Art (AR)

An introduction to painting as a medium of visual expression. Emphasis is placed upon exploration of formal and technical concerns. Basic studies include drawing and will explore a variety of subject matter and media directed toward the organization of the two-dimensional plane.

An introduction to the visual language of art and design. Using drawing materials, students will explore concepts such as figure/ground interaction, rhythm, balance, and unity to investigate how visual relationships hold meaning. Students will advance their projects from defining simple visual relationships to developing complex and expressive compositions. Historical and contemporary art and design will provide context, and weekly critiques and discussions will inform our work.  No prior experience is necessary.

The study of drawing as a way of learning to see, investigating the material world, and making imagined ideas visible. Through drawing from observation, students will study proportion, visual relationships, compositional structures, and drawing processes. Students will explore the expressive potential of a range of drawing materials and gain awareness of touch, gesture, speed, and visual rhythm. Historical and contemporary drawings will provide a context for study. Weekly critiques and discussions will inform student work. No prior experience is necessary.

An introduction to the study of color in studio art.  Students will build awareness of the principles of color theory through guided exercises exploring color relationships, their psychological and expressive impacts, and the physical properties of color mixing. Using collage and acrylic paint on paper, students will practice technical skills and increase understanding of perception, composition, and visual thinking. Presentations, class critiques, and individual discussions with the instructor are a significant aspect of this course. No prior experience is necessary. Recommended for painting students.

A survey of aesthetic and technological best practices in visual communication today. Students will study the basic functions and integral properties of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, as well as After Effects or other video software while learning the principles of design. Vector and raster imaging techniques, scanning, printing, and font and file management are introduced through a series of demonstrations/projects that build upon each other. Through projects and critiques, students will work to make a visual voice that is distinctive and original. No digital experience necessary.

An introduction to the physical and expressive properties of oil painting. Anchored in tradition, oil paint is a provocative and enduring medium through which students will study composition, experiment with paint handling, explore color relationships, and refine observational skills. Students will investigate historical and contemporary painters to build an understanding of the relationships among technique, subject, and meaning. Class critiques as well as individual discussions with the instructor are a significant aspect of this course. AR 134 Color is recommended as preparation for this course.

An introduction to visual design and communication theory. Emphasis is on developing a strong foundation in visual perception, design principles, and typography. Students will undertake studio problems aimed at developing visual awareness, analytical thinking, craftsmanship, and use of hands-on media and digital techniques.

Introduction to designing interactive pages and environments for the web. Emphasis on visual and information design through theories of color, principles of design and the study of typography. Students will explore a variety of tools and techniques, including photo editing, writing code for the web, and animation through basic scripting languages. Studio projects will explore issues of audience participation, experience design, motion and interface.

An introduction to fundamental ceramics technique and history. Clay is one of the oldest materials humans have used to enrich their lives. Students will explore a variety of forming methods including modeling, coil building, and slab construction. Studio practice will foster a working knowledge of kiln firing (gas and electric) and the formulations of both clay and glazes. Students will study the many cultural traditions of clay, while employing these ancient processes to produce contemporary objects, both functional and sculptural. Demonstrations, group critiques, and weekly lectures will inform the work.

An introduction to the fiber arts. Using dye processes, the creation of textiles, and weaving fabric structures, students will practice the stages and processes involved in constructing a textile art form. Students will explore traditional techniques as well as advancements in technology utilized in the textile industry. Demonstrations will include screen-printing, sewing techniques, loom weaving, resist-dyeing, tapestry, and silk painting. Students will study historical works and the contemporary evolution of this art form.

Loom weaving with emphasis on weave structures, color, and texture studies. Students will work with 2- and 3-dimensional application of their completed woven textiles. Possible areas of study include: tapestry, ikat, warp painting, and clothing. Additional studies are possible in single-element structures, such as knitting, netting, and knotting. Readings in textile history and contemporary art issues, writing, and discussion will complement technical grounding in traditional textile processes.

Loom weaving with emphasis on weave structures, color, and texture studies. Students will work with 2- and 3-dimensional application of their completed woven textiles. Possible areas of study include: tapestry, ikat, warp painting, and clothing. Additional studies are possible in single-element structures, such as knitting, netting, and knotting. Readings in textile history and contemporary art issues, writing, and discussion will complement technical grounding in traditional textile processes.

Introduction to theoretical and practical textile surface design. Students will learn block printing, photo silk-screen printing, resist-dyeing, and thermoplastic manipulations of fabrics. An in-depth study of the chemical properties of fabrics, dyes, and pigments. Projects will be 2- and 3-dimensional with a concentration in repeat pattern design and additional work in other types of image reproduction on cloth.

An introduction to metals such as copper, brass, or silver as an artistic medium. With assignments designed to stimulate the imagination and sharpen creative problem-solving skills, students will explore a wide range of techniques for creating inventive, thought-provoking objects such as jewelry and small sculpture. Skill-building exercises are designed to forge a solid technical foundation and survey essential design concepts. Classes will include technical demonstrations, slide presentations, group exercises, studio work time, and group critiques.

A further investigation of the formal and expressive characteristics of drawing, with a focus on drawing as visual communicative act. Structured assignments provide a context for focused exploration of materials and processes and development of individual vision. Readings and discussions will complement studio work.

An extensive investigation of drawing from the life model. Guided exercises refine observation skills by building understanding of anatomical and spacial relationships, as well as providing a context for exploration of interpretive and expressive aspects of figure drawing. Assignments encourage exploration of compositional relationships, drawing media, and conceptual ideas.

An introduction to relief and intaglio printing processes focusing on copperplate intaglio, woodcut, and monoprints. The creative process in printmaking involves collaboration while also emphasizing personal growth and creative flexibility, developing skills in experimentation and critical problem solving. Students will study the history of printmaking as well as engage in individual research, writing, critiques, and discussions.

An introduction to the creative and technical possibilities of digital photography. Students will explore the basics of using a camera and imaging software to produce well-crafted and thoughtful digital photographs and prints. Topics include manual camera operations, shutter speed, aperture, RAW file formats, white balance, and composition. Using Photoshop, students will work on file management, image enhancement, and printing. Students will build photographic skill sets as well as a deeper understanding of visual perception and photography as a medium for personal expression. Lectures on historical and contemporary artwork will provide a context for creative approaches to photography. Students should have access to a digital SLR camera with the following: manual option modes for exposure, manual adjustable focus, and RAW file format. This course is a pre-requisite for all other photography courses; no previous photography or Photoshop experience is necessary but Macintosh literacy is required.

An investigation of the relationship of text and image through time using motion graphics and image-editing tools. Students will develop short films and animations using visual material from photographs, prints, drawings, paintings, illustrations, and three-dimensional work. Projects will explore the visual vocabulary of motion, principles of animation, typography, storytelling, and two and three-dimensional space. Through critiques, readings, discussions, and writing assignments, students will build a historical and critical context for their work.

An introduction to creating sculptural form. Through a variety of projects, students gain direct experience with the tools, materials, and processes of sculpture. While exploring the complexities of three-dimensional composition and problem solving, students begin to understand the relationship between culture and object and to develop artistic vision and personal content. Technical demonstrations, presentations, readings, and group critiques provide a context for studio work.  No prior experience is necessary.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the Department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the Department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the Department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the Department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the Department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the Department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the Department's regular course offerings.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the Department's regular course offerings. Prerequisite: AR 133 or AR 136 or AR 229.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in the Department's regular course offerings.

Internship opportunity for students who have completed their first year and whose academic and cocurricular work has prepared them for professional work related to the major. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may design internships in studio assistance to professional artists, in artist cooperatives, graphic design studios, advertising design studios, galleries, museums, and printing houses, or in other art-related projects.

Further development of the concepts and skills introduced in Communication Design I. Emphasis is placed on integrating the symbolic and communicative aspects of typography with visual elements. Through the application of design principles and typography, studio projects will stress strong visual concepts while exploring hands-on media and digital techniques.

Continued investigation and further development of making art using digital media. Students may choose to create advanced projects in either interactive design or motion graphics. Emphasis will be placed on developing an individual studio practice through studio work, critical and art historical readings, and writing. 

A continuation of painting concepts explored in AR 201, designed to further acquaint students with technical processes, formal relationships, and conceptual issues. Structured assignments employing direct observation (including the figure) and invention provide a context for development of a personal vision. Other assignments will refer to historical and contemporary movements and painting methods with readings and discussions.

A continued exploration and development of personal interpretations of traditional and nontraditional methods of textile design and fiber construction. Students may elect to concentrate in the area of weaving or textile design, or may develop skills in both areas concurrently. Advanced weaving will include multi-harness weave structure on jack-type, computer, and dobby looms. Advanced textile design will include printed resists, photo screen-printing, lacquer stencils, gouache rendering, and computer-aided design. It is strongly recommended that students intending to work in both areas complete both AR 215 and AR 216 prior to electing this course. Personal initiative and creative self-expression are emphasized in this course.

The continued development of aesthetic concepts and techniques. Individual exploration and expression will be encouraged. Through a structured approach with demonstrations, lectures, weekly assignments, and group and individual critiques, the student will be exposed to hand-building and throwing, as well as raku, salt-glazing, and stoneware reduction techniques.

A further intensification of the use of clay as a medium and a continuation of the development of the forming processes of hand-building and throwing. Also included will be the formulation of clay bodies and the investigation of kiln firing techniques.

An advanced studio course in the jewelry and metalsmithing sequence. Students explore the plastic potential of precious and nonprecious metals through the process of raising, forging, hollow-forming, and repoussé. Inventiveness, personal initiative, and creative self-expression are particularly emphasized in this course.

A continuation of concepts and methods explored in AR 219 with an emphasis on casting. Weekly group critiques will focus upon individual aesthetic growth, technical exploration, and both historical and contemporary issues to the art-metals discipline.

An extensive investigation of painting from the life model and figurative imagery. Guided exercises refine observation skills by building understanding of  anatomical, color, and spatial relationships, as well as by providing a context for exploration of interpretive and expressive aspects of figure painting. Assignments encourage exploration of compositional relationships, painting media, and conceptual ideas. Students will be introduced to both traditional and contemporary figurative artists.

A further investigation of drawing as a visual communicative act. The development of images through individual exploration of form, structure, and space with emphasis being placed upon the growth of personal vision and skill.

A continuation of problems of visual expression and techniques encountered in Photography 1, emphasizing advanced photographic theory and practice. The course provides an inspiring environment to flourish artistically, cultivate new ideas, and empower individuals with skills in artistic expression and visual communication. Students learn to use lens-based photography, lighting, Photoshop editing, and printing as tools of visual empowerment and communication. Students complete three projects throughout this course, each focused on a specific theme, technical challenges and a research component. Student work should reflect technical achievement, creative exploration, enhancement by research as well as careful attention to presentation and craft. Unique to this studio art course is an emphasis on theory and practice. Students research a diverse range of American and international artists known for addressing issues such as social inequalities, political change, social justice and expression of unique identities. The course culminates in a group curated exhibition featuring a selection of photographs by each student. Students assist with all aspects of the exhibition.

Further investigation of formal, expressive, and technical aspects of painting. This course emphasizes individual exploration of structured assignments, leading toward self-directed studio practice. Readings and discussions complement studio practice. Emphasis is placed upon more individual exploration of assigned formal problems in the studio.

A continuation and development of the formal and technical aspects of designing with type and image. Students will be introduced to recent developments in visual communication theory and practice. Readings in design history and criticism as well as independent research will complement studio work. Emphasis is placed on individual exploration leading to self-directed studio practice.

An interdisciplinary studio course providing an exploration of contemporary artists working across intersectional practices to challenge dominant narratives through a decolonial framework. By reflecting on current issues surrounding race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, ability, and class, students will work to understand their positionality as artists, positing ethical questions of making, appropriation, and collaboration. Students will complete studio projects that synthesize conceptual and material approaches using expanded drawing practices, print media, digital media, photography, and video, all of which welcome the integration of any 2D or 3D artwork. We will utilize art criticism, theory, literature, and popular culture to analyze the power dynamics of representation through readings and discussion.

In consultation with the instructor, students will identify advanced photographic techniques, content and aesthetics appropriate for their personal project.

An investigation and development of the etching process including color printing techniques, with emphasis placed on personal growth and vision. Readings in printmaking history and criticism will complement studio work.

An investigation and development of the lithographic process including color-printing techniques with emphasis placed on personal growth and vision. Readings in printmaking history and criticism will complement studio work.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings. All courses are designed to meet 300-level maturity requirements and are open to all students who have fulfilled the appropriate prerequisites.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings. All courses are designed to meet 300-level maturity requirements and are open to all students who have fulfilled the appropriate prerequisites.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings. All courses are designed to meet 300-level maturity requirements and are open to all students who have fulfilled the appropriate prerequisites.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings. All courses are designed to meet 300-level maturity requirements and are open to all students who have fulfilled the appropriate prerequisites.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings. All courses are designed to meet 300-level maturity requirements and are open to all students who have fulfilled the appropriate prerequisites.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings. All courses are designed to meet 300-level maturity requirements and are open to all students who have fulfilled the appropriate prerequisites.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings. All courses are designed to meet 300-level maturity requirements and are open to all students who have fulfilled the appropriate prerequisites.

Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique opportunities to engage methods and concepts not found in the department's regular course offerings. All courses are designed to meet 300-level maturity requirements and are open to all students who have fulfilled the appropriate prerequisites.

Further investigation of formal, expressive, conceptual, and technical aspects of sculpture. This course emphasizes individual exploration leading toward self-directed studio practice. A number of techniques and materials are available for consideration, which may include welding, metalworking (forging), casting, and carving processes. During the spring semester, selected works may be cast in bronze. Readings and discussions complement studio practice.

Development of computer animation and graphic design skills. Projects may include such diverse areas as video animation, photomontage, scientific visualization or advertising design.

Individual work in a given discipline, in most cases following its AR 366 level of sequence. Open to senior art majors and other qualified seniors. Permission of instructor and department chair is required.

Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and seniors with substantial academic and cocurricular experience in the major. With faculty sponsorship and department approval, students may design internships in studio assistance to professional artists, in artist cooperatives, graphic design studios, advertising design studios, galleries, museums, and printing houses, or in other art-related projects.