In this course students extend their technical and theoretical skills in painting via set projects and conceptual prompts. Students will investigate painting's pivotal role in contemporary art via studio projects and lectures which critique and activate the possibilities of what painting can be. For example, students may engage with histories, theories and material aspects of painting. By reflecting on painting on histories and possibilities students will make paintings in context and dialogue with contemporary art.

Students may complete this course up to five times for a maximum credit value of 30 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.

Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Approaches to Composition and Colour in Painting
• Introduction to Abstract Painting

This course introduces principles for the development of abstract paintings, considering a variety of historical and contemporary examples. This includes abstraction developed out of organic sources, geometric principles, optical effects, materiality and hybrid social forms. Studio projects expand the student's conceptual and historical understanding of abstract painting, introduce a range of paint-handling skills, develop knowledge of acrylic, oil and other media and the understanding of how formal and material qualities contribute to the generation of meaning and affect. Studio work is informed by lectures, seminars and group discussions.

• Painting in the Photo-Digital Age

This course explores the ways photography and media practices (digital and analogue) have influenced approaches to painting both historically and in a contemporary context. Students' progress is supported by lectures, group discussions, and studio projects that focus on the nexus between the mediation of visual experience and painting.

• Studio Methodology for Painting
• Painting Materiality, Environment and Meaning

Learning Outcomes

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

1. demonstrate competency with a range of advancing technical skills in relation to studio area & contemporary art practice;
2. independently explore the potential of material/s & methods relevant to the studio area and set projects; 
3. recognise and analyse precedents and influences on artistic practice; and 
4. evaluate chosen studio methodologies on the outcomes of studio projects. 

Research-Led Teaching

The course encourages students to independently research the historical, theoretical and material frameworks that inform composition and colour in painting beyond provided course information.

Field Trips

National Gallery of Australia

Wednesday April 22

Additional Course Costs

Students will be responsible for the purchase of their own materials

Please see Canvas for information regarding the list of materials required for this course

Each workshop sources appropriate specialist materials, which are made available to students to facilitate their working effectively, efficiently and safely within our programs. The School of Art is able to supply materials that don’t compromise ANU obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS), and that have been assessed as suitable for each course. 

Below, you will find a list of what you will need and a link to make an order, we have created a materials pack for your ease with everything you need not including brushes.

You will also need to provide your own paint brushes for this course. The total cost for the material pack below is $315.00. Please note this list of materials will cover most projects for the course, however student may need to buy additional paint for the final project as well as brushes and paint palette.

ARTV2550 Materials List

Ordering Your Materials Online

Enter code: ARTV2550S1 into the School Kit Coupon Code field.

Click Continue

Either create an account or check out as a guest (continue without registering)

Click on ACT

Click on Australian National University 

Enter kit code to confirm: ARTV2550S1

The materials list will appear - click Buy Now 

** PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ENTER YOUR OWN PERSONAL DELIVERY ADDRESS AND NOT THE SCHOOLS

Students have the choice of acquiring these materials from a supplier other than the School of Art, however students should note that many materials may not be WHS compliant (and therefore are not approved for use in the workshops), or are not available for individuals to purchase because they must be supplied and stored in a particular way in order to meet WHS regulations. 

http://soad.cass.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees  

Please supply your own protective clothing, such as painting shirts, disposal gloves, cotton rags. You will also need smaller plastic/glass containers with lids to use for storage and paint mixing.

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 and university equipment for the stated course hours.

 

The Course 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

Batchelor, B 2014, The Luminous and the Grey Reaktion Books

Batchelor, B 2001, Chromophia, Reaktion Books

Albers, J 1975, Interaction of Colour Revised Edition, Yale University Press.

Briony, F 1997, On Abstract Art, Yale University Press, New Haven and London

Itten, J 1970, The Elements of Colour, John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey, United States.

Gerhard Richter, 1996, Abstract Painting 825-11:69 details/with an afterword by Hans Ulrich Obrist, Zurich.

Lippard, L,R 1981, Ad Reinhardt/Lucy R. Lippard, H.N. Abrams, New York.

Paths to Abstraction 1867-1917, Terence Maloon (editor), 2010.

Schwabsky,B (ed.)Vitamin P2: 2011, New Perspectives in Painting, Phaidon Press Limited, London.

This Way Up, 2009, an Exhibition Series of Recent Abstract Paintings, The Australian National University, Goanna Print, Canberra. 

Wada, S 2010, Dictionary of Color Combinations - Vol 1

Wada, S 2010, Dictionary of Color Combinations - Vol 2

Staff Feedback

Students will receive individual verbal feedback during the studio workshops.

Students will also receive verbal feedback from staff and students during group discussions.

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.

Other Information

Referencing requirements:

https://academicskills.anu.edu.au/resources/handouts/referencing-basics

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Wednesday February 25Introduction to Composition and ColourLecture: School of Art Seminar Room 1.29, Wednesday: 2.00-3.00pmStudio: Painting Studio 1.21_School of Art Bldg 105: 3.00-6.00pm	Introduction to the course Origins of the Colour Wheel Understanding 7 types of colour contrast through collage
2	Wednesday March 04Chroma, Hue, ValueLecture: School of Art Seminar Room 1.29, Wednesday: 2.00-3.00pmStudio: Painting Studio 1.21_School of Art Bldg 105: 3.00-6.00pm	The Munsell Colour System Collage projects - high chroma/low value; low chroma/high value; high chroma/high value
3	Wednesday March 11Harmony and DiscontentLecture: School of Art Seminar Room 1.29, Wednesday: 2.00-3.00pmStudio: Painting Studio 1.21_School of Art Bldg 105: 3.00-6.00pm	Approaches to colour harmonies and dissonance in painting 2 paintings over Week 03 and 04 [20x16inch] exploring harmonies and discord
4	Wednesday March 18Harmony and Discontent continuedLecture: School of Art Seminar Room 1.29, Wednesday: 2.00-3.00pmStudio: Painting Studio 1.21_School of Art Bldg 105: 3.00-6.00pm	Approaches to compositional harmonies/balance/symmetry 2 paintings [20x16inch] developed and completed during Week 03 and 04 exploring harmony and discord
5	Wednesday March 25Colour and Music/SoundLecture: School of Art Seminar Room 1.29, Wednesday: 2.00-3.00pmStudio: Painting Studio 1.21_School of Art Bldg 105: 3.00-6.00pm	The influence of music and sound on colour and composition Building a personal scale through colour collage 1 painting [30x20inch] developed and completed over Week 05 and 06 responding to a piece of music Translating harmony and dissonance into colour through music
6	Wednesday April 01Colour and Music/Sound continuedMid-semester reviewsStudio: Painting Studio 1.21_School of Art Bldg 105: 2.00-6.00pm	Assessment Item 01 (work in progress folio and visual diary) Mid-Semester break April 06 to 20
7	Wednesday April 22NGA Field trip 2-5pm.	Research of colour and composition in observed paintings What I like and why What I don't like and why The dynamics of colour and composition 800-word reflective essay on colour and compositional dynamics on chosen work in the NGA collection
8	Wednesday April 29Time of Day ProjectLecture: School of Art Seminar Room 1.29, Wednesday: 2.00-3.00pmStudio: Painting Studio 1.21_School of Art Bldg 105: 3.00-6.00pm	Introduction to the shifting quality of local colour Introduction to the Time-of-Day Project [3 paintings 30x36inch] early morning, midday and late afternoon developed and resolved during Week 08 to12
9	Wednesday May 06Time of Day Project continuesStudio: Painting Studio 1.21_School of Art Bldg 105: 2.00-6.00pm
10	Wednesday May 13Time of Day Project continuesStudio: Painting Studio 1.21_School of Art Bldg 105: 2.00-6.00pm
11	Wednesday May 20Time of Day Project continuesStudio: Painting Studio 1.21_School of Art Bldg 105: 2.00-6.00pm
12	Wednesday May 27Time of Day Project continuesStudio: Painting Studio 1.21_School of Art Bldg 105: 2.00-6.00pm	Continue and finalise self-directed time of day project. Group feedback session.

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.

There is only one class of ARTV2550, so tutorial registration is not necessary.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Work in Progress Assessment: Folio and Research Documentation/Visual Diary	40 %	01/04/2026	20/04/2026	1, 2, 3, 4
Folio	50 %	10/06/2026	02/07/2026	1, 2, 3, 4
Visual Diary/ Research/Participation	10 %	10/06/2026	02/07/2026	1, 2, 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 per week.

Examination(s)

Students will be allocated a scheduled assessment time and venue during the examination period. 

Assessment Task 1

Work in Progress Assessment: Folio and Research Documentation/Visual Diary

40%

This assessment is based on the students' progress by Week 06. This assessment item will demonstrate the student's engagement with the course as well as research and engagement with course content through lectures and Canvas.

Folio:

Week 01: 5 colour collages

Week 02: 5 colour collages

Week 03-04: 2 paintings [20 X 16inch] (508 X 406mm)

Week 05-06: 4 colour collages and 1 painting [30 X 20] (762 X 508)

Visual Diary/Research Documentation:

Lecture notes, Canvas notes and prompts, colour mixing exercises, reflective notes on approaches to colour and composition, independent self-initiated research

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD	D	C	P	F
Engagement with and documentation of theoretical and practical contexts relevant to course content [LO 1-4]	Excellent documentation that demonstrates critical engagement with relevant theoretical frameworks and practical processes, evidenced by substantial independent research extending beyond course content	Clear and well-organized documentation showing solid critical engagement with key theoretical ideas and practical processes in painting, supported by relevant independent research that beyond course content	A competent level of critical awareness evident in research and/or through discussion	Not clearly revealed through work or in discussion	Work shows no research in the field
Experimentation with colour and composition processes in relation to class projects [LO 1-3]	Folio demonstrates a high level of independent experimentation with various processes that have also been successfully applied and critically evaluated in set studio projects	Folio demonstrates a good understanding of various colour and composition principles that have been successfully applied in set studio projects	Folio applies a range of skills and critical evaluation at a competent level	Folio applies a limited range of skills and critical reflection at an adequate level	Critical reflection and technical skills below standard

Assessment Task 2

Folio

50%

Final folio will consist of projects Week 7-12

Rubric

CRITERA	HD	D	C	P	F
Effective application of color and composition principles to evoke the mood and lighting of each time of day [LO 1-4]	Exceptional use of colour and composition principles to accurately and creatively capture the essence of each time period	Very good selection of colour and composition that presents each time, with a clear demonstration of intent	A competent presentation of three times but at times lacks colour and compositional complexity and resolution	Colors are somewhat appropriate but lack depth, harmony, or clear connection to times of day.	Inappropriate or random color choices that fail to represent the times of day
Innovation and experimentation in interpreting, documenting and presenting the times of day through painting ?[LO 1-4]	Highly original and experimental folio presenting an independent approach to colour and composition for temporal representation	Original folio presenting an independent approach to colour and composition for temporal representation	Folio presents a competent approach to colour and composition for temporal representation	Folio presents limited innovation and experimentation	Folio lacks originality; copies standard representations without personal input

Assessment Task 3

Visual Diary/ Research/Participation

10%

Keep an ongoing visual diary/research journal (either hard copy or electronic) that reflects your participation and personal research related to course content available on Canvas and extended research in relation to historic and contemporary examples of colour and composition painting. The journal should also contain tests, sketches and notes related to the development of your folio.

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD	D	C	P	F
Engagement with and documentation of theoretical and practical contexts relevant to course content [LO 1-4]	Excellent documentation that demonstrates critical engagement with relevant theoretical frameworks and practical processes, evidenced by substantial independent research extending beyond course content	Clear and well-organized documentation showing solid critical engagement with key theoretical ideas and practical processes in painting, supported by relevant independent research that beyond course content	A competent level of critical awareness evident in research and/or through discussion	Not clearly revealed through work, documentation or in discussion	Work shows no research in the field

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

Any work submitted for assessment (e.g, visual diary and folio) will be assessed on the day indicated for assessment and returned to the student that day.

Late Submission

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

Folio will be available to be picked up after the exam day.

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