DIGITAL IMAGING
PHO 106
Course BLOG: http://photo106.wordpress.com
Course Description:
This course will acquaint the student with the computer as an imaging tool. Using Adobe Photoshop ®, the class will explore the manipulation and creation of photographic images in both black and white and color. Scanning and output techniques also will be covered. In this hands-on class, time is spent working in an open supervised environment. Assignments, exams, and critiques are scheduled as necessary.
Additionally:
This course will expose you to contemporary artists who use digital tools in their practice. It will allow you to understand when and why to incorporate the computer into your work. We will discuss trends in digital art including the cyborg, social networking, data visualization and constructed realities.
Objectives: After taking this course students will be able to:
• Identify when and why to use digital art making tools
• Explain and articulate their art and design choices
• Demonstrate fluency in Adobe Photoshop
a. Input—scanning, cameras, found images, resolution, image size, file size
b. Processing—selection, layers, image control, modes, text, basic filters
c. Output—printing, resolution, print profiles, various media
Lab Rules:
• No Food
• Respect the machines
• Don’t panic
• Back up, back up, back up!
• Ask the instructor, ask a buddy, ask the web
Critiques:
Although this is a technical course, critique is an essential component of the class. You will be expected to participate and throughout the semester will become more comfortable and used to talking about each others work. We will critique the projects in class when they are due. The in-
use a several different styles of critique for the outside of class assignments including:
The Work Stands Alone: Occasionally, we will discuss the project as a group without the artist/designer speaking first. The class will get a “cold read” and speak about what they see. The artist will then explain the project or ask questions.
One Question-In-Progress: Critique is valuable and allows us to see places to improve our work. We will often critique drawings, plans or sketches of the project before it is completed or even begun on the computer. For this critique, the artist must explain the work but must also pose a question about the in-progress project.
Old-School Traditional: The artist presents their work and ideas and then we discuss as a class.
Evaluation:
Exercises: Digital Drawing, Crossbreed (5 each) 10
Project 1: Two Word Collage 10
Project 2: Do Not Be Original & Artist Presentation 10
Midterm: Call & Response (In-Class) 15
Project 3: Identity 15
Project 4: FINAL 20
Photoshop Lessons 15
Attendance/Participation 5
Each assignment sheet will include a detailed description of how the project will be evaluated. Most will include sections on technical, formal, and conceptual aspects of the project.
Attendance is mandatory—especially on lab days! All college attendance policies apply.
Please note that I do take attendance each day and will not allow more than one unexcused absence. More than three absences will require a meeting with the dean and are grounds for failure of the course.
Required Text:
Adobe Photoshop CS4 Classroom in a Book 2008
Adobe Press
ISBN-10: 032157379X
ISBN-13: 978-0321573797
Photoshop CS4 Essential Skills by Galer and Andrews 2008
Focal Point Press
ISBN-10: 0240521242
ISBN-13: 978-0240521244
Handouts may include excerpts from:
Weintraub, Linda. In the Making DAP New York 2003.
Bayles, David and Ted Orlando. Art and Fear. The Image Continuum, CA 1993.
Photoshop User Magazine, Photoshop World etc.
Materials:
You must have a digital camera for this course. We are concentrating on Photoshop so a “point and shoot” style camera is acceptable. If you are a photography major you may opt for a “prosumer” or SLR. There are many good cameras on the market that are also affordable.
Look for (if you are buying new)
7 or more megapixels
Optical Zoom
Something that fits your special interests-some cameras are better for night shots, macro etc.
If you have any questions please let me know.
Epson papers (for proofs) Epson Inkjet Paper (for final prints) USB Drive, CDRs, DVDs
Optional: External Hard Drive, specialty printing papers i.e. vellum, clear film etc.
Extra Extra Optional: Waicom tablet
Disability Statement: Anyone in this class who has a special need which may be the result of a disability should see me after class as soon as possible. I am sure we can work out whatever arrangement may be necessary to accommodate you to ensure you perform up to the best of your abilities.
Schedule:
Part 1 Getting to Know the Program:
Aug 25 Introduction to the course
Introduction to workbook/network
Exploring the program
DISCUSSION: Benefits/Drawbacks of Digital Imaging
EXERCISE 1: Digital Drawing DUE SEPT 1
Aug 27 Bring in object for drawing
DEMO: Printing
DEMO: Brushes
LAB TIME: Workbook/Drawing
Sept 1 Digital Drawing Discussion
EXERCISE 2: Cross-Breeds DUE SEPT 15
DEMO: Scanning
Sept 3 DEMO: Working with layers
**Workbook Lessons 1-4 DUE
Bring in digitally manipulated image from media
LAB TIME: Workbook
SE
Sept 8 No Class
Sept 10 DISCUSSION: Selected Artists
LAB TIME: Workbook
Sept 15 DISCUSSION: Exercise 2 Half Breeds
Introduction Assignment 1: Two-Word Collage DUE SEPT 29
LAB TIME: Workbook
Sept 17 **Workbook Lessons 5,6,10 due
LAB TIME: Collage
LAB TIME: Essential Skills
Sept 22 LAB TIME: Collage
LAB TIME: Essential Skills
Sept 24 LAB TIME: Collage
LAB TIME: Essential Skills
Part 2: Getting to the Roots
Sept 29 “Old School” Critique, Two-Word Collage
Introduction: Do Not Be Original DUE OCT 13+
Choose Artists!
DEMO: Good Research/Using the Library
Oct 1 DEMO: Droplets
LAB TIME: Essential Skills
LAB TIME: RESEARCH
Oct 6 LAB TIME: RSEARCH Project
Oct 8 ***Workbook Essential Skills Lessons DUE
LAB TIME: RESEARCH/Project
Oct 13 Presentations + Work Stands Alone Critique (Additional day may be added)
Oct 15 MIDTERM: Call & Response Part 1
Oct 20 MIDTERM: Call & Response Part 2
Part 3: Concept + Skillz
Oct 22 Introduction Identity Project DUE NOV 12
DISCUSSION: Online Identity- In class reading
VIDEO: Art21 Identity
Oct 27 LAB TIME: Project
DISCUSSION: In the Making Worksheet
READING: In the Making
Oct 29 DISCUSSION: Reading: In the Making
LAB TIME: Individual Meetings
Nov 3 LAB TIME: Identity
Presentation: Selected Artists
Nov 5 LAB TIME: Identity
Nov 10 Identity Project Due: Choice of Critique Style- Possibly introduce final
Nov 12 Introduction to Final Project DUE AT EXAM PERIOD Dec 7-11
Presentation: Fascination, Repulsion, Questioning (Identity
Nov 17 LAB TIME: Final
DEMO: Mixed Media
Nov 19 LAB TIME: Final
Reading: Art and Fear
Nov 24 LAB TIME: Final
Mini Critique: One Question/In-Progress
VIDEO: TBA
Thanksgiving Recess
Dec 1 LAB TIME: Final
Reading: Art and Fear
Dec 3 LAB TIME: Final
Dec 7-11 “Old School” Critique: FINAL
