolutely outstanding ability to analyze and integrate course material.   Consistent advancement, both technically and creatively.  Brilliant presentation of the  work and positive approach towards the course, assignments and the colleagues in the  class from the beginning throughout the semester.  Exemplary work in every meaningful  way. No more than three absences allowed.

"B" Your work is above average and as such fulfills all the requirements and more.  Clear  knowledge of the principles, theory, and practice.  You are beginning to express yourself  creatively. No more than five absences allowed.

"C" Competent work, average output, fulfills minimum requirements.
 No more than six absences allowed.

"D" Poor work, poor effort, lacks skills or creativity, little effort put into improving the work,  bellow  average.  Missed an unacceptably great number of classes.

"F" Unacceptable in all areas, lacks understanding, skills, and creativity, negative attitude  towards the  class and colleagues.  Missed an unacceptably great number of classes.

+ and - will be affixed when appropriate.  

LAB FEE - REQUIRED MATERIALS

The lab fee for this class is $ 100.  The Business Office will automatically charge your account after you have continued with the class after the drop/add period.   The lab fee is charged in order to provide you with most of the materials necessary for completion of this course.  The Art Department purchases the materials in bulk, thus gets much greater discount than if each student purchased materials on his/her own.  You will be provided with the following materials for your lab fee: linoleum or birch plywood plates for linoleum-cut or woodcut, 1 zinc plate, proofing paper, edition printing paper, inks and all printing supplies, nitric acid, tarlatan, blotters, various tools, newsprint, and more.

PRINTMAKING 1 - SUGGESTED MATERIALS & SUPPLIES

This is the list of materials you may also need in this course. The list may grow and some other materials may be needed as the course of study develops.  If you can, you may be asked to bring below listed materials.

PAPER: small sketch pad or 18" x 24" premium paper pad with spiral, colored black or gray paper

DRY MEDIA: pencils: 2B, 4B, 6B, ebony, white, charcoal:  compressed square sticks, vine charcoal, 4B pencil, conte pencils:  assorted colors (optional), graphite sticks (square)

WET MEDIA: India ink: black waterproof, dip pen, poster tempera paints, brushes: 1 medium sized Japanese Sumi, medium, and large sable watercolor brushes

MISCELLANEOUS: black marker (marks-a-lot), erasers:  kneaded, gum, and plastic , pencil sharpener, water color paints, small rag, utility or mat knife, masking tape, pushpins

OPTIONAL MATERIALS & TOOLS: brown paper, loose leaf white paper (arches), wax crayons, oil crayons, oil sticks, oil pastels, color pencils, pastels, chalk, felt pens, masking tape, apron or working clothes, pieces of cardboard, mat board or heavy paper, printmaking paper 24" x 30 or archival paper (rives BFK, arches, etc.), small empty cans and/or small jars with cover, brown wrapping paper or less expensive white paper
 

LOS ANGELES AREA ART SUPPLIES STORES

There is a number of stores in metropolitan LA which carry most of the materials mentioned above.  They all offer a student discount; please mention and show your ID  Some of the store #s are listed below:
 -Utrecht Art Supply in West LA(310) 478-5775
 -Art Warehouse in Westminster (714) 891-3626
 -Uptown Whittier Paint and Art Supply(562) 696-2284
 -Aaron Brothers Art Marts in La Habra (562) 697-5299
 -Pace Graphics Art Emporium Inc. in Fullerton (714) 870-0430