Art and Art History
230. Painting I
45
Salas
Three credits. The purpose of this course is the investigation of the nature of paint and color, a variety of painting methods, formal problems, and the creative process in regards to ideas and content. Students will paint from observation as well as develop methods for making work from research (both external and internal). Color will be examined in the light of science as well as cultural and psychological sources.
250. Figure-Drawing Independent Study
Shippey
One credit. Independent figure-drawing session for motivated students who seek additional drawing practice. Majors and minors as well as prospective majors and minors are encouraged to take and repeat this course for up to four credits. Students will work independently. Their drawing will be reviewed and evaluated periodically in the course of the semester by art department faculty. This course does not count toward the Fine Arts graduation requirement. Prerequisite: Art 120 or consent of the instructor. Grading is Pass/Fail.
253. Computer-Assisted Art I
Staff
Three credits. This course is an investigation into the possibilities of computer-generated images. Industry standard programs such as the Creative Suite which utilize photo manipulation as well as digital creation will be used. Students will gain facility with the technical aspects of computer imaging, but assignments will emphasize conceptual creativity as well as technical skill. Prerequisite: Art 120 or Art 230 and/or consent of the instructor.
273. Who was Vincent Van Gogh?
Evelyn Kain
Three to four credits. A problem-based course that investigates one of the most well-known artists of the 19th century within the (art) historical context that framed his short career during a period of rapid social and technological change. Questions -- Why is Van Gogh so famous? What does that say about him? What does that say about us? -- will be addressed on multiple levels from a variety of perspectives. Format involves some lecture but mostly projects, papers and presentations, individually and in groups.
274. Early Modern Art
Evelyn Kain
Four credits. How did modern abstraction evolve? Can Cubism be explained by Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity or the women’s movement? This course investigates the standard “isms” and household names of modern painting and sculpture: Fauvism, Expressionism, Dada, Surrealism as well as Matisse, Picasso, Kandinski, Duchamp, and Dali, and the context in which they formed. Categories of 20th century creativity not in the modernist mainstream will also be investigated such as art of the insane (Adolf Wölffli), folk art (Dickeyville Grotto), and fascist art. Format involves some lecture but mostly projects, papers and presentations, individually and in groups.
282. Ceramics II
Eugene Kain
Three credits. Further development of the skills and methods of Ceramics I. Introduction to ceramic sculpture, advanced lessons on the potter’s wheel, introduction to clay and glaze chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the greater role of experimentation with form and surface treatment. A greater freedom of creative expression as well as continued excellence of craftsmanship will be encouraged. Prerequisite: Art 180 or consent of the instructor.