The course examines 18th-century French paintings, including those in the permanent collection at the Legion of Honor Museum. Paintings will be discussed from a critical and historical perspective with reference to cultural context and formal elements of style.
Introduction to the basic concepts of drawing the nude figure from life. Students develop a practical understanding of surface anatomy and proportions using a variety of media and techniques, acquire perceptual and critical thinking skills, and are introduced to the expressive potential of figurative drawing.
Development of concepts and techniques used in figure drawing with in-depth study of anatomy and proportion. Students begin learning how to work with color and explore a variety of media and drawing approaches.
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.
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.
A comprehensive course in the study of color, its sources, properties, theories and applications in additive and subtractive media. Develops conceptual and practical skills for effective employment of color in fine arts and design for self-expression and visual communication. Perceptual, psychological, and cultural uses of color are explored in art from different eras and cultures and in real-life applications.
Introduction to visual perception, concepts, methods and applications of two-dimensional design across visual art disciplines and platforms. Self-expression and creative problem-solving through studio art projects. Lecture presentations, readings, verbal articulation, and critiques to develop visual literacy. Study of design theory with a focus on interdependence of content, form and context, combined with visual analysis of art from different eras and cultures.
Survey of modern and contemporary art in Europe and America from the mid-19th century through the early 21st century. Art will be discussed and analyzed from critical and historical perspectives, formal visual elements of style, and social/cultural contexts. Students will learn to identify pivotal artists, styles, and techniques and to critically analyze art within its cultural framework.
Survey of Western art from the sixth to the early nineteenth centuries: Medieval through the Romantic periods. Art will be discussed from critical and historical perspectives with regard to formal visual elements of style and social context of the societies, values, and ideas that determined the course of Western art.
Advanced-studio level class building on the skills, concepts and issues addressed in ART 160C. To refine analytical skills and technical expertise in the exploration of contemporary art and ceramics issues and create a self-directed, unified body of work in preparation for transferring to university, art school, or professional activities.