Fine Arts

Introduction to elements and principles of 3D design: space, form, mass, scale and proportion as a means to develop sculptural works in a variety of media. Research and sketches are an expectation as part of preliminary planning for each project. 

Explore the fundamental concepts of drawing as they relate to a self-directed body of work. Historical and contemporary visual issues pertinent to the act of drawing are discussed. Various media, experimentation and invention will be encouraged.

Exploration of individual concepts and problem-solving skills through experimentation with variety of media and techniques. Replaces FINE 122 beginning in Fall 2024.

This course is an introduction to clay as a contemporary sculptural medium. Students develop basic hand building skills using subtractive, additive and constructive processes. Course content focuses on skill development with an exploration of contemporary issues in art as well as discussing artists utilizing sculptural ceramic processes.

Note: This is not wheel throwing, tile making or making utilitarian objects such as earthen ware, mugs or pottery.

Exploration of a variety of mold making and casting processes. Introduces contemporary sculptural issues and artists who utilize the casting process.

Continued study of time-based media. Exploration of concepts and techniques used in creating time-based media. Explore and critique use of video, animation, sound and interactivity. Emphasis on creation of meaning for personal expression.

Introduction to large format printmaking. Instruction in large format processes, design principles, and concepts as related to various printmaking techniques. Emphasis on exploration and development of personal concepts and imagery on a large scale. Production of both one-of-a-kind and editioned works.

Introduction to painting methods and materials. Develops perceptual abilities, sensitivity to color and value, and compositional ideas within the context of understanding pictorial space. Replaces FINE 171 beginning in Fall 2024.

Continued study of painting methods and materials. Develops perceptual abilities, sensitivity to color and value, and compositional ideas within the context of understanding pictorial space.

Addresses thematic and conceptual topics relevant in contemporary drawing. Course topics are determined each semester to address current issues in drawing, and related media. This course is repeatable under different topics. 

Addresses thematic and conceptual topics relevant in contemporary printmaking. Course topics are determined each semester to address current issues in printmaking, and related media. This course is repeatable under different topics.

Addresses thematic and conceptual topics relevant in contemporary sculpture. Course topics are determined each semester to address current issues in sculpture, and related media.

Addresses thematic and conceptual topics relevant in contemporary time-based media. Course topics are determined each semester to address current issues in video, time-based, and related media.

Addresses thematic and conceptual development in painting through individual problems. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Critical thinking of both studio practice and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Continued development addressing thematic and conceptual development in painting through individual problems. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Critical thinking of both studio practice and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Explore contemporary practices and work of relevant artists. Investigate personal artistic expression through a variety of media, writing; journal assignments; and cross-disciplinary critiques. Other activities may include recommended readings, fieldtrips, lectures and presentations from visiting artists and faculty.

Continued exploration of contemporary practices and work of relevant artists. Investigate personal artistic expression through a variety of media, writing; journal assignments; and crossdisciplinary critiques. Other activities may include recommended readings, fieldtrips, lectures and presentations from visiting artists and faculty.

Advanced Painting addresses thematic and conceptual development in painting through individual problems. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Critical thinking of both studio practice and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Studio-based thesis course. Includes seminar discussions and writing component. Focus on creation of thesis project resulting in consistent body of work. Seminars explore professional skills and attitudes; theories and practices within contemporary art.

Continuation of Studio-based thesis course. Includes seminar discussions and writing component. Focus on creation of thesis project resulting in consistent body of work. Seminars explore professional skills and attitudes; theories and practices within contemporary art.

Addresses thematic, conceptual, and technical development in finding connections across media through self-directed work. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Independent studio practice, critical thinking and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Addresses thematic, conceptual, and technical development in painting, printmaking, sculpture, and time-based media through self-directed work. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Independent studio practice, critical thinking and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Continue to address thematic, conceptual, and technical development in finding connections across media through self-directed work. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Independent studio practice, critical thinking and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.

Continue to address thematic, conceptual, and technical development in painting, printmaking, sculpture, and time-based media through self-directed work. Attention to the articulation and refinement of each artist’s individual intention. Independent studio practice, critical thinking and theoretical research will be emphasized and balanced.