815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs,
New York, 12866
SKIDMORE PHONE
518-580-5000
Art (Studio)
Chair of the Department of Art and Art History: Kate Leavitt
Studio Art Faculty:
Professors: Regis Brodie; John Cunningham Jr.; David J. Miller;
Doretta Miller, Robert Davidson Professor of Art
Associate Professors: Deborah Hall; Kate Leavitt; Richard Linke, Ella Van Dyke Tuthill '32 Professor of Studio Art;
Margo Mensing; David Peterson;
Paul Sattler; Janet Sorensen; Peter Stake; Joanne Vella
Assistant Professor: Iona Park
Visiting Assistant Professors: Patricia B. Lyell, *Deborah Morris
Shop Supervisor and Building Safety
Coordinator: Paul Davis
Skidmore is a Charter Member, National
Association of Schools of Art and Design, 1970. Accredited
1982, 1992, 2004.
The department offers two degrees: the bachelor of science degree
in studio art and the bachelor of arts degree in art history.
The studio art program offers a rich and diverse range of investigations
across the disciplines of art making and art history. Integrating
extensive liberal arts offerings with a broad studio experience,
majors may choose to balance exploration with focus in a particular
area as preparation for graduate school or future work in an
art-related field. Critical thinking, imaginative problem-solving,
and self-reflective evaluation are key components in the development
of the theoretical and technical aspects of art making. Through
art courses students gain competency in visual language, an
increasingly important skill in contemporary culture. Visual
and verbal analytical and organizational skills learned in the
studio apply to thoughtful practice in many arenas of our complex
world.
The studio art major presents students
with a four-course foundations program to be completed within
the first two years. Students then proceed through exploratory
courses chosen from the areas of ceramics, communication design,
drawing, fibers, metals, painting, photography, printmaking,
and sculpture. In the third and fourth years of study students
concentrate in an area of their choice. Faculty participate
not only as teachers within their area of expertise but also
as advisors, who help students select and pursue the courses
and course study best suited to the student.
All studio art courses meet for six
hours per week. A cumulative grade of C or better is required
for all work in the major.
There are two areas of studio art for which Advanced Placement
(AP) credit can be awarded: Studio Art: General and Studio Art:
Drawing. A score of 4 or 5 in any one area earns the student
six college credits. It is the department's policy that up to
three of the six AP credits can be used toward an elective in
the student's major or minor. The remaining credits may be treated
as general elective credit toward the Skidmore degree. An exception
to this policy must have approval from the Department of Art
and Art History chair in consultation with appropriate faculty.
THE STUDIO ART MAJOR: A minimum of thirteen studio art courses
and three art history courses for a total of sixteen courses
and at least sixty credit hours. Requirements for the bachelor
of science degree in studio art:
Foundation: Four foundation
courses are required of all studio art majors: AR131132,
133,
134.
Exploration: A total of four courses beyond foundations,
each from a different studio area: ceramics, communication design,
drawing, fibers, metals, painting, photography, printmaking,
or sculpture.
Depth: Five courses chosen in consultation with the student's advisor.
Primary concentration: at least two
courses within a single studio area, at or above the 200 level
Maturity: at least three 300-level studio art courses
Art history: three art history courses that must include
AH100
and two electives.
It is recommended that the four foundation courses,
one exploration course, and
AH100
be completed by the end of the second year.
Capstone: successful participation in the Senior Thesis Exhibition.
As preparation for the exhibit, senior majors will be required
to meet as a group six times on a biweekly basis with department
faculty in the spring semester of the senior year. Group meetings
will discuss the philosophy, aesthetics, logistics, the artist
statement, and effective planning for the exhibit.
The department recommends
the following focus in course selection as preparation for graduate
study and professional practice in studio art disciplines.
Drawing: at least
one additional course beyond foundation drawing.
Depth: Additional courses in an area of concentration beyond
the two required contribute a great deal to the development
of a strong body of work. Students should consult regularly
with their advisor to select courses that will build artistic
development and work for portfolios.
Art history: The study of art history is essential to a studio
art major. The department encourages students to take additional
art history courses beyond the three required courses.
The Department of Art and
Art History reserves the privilege of keeping a part of the
work of any student.
STUDIO ART MINOR: Any student choosing studio art as a minor
must consult the chair of the Department of Art and Art History for program approval.
It is recommended that students begin work for the minor not
later than the beginning of the second year. Students electing
to minor in studio art are required to take any six studio art
courses and any two courses in art history.
Note: Please refer to the Academic Information Guide
regarding double counting of courses between majors and minors.
STUDIO FEES: All studio courses including Advanced Studio Problems
and Independent Study carry laboratory fees (see course descriptions).
In addition, students must purchase consumable materials and
personal supplies.
Course Availability. The department is committed to having
students experience a variety of media. However, space is limited,
and, therefore, students cannot be guaranteed enrollment in
specific courses during any given semester. As soon as students
are confident about their choice of program, they should declare
their major.
AR 101. INTRODUCTION
TO PAINTING 3
An introduction to painting as a medium of visual expression.
Emphasis is placed upon exploration of formal and technical
concerns. Basic studies include drawing and will explore a variety
of subject matter and media directed toward the organization
of the two-dimensional plane. Summer only. Not open to
Skidmore art majors. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Lab fee: $16 Studio
Art Faculty
AR 108. LIFE
MODELING: SCULPTURAL STUDY OF THE HUMAN FORM 4
A study of the human figure through the medium of life modeling
in clay. Slide lectures dealing with contemporary as well as
traditional attitudes toward the figure will complement studio
activity and offer a perspective on humankind's fascination
with its own form. Initial course meetings will deal with elementary
concepts in wax and clay as they relate to the figure. Students
will be instructed in armature-building as well as mould-making
techniques; finished works will be cast in plaster or bronze.
(Fulfills arts requirement.) Lab fee: $80 J.
Cunningham
AR 111. BASIC
CERAMICS 4
Basic issues of aesthetics and technique developed through the
direct manipulation of clay. A variety of forming techniques
will be explored and demonstrated, including pinching, coiling,
slab constructing, and throwing. In addition to group and individual
critiques, weekly lectures will provide a working knowledge
of kiln firing (both gas and electric) and clay and glaze formulation.
(Fulfills arts requirement.) Lab fee: $75 R.
Brodie, L. Ferst
AR 115. INTRODUCTION
TO FIBER ARTS 4
An introduction to the fiber arts. Projects will allow students
to explore off-loom woven structure, loom weaving, resist-dyeing
and screen-printing. Students will work with flat pattern and
composition as well as three-dimensional fiber construction.
Historical works will be studied as well as the contemporary
evolution of this art form. (Fulfills arts requirement.)Lab fee: $55 M. Mensing
AR 131. VISUAL
CONCEPTS 4
An introduction to the study of visual relationships on a two-dimensional
plane. Through guided exercises using both drawing and design
mediums, the course builds understanding of principles of design
and composition, as well as skills in perception, visual thinking,
problem solving, and creativity. Drawing from observation, conceptual
research, and manipulation of visual elements are integrated
in this course. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Lab fee: $16 Studio
Art Faculty
AR 132. FORM
AND SPACE 4
Fundamental study of form in three dimensions. This course develops
understanding of formal visual concepts as well as skills in
perception, visual thinking, problem solving, and creativity.
Drawing as a means to translate ideas into three-dimensional
form; processes using minimal tools and easily worked materials;
and working methods that emphasize planning, study, and experimentation
form the basis for this course. (Fulfills arts requirement.)
Lab fee: $43 Studio Art Faculty
AR 133. DRAWING 4
An expanded study of principles introduced in AR131. This course
builds on basic drawing experiences, refining skills in observation,
organization, interpretation, and critical analysis. Studio
work introduces a range of traditional drawing tools and materials
while exploring a variety of approaches to image making and
visual expression. Prerequisite:AR105 andAR131. (Fulfills arts requirement.) Lab fee: $16 Studio
Art Faculty
AR 134. COLOR 4
An introduction to the study of color in studio art. This course
develops understanding of the characteristics of color through
color theory, observation, organization, and experimentation,
and builds skills in perception, visual thinking, and creativity.
Guided exercises explore the role of color in compositional
relationships, the psychological and expressive effects of color,
and the physical properties of color mixing.
(Fulfills arts requirement.) Lab fee: $16 Studio Art Faculty
AR 201. PAINTING 4
An introduction to oil painting, focusing on traditional painting
methods and materials. Using direct observation, this course
builds understanding of compositional principles, color relationships,
the physical and expressive properties of paint, and the creative
process. Prerequisites:AR131,
133,
134.
Lab fee: $16 Studio Art Faculty
AR 209. COMMUNICATION
DESIGN I 4
An introduction to visual design and communication theory. Emphasis
is on developing a strong foundation in visual perception, design principles, and typography.
Students will undertake studio problems aimed at developing
visual awareness, analytical thinking, craftsmanship, and use
of hands-on media and digital techniques. Prerequisites:AR131,
133,
134.
Lab fee: $105 D. Hall
AR 215. TEXTILE STRUCTURES 4
Loom weaving with emphasis on weave structures, color, and texture studies.
Students will work with 2- and 3-dimensional application of their completed woven textiles.
Possible areas of study include: tapestry, ikat, warp painting, and clothing.
Additional studies are possible in single-element structures, such as knitting,
netting, and knotting. Readings in textile history and contemporary art issues,
writing, and discussion will complement technical grounding in traditional
textile processes. Prerequisite:131 or
132 or
134. Lab fee: $55 M. Mensing
AR 216. TEXTILE SURFACE
DESIGN 4
Introduction to theoretical and practical textile surface design.
Students will learn block printing, photo silk-screen printing,
resist-dyeing, and thermoplastic manipulations of fabrics.
An in-depth study of the chemical properties of fabrics, dyes,
and pigments. Projects will be 2- and 3-dimensional with a
concentration in repeat pattern design and additional work in
other types of image reproduction on cloth. Prerequisite:131 or
134. Lab fee: $55 M. Mensing
AR 217. INTERMEDIATE
CERAMICS 4
The continued development of aesthetic
concepts and techniques. Individual exploration and expression
will be encouraged. Through a structured approach with demonstrations,
lectures, weekly assignments, and group and individual critiques,
the student will be exposed to hand-building and throwing, as
well as raku, salt-glazing, and stoneware reduction techniques.
Prerequisite:AR111 or permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $100 R. Brodie, L. Ferst
AR 219. JEWELRY
AND METALS I 4
Sequence of problems employing various techniques in metal.
Emphasis upon structural design and creative use of materials.
Prerequisite:AR131 or
132 or permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $55 D. Peterson
AR 223. INTERMEDIATE
DRAWING 4
An further investigation of the formal and expressive characteristics
of drawing, with a focus on drawing as visual communicative
act. Structured assignments provide a context for focused exploration
of materials and processes and development of individual vision.
Readings and discussions will complement studio work. Prerequisite:
AR133.
Lab fee: $16 Studio Art Faculty
AR 224. FIGURE DRAWING 4
An extensive investigation of drawing
from the life model. Guided exercises refine observation skills
by building understanding of anatomical and spacial relationships,
as well as providing a context for exploration of interpretive
and expressive aspects of figure drawing. Assignments encourage
exploration of compositional relationships, drawing media, and
conceptual ideas. Prerequisite:AR133. Lab fee: $15 Studio Art Faculty
AR 227. COMMUNICATION
DESIGN II 4
Further development of the concepts and skills introduced in
Communication Design I. Emphasis is placed on integrating the
symbolic and communicative aspects of typography with visual
elements. Through the application of design principles and typography,
studio projects will stress strong visual concepts while exploring
hands-on media and digital techniques. Prerequisite:AR209.
Lab fee: $105 D. Hall
AR 229. BEGINNING
PHOTOGRAPHY 4
An exploration of the varied aesthetic and mechanical aspects
of contemporary photographic process. Emphasis is placed on
using the camera as a tool to increase one's visual sensitivity
and personal awareness. Lab work is digital using Adobe Photoshop.
Each student must own a camera: 35mm or digital. Prerequisite:AR131.
Lab fee: $80 (does not include film or paper). R. Linke
AR 234. WATERCOLOR 4
Exploration of the materials and methods used in watercolor
painting. Included will be dry and wet paper techniques, resist
processes, and experimental painting. Conventional methods of
illustrating the figure and landscape will also be stressed.
Prerequisites:AR131,
133,
134.
Lab fee: $16 Studio Art Faculty
AR 251. ELEMENTARY
SCULPTURE 4
Enables students to create
individual, self-defined projects in sculpture. Initial classes
instruct students in a variety of mediums including wax, clay, and
plaster. Mold making, welding, and the fundamentals of life modeling
are technologies presented as the semester progresses. Selected works
may be cast in bronze. Discussion of the work of contemporary artists
complements technical instruction. Prerequisite:AR132.
Lab fee: $65 J. Cunningham, J. Galt
AR 253. CARVING PROCESSES
IN WOOD 4
An exploration of carving processes and concepts related to
wood in sculpture. Studio activity will concentrate on wood
carving. Slides and studio presentations will provide the basis
for study of the technical and historical development of stone
carving. Students will gain practical experience with drawing
as it relates to carving processes, conceptual thinking, and
the realization of three-dimensional form. Prerequisite:AR132 or permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $65 J. Cunningham
AR 262, 264. SPECIAL
TOPICS IN STUDIO ART 2,4
Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed
below. Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students
with unique opportunities to engage in methods and concepts not found in
the Department’s regular course offerings. All courses are designed to
meet 200-level requirements, and are open to students who have fulfilled
the appropriate prerequisites. This course may be repeated once for
credit provided that the topic is in a different discipline. Special
topics may be offered in the following studio disciplines: A. Ceramics B. Communication Design C. Drawing D. Fibers E. Jewelry and Metals F. Painting G. Photography H. Printmaking I. Sculpture J. Other media Prerequisites: All studio Foundation courses. Additional prerequisites
when appropriate, depending on the topic, as advertised with course
description. The Department
AR 299. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN STUDIO ART 3 or 6
Internship opportunity for students who have completed their
first year and whose academic and cocurricular work has prepared
them for professional work related to the major. With faculty
sponsorship and department approval, students may design internships
in studio assistance to professional artists, in artist cooperatives,
graphic design studios, advertising design studios, galleries,
museums, and printing houses, or in other art-related projects.
No more than three semester hours in any internship may count
toward the studio art major or minor. Prerequisites:
three courses in studio art. Non-liberal arts. No laboratory
fee.
AR 311. INTERMEDIATE
PAINTING 4
A continuation of painting concepts explored in AR201, designed
to further acquaint students with technical processes, formal
relationships, and conceptual issues. Structured assignments
employing direct observation (including the figure) and invention
provide a context for development of a personal vision. Other
assignments will refer to historical and contemporary movements
and painting methods with readings and discussions. Prerequisite:AR201.
Lab fee: $16 Studio Art Faculty
AR 315. ADVANCED
FIBER ARTS 4
A continued exploration and development of personal interpretations
of traditional and nontraditional methods of textile design
and fiber construction. Students may elect to concentrate in
the area of weaving or textile design, or may develop skills
in both areas concurrently. Advanced weaving will include multi-harness
weave structure on jack-type, computer, and dobby looms. Advanced
textile design will include printed resists, photo screen-printing,
lacquer stencils, gouache rendering, and computer-aided design.
It is strongly recommended that students intending to work in
both areas complete both AR215 and 216 prior to electing this
course. Personal initiative and creative self-expression are
emphasized in this course. Prerequisite:AR215 or
216.
May be taken for credit three times with permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $55 M. Mensing
AR 318. ADVANCED
CERAMICS 4
A further intensification of the use of clay as a medium and
a continuation of the development of the forming processes of
hand-building and throwing. Also included will be the formulation
of clay bodies and the investigation of kiln firing techniques.
Prerequisite:AR217.
May be taken for credit three times with permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $100 (includes clay, glazes, firings). L. Ferst
AR 319. METALSMITHING 4
An advanced studio course in the jewelry and metalsmithing sequence.
Students explore the plastic potential of precious and nonprecious
metals through the process of raising, forging, hollow-forming,
and repoussé. Inventiveness, personal initiative, and
creative self-expression are particularly emphasized
in this course. Prerequisite:AR219.
May be taken for credit three times with permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $55 D. Peterson
AR 320. JEWELRY AND
METALS II 4
A continuation of concepts and methods explored in AR 219 with
an emphasis on casting. Weekly group critiques will focus upon
individual aesthetic growth, technical exploration, and both
historical and con-temporary issues to the art-metals discipline.
Prerequisite:AR219.
May be taken for credit three times with permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $55 D. Peterson
AR 326. ADVANCED
DRAWING 4
A further investigation of drawing as a visual communicative
act. The development of images through individual exploration
of form, structure, and space with emphasis being placed upon
the growth of personal vision and skill. Prerequisite:AR223 or
224.
May be taken for credit three times with permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $16 Studio Art Faculty
AR 330. ADVANCED
PHOTOGRAPHY 4
A continuation of problems of visual expression and techniques
encountered in beginning photography. Students explore advanced
digital image manipulation; investigate digital portfolio presentations;
as well as refine traditional print aesthetics. Prerequisite:AR229. Lab fee: $80
(does not include film or paper). R. Linke
AR 332. ADVANCED
PAINTING 4
Further investigation of formal, expressive, and technical aspects
of painting. This course emphasizes individual exploration of
structured assignments, leading toward self-directed studio
practice. Readings and discussions complement studio practice.
Emphasis is placed upon more individual exploration of assigned
formal problems in the studio. Prerequisite:AR311.
May be taken for credit three times with permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $16 Studio Art Faculty
AR 337. ADVANCED
COMMUNICATION DESIGN 4
A continuation and development of the formal and technical aspects
of designing with type and image. Students will be introduced
to recent developments in visual communication theory and practice,
including multimedia and interactivity. Readings in design history
and criticism as well as independent research will complement
studio work. May be taken for credit three times with permission
of instructor. Prerequisites:
AR131,
133,
209,
227
or permission of instructor. Lab fee: $105. D. Hall
AR 341. PRINTMAKING:
RELIEF 4
An investigation and development of the relief printing process
through linocut, woodcut, letterpress, and book arts with an
emphasis on personal growth and vision. Readings in printmaking
history and criticism will complement studio art. Prerequisite:AR133; recommended:
AR223,
224.
May be taken for credit three times with permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $60 K. Leavitt
AR 342. PRINTMAKING:
INTAGLIO 4
An investigation and development of the etching process including
color printing techniques, with emphasis placed on personal
growth and vision. Readings in printmaking history and criticism
will complement studio work. Prerequisite:AR133; recommended:
AR223,
224.
May be taken for credit three times with permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $60 K. Leavitt
AR 350. PRINTMAKING:
LITHOGRAPHY 4
An investigation and development of the lithographic process
including color-printing techniques with emphasis placed on
personal growth and vision.Readings in printmaking history
and criticism will complement studio work. Prerequisite:AR133; recommended:
AR223,
224.
May be taken for credit three times with permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $65 K. Leavitt
AR 351. SPECIAL
TOPICS IN STUDIO ART 2,4
Intensive, specialized study within one of the studio disciplines listed below.
Specific topics will vary from year to year, providing students with unique
opportunities to engage methods and concepts not found in the department's
regular course offerings. All courses are designed to meet 300-level
maturity requirements and are open to all students who have fulfilled the
appropriate prerequisites. This course may be repeated once for credit
provided that the topic is in a different discipline. Special Topics
may be offered in the following studio disciplines: A. Ceramics B. Communication Design C. Drawing D. Fibers E. Jewelry and metals F. Painting G. Photography H. Printmaking I. Sculpture J. Other media
Lab fee: varies by subject area Studio Art Faculty
AR 352. ADVANCED
SCULPTURE 4
Further investigation of formal, expressive, conceptual, and technical
aspects of sculpture. This course emphasizes individual exploration
leading toward self-directed studio practice. A number of techniques
and materials are available for consideration, which may include
welding, metalworking (forging), casting and carving processes.
Selected works may be cast in bronze. Readings and discussions
complement studio practice. Prerequisite:AR251.
May be taken for credit three times with permission of instructor.
Lab fee: $65 J. Cunningham, J. Galt
AR 355. COMPUTER
IMAGING I 4
Development of computer animation
and graphic design skills. Projects may include such diverse
areas as video animation, photomontage, scientific visualization
or advertising design. Prerequisite:AR131 or
AR134 or permission of instructor. Open only to juniors and seniors.
Lab fee: $105 J. Danison
AR 356. COMPUTER
IMAGING II 4
Individual and group problems using computer imaging. Projects
may include work in either fields of video animation or publishing.
Prerequisite:
AR355 or permission of instructor. May be taken for credit three times
with permission of instructor. Open only to juniors and seniors.
Lab fee: $105 J. Danison
AR 358. ART FOR CHILDREN 4
Introduction to the basic art materials and techniques used
to teach concepts in elementary schools, museums, and other
educational settings as related to children's needs, interests,
and development. The role of art in a humanities program will
also be considered.Lab fee: $55 Doretta
Miller
AR 365, 366. ADVANCED
STUDIO PROBLEMS 3, 3
Individual problems in a given discipline within the department:
i.e., painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, weaving, textiles,
graphics, photography, etc. To qualify, the student must have
completed the most advanced 300-level course in an area. Offered
in the studio, at a time arranged by instructor, the student
must petition for the course in spring for fall semester, and
in fall for spring semester. Special permission forms available
in the chair's office must be completed by the student, signed
by advisor, instructor, and chair, and returned to the Registrar's
Office by the dates indicated. Open to qualified junior and
senior art majors and other qualified juniors and seniors. Permission
of instructor and department chair are required. Lab fee: courses
carry the fee as noted in the individual course description.
May be repeated either in a given discipline or more than once. Studio
Art Faculty
AR 371, 372. INDEPENDENT
STUDY 3,3
Individual work in a given discipline, in most cases following
its AR366 level of sequence. Open to senior art majors and other
qualified seniors. Permission of instructor and department chair
is required. Lab fee: courses carry the fee as noted in the
individual course description. Studio
Art Faculty
AR 399. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN STUDIO ART 3, 6, or 9
Professional experience at an advanced level for juniors and
seniors with substantial academic and cocurricular experience
in the major. With faculty sponsorship and department approval,
students may design internships in studio assistance to professional
artists, in artist cooperatives, graphic design studios, advertising
design studios, galleries, museums, and printing houses, or
in other art-related projects. Open to junior and senior majors
and minors. No more than three semester hours in any internship
may count toward the studio art major or minor. Non-liberal
arts. No lab fee.
ART THEORY
AT 361. ART
AND SOCIETY 3
An examination of how the visual arts are defined, funded, displayed,
and made available to the public. This course will explore the
role of artists in contemporary cultures and will investigate
information about artists' education, resources, opportunities,
and the skills required for professional development. Open to
juniors and seniors or by permission of instructor.
Doretta Miller
AT 375. CURRENT ISSUES
IN ART 3
A lecture-discussion course open to junior and senior art majors
working in any media. With group critiques of student work as
the central focus, the seminar explores individual work, processes,
methodology, and other areas of individual or group interest.
Slide presentations, lectures, oral reports, and visits to galleries
and artists' studios provide a context for the student critiques
and introduce historical, social, literary, and aesthetic perspectives
related to developments in the visual arts. Studio Art Faculty
