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Examines the origins and development of modern art from the French Revolution in 1789 to the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Late 20th century art, including Postmodernism, and trends in contemporary art are introduced. Emphasis is placed on 2-D art, sculpture and architecture, and the creative processes employed by modern artists. Students explore individual works of art within their cultural and historical context.

Introduces the basic techniques of oil painting, concentrating on the principles of color and light. Using a variety of subject matter, students will explore the problems of pictorial composition, color theory, oil-related mediums, and techniques.

Introduces the basic watercolor techniques and use of materials. It is a sequential program of study, applying the elements and principles of 2-D design to the watercolor discipline. Students will study still life, landscape, and the human form. Reference will be made to past and contemporary masters of the watercolor medium.

Familiarizes students with basic film photography and beginner darkroom techniques. Students are instructed in the use and care of a 35mm manual film camera, film developing and darkroom printing techniques. Assignments are designed to cover a variety of shooting situations and the expectation is that students will apply the elements of composition, capture expressive content, and demonstrate proficient technical ability in the making of photographs. Students should expect to provide their own 35mm film camera with full manual controls. A $20 fee will be assessed for all students in this course to cover the cost and disposal of chemicals used in this class.

Introduces the basic human figural sculpture, designed to develop the student’s understanding of the anatomical structures of the human figure, gestural forms, and constructive methods and application of this knowledge to create unique character and figural sculptures in traditional sculpting media, such as wire, wax, plaster, and clay. The emphasis in imagery will be direct live-model observations, translating 2-D sources into form, developing hand-eye coordination, technical discipline, and evolving a personal expressive use of materials, technique, and subject matter. All projects are designed to combine related technical, visual, and historical components. A $20 fee will be assessed for all students in this course to cover the cost of live modeling.

Focuses on studio work leading to the completion of five projects. Students will learn the basics of handbuilding, the potter’s wheel, kiln firing, glazing, and surface embellishment. Class time will be made up of instructor’s demonstrations, group critiques, and individual studio work. Projects will stress the sculptural potential of clay with a visit into the aesthetic merit of functional vessel making. A research project, introducing students to the work of historical clay artists, will provide inspiration and direction. A $50 ceramic studio fee will be assessed.

Addresses digital camera operation, a variety of file types, digital photo editing, and printing procedures. Digital camera capabilities will be learned through a series of project-based assignments, lectures, demonstrations, and critiques. Formal emphasis is placed on the creative use of camera controls, composition, exposure, digital imaging software (including Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop®), and an awareness of critical issues in contemporary photography. Scanning and printing techniques will also be included. Students are required to provide their own digital camera and media cards for storing image files; the camera must be capable of full manual control and capturing RAW files. Although all work can be accomplished on campus computers, a laptop computer suitable for viewing/editing images and Adobe Photoshop software will facilitate additional work outside of the scheduled lab time but is not required.

Introduces students to the powerful tools of Photoshop for manipulating digital images, photomontage and page layout applications. The course topics cover Photoshop tools, photo corrections, working with selections, and layer basics. The use of masks and channels, typographic design, and vector drawing techniques are also covered. In addition, assignments will include advanced compositing, basic video editing, digital painting, and working with 3D images/text. Textbook and portable media storage device required. Students will need access to Adobe Creative Cloud that includes Photoshop.

Introduces students to the powerful tools of Adobe Illustrator (Ai) for manipulating images, building multimedia online graphics, and creating page layout applications. Students learn skills and techniques for editing images and creating effective digital graphics for a variety of online and print applications. The course topics cover Illustrator tools, layers, typography, digital painting, symbols/shapes, brushes, and graphic styles/effects. Students will need access to Adobe Creative Cloud that includes Illustrator.

Builds on the aesthetic, technical, and conceptual foundation established in VRTS 101C. This observational drawing course will develop greater technical facility with materials and explore methods for translating and interpreting one’s environment onto a drawing. As conceptual options and skill with materials increase, drawing will become a stronger outlet for personal and creative expression. Students will expand their understanding and use of color and work more extensively from the human figure. The historical foundation of drawing will be explored, as well as contemporary and historical trends.