Art

This course explores the nature of drawing as a language skill and the use of drawing by production artists and animators. Topics include applied drawing goals, critical thinking skills, and best practices in drawing practice, drill, and play. Design principles, reference research, and the design process are applied to a series of practical problems. This course also explores drawing materials, drawing strategy, drawing sequence, and linear drawing methodology, practice, and theory.

Students will be introduced to simple drawing techniques, constructed linear perspective, visual design methodology, and drawing vocabulary through lectures, studio assignments, and simple projects.

This course provides a basic working knowledge of the processes used in making art. Topics include the origins and techniques involving drawing, tone, color, composition and artistic process as well as a simple overview of art history.

Beginning with the physiology of perception, this course explores the simple building blocks of visual communications and how the viewer understands and responds to shapes, symbols, and images. The foundational skills of design process and problem-solving methodologies are explored to develop the student'92s visual problem-solving skills.

This course builds a foundation in ceramic arts. It provides the opportunity to learn basic techniques of the ceramic process, which include hand-building techniques, wheel throwing, and glazing.

This course provides an overview of art history from Paleolithic times through the modern day. The course examines classical art materials and methods and traces the technological advances of society and art. It considers the interplay between art and technology and how they have historically impacted society.

This course introduces construction drawing as a method to create the sensation of depth and volume in art. Particular attention is paid to planar- and value-based strategies to add a convincing sense of legitimacy and consistency in 2D art and animation.

This course introduces various methods for activating the picture plane, manipulating the viewer'92s visual experience, and visually communicating complex ideas and moods. These methods are reinforced through the study and application of light, darkness, value, color-harmony systems, and compositional strategies.

This course continues to build on students'92 abilities to draw by exploring techniques for producing finished drawings, quick explanatory sketches, and rapid visualizations. Methods for use of tone and color to convey mood and atmosphere are covered. Basic graphic design and typography are taught with particular emphasis on interface design. Classical forms of compositional organization, such as symmetry, asymmetry, golden mean, and figure ground relationships are also explored.

This course builds upon the theories, techniques, and practices introduced in ART 125 while introducing the concepts of analysis and extrapolation in the creation of a visual reference library for implementation in subsequent coursework.

This course explores the skeletal and muscular structures of the human body. Skeletal and muscular forms are identified from both live models and anatomical references. Topics include terminology, structural arrangement, and kinetic function. The course gives special emphasis to adapting this knowledge to the needs of artists and animators.

This course introduces the challenges of drawing the human form and applying lessons in anatomy to the figure. Life drawing for animation is examined in this course by studying the skeletal structure, muscle form, gesture, and emotion when drawing a live model.

This course introduces the major skeletal and muscular structures of animals. Topics include terminology, structural arrangement, and kinetic function. The course also considers standard locomotion cycles and the relationship between humans and various animals. This course gives special emphasis to adapting this knowledge to the needs of artists and animators.

This course emphasizes drawing the human form from a structural perspective. Strategies for visualizing anatomy are explored. These include identifying bony landmarks and constructing the form through primitives and value. Additional topics include drawing the clothed figure and foreshortening.

This introduction to art provides students with a better understanding of artistic influences on modern culture. Along with the history of art, students study the meanings, purposes, styles, elements, and principles of art and the various media used to create works of art. In helping students gain basic awareness, knowledge, and enjoyment of the visual arts, the course provides the groundwork for further personal study in the arts. In turn, this influences the development of their creativity.

This course builds upon hand-building techniques learned in Introduction to Ceramics (ART 111). Surface texture techniques and basic mold-making will be explored, all while working in the certainty of 3D.

This course introduces students to the principles of 3D design using both traditional and digital tools. Students become acquainted with additive, subtractive, and cast sculpture. They consider the basic concepts of architectural space, interior design, landscape design, surface interplay with light, lofted forms, and skinning systems. Students use modern polymer clays and build an animation maquette.

This course introduces the challenges of sculpting the human figure from life. It utilizes traditional techniques to build an armature and complete a sculpture in clay for the purpose of exploring the human form in 3D space. Emphasis is placed on gesture, proportion, and anatomy, as well as on developing a strong sense of form and volume.

This course explores ideas and various techniques related to painting. The use of color and the representation of space is emphasized. Students explore masterworks, studio painting, and painting en plein air. Technical and social problems related to painting are explored using portraiture, still life, and environment/ landscape. A portable field easel and appropriate painting supplies will be required. The course will culminate in a group show of student projects.

In this course, students will learn to explore and to exploit the power of sequential images as a medium to craft stories beyond storyboarding, photography, and film. Through the formats of the graphic novel and related forms, students will tackle problems of character and events; their solutions will be limited only by their imaginations. The course will begin with a historical overview of sequential art and will then examine storytelling through pictures, focusing on clarity and emotional impact. Students will examine contemporary styles and conventions and will be required to draw from previous art experiences, while honing their skills in drawing, perspective, design, color, typography, writing, editing, and acting. Demonstrations of multimedia techniques and computer technology relative to this field will also be introduced.

This course will introduce fundamental visual design concepts, including composition and use of white space, identification and use of classic type families, creation and use of layout and grid construction, use of visual hierarchies, and effective usability strategies.

This course introduces the traditions of character design and the basic structural strategies for creating animated characters. The course explores simplification gradients relative to human, animal, and inanimate object-based characters. It also considers issues of costume, personality, and story interaction. The course emphasizes professional applications, techniques, and standards of quality. The work completed in this course may serve as pre-production design for PRJ 300, PRJ 350, or ANI 300.

This course explores the animation pre-production skills of background and layout art. It emphasizes professional applications, techniques, and standards of quality. Students are guided through classical depth cue and perspective systems as they apply this knowledge to the creation of animation backgrounds and layouts. Additionally, students explore means of using drawing to create elements such as camera lens illusions, architectural space, theatrical sets, game visual design, matte painting, and surface texture.

This course builds upon all art disciplines, primarily 2D related skills, to prepare students for positions requiring the creation of concept art. Emphasis is placed on the importance of balancing speed of content generation with quality, as this is one of the most pressing and relevant challenges in this field. With this mindset, students are challenged to evaluate and understand new forms of character and environment generation. Both theory and technique are heavily stressed during this course, with the final tangible outcome being multiple portfolio pieces that demonstrate the individual'92s abilities and unique style/interests.

This course introduces students to the aesthetics and principles of 2D (floor plans and elevations) and 3D environment design. n A survey of architectural styles from throughout the world is blended with concepts, such as emotion, mood, lighting, shadows, aesthetics, and more. The course emphasizes learning the architectural vocabulary as well as the aesthetics of environmental and game-level design. Texturing, spatial design, negative space, dramatic lighting, and other concepts that affect not only the psychology of level design but also gameplay principles are covered. Students participate in numerous field trips to local examples of architecture in order to gain an understanding of architectural spaces and the field'92s vocabulary.

This course explores the animation pre-production skills of storyboard art. Emphasis is placed on storytelling and cinematography to create both production and presentation storyboards. Drawing is applied as a means to create story-flow, character development, mood, time, and place.

This class builds on the foundational skills and knowledge from Architectural Spaces, Design, and Lighting I (ART 310), covering more period styles. Additionally, students have opportunities to do more hands-on creation of art, models, and textures relative to various periods. Students participate in a variety of field trips in order to research and analyze architectural styles and then to build them in the computer lab.

The content of this course may change each time it is offered. n It is for the purpose of offering a new or specialized course of interest to the faculty or students that is not covered by the courses in the current catalog.

This course explores the animation pre-production skills of conceptual illustration and visual development. Students apply their knowledge of drawing, storytelling, and composition to create speculative drawings for animation. They review compositional systems, design process, and illustration techniques. Additionally, students explore means of using drawing to visually explore story and character ideas from both existing and original story materials. They also consider adaptation, stylization, and visual variety. The course emphasizes professional applications, techniques, and standards of quality. The work completed in this course serves as pre-production design for PRJ 300, PRJ 350, or ANI 300.

This advanced course integrates with the student'92s study of sculpture to express human anatomy artistically in two dimensions. Students will explore: kinetics by engaging in gesture drawing; use of line and value; figure in environment; figurative composition and sequential composition. Students will be encouraged to explore creativity and personal voice in their work.

This course focuses on drawing the figure in an interpretive manner, focusing on the action and intent of the pose. Whereas in traditional life drawing the focus is on reproduction of the figure, in this course the pose is the starting point rather than the end point. All aspects of drawing, including line, form, silhouette, details, lighting, and most importantly line of action are directed to the purpose of visually communicating action and intent. Particular attention will be paid to distribution of weight, depth, balance, tension, rhythm, and flow.

This course explores the animation pre-production skills of storyboard art. Students learn to leverage their knowledge of storytelling and cinematography to create production and presentation storyboards. They also explore means of using drawing to create story flow, character development, mood, time and place. The course emphasizes professional applications, techniques, and standards of quality.

This course develops observational skills through painting from life and accurately rendering the human figure. Students are encouraged to explore their own themes and refine their individual voices and style.

Students focus on exploring and understanding lighting, atmospherics and space in the natural environment in both traditional and digital 2D media. Drawing, composition, color, orchestration, palette limitation, paint manipulation and edges, digital simulation, and color reproduction are examined. Studies taken from nature using critical on-location observation become the raw material leading to the creation of large studio canvases and/or digital environments.

This course explores visual development and concept art and their use in a production environment. Story, composition, character, and environment are considered in both existing and original visual story materials. A variety of illustration techniques are utilized in the design process.

This course focuses on the traditions of character design and the basic structural strategies for creating animation characters. Students explore simplification gradients relative to human, animal and inanimate object-based characters. They consider issues of costume, personality, props, story interaction, and-albeit obliquely- environments. The course emphasizes professional applications, techniques and standards of quality.

This class builds on ART 501 by challenging students to apply their anatomical knowledge while sculpting from the live human figure. Using traditional techniques to build an armature and complete a sculpture in clay, students enhance their understanding of the human form in 3D space. Concepts of design, expression and personal voice will be stressed.

This course explores the skeletal and muscular structures of the human body and techniques for rendering their visual form. Topics include identification of bones and muscles, anatomical terminology, concepts of body mechanics, kinetic function, and facial expressions.

This course involves the creation of a scale model of the internal human form starting with the skeletal system. Topics include identification of anatomical structures, skeletal proportion, the complex curves created by bones and muscles, and the spatial relationships between the individual forms.

This course examines the major skeletal and muscular structures of various animals and techniques for rendering their visual form. Structural comparisons between humans and other animals are considered and a systematic approach for the informed design of imaginary creatures is addressed.

The content of this course may change each time it is offered. n It is for the purpose of offering a new or specialized course of interest to the faculty or students that is not covered by the courses in the current catalog.

This course explores the relationship between art, science, and technology through examples of artwork spanning from ancient cultures to the modern digital age. The course solves problems of design through observations and practices based on the interdisciplinary approaches of artists of the past, using anatomy, perspective, iconography, and other disciplines.

This course facilitates the research, development, and refinement of a proposal for an MFA thesis topic. It covers production planning, including timeline, scoping, and milestones. The culmination is a proposal for the mid-point thesis review. Approval of the thesis proposal by the faculty thesis committee is a requirement for passing this course.

In this course, work is initiated on an approved thesis project under the guidance of the faculty thesis advisor.

In this course, work continues on an approved thesis project under the guidance of the faculty thesis advisor.

This course introduces a canon of Western and Non-Western Art. Emphasis is on applied critical thinking in the analysis of art in social, historic, and artistic contexts. Additional topics include applied research techniques and presentation skills.

This course explores the fundamentals of drawing with line. Emphasis is placed on applied drawing goals and critical thinking skills. Topics include design elements, principles, processes, and basic research strategies.

This course expands on applied drawing goals, practices and design. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of construction drawing, analysis, and extrapolation for the design and creation of representational imagery derived from imagination. Additional topics include composition, value, and perspective.

This course explores the fundamentals of observation and rendering of light and color. Emphasis is placed on practical techniques of observational drawing and painting. Topics include sight-measuring, composing the picture plane, depicting light and shadow, and working with color in terms of value, intensity, and hue.

This course expands on the principles of color theory, visual art techniques, and studio practices. An emphasis is placed on the concepts of analysis and extrapolation for the design and creation of representational imagery derived from imagination. Additional topics include multiple light sources, surface materials and textures, and relative color systems

This course introduces concepts, methods, and techniques of visual development. Emphasis is placed on creating story-driven concepts involving characters, objects, and environments. Additional topics include research techniques, design pipelines, and master study.

This course introduces concepts, methods, and techniques of figure drawing. Emphasis is on the structure and kinetic function of the skeletal and muscular systems. Additional topics include gesture, shape, rhythm, and proportions.

This course introduces sequential art through the graphic novel and related media. Storytelling is expressed through pictures and words, focusing on clarity and emotional impact. Topics include contemporary styles and conventions, draftsmanship, design, color, typography, writing, editing, and acting.

This course focuses on the materials, methods, and techniques of painting from observation. Classical approaches to painting will be explored, including brushwork, composition, and advanced color schemes and lighting strategies. Additional topics include critical analysis, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual explorations.

This course introduces students to the principles of miniature 3D environment design with traditional media. Theatrical sets, architectural simulations, and themed entertainment design are considered as are the principles of set dressing, scenic painting, sculpting, and 3D printing.

This course focuses on methods of studying and drawing the poses of a live model. Emphasis is placed on discovering and extracting narrative essence in order to develop story. Additional topics include line, form and silhouette, weight, depth, balance, tension, rhythm and flow.

This course explores elements of self-representation and portfolio development. Emphasis is placed on visual continuity in the creation of a portfolio, demo reel, promotional items, and projects. Additional topics include networking and interview strategies, contract negotiations, business documents, freelancing, and trade show exhibitions.

This advanced figure drawing course explores the intricacies of human anatomy, form, and proportion. Through direct observation, this course teaches accurate representation of the human figure. n Additional topics include strategies for mark-making and refined shading for both nude and clothed figures, advanced techniques for capturing gestures and movement, as well as how to extrapolate from observation and memory to create imaginative poses. n Additional emphasis is placed on ways life drawing can be applied to character design for the entertainment industry.

This course explores the major skeletal and muscular structures of vertebrate animals focusing on various expressions of tetrapod structure, myology and movement, and the environmental factors that give rise to their development. Emphasis is placed on the application of this information to infuse creative work with visual authenticity. Additionally, this course explores various approaches to mark marking and surface textures, reinforcing a sound visual approach while honing 2D digital art skills in industry-standard software.

This interdisciplinary course blends art research, illustration, and interpretive writing. The course uses art history to explore various modes and conceptual models of art-making and expression. Design challenges are used to explore formal choices and their relationship to content. Additionally, this course teaches explanatory and analytical writing skills for communicating about art.

This course introduces sequential art through the graphic novel and related media. Storytelling is expressed through pictures and words, focusing on clarity and emotional impact. Topics include contemporary styles and conventions, draftsmanship, design, color, typography, writing, editing, and acting.

In this course students explore the fundamentals of landscape painting. Observation is the foundation for students to use painting media to explore topics including drawing, painting, composition, value, lighting, atmospheric perspective, and working in color.

This course introduces students to the principles of miniature 3D environment design with traditional media. Theatrical sets, architectural simulations, and themed entertainment design are considered as are the principles of set dressing, scenic painting, sculpting, and 3D printing.

This advanced figure drawing course explores the intricacies of human anatomy, form, and proportion. Through direct observation, this course teaches accurate representation of the human figure. n Additional topics include strategies for mark-making and refined shading for both nude and clothed figures, advanced techniques for capturing gestures and movement, as well as how to extrapolate from observation and memory to create imaginative poses. n Additional emphasis is placed on ways life drawing can be applied to character design for the entertainment industry.

This course focuses on methods of studying and drawing the poses of a live model. Emphasis is placed on discovering and extracting narrative essence in order to develop story. Additional topics include line, form and silhouette; weight, depth, balance, tension, rhythm and flow.

This course explores the major skeletal and muscular structures of vertebrate animals focusing on various expressions of tetrapod structure, myology and movement, and the environmental factors that give rise to their development. Emphasis is placed on the application of this information to infuse creative work with visual authenticity. Additionally, this course explores various approaches to mark marking and surface textures, reinforcing a sound visual approach while honing 2D digital art skills in industry-standard software.

This course teaches the fundamentals of character design for the game and animation industries. Emphasis is placed on visual design decisions, and their relationship to expressing character and narrative. Additional topics include industry practices and presentation.

This advanced course explores visual development and concept art and their use in a production environment. Topics include: adaptation, storytelling, exploring visual possibilities, and satisfying stylistic goals to define the look and feel for a product. The course emphasizes professional applications, techniques, and standards of quality.

Maintaining continuous matriculation is a requirement for graduate students. Students who have completed most course requirements but are finishing their thesis or are satisfying incomplete grades must register to maintain continuous matriculation. This credit may not be applied toward degree completion requirements.