Develop unique character designs, engage in figurative storytelling, and work from live models as well as photographic resources. Focus on portraiture and facial expressions, dynamic gesture, and prolonged studies of models in costumes and theatrical settings with props using a variety of painting and drawing techniques in color media.
Survey of visual culture within selected regions in Africa, Oceania, and indigenous North America. Art will be discussed from critical and historical perspectives with regard to formal visual elements of style and social context.
Survey of the history of comic art, from early sequential art to modern comics and graphic novels. Comics from a global perspective, including comic strips, graphic novels, bandes dessinées and manga, are discussed and analyzed from critical and historical perspectives, formal visual elements of style, and social/cultural contexts. Students learn to identify pivotal artists, authors, styles, and techniques and to critically analyze comics within their cultural frameworks.
Expanding upon advanced-level watercolor/water media techniques and idea development practices, students focus on creating a self-directed, unified body of artwork in order to successfully transfer to a university, art school, or professional practice. Emphasis on creating artwork that connects media, style, content, culture, and meaning. Refinement of critical thinking, presentation, and technical skills.
Focus on development of a cohesive body of watercolor and water media paintings. Expanding upon watercolor skills with those related to acrylic, ink, and gouache. Emphasis will be placed on advanced development of a personal content and image style in which materials and techniques play an essential role.
Intermediate-level examination of watercolor painting characteristics. Students will explore methods and techniques in order to develop a deeper sensitivity to the medium. Focus on extending one's knowledge of color and texture. Emphasis on combining traditional and experimental approaches and the development of a personal style and subject matter.
Introduction to the basic characteristics of watercolor, its physicality, tools, techniques, and history. Students will explore methods and techniques in order to develop an understanding of the medium. Emphasis will be placed on aptitude, artistic growth, and technical, perceptual, and conceptual skills to produce and analyze watercolor paintings.
Students will integrate advanced figure drawing skills with a focus on special topics such as portraiture, narrative art, mixed media or figurative mural art to develop a personal and expressive body of artwork in a medium of their choice.
Building on a rigorous study of drawing the nude figure from life, students will focus on developing a self-directed creative process, leading to advanced-level exploration of contemporary art issues and media, while creating a series of related figurative compositions.