Course Work

ART 101 – Drawing 1:

3 credits

Working with a range of media, students learn to draw from direct observation, with an emphasis on fundamental elements of visual representation including mass, shape, line, value, and texture, and principals of composition. Drawing is studied as a tool to help enhance powers of observation and imagination, and to cultivate appreciation and understanding of drawing as a form of visual expression. Drawing from the nude human figure is also explored. Lectures and critical discussions challenge students to respond perceptually and conceptually to visual works presented in the studios (including historical examples), and to organize their insights through visual analysis.

ART 102 – Drawing 2:

3 credits

In this continuation of ART 101 Drawing 1, students work from direct observation and the live nude model to develop more sophisticated drawing skills and technique. Assignments develop a strong understanding of composition and an awareness of the relationship between form and content through representational, abstract, and non-objective themes. This intermediate level course challenges the student to develop a personal vocabulary of visual expression in computationally unified drawings.

ART 103 – Painting 1:

3 credits

An introduction to painting from direct observation. Students learn basic painting techniques and color theory through weekly assignments. In-class projects build skills through a sequence of monochrome, limited palette, and full palette studies from direct observation. Historical and contemporary examples are introduced while painting constructed still-lives and self portraits. Final projects place emphasis on communicating a personal statement though both form and content.

 

 ART 104- PAINTING 2

3 Credits

Building on foundation skills acquired in ART 103 Painting 1, students explore painting as a language through the investigation of both its technical and conceptual considerations. Painting assignments challenge students to communicate a predetermined meaning through the use of both form and content, while developing a technically proficient in both traditional and experimental methods. Historical and contemporary artists and practices are discussed.

ART 107 – Art as Visual Experience

3 credits

This course is an introduction to art as a form of visual language. Using basic materials and processes, students work on a series of conceptually driven projects that challenge them to think visually, work collaboratively, and communicate ideas in material form. Assigned readings and class presentations will expose students to a range of contemporary art making practices and themes, and expand their understanding of what “art” can be.

ART 112 – 2D Design:

3 credits

A variety of 2D design concepts and tools are introduced to foster visual literacy, and deepen appreciation of the role of design in art and culture. Students create projects that explore elements and principals of design, including line, shape, space, value, sequence and color, while developing fluency in the handling of media, and an increased awareness of craftsmanship. Lectures and critiques cultivate verbal communication skills to foster a facility with language of art and design; basic computer skills are introduced in the creation of an online portfolio.

ART 113 – 3D Design:

3 credits

3D Design is an introduction to visual thinking in three-dimensional space. Students explore the interaction of visual principles, materials, and ideas through basic formal processes and techniques. Projects introduce a range of tools and materials with a focus on recognizing and applying composition principles. Examples of historic and contemporary sculptural works are discussed.

ART 126 – Digital Fundamentals:

3 credits

Students will learn all the basic features necessary to navigate a Macintosh computer for digital photography and establish a digital workflow routine that includes capturing, editing, processing and archiving of digital images. Using Adobe Photoshop, students will learn basic editing functions and move into more complex operations with layers, masks, compositing, color correction and printing.

Notes: This Digital Photography course requires students have a means of capturing images (a cell phone, point and shoot, or DSLR are all acceptable). If you have any questions about this please call the Center for the Arts in advance (914-606-7500). Owning a Macintosh computer is not mandatory.

 

ART 105 – Sculpture 1

3 Credits

This course will introduce students to the fundamental sculptural process of addition, subtraction and substitution. Emphasis will be on students executing and discussing successful composition, productive conceptualization, and creative problem solving. Assignments include introduction to materials and techniques both traditional (wood, metal, plaster) as well as non-traditional (fabric, latex, found objects, rubber, etc.). Historical and contemporary sculptural works will be introduced.