Art + Extended Media

This course introduces students to principles and concepts of drawing. Students will explore drawing as a mode of expression through a variety of traditional and digital means of mark-making processes. Students may not take this course and AFA 101 for credit. Students in the BFA programs may not substitute AFA 101 for this course.

This course explores both the elements (point, line, shape, space, texture, value, color) and principles (repetition, variety, rhythm, balance, emphasis, economy) of visual design. Students will be introduced to a wide set of tools and techniques to execute their work. Experimentation is encouraged and expected.

This course will introduce the basic elements and processes of construction of three- dimensional works of art. Utilizing traditional and non-traditional three-dimensional art- making procedures, students will translate and manifest their intellectual content into sculptural forms. Students will also incorporate sculptural research, writing, and discussions, into their daily studio practice. Experimentation is encouraged and expected.  

Photography I is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental technical aspects of the medium and the principle elements of visual design necessary to develop skills in composition and concept development. Exposure controls, digital workflow, archival printing and presentation techniques will be emphasized. Students will utilize these skills to apply a problem-solving approach to effectively communicate ideas and concepts.

In this course students will explore theories relating to color and the effects of light on 2D & 3D work, the environment, and time. Students will learn how to effectively use color and light as tools for aesthetic and conceptual expression.

This course introduces students to principles and concepts of painting. Students will explore painting as a mode of expression and as a means of process with an emphasis on composition, color, and paint handling.

This course builds on the skills and techniques developed in Painting 1. The course work stresses the development of individual expression through the exploration of more advanced processes and concepts.

This course will reinforce the aesthetic, technical and conceptual image development begun in Photography I. Through the use of more advanced exposure controls and darkroom technique, students will refine their skills to execute fine prints. Students will be expected to advance their visual literacy in the context of their work. Planning and executing extended projects will be introduced.

This course will explore the elements and methods of production of three-dimensional works of art. Utilizing traditional and non-traditional three-dimensional art-making procedures students will translate and interpret their intellectual content into sculptural forms. Students will also incorporate sculptural research, writing and discussions into their daily studio practice. This course will focus on the expanded definitions of three dimensional vocabulary, as well as advanced sculptural methodologies. Exploration, experimentation, incorporation of non- traditional contemporary procedures and outside materials are encouraged and expected.  

This course will explore the elements and methods of production of two- dimensional works of art. Utilizing traditional and non-traditional two- dimensional art-making procedures, students will translate and interpret their intellectual content into two-dimensional works. Students will incorporate research, writing and discussions into their daily studio practice. Exploration, experimentation and incorporation of non-traditional contemporary procedures and outside materials are encouraged and expected.

This is an introductory inquiry in watercolor. Prior to each structured exercise, the professor demonstrates techniques. Exercises are designed to promote familiarity with materials and skill development particular to watercolor. Personal choice and creative exploration are also encouraged.

This course is designed for the advanced photography student and builds upon the basic Photoshop skills learned in Imaging I as well as those skills mastered in previous courses. Geared toward the digital photographer/artist, it begins with the fundamentals of image acquisition (scanning, digital cameras), image processing and output considerations, and progresses into more detailed handling of imagery and printing considerations. Students will gain mastery of an efficient, productive, and non-destructive work-flow. In-class demonstrations and individual art projects will segue into the production of a final portfolio. Further, there will be a brief survey of contemporary digital artists presenting various conceptual and technical approaches to the medium from which students may draw inspiration.

A studio course which explores basic studio lighting techniques in photography. Student will learn about basic studio tools, set-up and maintenance as well as techniques in the use of tungsten lights, electronic strobe and basic flash units. Evaluation is based upon completion of portfolio requirements.

A studio course in which the structure of the figure is explored through observation investigative drawing and a study of anatomy. Principles and techniques for drawing the figure including proportion and foreshortening will be studied. Line drawing and tone are emphasized and a variety of black-and-white media are used. Students may not take this course and AFA 215 for credit.

An introduction to relief printmaking techniques and concepts. Students will create unique and limited edition prints with both single and multiple colors.

A studio course studying fine art printmaking techniques and concepts that emphasizes black and white intaglio.

Monoprints (or monotypes) are one-of-a-kind works that combine aspects of painting, drawing, and printmaking. Oil and water-based inks will be used in additive and subtractive techniques with an emphasis on experimentation.

This course focuses on synthesizing skills from previous coursework to create drawings that are complex in form, content and concept. Experimentation with both traditional and non-traditional drawing tools, methods, and media is encouraged and expected. Students will reflect on the relationship of the work produced in this class to their creative practice through discussion, critique, research and written artist statements.

A studio course which explores various materials, methods and forming processes in modeling, casting, constructing, and welding within a sculptural ceramics context. The portrait head, figure study, architectural ceramics, and large-scale mixed media assemblage are the emphasis of study.

An introductory studio course in ceramics designed to acquaint the student with various on and off the wheel forming processes. Lectures and labs will investigate the theoretical and practical aspects of clay, clay bodies, glaze formulation, and application. Kiln construction, firing processes and practice will also be studied.

A culmination of the foundation experience, this course allows students to begin their studio practice. Students will synthesize the technical skills and conceptual explorations gained from previous semesters to explore and develop their artistic practice. Students will experiment and are encouraged to take risks while developing an understanding of who they are as an artist and what they want to create. Students will also integrate research, presentation, discussion, critiques and engagement in the campus and local art communities as part of their practice. This course is meant for students in their sophomore year.

This is an introductory inquiry in watercolor. Prior to each structured exercise, the professor demonstrates techniques. Exercises are designed to promote familiarity with materials and skill development Students will strengthen their studio practice through continued exploration and experimentation with both technical application and conceptual development. Students will continue to understand their artistic voice through the development of a personal body of work, engaging in critical review and discussion with their peers and professor(s). Students will continue to participate in the campus and local art communities.

An intermediate-level course in the perceptual and conceptual development of projects in 3D media. This course will build on technical skills learned in AEM 106 (3D Studio Techniques) with a focus on developing a more mature project or series of projects.

Visual books combine the book form with art media to create new relationships between form and content. Students will learn bookbinding techniques then build on their own work in graphic design, printmaking, photography, drawing, sculpture and other media. This conceptual exploration will lead students to create unique, hybrid works of art including altered books, which are made from ready made volumes.

This course will give students a fundamental understanding of the aesthetic and technical concepts of color design and their use in photography concentrating on both the expressive and commercial applications of the medium. Students will learn to see color photographically as well as gain technical proficiency in their craft. Contemporary modes of image acquisition such as scanning color negatives and transparencies as well as digital capture will be explored in detail. Finally, students will refine their digital workflow methods to generate professional quality color-corrected prints culminating in a final portfolio of work.

To be arranged with faculty advisor.

Special topics studio art & media design course.

Students will refine their artistic practice through focused exploration of who they are as an artist, what they want to create and why. Students will expand their research to subject matter and concepts that inform their practice, as well as to artists who influence their practice. Students will strengthen their personal artist presentation applying feedback from critical review, discussion and reflection on their work. Students will continue their participation in the campus and local art communities. 

Students will continue to refine their artistic practice through focused exploration of who they are as an artist, what they want to create and why. Students will synthesize personal aesthetic and technique with research to begin crafting a cohesive body of art work. Students will continue to strengthen their personal portfolio by applying feedback from critical review, discussion and reflection of their work. Students will continue their participation in the campus and local art communities.

Students will develop their ability to conceptualize a professional art project through the use of research methodology, reading, writing, discussion and critique. Students will prepare a written proposal outlining their intended creative direction strategies for achieving this project and goals of the project. Students will practice public speaking and presentation skills. Must be followed by AEM 422 in the spring semester.

Students will complete a serious coherent and professional-level body of work based on the outcomes of AEM 421. This course will focus on a rigorous schedule of production with regular critiques with their faculty, peers, and the larger art faculty. Students will be expected to manage their project and problem-solve for their unique project proposals (including production, materials sourcing, presentation and documentation). Students submit their selected artworks to the annual BFA exhibition.

This course will prepare students to integrate their work and artistic practice into the professional art world. Students will develop and execute a professional portfolio as well as written materials (cv/ resume, artist statement, biography) for application to exhibitions, graduate school, artist residencies, grants, and more. Students will practice and refine public and written presentations of their work. Career development, marketing and self-promotion will also be emphasized.

Special topics course in art + extended media design.