• Class Number 3949
  • Term Code 3630
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Topic Introduction to Acrylic Painting
  • Mode of Delivery In Person
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • Dr Raquel Ormella
  • LECTURER
    • Elisa Crossing
    • Dr Raquel Ormella
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 23/02/2026
  • Class End Date 29/05/2026
  • Census Date 31/03/2026
  • Last Date to Enrol 02/03/2026
SELT Survey Results

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 introduces the principles of colour: tone, temperature and chroma; texture, gesture and expanded material practices, as core to the language of historical and contemporary painting. Students are encouraged to explore how painting’s broad and deep history is a rich disciple for practice-led research. Students will develop skills to develop their individual painting languages beyond the provided course information. Students are required to be open and curious, and to apply skills and historical examples laterally to their own individual research projects.

Field Trips

There are no field trips off the ANU campus. 2 weeks will be spent painting outside on campus and class visits to the Drill Hall Gallery may also be scheduled

Additional Course Costs

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  

Required Resources

Student contribution amounts under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and tuition fees support the course described in the Course Outline and include tuition, teaching materials and student access to the workshops for the stated course hours. Students are expected to purchase basic art materials for this course.

Students are requested to refer to the School of Art & Design website for information: http://soa.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees

There will be an additional Materials Fee for this course to cover paper supports, paint mediums and incidentals.

There is a list published on the Canvas site of the materials you will need for the course. You may already have some of these materials such as brushes. Please see the list and purchase prior to week 3.

Ensure that your details are correct as Canvas will be the primary method of communication between lecturers and students.

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there 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 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 Perceiving Tone 1: Class Collaborative Tonal Drawing
  • Induction to workshop and course.
  • Introduction to assessment #1
2 Perceiving Tone 2: Individual painting based on a historical example
  • understand and translate tonal values
  • Recap assessment #1 Introduction to Visual Diary assessment #3
3 Perceiving Tone 3: Tonal Value Still life Painting:
  • Establish a mid-tone ground
  • Create compositional sketches and choose the final composition.
4 Introduction to Colour 1:
  • Colour mixing / Colour contrast exercises
  • Quick Colour Still life Painting/s - alla prima compositional sketches
Assessment #1 due Friday 14 March 6pm
5 Introduction to Colour 2
  • Colour Still life Painting
  • underpainting, focussing on order of painting
6 Colour and Mood in Landscape 1
  • Landscape session painting outside on Campus.
  • Alla prima sketches painting colour blocking
  • photographing drawing
7 Colour and Mood in Landscape 2
  • Landscape session painting outside on Campus.
  • Alla prima painting - introducing textures and gestures
  • photographing drawing
8 Amalgamated Landscape Mood and Metaphor 1
  • translating studies, drawings and photographs in the studio
  • work on composition sketches and begin large painting
9 Amalgamated Landscape Mood and Metaphor 2
  • translating studies, drawings and photographs in the studio
  • continue large painting started in week 8
10 Independent Project 1- Inside/outside preparation
  • translating studies, drawings and photographs in the studio
  • work on composition sketches and assessing compositions
  • lecture introducing large genre painting/ human world in relation to more than human world
11 Independent Project 1- Inside/outside
  • begin large painting exploring inside/outside project
  • in class feedback and review
12 Independent Project 1- Inside/outside
  • continue large painting exploring inside/outside project
  • in class feedback and review
13 examination week Assessments #2 and #3 due in examination week

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 Learning Outcomes
Monochrome- seeing tone and scale 10 % 1, 2, 3
Visual Diary Homework and Independent Research 30 % 1, 3, 4
Folio of paintings 60 % 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:

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 ‘Wattle’ 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 classes and to participate in studio workshops, local excursions, class discussions and critiques. Attendance in class is not marked but is where information, feedback and skills are demonstrated. You are expected to contribute to setting up and packing up your work space and cleaning the sinks and floors. 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)

There are no examinations in this course

Assessment Task 1

Value: 10 %
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Monochrome- seeing tone and scale

Value 10%

2 monochromatic works in response to the set class task from week 1 and 2. The goal is to learn how tonal contrasts can be used to create the illusion of forms and space. Emphasis is also placed on seeing the positive and negative shapes in proper scale, and correct relationships.

Rubric

CriteriaHDDCPF

Identify and use basic techniques and principles appropriate to Painting

LO 1

Consistently applies all

skills to an exceptionally

high level.

Drawing includes a full range of tone, and translates painting with rigour attention to scale, form and space resulting in exceptional project

results

Consistently applies all

skills to a high level


Drawing includes a full range of tone, and translates painting with consistent attention to scale, form and space resulting in a coherent drawing.

Applies broad range of

skills at a competent level


Drawing some a tonal range. Some issues or inconsistentcy in translating scale, form and space resulting in a unresolved/ or painting needing further refinement.

Applies limited range of

skills at an adequate level


Drawing has limited range of tone, and translates painting. Mistakes or poor translation of scale, form and space resulting in a painting needing further refinement.

Technical skills below

standard


Drawing has limited range of tone, and mistakes in translation of scale, form and space.

Explore materials using safe and professional studio work processes

LO 2

The work demonstrates

an inventive and

rigorously iterative

exploration of materials,

techniques and modes of

drawing painting. Safe and aware use of materials in a group setting.

The work demonstrates a

speculative engagement

with materials,

techniques. The languages of painting/drawing are explored and a intergrated into visual expression.. Safe and aware use of materials in a group setting.

Material explorations

clearly inform the

development of the work.

The languages of painting/drawing and gesture and are explored but need refinement.

The works include

relevant material

explorations, however these are limited with many not considered or left unresolved. Safe and aware use of materials in a group setting.

Little to no material

experimentation

undertaken. Needs reminding of safe use of materials and/or does no consider thier use in a group setting.

Explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects

LO 3

Methodically and

experimentally

demonstrates curiosity in

exploring and testing

painting languages to achieve exceptional project

results

Demonstrates curiosity in

exploring and describing

painting languages in the work of other artists.


Clear demonstration of engagement with the project and the painting languages in the work of other artists.


Attempts made to describe and build analysis on another work.

Not all parts of the project are clear or complete.


Main tasks of describing and interpreting works not untaken. Not all parts of the project are clear or complete.

Assessment Task 2

Value: 30 %
Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 4

Visual Diary Homework and Independent Research

The Visual Diary needs to be a separate book, specifically for this course. It is to be presented in alongside your final portfolio of works. It includes:

  • Homework activities - these are set each week
  • progress notes: documentation and reflection on your progress in classwork.
  • Independent research and analysis of artworks.
  • Your ability to undertake basic contextual research relevant to your project and discipline.
  • Evidence of a basic knowledge of the technical, historical and/ or theoretical context for your work.
  • Your engagement with relevant developments in the broader context of visual arts and design.

Rubric

CriteriaHDDCPF

Identify and use basic techniques and principles appropriate to Painting

LO 1

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

Explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects

LO 3

Diary demonstrates

an inventive and

rigorously iterative

exploration of materials,

techniques and modes of

drawing painting.

Insightful and

independent thinking

evident in work and

articulated in discussion

Diary demonstrates a

speculative engagement

with materials,

techniques through set homework. The languages of painting/drawing are explored and a intergrated into visual expression and applied in inside/outside project

Diary shows work undertaken on most assignments and preparation inside/outside project.

The languages of painting/drawing and gesture and are explored but need

refinement.

Diary shows work some work done on homework assignments and preparation for inside/outside project. Diary includes

relevant material

explorations, however these are limited with many not considered or left unresolved.

Diary shows work little to no homework assignments and inadequate preparation for inside/outside project. Little to no material

experimentation

undertaken.

Develop works that respond to contemporary Painting theories and art practices

LO 4

High level of critical

awareness evident in

work and/or through

discussion

Significant level of critical awareness evident in work and/or through discussion

A competent level of

critical awareness evident in work and/or through discussion

Not clearly revealed

through work or

in discussion

Work shows no research

or critical evaluation

Explore materials using safe and professional studio work processes

LO 2

The work demonstrates

an inventive and

rigorously iterative

exploration of materials,

techniques and modes of

drawing painting. Safe and aware use of materials in a group setting.

The work demonstrates a

speculative engagement

with materials,

techniques. The languages of painting/drawing are explored and a intergrated into visual expression.. Safe and aware use of materials in a group setting.

Material explorations

clearly inform the

development of the work.

The languages of painting/drawing and gesture and are explored but need refinement.

The works include

relevant material

explorations, however these are limited with many not considered or left unresolved. Safe and aware use of materials in a group setting.

Little to no material

experimentation

undertaken. Needs reminding of safe use of materials and/or does no consider thier use in a group setting.

Assessment Task 3

Value: 60 %
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Folio of paintings

Final folio will consist of the work made in class and in own time to the set studio projects as well as any process based studies, material tests, etc.

Including works related to the following exercises from class topics:

Tonal still life

colour still life

landscape alla prima

Landscape mood and atmosphere

Inside/Outside self-directed project


Rubric

CriteriaHDDCPF

Identify and use basic techniques and principles appropriate to Painting

LO 1

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

Explore materials using safe and professional studio work processes

LO 2

The work demonstrates

an inventive and

rigorously iterative

exploration of materials, and techniques to develop students language of

drawing and painting. Safe and aware use of materials in a group setting.

The work demonstrates a

speculative engagement

with materials,

techniques. The languages of painting/drawing are explored and a intergrated into visual expression.. Safe and aware use of materials in a group setting.

Material explorations

clearly inform the

development of the work.

The languages of painting/drawing and are explored but need

refinement. Safe and aware use of materials in a group setting.

The works include

relevant material

explorations, however these are limited with many not considered or left unresolved. Safe and aware use of materials in a group setting.

Little to no material

experimentation

undertaken. Needs reminding of safe use of materials and/or does no consider thier use in a group setting.

Explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects

LO 3

Folio demonstrates

an inventive and

rigorously iterative

exploration of materials,

techniques and modes of

drawing painting.

Insightful and

independent thinking

evident in work and

articulated in discussion

Folio demonstrates a

speculative engagement

with materials,

techniques through set homework. The languages of painting/drawing are explored and a intergrated into visual expression and applied in inside/outside project

Folio includes most assignments.

The languages of painting/drawing and gesture and are explored consistently but need

refinement to deliver resolved projects.

Folio is missing some projects or projects incomplete. Works included need further work or engagement with concepts of tone, space, gesture, composition. Folio includes

relevant material

explorations, however these are limited with many not considered or left unresolved.

Folio is missing some projects or projects are incomplete. Works included need further work or engagement with concepts of tone, space, gesture, composition. Little to no material

experimentation

undertaken.

Develop works that respond to contemporary Painting theories and art practices

LO 4

High level of critical

awareness evident in

work and/or through

discussion

Significant level of critical awareness evident in work and/or through discussion

A competent level of

critical awareness evident in work and/or through discussion

Not clearly revealed

through work or

in discussion

Work shows no research

or critical evaluation

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

Folios and all hard copy assessment items will be available to be picked up 2 weeks after submission or after the examination 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

Assignments may be resubmitted on medical grounds or other conditions in line with CASS ANU guidelines

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
Dr Raquel Ormella
0402287977
U4339875@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Contemporary art, expanded painting, drawing, textiles, human relationships with the natural environment

Dr Raquel Ormella

Tuesday 14:30 16:00
Tuesday 14:30 16:00
Elisa Crossing
0402287977
elisa.crossing@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Contemporary art, expanded painting, drawing, textiles, human relationships with the natural environment

Elisa Crossing

Sunday
Dr Raquel Ormella
0402287977
raquel.ormella@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Dr Raquel Ormella

Tuesday 14:30 16:00
Tuesday 14:30 16:00

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