Through theory and practice, students learn to hand-draw original characters, then digitize and apply special effects using a variety of Photoshop tools and techniques. Topics will include: sources of inspiration, basics of two-dimensional design and color, setting moods, and creating environments for visual story development. Prerequisites: None.

This course is an introduction to welding for the artist. The goal is for the student to develop structurally and aesthetically sound welding techniques in both arc and gas welding. These techniques will enable the art student to create both two- and three-dimensional artwork. Emphasis will also be placed upon safety, hands-on practice, equipment and process selection, joint design and filler metal characteristics. Students will also learn how to safely flamecut mild steel as well as bend metal using torch heat. Braze welding will also be discussed and practiced. Demonstrations in other welding processes more suitable to welding aluminum and stainless steel will be given. The art of blacksmithing as well as an introduction to the history of sculpture and examples of sculptors and their work will be discussed. (Fulfills Fine Arts requirement.)

This course surveys the history of art and design in Western and non-Western traditions from prehistoric to the Baroque period or 17th century. The course emphasizes the connections among historical, political, social, religious and artistic developments, showing how artists and designers are influenced by the culture and time in which they live. (Fulfills Fine Arts requirement.)

This course is designed to provide basic skills and to develop skills in pixel-based photographic design and printing. Through the use of simple digital equipment, students will be able to shoot their image, import to their computer, manipulate using photo editing software, and produce a print without the use of traditional silver based materials. Students will use Adobe Photoshop as the primary image-editing tool. Using your camera software, save photos as JPEG files (on blank CD-Rom Disks, Memory Flash Card or other means of saving and copying edited files) and bring to the classroom for manipulation in Adobe Photoshop. Students will come away with a working knowledge of the skills involved in digital printing and other available resources. The lab component of this class will include in-class lab time and off-campus lab time. (Fulfills Fine Arts requirement.)

Various drawing media and techniques are explored in this course. Assignments are designed to build drawing observation skills necessary for visual communications. (Fulfills Fine Arts requirement.)

Students will acquire basic watercolor painting skills. They will explore painting techniques, different papers and watercolor mediums. Experimental techniques and affects along with tools and various watercolor mediums will be demonstrated and students will use skills they have acquired in assigned class projects. Prerequisite: ARTS123. (Fulfills Fine Arts requirement.)

This course surveys and compares works of visual art and design from Western and non-Western traditions. The course emphasizes the relationship among themes, techniques and periods. Using video/DVDs, students learn how certain artists produce their art from start to finish. Students will explore how various artists use the critical thinking process of questioning, exploration, trial and error and discovery. (Fulfills Fine Arts requirement.)

Students will acquire painting skills. There will be experimentation with several painting mediums, including watercolor, gouache, acrylics and oils. Tools and techniques will be demonstrated, examined and used. Some basic drawing abilities are helpful but not required. (Fulfills Fine Arts requirement.)

Students will enhance painting skills with the knowledge already established in Drawing I and Painting I. Where Painting I began with experimentation of several painting mediums including watercolor, gouache, acrylics and oils, Painting II involves more advanced painting techniques. The major concentration will involve portrait and figure studies, still life and “plein air” outdoor paint tints. Prerequisites: ARTS123, ARTS210. (Fulfills Fine Arts requirement.)

This course surveys the history of art and design in Western and non-Western traditions from the 18th through the 20th century, emphasizing the connections among historical, political, social, religious and artistic developments, showing how artists and designers are influenced by the culture and time in which they live. (Fulfills Fine Arts requirement.)

Students will continue developing drawing skills based on the knowledge and training acquired in Drawing I. More complex still-life, portrait and life figure drawings will be created in class. Further investigation of drawing materials and an introduction to more mediums will also be covered in this course. Prerequisite: ARTS123 (Fulfills Fine Arts requirement.)

Students collect projects from all of their Fine Arts and produce an academic portfolio which represents the best examples of their creative and technical skill sets. Additional artwork may need to be created and/or produced for admission requirements into certain four-year colleges. Students will learn to scan, photograph and print their portfolio pieces. They will also electronically reproduce a CD format portfolio. Students will produce a resume, business card, and letterhead. They will also research colleges and their application processes. Preparation for interviews and practice interviews will also be included. Prerequisites: All ARTS courses prior to fourth semester.