The Art of Teaching Art: A Guide for Teaching and Learning the Foundations of Drawing-Based Art

Often the finest artists do not make the best teachers. Many frustrated college students of art know this all too well as they suffer through unstructured classes with inexperienced teachers or graduate student instructors. In these situations, it is easy to blame the teachers. But the problem is largely institutional: most students graduating with MFAs from art schools receive little if any instruction in teaching art. If you find yourself in this predicament as teacher or student, this book is for you. The first book to provide a comprehensive guide for teaching college-level art, The Art of Teaching Art is the culmination of respected artist and instructor Deborah Rockman's two decades of teaching experience. Believing that drawing is the backbone of all of the visual arts, Rockman begins with a complete explanation of drawing concepts that apply to any subject matter, e.g., composition, sighting processes, scaling techniques, and methods for linear and tonal development. She then illustrates these concepts with step-by-step methods that easily translate to classroom exercises. Next, she applies the drawing principles to every artist's most important and challenging subject, the human figure. After an extended section on understanding and teaching perspective that explores illusionistic form and space, the focus of the book shifts to the studio classroom itself and the essential elements that go into making an effective learning environment and curriculum. From preparing materials lists and syllabi, to setting up still-lifes, handling difficult classroom situations, critiquing and grading student artworks, and shooting slides of student artworks, she leaves no stone unturned. The Art of Teaching Art is the guide every new or experienced teacher of college-level art must have. Its helpful suggestions and numerous examples of student artwork from Rockman's classes will impart confidence to the inexperienced and fresh inspiration to the veteran instructors.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments Introduction A Philosophy of Teaching Drawing as the Backbone of Visual Communication Chapter 1 Essential Skills and Information What Every Teacher and Every Student Should Know about Drawing Sighting and the Use of Sighting Stick The Principles of Composition: Theory vs. Application Suggesting Space or Depth on a Two-Dimensional Surface Line Variation and Sensitivity Working with Value Structure The Technique of Scaling The Golden Section Setting Up an Effective Still Life Chapter 2 Teaching Essential Drawing Principles in Relation to the Human Figure The Human Figure Gesture Drawing or Rapid Contour Drawing Enhancing the Illusion of Volume and Space in the Human Form An Introduction to Portraiture The Figure and Anatomy Chapter 3 Spatial Thinking and Visualization Teaching the Essential Principles of Perspective Drawing An Introduction to Perspective Perspective and Cubes Using Perspetive Grids Increasing Complexity in the Perspective Environment Mathematically Precise Cubes in Two-Point Perspective Constructing Ellipses in One-Point and Two-Poing Perspective Using Measuring Lines for Regular (Equal) and Irregular (Unequal) Divisions of an Area Inclined Planes in Perspective Geometric Solids and Transparent Construction Three-Point Perspective Suggested Perspective Homework Assignments Chapter 4 Establishing the Classroom Environment, Conducting Critiques, and Assigning Grades The Classroom Environment Group Critiques Individual Critiques Diagnosing Problems in Student Work Key Questions for Critiques Grading Appendix A Classroom Documents and Other Teaching Aids Preparing for the Classroom Experience Determining Course Content Preparing a Slide Library Appendix B Preparing Students for What Lies Ahead Career Opportunities in the Visual Arts Building a Resume Preparing a Slide Portfolio Writing Letters of Recommendation Graduate School Checklist Bibliography Artist Index Index

About the Author :
Deborah A. Rockman is Professor of Art in the Foundation and Fine Arts Department, Kendall College of Art and Design.

Review :
"In thirty-six years of teaching all aspects of drawing to students aspiring to become artists and teachers, I have labored my way by trial and error to conclusions Deborah Rockman outlines so very clearly in her The Art of Teaching Art. With high tuition costs, students have the right to demand sensitive and informed instruction even from teachers just beginning their career. This comprehensive compendium of the arcana of studio teaching is invaluable. The special difficulties of revealing the possibilities and limits of perspective are well presented; insights I thought all my own I find in this book."--R. Richard Gayton, Drawing and Painting Professor, California College of Arts and Crafts