Fall 2015 Studio Art Special Topic Classes

Fall 2015 (4 credits)

AR 264F Water Based Media (Janet Sorensen)  T R 2:10 - 5:10 p.m.

An exploration of water-based drawing and painting media with a focus on acrylic paint.  Using direct observation, experimentation, and invention, this course builds understanding of formal principles, color interaction and the physical qualities of materials. Assignments support development of a personal vision. Prerequisites: AR 133; Studio Fee:  $25

AR 264H Artist Books  (Kate Leavitt)  T R 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

An introduction to the traditions and methods of the handmade artists’ book in a combination of the critical study of original works and bookmaking processes. The student will learn the expressive possibilities of sequential pictorial information combined with original text. Construction of various bindings, relief prints, and letterpress will be explored. Prerequisites: AR 133 or AR 228 or permission of instructor; Studio Fee:  $75

AR 264I CNC Processes and Sculpture  (John Cunningham)  M W 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.

The goal of the course is for students to become confident at using digital means to define and solve problems in three dimensions. Students develop technical skills related to metal processes and become increasingly more visually sophisticated as they create, observe, evaluate and then share the consequences of their efforts.  CAD (Computer Aided Design) technology is used to create metal shapes that are cut out with a CNC plasma cutter, assembled, and then welded together.  A basic working knowledge of software like Adobe Acrobat, Corel Draw, Sketchup or other CAD programs is helpful but not a requirement.  Advanced students are encouraged to use Autodesk Inventor.  Students are expected to have their own laptop.  Studio Fee:  $75

AR 264J Interactive Design (Sarah Sweeney)  T R 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

An introduction to designing interactive pages and environments for the web.  Emphasis is placed on visual and information design through theories of color, principles of design and the study of typography.  A variety of tools and techniques will be explored including photo editing, writing code for the web and animation through basic scripting languages.  Studio projects will explore issues of audience participation, experience design, motion and interface.  Prerequisites:  AR 131 or AR 133 or AR 134 or AR 136; Studio Fee:  $105

AR 351J Motion Graphics and Animation  (Sarah Sweeney) M W 8:45 - 11:45 a.m.

An investigation of the relationship of text and image through time using motion graphics and image editing tools. Students will develop short films and animations using visual material from photographs, prints, drawings, paintings, illustrations and three-dimensional work. Projects will explore the visual vocabulary of motion, principles of animation, typography, storytelling and two and three-dimensional space. Through critiques, readings, discussions, and writing assignments students will build a historical and critical context for their work. Prerequisites: AR 136 or any 200 level Studio Art Course; Studio Fee $105