Art Foundation

Foundations 101 concentrates on observational drawing as the translation of visual perception onto the two-dimensional plane. This act of translation - from eye to hand- transforms looking into critical knowledge. Being fully present in this process will be emphasized. Themes of the object; the landscape; and the figure will be explored; and conventional drawing tools and materials will often be employed within these themes.

Foundations 102 decodes the act of drawing in the second dimension into further dimensions: volumetric; time-based and speculative. It draws upon the specific lenses through which drawing is viewed amongst the Schools of Art and Design's divisions. Students will thus touch and engage with a wide variety of materials in this course: digital and time-based methods; sculptural materials; and non-traditional materials and processes will all be explored.

Foundations 103 is an intensive; half-semester workshop-style course that explore more advanced notions of color. This second semester of the two-semester Foundations sequence is more acutely focused on research's role in a student's work and their individual artistic voice. While still staying true to Alfred Foundations' embodied studio art curriculum; these courses require students to further consider their role in the contemporary art world. This course; 103; addresses color across media; looking to ideas centered in traditional color theory while exploring more contemporary and experimental applications of color. Students will develop a rich understanding of using color to approach narrative; formal and conceptual ideas within art-making. (Spring)

Foundations 104 is an intensive; half-semester workshop-style course that explores more advanced notions of form. This second semester of the two-semester Foundations sequence is more acutely focused on research's role in a student's work and their individual artistic voice. While still staying true to Alfred Foundations' embodied studio art curriculum; these courses require students to further consider their role in the contemporary art world. Form and Fabrication; 104; will focus on making three-dimensional artwork using traditional and experimental materials and methods. Projects and processes will employ research; tools and materials to explore conceptual ideas along with principles of design and fabrication. Students will engage with materials including clay; cement; glues and binders; plaster; wood; organic materials and textiles. Students will gain experience communicating their ideas and further develop their ability to use language to analyze their own artwork and the work of others. Students will be encouraged to broaden their vision and challenge their preconceived notions of artmaking. (Spring)

Foundations 105 is an intensive; half-semester workshop-style course that explores more advanced notions of the image. This second semester of the two-semester Foundations sequence is more acutely focused on research's role in a student's work and their individual artistic voice. While still staying true to Alfred Foundations' embodied studio art curriculum; these courses require students to further consider their role in the contemporary art world. The Image course; 105; guides students to enhance image literacy through image creation; image appropriation; and transformative aspects of imagery using a wide range of research skills and daily practice. This section includes observational drawing; mechanical (re)production including printmaking; and transforming created images via time-based tools. (Spring)

Foundations 106 is an intensive; half-semester workshop-style course that explores more advanced notions of making time-based work. This second semester of the two-semester Foundations sequence is more acutely focused on research's role in a student's work and their individual artistic voice. While still staying true to Alfred Foundations' embodied studio art curriculum; these courses require students to further consider their role in the contemporary art world. The Time and Space course; 106; will be experimental - allowing students to make videos using vintage film stock and/or hand drawn animations. No prior experience with computers will be needed for this workshop and students will receive individual help with technology they might struggle with or even hate. (Spring)

Foundations discussion is а Wednesday class that gathers the entire foundations student cohort to take part in group activities that range from lectures and demonstrations to guest appearances and collaborative projects. (Fall/Spring)

Project or media based independent study with a faculty member in the foundations division. This course can only be used for elective credit; it does not replace sophomore; junior or senior studio requirements. Approved Plan of Study required.