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Fitchburg State University

Draft Syllabus

ART 7xxx – Introduction to Encaustic Art: Contemporary Practice

Instructor: Maureen Caouette

Telephone: 5088267045

E-mail: mgcaouette@gmail.com

FAX:

Office Hours: half hour before each class

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Encaustic is a versatile medium with a fascinating history. A blend of beeswax, resin and pigment, it was

developed by the ancient Greeks to waterproof and then embellish sailing vessels. Encaustic was later

used by the Romans to adorn ceramics and sculpture, and adopted by Egyptians to paint funerary portraits

entombed along the Nile River basin in the 1st century BCE.

This course will examine encaustic’s venerable traditions, its rediscovery by modern practitioners, and the

medium’s recent revitalization among contemporary artists. Studio projects will investigate a variety of

methods for working with molten wax and explore many of its most compelling properties — luminosity,

translucency malleability and adhesion.

* PLEASE NOTE - If you plan on matriculating into a graduate program at Fitchburg State University, please be aware that twelve semester hours of Fitchburg State University credit taken within a year prior to the student’s admission may be applied to the degree program with the approval of the program chairperson. Anything over 12 credits prior to matriculation will NOT be accepted towards the degree.

TEXTS: Fitchburg State University Teacher Preparation Programs. Conceptual Framework. Fitchburg, MA:

2003.

Massachusetts Department of Education. (2000-2002). Curriculum Frameworks. Malden, MA:

Author. (when relevant)

Recommended texts:

The Art of Encaustic Painting, Mattera, Joanne, (Watson-Guptill, 2001)

Encaustic Art, Rankin, Lisa, Watson-Guptill, Pub, New York, NY

Fitchburg State University Teacher Education Conceptual Framework

LEARNING OUTCOMES / OBJECTIVES:

Through the exploration and application of a variety of traditional and non-traditional techniques in

encaustics and beeswax, students will produce a body of work that successfully integrates their own

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personal aesthetics with the encaustic medium. Students will develop the studio disciplines necessary for

working artists through intense engagement with their painting practice, research, reading and dialogue.

This course will address the dispositions of the Conceptual Framework in the following way(s):

Knowledge: As a result of the learning experiences in the course, you will become more cognizant

of: the variety of instructional strategies including the use of technology, the integration of art history,

the material usage and safety to encourage the development of personal artistry and critical thinking,

problem solving and performance skills in educational and studio environments

Skill: As a result of the learning experiences in the course, you will become better able to:

Show proficiency and understanding of encaustics techniques, including:

smooth vs. textured

collage and embedding

brushing and fusing

drypoint/etching

scrafitto

image transfer

dipped paper

3-D molds

monotypes

- Create an independent encaustic artwork

- Ability to mix and create encaustic- medium and paint

- Write an artist statement

Caring: As a result of the learning experiences in the course, you will become more competent in

your ability to: Use the metaphorical possibilities of the encaustic medium as it reveals and conceals

image and content.

Ethical: As a result of the learning experiences in the course, you will become more competent in your

ability to: explore and apply a variety of traditional and non-traditional techniques in encaustics and

beeswax, to produce a body of work that successfully integrates your own personal aesthetics with the

encaustic medium. You will develop the studio disciplines necessary as working artists through intense

engagement with the artistic practice, research, reading and dialogue.

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES X Lecture Data Collection and Analysis

X Discussion/Questioning Pre-Practicum

_X_ Laboratory Role Playing/Simulation

X Problem Finding/Solving X Independent Learning

X Discovery X Field Trips

Interviewing Computer Applications

X Collaborative Learning Groups X Viewing or Listening to Followed by

X Reflective Responses Discussing

X Creating Visual Illustrations of Concepts Other______________

Technology Initiatives:

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Users of the Fitchburg State University computer systems are subject to all applicable federal, state, and

international computer laws. Questions regarding regulations may be directed to the office of Information

Technology Systems.

Candidates will utilize technology as:

a research tool

a communication method (email)

an enhancement tool for the design of lessons and curriculum units

COURSE_REQUIREMENTS:

Course Structure and Requirements Each class will consist of demonstrations, exercises and assignments designed to familiarize students with

a variety of encaustic techniques. Class time will be used for slide lectures, demonstrations and student

work time. In addition there will be weekly out of class assignments. Students will also be working on an

encaustics project of their choice, based on instructor approval.

We will have scheduled group critiques and discussions and I will meet with you individually to discuss

and critique your work. You are expected to attend all classes and work in your studio during and after

class hours.

Additionally you will:

- Write informal response papers to art lectures and exhibitions

-- Write an artist statement about body of work.

- Visit art lectures and exhibitions.

- Document your paintings with digital images

-Participate in group discussions and critiques.

-Prepare and present a power point on a contemporary encaustic artist

There will be one full open studio class to be scheduled.

EVALUATION OR GRADING POLICY:

Class will begin on time Have supplies in hand and be ready to work.

Final grades are based on creativity, craft, progress, attitude and attendance:

In-class projects 40%

Artist Statement &

Journal/collegial participation 20%

(Document to be sent digitally one week after close of class)

Mid-Term - In class presentation/PPt 20%

Final Projects-two completed thematic paintings 20%

Assignments must be finished by due date, or a lower grade (-25%) will be given.

Final Projects: Student will choose two topics of the four topics presented here:

Class project A

Reveal/Conceal Collage Assignment. Use the metaphorical possibilities of the encaustic medium as it

reveals and conceals image and content. Create an autobiographical artwork that reveals and conceals

aspects of our own history demonstrating the transparent property of wax/encaustic.

Class project B

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Symbol and Metaphor Assignment. Create a language of symbols through pattern, texture or print

making that communicates a global issue via various encaustic techniques.

Class project C

Integration, As artist/teachers, we look to create opportunities for our students to own their art. Create

an artwork that communicates a young adult social issue.

Class project D

Past Remembered, We often change our minds about how we view things or remember past experiences.

Using any of the techniques that we have already experimented with, create an artwork where you

represent an experience using the transparent nature of encaustic medium.

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY

GRADUATE GRADING SYSTEM

4.0 95 – 100 A 3.7 92 – 94 A- 3.5 89 – 91 A-/B+ 3.3 86 - 88 B+ 3.0 83 - 85 B 2.7 80 – 82 B- 2.5 77 – 79 B-/C+ 2.3 74 – 76 C+ 2.0 71 – 73 C 0.0 0 – 70 F W Withdrawn IN Incomplete IP In-Progress

Grades that fall between intervals will be rounded to the higher number.