Workshop

ILLUSTRATION NARRATIVES: THE GENRE OF SCIENCE FICTION

DONATO GIANCOLA
Instructor
studio 718.797.2438 between 9am-9pm
donato@donatoart.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This class will provide an in-depth exploration of the contemporary science fiction and fantasy marketplaces, from book cover illustration to film/animation concept design.  Emphases will be upon figurative narration, draftsmanship, aesthetics of abstraction, and contextualization.  Assignments will be based upon actual commercial constraints, leading the student through the sketch, reference, preliminary and finishing stages of a commission. Imaginative development within these parameters will be stressed.

OBJECTIVES OF CLASS

• Strengthen conceptual and drawing skills as they apply to preliminary studies and foundation drawings (cartoons) for a finished painting/work of art.  This includes using models, props, photography, reference, and the study of drawing as abstract gesture.
• Better understanding of color through limited palates, color wheel theory, gray & brown scale understudies, and the various properties of the paints/media in use.
• Heighten communication and marketing skills and strategies required to succeed in the business of freelance science fiction and fantasy illustration.
• Broaden interpretations of art and literature, and challenge traditional approaches of perspective, media and subject matter to increase competitiveness.

GRADING
All assignments and progressive steps must be turned in on time.
An industry level of professionalism will be upheld within this class.
Most work performed on projects to be completed outside of the classroom; this is to increase the number and quality of assignments and amount of material covered in class.
We meet once a week and will need every class session to thoroughly cover all aspects of each project.  Please notify me if you will miss any class. Any three absences during a semester will result in an F for the entire course.
Projects will be weighted equally for the final grade, and evaluated on a dual basis:
1)  The adherence to the projects weekly requirements, instructions, and deadlines as outlined.
2)  The overall quality of execution of the finished illustration.

COURSE OUTLINE
Project I - (domestic narrative) will focus on a preliminary drawing/cartoon in grays as a step towards creating a full color illustration.
Project II - (portrait) will focus on the human figure, capturing a complex and life-like rendering.
Project III - (robot) will focus on color theory through the use of a controlled palette.