THREE-YEAR COURSE IN VISUAL ARTS The programs below describe the activities, educational goals, contents and tools and evaluation criteria of each subject into detail. ACTIVITY GOALS CONTENTS TESTS ARTISTIC ANATOMY The course includes drawing hours dedicated to the creation, by means of different techniques, of anatomy tables relating to osteology and myology, so as to study both anatomy and drawing techniques. The course is held over the course of the threeyear period: the first year focuses mainly on static figures, the second on anatomic details and the third on moving figures. A theoretical part is also included. Osteology and myology - Methods and form The skeleton (morphological elements and architectural structure) Head bones (skull and face) Torso bones and bones of the upper and lower limbs. Joints. Creation of tables Muscles Head, neck and torso muscles Muscles of the upper and lower limbs Moving figures Anatomy (hands, feet, eyes etc.), portrait and nude Creation of tables Figure drawing with a model exam during which knowledge of the course's contents is evaluated as well as the tables prepared during each course year. HISTORY OF ANCIENT, MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART The course touches major works, artists and events in order to provide the student with art history guidelines and the tools to read and interpret historic and artistic events from a critical perspective. The course begins with an introduction to Greek art and is then connected to the Fifteenth century in Italy through stylistic analysis (both in Italy and Europe); finally, artistic avant-gardes will be described.
THEORY OF SHAPE PERCEPTION AND PSYCHOLOGY ART PSYCHOLOGY The course aims to provide appropriate means of interpretation in order to be able to understand the process activated when a work of art, and visual messages in general, are being enjoyed. Symbols are analysed, as well as the internal dynamics presiding over decoding, acknowledgement, choice and creation, in order to be able to choose one's own artistic style with awareness and independence. Introduction to visual perception theories and Gestalt psychology, sight physiology, feeling and perception, attention, field organisation, figure/background relationship, perception ambiguity, illusions, visual paradoxes, perception of space and the three dimensions, depth, consistency, transactional theory, perception of movement, illusory movement, light, colour; towards art psychology: form, balance, dynamics and movement in the artistic expression, development; analysis of works of art, artistic movements and visual messages in general. An essential part of the course is the one dedicated to the relationship between cinema and visual arts: the students will watch cinematographic works specifically selected to analyse this theme. The final test includes a written and an oral exam aimed to evaluate the student's knowledge of the essential concepts relating to the theory of visual perception and art psychology. PHOTOGRAPHY The course aims to provide comprehensive knowledge and understanding of photographic techniques, from traditional methods to digital technologies. History of photography Camera / Film / Development and printing From analog to digital cameras - Essential functions and elements Photographic tools How to choose your camera and lens Set-up and picture taking Analysis of photographic set-up in various fields (still life, portrait, landscape etc.) Analysis of photographic set-up in various fields (report, fashion, food etc.) The evolution of photography (from optical bench to mobile phones) Introduction to digital processing exam and the evaluation of the photographs taken during the course.
DRAWING AESTHETICS Drawing is essential in order to acquire the artistic skills related to visual arts; for a painter, a sketch is as important as taking notes is for a writer. The program, therefore, aims to provide tools to master drawing techniques and methods. The course has two goals: the acquisition of methodological instruments needed to reflect on the value of art from a critical perspective and the direct experiencing of the essential philosophical theories underpinning aesthetics. The course begins with drawing essentials, namely Renaissance techniques such as soft and hard lead, sanguine, watercolour pencil, pastel and mixed techniques. Contouring, light and shadow, chiaroscuro and drapery will be taught in the classroom and in outdoor environments. Analysis of essential issues such as the definition of aesthetics or mimesis in Greek philosophy through texts and comments; in addition, the students will learn the lexicon and perform dialogues in the style of Socrates on topics of their choice. creation of a sketch by means of different techniques, figure drawing and the evaluation of the works created during the course. PAINTING The course aims to provide a set of comprehensive information on visual arts, so as to allow students to express themselves in a creative way and choose from among several techniques in order to convey their message in the most appropriate way. Implementation of visual vocabulary relating to colour, between subjective experience and objective knowledge, and in-depth analysis of colour use techniques, and the related tools, in different fields. The students will be able to: - read the emotions communicated by a work of art - design and balance large projects - evaluate the artistic message, the design and balance of paintings belonging to different historical periods. The final test includes the created during the academic year, as well as the intermediate exams carried out during the same period.
ENGRAVING TECHNIQUES - ART GRAPHICS Engraving is thought, dedicated time, temperance becoming Majesty, manual work putting us in contact with ourselves and leading us gracefully to our creativity. This ancient technique, a little overlooked nowadays, is an amazing "bridge"; the state of mind is exactly the same, even for those working on digital illustration, but digital art can never give what engraving gives, and engraving can never give what digital art gives.. The course aims to analyse these types of art into detail. The course includes a theoretical part on the history of engraving and a practical part dedicated to all the available techniques (without solvents) and instruments. After this, there will be a series of workshops dealing with etching, aquatinta and so on. PICTORIAL TECHNIQUES AND DESIGN SCENIC DESIGN The three-year course includes about seventy graphic and pictorial techniques, including digital art and scenic design. Integration and development of pictorial techniques; in-depth analysis of the various painting techniques in each field; development of the poetic force of each technique. 2D and 3D illustration and comics: from static 2D images to the outset of 3D animation. Scenic design focused on comics and illustration; theoretical and practical in-depth analysis of one of the most ancient visual arts capable of creating new momentum in today's world of art. History of design; introduction to the designer's freedom of execution, the form and its opposite, denial and exaltation of volume and creations obtained by means of traditional and 3D plastic materials.
HISTORY AND METHODS OF ART CRITICISM The course aims to provide the student with a neutral and transparent overview of contemporary art criticism, namely to carry out an unbiased analysis able to bring beauty back into this subject, a beauty represented by its ability to merge with art and the artists. The course is based on the aesthetics of our entire history, from ancient times to contemporary periods. Particular attention will be paid to the Renaissance period and, especially, to Piero della Francesca and Raffaello (painting), Brunelleschi (architecture) and Donatello (sculpture). The Greek concept of perfection translated into the language of proportions and absolute beauty! The course provides an in-depth analysis of art criticism in the Seventeenth century, between naturalism and idealism, Caravaggio and Guido Reni and Rome and Bologna. PHENOMENOLOGY OF CONTEMPORARY ART Knowing the main art movements of the XX and XXI centuries allow us to create the basis of our creativity. It is important to compare ourselves with everything that came before us and surrounds us, as a creative artist without this type of awareness is like a doctor barricaded inside a laboratory who, today, claims he has invented penicillin. The course includes the analysis of the most vital and innovative art movements of the XX century and the latest trends (video art, music, photography and so on); phenomenology becomes the method used to understand how society, time periods and the events affect the artist and, consequently, his/her production. Particular attention will be given to the environments surrounding the world of art, the same environments that create markets and trends (art dealers, fairs, awards, curators, collectors, magazines etc.)
PAINTING CINEMAPH C OT O OGR M APHY IDIGITALCILLUSTRASTIONAMATEUR DIGITAL APPLICATIONS FOR VISUAL ARTS The course mainly aims to teach Photoshop and all the features useful for digital drawing, painting and illustration; what matters the most, however, is to become familiar with this software in order not to lose spontaneity. Graphic tablets and the related shortcuts will be used from the start in order to make their use spontaneous by the end of the course. We'll learn how to draw with Photoshop, translate traditional techniques into digital ones and use exclusively digital techniques, which are extremely useful to experiment freely. Quick figure drawing will be used as a connection between all the exercises in order to force the eye to jump from display to reality, and vice versa, without getting lost in the machine. Starting from the second year, students will learn to challenge their stylistic abilities in order to create images for specific purposes. As a consequence, they will implement their personal way of using digital techniques in order to create storyboards and layouts by experimenting with colour proof, 3D models, pencils, inks and finished illustrations. HISTORY OF CINEMA Today, art has expanded its borders; we firmly believe that the "cooperation" between different forms of visual art is essential for those people who wish to live this experience to the fullest. The course includes two sub-courses: the first one concerns the history of cinema, whereas the second is dedicated to production. The course aims to teach students how to create a short film or an art video (even an animated one), through the analysis of European and American cinematography. Therefore, the course will provide the theoretical and practical essentials of cinematography (from knowledge of tools to the storyboard).
HISTORY OF ILLUSTRATION The course includes the history of Italian illustration and begins with a methodological introduction and an analysis of the main theoretical problems and aspects in the field of illustration. After this, an analysis of the XIV century will be carried out, as the printing procedure was invented during this period thanks to movable type books; we will study the XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX and XX centuries up to the invention of television and the modern world, with a short analysis of modern trends in international illustration. The study of theoretical elements and practical techniques will provide the students with the appropriate basis to understand how society, time periods and the events actually affect illustration and, in particular, the communication with the institutions dealing with its production. The students will therefore be able to "interpret their time" and move with awareness within the vast range of techniques that will be taught to them. The two sub-courses, "Children's book illustration" and "Editorial illustration", will provide the students with the tools needed to handle different languages and implement a large number of skills. The exam includes a written and an oral exam, as well as the CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HERITAGE Being aware of our artistic heritage and the main monuments worldwide broadens our sensory perception by creating a "mirror" in ourselves which reflects our own image within the works of art, architecture and ancient ruins of civilisation, as well as in landscapes capable of supplying art. The course includes the study and categorisation of works of art, as well as the protection and promotion of the artistic and environmental heritage, by means of specific studies focused on art history, artistic heritage, cinematography, theatre and music. MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT Today, knowing visual arts from a historic, technical and practical point of view is no longer enough, as the global market is extremely competitive and, therefore, education must mandatorily deal with this additional aspect: how do I promote my work? What are the best marketing strategies? The course aims to provide the skills needed to create a portfolio, handle the relationship with publishing houses, art galleries and public institutions that promote art both on a national and international level. Psychology, marketing strategies and analysis of competitors' products will be taught. These elements, considered as a whole, increase the artist's chances on the market.
MUSEOGRAPHY AND PLANNING We strongly believe in the contemporary, "multiform" artist. As a matter of fact, the history of art is filled with artists who were able to deal with several issues, from the XV century onwards; an artist, in fact, must also be able to design museum spaces in order to both add value to his/her product and accept the numerous challenges offered by this field. Contemporary museums: analysis of exhibition areas with regard to one's own poetics; metaphors and psychology of museum/exhibition areas. Set-up and arrangement of works of art. Creation of scale models and 3D models in order to optimise space perception. exam and the evaluation of the works created during the course. PEDAGOGY AND ART TEACHING The course aims to identify the most appropriate concepts and methods pertaining to the relationship between art, culture and education and, in particular, how art teaching meets important institutions such as schools, museums and publishers, through educational experiences carried out within different institutions. The program offers theoretical and practical instruments and conveys a concept of workshop which translates into a methodological and educational choice allowing the student to live the world of art in a critical, selective and independent way. The course aims to evaluate a teaching method which includes an interdisciplinary approach (e.g. music, literature and IT) within a wider project supported by other cultural subjects and educational institutions. A new project, in fact, will be created for each course and will be implemented within the involved schools, in collaboration with Education Departments and local institutions. exam and the evaluation of the projects implemented during the course.