Plan of Study – Fine Arts

Investigation of art making across cultures from over 250,000 years of prehistory through the time of the early Renaissance. Multicultural artistic innovations across the world are charted chronologically. Using art history as a framework, human history is reflected back to us.

Investigation of innovations in artwork across world cultures from the time of the Renaissance in Italy to art made across the globe in the early 20th century.

Investigation of international art breakthroughs from the 20th century to the present day. Beginning with art movements that influenced the development of modernism and other “avant-garde” concepts, continuing through to contemporary expressions in the visual arts, emphasis is placed on understanding historical and cultural contexts.

Introduction to drawing and two-dimensional design with a variety of media and approaches. Students explore observational and expressive drawing along with the elements and principles of art and design. No prior experience needed.

Introduction to painting with a variety of acrylic and watercolor media. Students explore observational and expressive painting techniques and learn color theory along with the elements and principles of art and design. No prior experience needed.

Introduction to hand building clay vessels and sculptural forms using a variety of expressive methods. Students explore forming and glazing techniques along with art elements and design principles. No prior experience needed.

Introduction to printmaking with relief printing, silkscreen and intaglio. Students explore creative expression with each printmaking process, along with the elements and principles of art and design. No prior experience needed.

Drawing a variety of subjects, students continue to develop skills and personal approaches to creating expressive compositions while exploring tools and media. Includes introduction to drawing the human figure and alternative drawing methods. Prerequisite: ART 1010.

Introduction to using traditional materials, tools and methods of oil painting. Painting from a variety of subjects including the human figure, students continue to develop skills and personal approaches to creating expressive compositions. Prerequisite: ART 1030.

Forming clay using a variety of subjects, students continue to develop skills and personal approaches to creating expressive sculptural forms and vessels while exploring tools and media. Course includes expansion of hand building and glazing techniques and learning the basics of wheel throwing and kiln firing. Prerequisite: ART 1040.

Drawing from a variety of subjects, students continue to develop skills and personal approaches to creating expressive compositions with more complex relief printing techniques. Course emphasizes quality printing, experimentation and relevant aesthetics. Prerequisite: ART 1060.

Introduction to a variety of image processing capabilities, with an emphasis on the development of original raster images related to art, design and motion graphics. Students learn various components of Adobe Photoshop including, image conversion, compositing, color correction, manipulating layers, working with paths, and print preparation.

Basic digital photography; principles of light, lenses, and composition; participation in all phases of digital work flow from initial composition to final image. Required for students seeking teaching certification with a Journalism minor.

Further exploration of photography including digital and chemical-based imaging. Digital and chemical printing, negative development, archival and fine art black-and-white printing. Class culminates with a portfolio project in either print or digital media. Prerequisite: JRN 3130.