Fall 2026 ART 103: Foundation Drawing and Painting (Units: 1.5)

Important Dates

Self Directed Drawing - Due Oct 15^th

Mid Term Portfolio – Due Oct 15^th This will include all coursework completed to date and an interim Engagement/ Artistic Development grade.

Self Directed Painting -  Due Dec 3^rd

Final Portfolio – Due Dec 3^rd  This will include all coursework completed from mid-term to end of course and final participation grade.

Grading

GRADE BREAKDOWN:

Weekly In-Class & Homework 50%

Self Directed Assignments (2 @ 15% each) 30% 

Engagement/Artistic Development 20% 

Course evaluation will be based on overall course engagement, workshop participation, in-class informal critiques, and a total of two self directed projects. 

Artistic voice is emphasized and projects are evaluated according to the following criteria:

• achievement of the objectives set out for each project assignment

• creativity and insights

• a willingness to try new things and take risks beyond your knowledge-base

• resourcefulness and ambition of the project

• visual execution of your concept (formal and technical awareness)

ENGAGEMENT consists of showing up on time and prepared to work (this includes having the required materials for the class exercises)  participating in sharing work and offering feedback to others in the ways that feel healthy for you, making space for others to share, helping to set up and return the classroom to “neutral”, collaborating meaningfully, remaining present and contributing generously and authentically to the dynamic of the group.  

Attendance

• Attendance is noted at the start of each class.
• If you miss more than three classes, it is likely that you will not be able to pass the course. 
• If you are falling behind, or life interrupts things, get in touch BEFORE you hit this threshold and we can try and work out a plan together. 
• I can’t catch you up on course material over email, while I am teaching, or outside of class time. A lot of the learning in art school comes from direct feedback from peers, observations of work in progress (yours AND others), class discussion, and hands on demonstrations. None of these elements can be re-created outside of class.  
• What is worked on outside of class time is meant to support the in-class learning, so even these aspects rely on attendance in class. 
• You cannot do this course from home, or remotely.
• If you are 20 minutes or more late, this will be counted as an absence. If you leave early, this may be counted as an absence. 

• ATTENDANCE FOR CRITIQUES IS MANDATORY. A CRITIQUE IS EQUIVALENT TO AN EXAM IN OTHER AREAS OF STUDY. If you require accommodation around critique, or need an extension, discuss this with me in advance, preferably at least one week before.  Even if you have not completed your work for critique, you are expected to attend and participate.

   

Department of Visual Arts Attendance Standard

Experiential learning and engagement are directly tied to class attendance. In the Department of Visual Arts students are expected to attend all classes. To succeed in the course, students should not have more than 2 unexcused absences in a 12-week semester, which equates to 6 hours of instruction.

Any student, regardless of illness or accommodation will not be able to succeed in the course with absences over 30%, which equates to 12 hours in a twelve-week semester. If a student finds that they are not able to meet this requirement, the instructor will work with the student to apply for academic concession or exceptional circumstances accommodation.

This standard is in place to ensure that students in the program acquire artistic experience in conjunction with the skill and safety requirements needed to complete the coursework and continue in the program. We find that active communication between students and instructors is the best method for ensuring attendance requirements are met. (Instructors are free to add information on how they will manage communication around attendance and can specify ways that they will work with a student who is experiencing extenuating circumstances). If the attendance standard has not been met and there is no communication with the instructor, an incomplete or failing grade will be assigned.

Academic Concession Link:

https://www.uvic.ca/students/academics/academic-concessions-accommodations/request-for-academic-concession/#ipn-request-a-withdrawal-or-aegrotat

Materials

The required materials list will be posted on Brightspace, and we will go over it in detail in class. 

Additional Information

Department of Visual Arts Resources:

Technical Support Staff:

Carly Greene (she/her)

Workshop Technician

Office: B117b (in the Visual Arts shop)

Email:  visartsshops@uvic.ca

Hollis Roberts (she/her)

Facilities Management/Workshop Technician

Office: A103, Visual Arts Building

Email: vafacilities@uvic.ca

Cliff Haman (he/him)

Senior Academic Assistant 

(media equipment consulting and troubleshooting) 

Office: A234, Visual Arts Building

Email: chaman@uvic.ca

Classroom use:

You can work on your projects in the classrooms when they are not being used for teaching. Schedules for each room can be viewed here https://finearts.uvic.ca/visualarts/spaces/

Please be respectful of storage and space use as we have to share the classrooms.  You can also work in the outdoor shop and sculpture yard area in consultation with the shop technician.

Space Booking: Please always check the below schedule link for space availability prior to use – you can book the space in the online schedule with your first and last name. 

https://finearts.uvic.ca/visualarts/spaces/

Visual Arts Building Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8am to 11pm

Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 11pm

Stat Holidays: Closed

You can work after 11pm as long as you are working with another registered Visual Arts student (for safety considerations). Security will come through the building and ask for your student ID.  Please do not prop open locked doors after hours.  Please see the Building Handbook in Brightspace for further information.

Wood and Metal Shop Hours:

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm (powered down 12-1pm for lunch)

Closed Saturday and Sundays and Stat holidays

The Wood and Metal Shops schedule can be viewed here: https://finearts.uvic.ca/visualarts/shop-spaces/

Workshops or class use are prioritized by the on-duty technician during their regular hours so always check the schedule before going in.

Please plan your shop use accordingly and have sketches and/or maquettes available for the shop technician to reference prior to asking for their help.  Before going into the shops be sure to always have your CSA approved safety glasses and dress appropriately for shop use (long hair tied back, non-slip shoes with closed toe and sole no taller than 1”, jeans and natural fibres for the welding booth).  Dust masks are available for purchase through the School Store.

The portable power and hand tools can be signed out through the on-duty shop technician. These tools have to remain in the Visual Arts Building/Sculpture Yard. 

Spray Room usage:

If you want to use spray paint, other aerosols, or other gaseous chemicals for your project outcomes there is a spray room located off the sculpture yard for your use. 

The spray room can be booked with the shop technician and the key for it can be picked up from them – please review your safety equipment (respirator, gloves, goggles) with the Shop Technician prior to its use. 

Visual Arts Store:

You can purchase some metal, lumber and safety supplies through the Visual Arts Store – open Monday, 11:30am to 12:20pm; Tuesday to Thursday, 12:00pm to 1:00pm; Friday, weekends and holidays, closed.  They accept cash or One Card.

Space Booking: 

Please always check the below schedule link for space availability prior to use – you can book the space in the online schedule with your first and last name. 

https://finearts.uvic.ca/visualarts/spaces/

Media Commons (equipment cage) (Fine Arts Building, Room FIA 238):

https://finearts.uvic.ca/sim/equipment/

A list of equipment, online tutorials and manuals are also available at the link.  If you require a more detailed tutorial on specific equipment for production or project use you can email Cliff for an appointment at fineartsequip@uvic.ca. The equipment pick up and drop off times are listed at the link. 

Extended opportunities:

The Living Artists, Living Art course/public artist talk series constitute an important connection between Victoria as a relatively remote community and the larger world. All visual art students are encouraged to attend the artist talk portion of the course even if you’re not enrolled. Talks are in the Sngequ House (RSN) Room 133, from 5:00pm to 6:20pm usually on select Wednesdays.  Information will be emailed by the department and posted in the Visual Arts building prior to each artist talk.

Our department has an MFA Program and our Graduate Candidates will be having weekly solo exhibitions in the Audain Gallery in the Visual Arts Building throughout the fall.  As well, other courses and curatorial projects will take place in the Audain Gallery.  Announcements will be emailed about the exhibitions throughout the fall term.

Support

CAL Accommodations

Instructor Responsibilities:

• Access, review and acknowledge receipt of the accommodation letter https://al.uvic.ca/ClockWork/user/instructor/default.aspx
• Take the time to privately discuss the accommodation with your student; if you would like to understand the requested accommodation better, reach out to the CAL Advisor mentioned in the accommodation letter or communicate with both the student and their CAL Advisor. The goal is to learn if the accommodation pertains to studio-based classes, and if so, discuss best practices for moving forward with the accommodation request and achieving the learning outcomes of the course.
• Work with your student to meet their requirements for your specific class.
• Inform the student of their role in the accommodation process.
• Be mindful of the need to ensure confidentiality and protect the student’s privacy at all times.

Student Responsibilities:

• Register with the Centre for Accessible Learning by the posted deadlines https://www.uvic.ca/accessible-learning/students/how-to-register/index.php
• Take the time to discuss your accommodation with your instructor. Consider how your accommodation relates to a studio-based learning environment, and which, if any, aspects will pertain.
• A CAL accommodation does NOT exempt students from completing assignments or attending class.
• If you require additional time on an assignment or deadline, this must be discussed with your instructor in advance.
• If you require alternate methods for engagement (class discussion, working in the studio classroom, working in the shops), discuss this with your instructor at the beginning of the course.
• If you require alternate methods for lectures, film or image presentations, discuss this with your instructor at the beginning of the course.
• Keep your instructor up to date on accommodation needs throughout the term, especially if there are improvements or setbacks.

Health and Safety Policies for the Department of Visual Arts

 In order to protect the integrity of the Visual Arts building and guarantee the safety of students, staff and faculty, the following guidelines must be followed:

• There will be no alteration of the physical building (temporary or otherwise), without the written approval of the chair. All proposals for special projects should be first submitted to The Visual Arts Facilities and Production Manager for consideration.

• All temporary installations of art that may occur outside the regularly sanctioned locations (i.e., the gallery and classrooms) must be authorized.

• At no time will the use of hazardous materials either inside or outside the vicinity of the Visual Arts Building, be permitted without the department’s prior approval.

• There shall be no disposal of toxic materials down sinks: all solvents, acids and other substances used in the routine course of art making must be handled in a safe and acceptable manner. 

• Artworks that include an element of self-harm must be authorized in writing by the Chair and will include strict pre-determined conditions depending on the proposal. In most cases the artist/ student will be responsible for ensuring all safety precautions are taken regarding their safety and the safety of others. This includes having first aid equipment at the performance or during the creation of the work where the action takes place, and consider any health risks your actions may pose to others. At the discretion of the Department Chair, a first responder may be required to be present

• Art that includes elements of violence, self-harm, and or other subject matter that may be traumatic or pose a trigger risk should be clearly identified to students, faculty and staff, allowing them to choose if they want to witness your work, these types of warnings are typical if one were to do such a performance in a gallery or other public space.

• Art that includes excessive volume is dangerous to the hearing of students, faculty and staff. These artworks can also be disruptive to other classes and activities within the Visual Arts Building. Artworks and or actions that contain sound at or above 98dB need to be pre-approved by the Department and clearly labeled. During critique situations hearing protection should be made available anyone required to experience the piece. Free decibel metering apps are available for most smart phones determine the level or risk.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES MAY RESULT IN ACADEMIC PENALTIES, FINANCIAL CHARGES, AND/ OR, THE LOSS OF SHOP, LAB, STUDIO, AND EQUIPMENT USE PRIVILEGES.