“Facture refers to the manner in which a painting, drawing, or object is made. It is the combination of brushstrokes, marks, material, and the texture of the surface. Facture is critical to the success of any object. Much of the fascination that accrues to all manual media comes from what can be observed at close range. That distance reveals the foundation, the touch, the sensuality, and the understanding of the material that gives art objects their essential character.” -Kit White, 101 Things to Learn in Art School
Behind the impulse to put paint on canvas is a search for meaning. As an artwork comes into being, its meaning(s) evolve concurrently. Concentrating on the establishment of a rigorous artistic practice, this course will focus on the relationship between facture and meaning in painting. Sharpening practical and critical skills, assignments will investigate the processes and methods of painting from practical and theoretical perspectives. Questions to be considered might include: What are the material properties of paint? How does the painter’s knowledge of craft inform the way they paint? What is the role of labor in artmaking? Readings, critiques and studio projects will serve to create a constructive and lively dialogue in the classroom.
Learning Outcomes:
Developing the capacity for solitude and self-reflection via a rigorous studio practice
Augmenting problem-solving and problem-finding skills
Exercising and expanding imaginative thinking
Investigating complicated ideas through open-ended conversation
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites: One 2000 level painting course, plus one other 4 credit VA studio course at Bennington, and permission through application process. Please email jblackwell@bennington.edu starting Monday November 27, with INTERMEDIATE in the subject line. Submit a brief paragraph outlining your interest in the course, how it fits into your Plan of study, your current term, as well as other courses you intend to register for in VA next term. Students will be notified by email of their enrollment status. Email inquiries sent prior to November 27 will not be considered.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
M 1:40PM - 5:20PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 14
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: 4000 , All courses , Four Credit , Fully In-Person , New Courses , Painting , Updates
Tags: craft , painting , process , studio practice , visual arts