Program Overview

Introduction to the University Program

The Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a wide range of programs for students. The university has several campuses, including Ballarat, Blacktown, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Rome, and Strathfield.

Program Details

ARTS109 - Drawing

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

Drawing is a fundamental foundation of all visual art practice that informs future practical areas of study. This unit introduces students to the essential skills and methods of creating two-dimensional artwork, with an emphasis on the development of drawing skills in a range of mediums.

Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this unit, students will be able to:

1. Identify and develop skills and techniques that exist in a range of media in the creation of 2D-based artworks.
2. Make evident an understanding of skills-based practical proficiency through studio-led research, reflective practice, and the use of variable media in the creation of 2D-based artworks.
3. Articulate the way in which the historical and contemporary contexts of art and design can inform students' own practice.

Content

Topics may include:

• Introduction to the fundamental experience of working in a range of two-dimensional art media through project-based tasks.
• Development of the students' individual approach to the production of artworks in their continuing studies in the discipline.
• Reflection on the way in which art and design historical and theoretical contexts can inform their own emerging practice, broadening their awareness of contemporary drawing.
• Exploration of various media, techniques, and skills in areas such as still life, observational drawing, and perspectival drawing through skills-based studio-led research practice.

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

The assessment strategy involves exploring practical and technical skills through studio-based lectures and practical sessions for the development of a portfolio of work. The journal documents the application of self-directed research into art practice and techniques, and encourages critical reflection and assessment of practice.

Assessments

• Portfolio of Drawings A (30%): Assesses skills and techniques acquired during lectures/demonstrations and studio practice in the use of the medium.
• Portfolio of Drawings B (30%): Assesses skills and techniques acquired during lectures/demonstrations and studio practice in the use of technical applications and variable media.
• Self-directed Artwork plus Research Documentation (40%): Ties together skills in competency developed throughout the lectures and practical sessions and tests skills in the documentation of Visual Arts research processes and an understanding of contemporary art practice and how this informs students' own practical work.

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

The learning and teaching strategy for this unit focuses on fostering a sense of belonging in the art studio as a place where core competencies such as skills-based drawing techniques, critical and reflective thinking, and research investigations occur.

Representative Texts and References

• Butler, C. (2010). On line: Drawing through the twentieth century. Museum of Modern Art.
• Dexter, E. (2021). Vitamin D: New perspectives in drawing. Phaidon.
• Dorling Kindersley. (2017). Artist's drawing techniques: Discover how to draw landscapes, people, still lifes and more, in pencil, charcoal, pen and pastel. DK Publishing.

Locations and Credit Points

• Locations: Brisbane, Melbourne, Strathfield
• Credit Points: 10

Year

2026

About ACU

Australian Catholic University acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders both past and present.