Course

10207112 2D Fundamentals
Course Information
Description
An introduction to the fundamental principles of digital drawing and painting with an emphasis on observational skills, perspective, form, value, and light. Students develop the ability to accurately observe and represent objects through the study of shape, proportion, scale, spatial relationships, and one-point perspective using digital art tools and techniques. Through demonstrations, guided exercises, observational studies, and project-based assignments, students learn to construct and render three-dimensional forms using accurate perspective and value relationships. Emphasis is placed on analyzing and applying the five components of light—highlight, falloff, core shadow, reflected light, and cast shadow—to communicate form, volume, surface direction, and depth. Students also develop foundational digital painting skills through the use of edge control, value transitions, brushwork, and iterative refinement, establishing a technical and artistic foundation for advanced study in digital art, animation, games, and 3D production. 
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Apply observational drawing techniques to accurately represent the shape, proportion, scale, and spatial relationships of objects
    Assessment Strategies
    Drawing/Illustration
    Critique
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Represent the overall shape and silhouette of objects
    Maintain effective proportions and dimensional relationships between parts of an object
    Apply comparative measurement techniques to determine relative size, distance, and placement
    Represent accurate scale relationships between multiple objects within a composition
    Establish spatial relationships through overlap, placement, and relative size
    Compare digital drawings to reference material and make intentional corrections to improve observational accuracy

  2. Apply one-point perspective principles to construct objects and environments with accurate spatial relationships
    Assessment Strategies
    Drawing/Illustration
    Critique
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Establish a horizon line and vanishing point for the intended viewpoint
    Align receding parallel lines to the established vanishing point
    Maintain horizontal and vertical relationships within one-point perspective
    Apply systematic scale reduction to communicate depth from foreground to background
    Maintain proportions and measurements as objects recede in space
    Construct objects and environments that demonstrate consistent and believable spatial relationships

  3. Analyze light and shadow to identify the five components of light: highlight, falloff, core shadow, reflected light, and cast shadow
    Assessment Strategies
    Drawing/Illustration
    Critique
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Place the highlight based on the position and direction of the light source
    Establish appropriate falloff as illuminated surfaces transition away from the light source
    Construct the core shadow to communicate changes in form and surface direction
    Apply reflected light within shadow areas while maintaining appropriate value relationships
    Construct cast shadows based on the relationship between the light source, object, and surrounding surfaces
    Maintain a clear value hierarchy between the five components of light to communicate believable three-dimensional form

  4. Apply value relationships to communicate three-dimensional form, volume, and changes in surface direction.
    Assessment Strategies
    Drawing/Illustration
    Critique
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Establish a clear and intentional value range from light to dark
    Apply value relationships to distinguish light-facing and shadow-facing surfaces
    Use changes in value to communicate surface direction and plane changes
    Create effective value transitions to describe curved and rounded forms
    Maintain separation between light and shadow groups to preserve the readability of three-dimensional form
    Apply value to communicate believable form, volume, and depth within an observational painting

  5. Apply digital painting techniques to control edges, value transitions, brushwork, and surface definition
    Assessment Strategies
    Drawing/Illustration
    Critique
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Apply hard, soft, and lost edges intentionally to communicate form, depth, and visual focus
    Create controlled value transitions that accurately describe changes in surface direction and volume
    Apply purposeful and controlled brushwork appropriate to the form being rendered
    Adjust brush size, opacity, hardness, and flow to achieve intended painting results
    Define surface characteristics and material qualities through effective edge, value, and brushwork choices
    Maintain clear three-dimensional form and readability throughout the digital painting process

  6. Demonstrate professional practices consistent with digital art, design, and visual production environments
    Assessment Strategies
    Drawing/Illustration
    Critique
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Explain questions, concerns, and project-related information using professional verbal and written language
    Identify feedback in peer and/or instructor communication and/or critiques
    Apply feedback to your own work
    Use project management strategies to project schedules and deadlines
    Organize, name, and submit digital files according to established course and production conventions
    Completed artwork in submitted in the required format and resolution appropriate to the assignment