Art Foundations, Part 2

Module 1: Modern Art
Module 2: Early Photography
Module 3: Impressionism
Module 4: Post-Impressionism
Module 5: Fauvism
Module 6: Expressionism
Module 7: Cubism
Module 8: Dada and Surrealism
Module 9: Contemporary Art
Module 10: Abstract Expressionism
Module 11: Pop Art
Module 12: Minimalism
Module 13: Installations and Land Art
Module 14: Street Art
Module 15: Political Art

• View Syllabus

Students must buy these materials to complete the course. 

Paper and Canvas 

• Mixed Media paper: Mixed Media paper is required for this course because the paper works with a variety of art mediums. We recommend 11” x 14” white Mixed Media paper, since that’s the maximum size needed. For assignments that require smaller paper like 5” x 7” students can cut it or tape it down to that size. 

• Poster board: A couple of assignments require a basic white, standard size (usually 22” x 28”) poster board, which are under $1 at most stores. 

• Cardstock or printer paper: Students will need a few sheets of standard white cardstock or printer paper. 

• Tracing paper: For one assignment, students will need to trace an image using tracing paper. In a pinch, they can also use parchment paper, but it is harder to use. 

• Magazines: For one assignment, students will be cutting out images from magazines. They should start collecting these early!

Drawing Tools 

• *Drawing pencils: The only pencil students will be required to use in this course is a basic number 2 pencil. However, if students would like to experiment with different types of pencils, they may want to purchase a drawing pencil set that contains 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils. Depending on the brand, these can be relatively inexpensive. 

• *Erasers: A kneaded eraser is a grey elastic eraser that can easily change shape as it is pulled on. Some people find this eraser difficult to work with, so students may want to purchase a standard white drawing eraser. 

• *Black drawing pen: A few assignments will require the use of a black drawing pen. Just like drawing pencils, drawing pens come in different thicknesses. A small brush pen is suggested, so students can vary the thickness/thinness of each stroke.  

• Chalk and charcoal: For one assignment, students will have the option to create artwork outside using chalk and charcoal. Any kind of sidewalk chalk works great, or students can use *chalk pastels. If students have black chalk pastels, they may use that rather than charcoal. 

Painting Supplies 

• *Paintbrushes: The type of paint that students choose to use will determine the type of paintbrush they use. In this course, we are mainly using acrylic paints. Paintbrushes are often sold in sets, which students may find most beneficial for this course. However, the paintbrushes we will use most often in this course are small paintbrushes, no bigger than .5 inches. 

• Craft paint: For one of the assignment options, students will need a few bottles of cheap craft paint. These are usually around $0.50/bottle at Walmart or the craft store. Students may choose the colors that appeal to them. 

• Acrylic paints: Acrylic paints are opaquer and drier faster than most paints. They can be found in many different colors and will be the most expensive item students will purchase for this course. We recommend students buy a warm and cool version of the most basic colors (red, blue, and, yellow) as well as a tube of white and black. The brand name does not matter, but the names of the colors will vary. Here are some common names for the colors: 

• • Warm red: Cadmium red light 

  • Cool red: Alizarin crimson 

  • Warm Yellow: Cadmium yellow medium  

  • Cool Yellow: Lemon yellow or Cadmium yellow light

  • Warm Blue: Ultramarine Blue 

• • Cool Blue: Cerulean Blue or Phthalo Blue 

  • White: Titanium White 

  • Black: Ivory Black 

While the quality of a student's artwork will certainly depend on their effort and practice, the quality of paint also matters. Keep in mind that cheap paint will look cheap, not mix as well, and they will need to use more of it. When students have higher quality of paint, it goes farther, is more vibrant, and they will need less of it. Higher quality paints will also last beyond this course. It’s often worth the investment! See the supply shopping list above for some links to paint options at different price points. 

Note: Watercolor paints are not required for this course as they were in Art Foundations, Part 1. Also, instead of buying a paint palette, students may use styrofoam plates or a piece of non-sharp glass to mix their paints. 

Other Tools  

• Camera: Any simple camera, including a camera on your smartphone, will do. Students will be taking photographs and using them as references for drawing.  

• Wire and wire cutter: Copper or aluminum, approximately 1mm or 18-20 gauge. Test out the pliability of the wire before you purchase it. You may opt for a thinner or thicker wire for your project. Wire cutters are not required, but suggested. You can also use a pair of scissors to cut the wire, just be aware that it will dull the scissors significantly. 

Optional 

• Canvas: Students may find that a canvas is easier to work with than mixed media paper for a couple of assignments. We recommend one 8"x10" canvas and at least three 5"x7" canvases. 

• B5 calligraphy pen and India ink: For one of the assignment options, students will apply black India ink to tracing paper with a calligraphy pen. 

• Other Mediums: Some assignments give students the option to use colored pencils, watercolor, or markers, but they give the option to use acrylic paint as well. 

*Students will have these supplies already if they took Art Foundations, Part 1.  

The total cost of these supplies will be around $25-$50, depending on which supplies the students already have and the quality they choose. The quality of acrylic paints students choose may impact the cost the most (see notes below). The Course Resources page has a printable shopping list with prices and links.