This course introduces students to basic skills, techniques and processes of painting. Fundamental principles and concepts of painting are introduced and students are encouraged to learn from historical and contemporary examples. The projects involve working from the observation, landscape, still life, and imagination, with the focus on the colour and physical qualities of paint. Studio theory is delivered as a series of lectures.

Students may complete this course twice for a maximum credit value of 12 units, provided they enrol in a different topic in each instance/semester. Please note that the course content, assessment structure, and reading list will change depending on the topic and the expertise of the lecturer convening the course. Please refer to the class summary for the specific term in which you wish to enrol for a detailed description.

Students may complete this course more than once for credit, provided they enrol in a different topic in each instance/semester. Topics include:

• Introduction to Acrylic Painting

This course introduces students to concepts and techniques in acrylic painting. Skills in drawing and painting using acrylic paint media are developed using both observational and interpretive approaches. The course is supported by lectures, group discussions, and studio projects that focus on the interpretation of visual phenomena into acrylic painting both in historical and contemporary contexts.

• Introduction to Oil Painting

This course introduces students to concepts and techniques in oil painting. Skills in drawing and painting using oil paint media are developed using both observational and interpretive approaches. The course is supported by lectures, group discussions, and studio projects that focus on the interpretation of visual phenomena into oil painting both in historical and contemporary contexts.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. identify and use basic techniques and principles appropriate to Painting;
2. employ safe and professional studio work processes using the specialised equipment;
3. explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects; and
4. develop works that respond to contemporary Painting theories and art practices. 

Research-Led Teaching

This course draws on basic principles and practices in historical and contemporary painting to inform practice-led research with emphasis on the exploration space and composition.

Field Trips

N/A

Additional Course Costs

Students will be required to supply their own materials for this course. A list and purchase link will be available on Canvas and a link to a supplier will enable students to receive a discount.

Examination Material or equipment

N/A

Required Resources

Student contribution amounts under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and tuition fees support the course described in the Class Summary and include tuition, teaching materials, and student access to the workshops for the stated course hours.

The Material Fee is payable to the School of Art & Design to supply consumables and materials that become your physical property. The Additional Materials Fee is payable for materials you use in addition to those supplied as part of the course. You can purchase additional material from the Workshop and take advantage of the GST-free status. These materials are also WHS and workshop process compliant.

For further information and to Pay Materials and Access Fees go to: https://soad.cass.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees  

Recommended Resources

Where are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given formative and summative feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to oil painting Lecture: (9-10am) Wednesday July 29, School of Art Lecture Theatre 1.42 on campus: Introducing oil paint media (Group A&B) Studio: Group A (10-1pm) Wednesday July 29 / Studio: Group B Thursday July 30 (9-12pm) Drawing Studio 3&4 G.54_School of Art Bldg 105 on campus.	Students will need to have ordered and received their material packs in readiness to begin painting in Week 01. Please see Canvas for details.Project: Tonal studies of drapery
2	DraperyStudio: Group A (9-1pm) Wednesday August 05 / Studio: Group B Thursday August 06 (9-12pm)Drawing Studio 3&4 G.54_School of Art Bldg 105 on campus.	Local Colour Drapery Studies: Underpainting in Monochrome
3	Working with the lay figureLecture: (9-10am) Wednesday August12, School of Art Lecture Theatre 1.42 on campus: The Model as a mannequin (Group A&B)Studio: Group A (10-1pm) Wednesday August 12 / Studio: Group B Thursday August 13 (9-12pm)Drawing Studio 3&4 G.54_School of Art Bldg 105 on campus.	Lay figures or mannequins have been used in painting as substitutes for models for centuries. To begin figure painting we begin with small studies from direct observation with mannequin model with the focus on mixing flesh tones and local colour
4	Working with life modelsStudio: Group A (9-1pm) Wednesday August 19, / Studio: Group B (9-1pm) Thursday August 20Drawing Studio 3&4 G.54_School of Art Bldg 105 on campus.	Working from direct observation with life model in a range of timed poses to establish compositions and underpaintingAssessment Item 01 and 02 due
5	Sustained figure painting project with life models Studio: Group A (9-1pm) Wednesday August 26, / Studio: Group B (9-1pm) Thursday August 27Drawing Studio 3&4 G.54_School of Art Bldg 105 on campus.	Working from direct observation with life models over a three-week period. Building the painting in layers to create the illusion of forms in space.
6	Sustained figure painting project with life models Studio: Group A (9-1pm) Wednesday September 02, / Studio: Group B (9-1pm) Thursday September 03Drawing Studio 3&4 G.54_School of Art Bldg 105 on campus.	Continuing to work from direct observation of the life model resolving the colours and values to unite the composition. Mid-Semester break Monday September 07 to Friday September 18
7	Finalisation of sustained figure painting projectStudio: Group A (9-1pm) Wednesday September 23 / Studio: Group B (9-1pm) Thursday September 24 Drawing Studio 3&4 G.54_School of Art Bldg 105 on campus.	Finalise sustained figure project, resolving colour relationships and applying glazing.
8	The Model as a mannequinLecture: (9-10am) Wednesday September 30, School of Art Lecture Theatre 1.42 on campus: Introduction to The Figure in a Psychological Interior (Group A&B)Studio: Group A (10-1pm) Wednesday September 30 / Studio: Group B Thursday October 01 (9-12pm)Drawing Studio 3&4 G.54_School of Art Bldg 105 on campus.	Using direct observation students will begin a two-week project working with a staged mannequin utilising techniques learned earlier in the semester
9	The Model as a mannequin concludesStudio: Group A (9-1pm) Wednesday October 07 / Studio: Group B (9-1pm) Thursday October 08Drawing Studio 3&4 G.54_School of Art Bldg 105 on campus.
10	Independent Psychological Interior ProjectLecture: (9-10am) Wednesday October 14, School of Art Lecture Theatre 1.42 on campus: Introduction to The Figure in a Psychological Interior (Group A&B)Studio: Group A (10-1pm) Wednesday October 14 / Studio: Group B Thursday October 15 (9-12pm)Drawing Studio 3&4 G.54_School of Art Bldg 105 on campus.	Students to plan and create and independent project that combines a figure with and an interior that suggests a narrative and or mood
11	Independent Psychological Interior Project continues Studio: Group A (9-1pm) Wednesday October 21 / Studio: Group B (9-1pm) Thursday October 22Drawing Studio 3&4 G.54_School of Art Bldg 105 on campus.
12	Independent Psychological Interior Project concludesStudio: Group A (9-1pm) Wednesday October 28 / Studio: Group B (9-1pm) Thursday October 29Drawing Studio 3&4 G.54_School of Art Bldg 105 on campus.	Group Feedback sessionsSemester concludes October 30

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Visual Diary/Research Documentation: Weeks 1 - 4 inclusive	10 %	20/08/2026	27/08/2026	1,3,4
Work in Progress Folio: Weeks 1-4	30 %	20/08/2026	27/08/2026	1,2,3,4
Final Folio: Weeks 07-12	50 %	05/11/2026	03/12/2026	1,2,3,4
Visual Diary/Research Documentation (weeks 5 - 12)	10 %	05/11/2026	03/12/2026	1,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are required to attend scheduled lectures and to participate in studio workshops, local excursions, class discussions and critiques. You are required to devote at least 10 hours per week to this coursework - 4 hours in class and 6 hours towards independent research and homework.

Examination(s)

Students will be given a scheduled time to present their works to be assessed in the examination period. This date is subject to change.

Assessment Task 1

Visual Diary/Research Documentation: Weeks 1 - 4 inclusive

Value 10%

Visual Diary Weeks 1-4 inclusive

Details of tasks:

This task will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• Homework activities
• Exploration of materials
• Your ability to undertake basic contextual research relevant to your project.
• Evidence of critical reflection on the progress of your class projects.
• Evidence of a basic knowledge of the technical, historical and/ or theoretical context for your work.
• Your engagement with course content and relevant developments in the broader context of visual arts and design. 

Your visual diary should demonstrate your curiosity, initiative and engagement with this course. It is a place to make weekly drawings technical notes, lecture & seminar notes, research and your own thoughts, to paste in images related to the course and images from exhibitions you’ve seen in person and online. Add some new material every week. Bringing all this together helps focus and extend your experience of the course in a personalised way, helps you to develop your own research skills and it also helps your lecturer develop insight into your interests and general development in the course

Assessed: Visual diary tasks and research for Weeks 1 to 4 inclusive

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD	D	C	P	F
Engage, reflect and document material processes related to course projects, homework and theoretical content [LO 01, LO 3]	High level of critical engagement and reflection evident in visual documentation	Significant level of critical engagement and reflection evident in visual documentation	Competent level of engagement evident in visual documentation	Attempts are made to engage with course content evident in visual documentation	Inadequate engagement, with course content

Assessment Task 2

Work in Progress Folio: Weeks 1-4

Value: 30%

Work in progress folio will contain the following projects:

• Week 01 and 02 drapery studies
• Week 03 Observational mannequin studies
• Week 04 Observational figure studies

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD	D	C	P	F
Use of colour and value to achieve pictorial volume and the establishment of figure-ground relationships through positive and negative space [LO 1-3]	Colour, value and figure ground relationships are developed to a very high-level in all projects.	Colour, value and figure ground relationships are developed to a high-level in all projects.	Colour, value and figure ground relationships are developed to a competent level, some projects in the folio lack resolution	Work in progress folio presents a basic grasp of spatial dynamics across assigned projects	Work in progress folio fails to establish spatial dynamics across all projects, workload is not commensurate with course demands.
Utilisation of paint handling skills - use of underpainting and body of paint [LO 1-3]	Consistently applies all skills to an exceptionally high level	Consistently applies all skills to a high level	Applies broad range of skills at a competent level	Applies limited range of skills at an adequate level	Technical skills below standard

Assessment Task 3

Final Folio: Weeks 07-12

Value 50%

Final Folio: The Figure in the Psychological Interior

This folio will consist of the following projects

• Week 05-07 Sustained observational figure painting
• Working with a lay figure/mannequin and staged interior Weeks 08-09
• Independent psychological interior project Weeks 10-12

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD	D	C	P	F
Utilise paint mixing and application to depict volume and space in the sustained figure and mannequin projects [LO 1-4]	Materials and processes are combined to a very high level to achieve the illusion of space and volume	Demonstrates an insightful and thorough exploration of material processes to depict space	Explores materials and processes to a competent level some aspects of the project lack resolution	Satisfactory knowledge of materials and processes to depict likeness.	Unsatisfactory knowledge and implementation of material and processes
Development of a unique and compelling psychological narrative through the psychological interior project [LO 1-3,4]	The independent project presents a highly original concept with a clear, evocative psychological narrative. The figure and interior seamlessly integrate to convey an emotional or mental state, demonstrating innovative use of symbolism and composition	The independent project conveys a clear psychological narrative with some originality. The figure and interior work together to suggest an emotional or mental state, with thoughtful use of symbolism and composition	The painting includes a psychological narrative, but it lacks innovation. The figure and interior relate to each other, but the emotional or mental state is underdeveloped	Basic grasp of the relationship between materials and processes in the work	Lack of understanding  between of the relationship between materials and processes
Composition and Design: effective arrangement of figures and interior elements to support compositional coherence [LO 1-4]	The compositions are dynamic, internally coherent, with the figure and interior elements balanced. Use of space, perspective, and focal points is highly effective	The compositions are well-organized, with the figure and interior elements arranged competently to support space, perspective, and focal points	The compositions are functional but lack refinement. The figure and interior elements are present but may not fully support the depiction of space or perspective	The compositions are functional but lack refinement. The figure and interior elements are present but may not fully support the depiction of space or perspective is inconsistent	The composition is disorganized or unbalanced. The figure and interior elements are poorly arranged

Assessment Task 4

Visual Diary/Research Documentation (weeks 5 - 12)

Value 10%

Visual Diary Weeks 5-12 inclusive

Details of tasks:

This task will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• Homework activities
• Exploration of materials
• Your ability to undertake basic contextual research relevant to your project.
• Evidence of critical reflection on the progress of your class projects.
• Evidence of a basic knowledge of the technical, historical and/ or theoretical context for your work.
• Your engagement with course content and relevant developments in the broader context of visual arts and design. 

Your visual diary should demonstrate your curiosity, initiative and engagement with this course. It is a place to make weekly drawings technical notes, lecture & seminar notes, research and your own thoughts, to paste in images related to the course and images from exhibitions you’ve seen in person and online. Add some new material every week. Bringing all this together helps focus and extend your experience of the course in a personalised way, helps you to develop your own research skills and it also helps your lecturer develop insight into your interests and general development in the course

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD	D	C	P	F
Engage, reflect and document material processes related to course projects, homework and theoretical content	High level of critical engagement and reflection evident in visual documentation	Significant level of critical engagement and reflection evident in visual documentation	Competent level of engagement evident in visual documentation	Attempts are made to engage with course content evident in visual documentation	Inadequate engagement, with course content

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Works will be available to collected at the end of the exam period.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

An assignment may be resubmitted on medical grounds.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students