Drawing/Painting/Photography

Studio work in painting and drawing. A general course for beginners investigating the individual's ideas in various media.

This course introduces the materials of acrylic painting for non-majors. Students will gain an understanding of fundamental concepts in painting; including color theory; figure/ground relationships; planes and volumes; and formal and expressive approaches to mark-making within the context of contemporary and historic painting.

In this course students will be introduced to painting within a structure that allows for the concurrent development of their technical and conceptual skills. Through a series of projects designed to explore the richness of painting in oil and/or water media; student will work towards proficiency with paint and gain confidence in the production and realization of ideas. Work will be done from observation; from the imagination; and from a variety of viewpoint and techniques. Discussions; reading; field trips; and critiques will enhance student's knowledge of the critical dialogs surrounding painting; and will expand the notion of what painting can be.

A study of the expressive possibilities of the human form through drawing. Students will explore the figure in many ways with a variety of drawing media. From anatomical study and gesture to portraiture and narrative; this course will investigate the powerful history of figurative art and its potential for individual expression. Fundamental drawing and visual language skills are stressed. This course fulfills the drawing requirement.

An investigation of the ways in which perceptual study can lead to pure abstraction. Through observational drawing and formal analysis; students will discover the abstract principles that exist in all visual imagery. Assignments cover a broad range of drawing techniques and concepts including biomorphic; geometric; and conceptual abstraction. The potential for abstraction to communicate ideas will be explored. Fundamental drawing and visual language skills are stressed. This course fulfills the drawing requirement.

This course covers both technical and conceptual aspects of drawing through the investigation and analysis of natural forms. Subjects range from found objects in nature to microscopic materials; the landscape; and the human body. Emphasis is placed on integrating technical mastery of the visual elements of drawing with expressive content; while working with a wide variety of materials. Fundamental drawing and visual language skills are stressed. This course fulfills the drawing requirement.

Principles of light and the clean-slate nature of the studio will be explored; along with subject; background; and studio tools. Digital camera fluency will provide necessary feedback. A self-directed project is required. Prerequisite: ART 218.

Junior painting involves intensive exploration into issues of painting and drawing with emphasis on the beginnings of each student's unique means of expression. It is a continuation of the basic painting experience begun in the sophomore year with concentration on problem solving through structured assignments. Students are encouraged to find ways of approaching common experience as well as developing independent work. Sessions are complimented by readings; critiques; presentations; and field trips. May be repeated. Course content varies from instructor to instructor. (Fall and Spring)

From Picasso's cubist collages to Anselem Keifer's lead and straw works; the class combines both traditional and non-traditional painting and drawing materials that enhance narrative structures; work as metaphoric transformations; and the creation of formal dynamic juxtapositions. Projects are designed to encourage exploration of new realms of expression. (Spring)

Students explore the use of watercolor; gouache; acrylic; and egg tempera and experiment with various supports and surfaces; including paper; grounds; canvas; panel; and more.

A topical course providing students an intense immersion in both observational and conceptual drawing practices. Topics may include figure drawing; nature drawing; and drawing systems. May be repeated once for credit; preferably with a different instructor. Course content varies from instructor to instructor. (Fall)

Principles of light and the clean-slate nature of the studio will be explored; along with subject; background; and studio tools. Digital camera fluency will provide necessary feedback. A self-directed project is required.