Courses
This course presents students with a technical, historical, and cultural understanding of the fiber medium. Students learn the basics of textile processes, including dyeing, felting, knitting, weaving, sewing, and lacemaking. Technical demonstrations and samples will be covered in class while students are encouraged to expand upon covered material through long-term personal projects. Technical demonstrations will be supported with slide lectures demonstrating the historical context of fiber processes and their contemporary applications. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
This course will explore creative approaches for making visually compelling photographs using smartphone technology. Through photography assignments, demonstrations, and field trips, we will experiment with many photography apps that can be used for manual camera exposure, image adjustments, digital collaging, making artist zines, creating AI-generated images, and other creative techniques. Conceptual-based projects will offer students the opportunity to think beyond the smartphone cameras as just an apparatus for documenting everyday life. We will also utilize Fuji and Canon smartphone printers to make inkjet and Polaroid prints of our project images. Classroom discussions and readings will cover topics like the ethical responsibilities of using smartphones in public spaces and how the history of technology has shaped our understanding of art, culture, and everyday life. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Prerequisite(s): Students who have taken AS.371.137 are not eligible to take AS.371.130.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
This three-credit studio course is an introduction to the tools, techniques, and concepts of basic drawing. Studio projects will focus on building strong observation and rendering skills while experimenting with traditional and contemporary practices in drawing. The course will provide insight into understanding a “drawing” as a visual perception and as a concept. Some drawing projects will take place outside of the classroom exploring hidden gems around Baltimore including the Graffiti Alley, Walters Art Museum, John Hopkins Archeological Museum, Greenmount Cemetery, Baltimore Museum of Art, and more. No previous experience is required for this course. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
This course is designed as an introduction to the tools, techniques, and concepts of basic painting for the serious student. Studio assignments focus on developing strong observation and rendering skills focusing on issues of light, color, and composition while experimenting with traditional and contemporary practices in painting. Lectures and a museum trip give students an art historical context in which to place their own discoveries as beginning painters. Oil paint will be used. No previous experience is necessary. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
In this course, students will explore creative techniques for making visually compelling photographs using their smartphone camera. Through photography assignments, demonstrations, and virtual collaborations, we will experiment with many photography apps that can be used for manual camera exposure, image adjustments, digital collaging, and other visual effects. We will learn about the history of social media and use some of the current platforms to submit our course projects. We will also discuss the ethical responsibilities of using smartphones in public spaces and how the history of technology has shaped our understanding of art, culture, and everyday life. This course is an online version of AS.371.130. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Prerequisite(s): Students who have taken AS.371.130 are not eligible for AS.371.137.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
In this course, students will learn to design, draw, and see like an architect. A series of progressive design exercises will teach the practical capacities and habits of mind that lead not merely to competence but success and advancement in the field. We will look at what architecture has been, discuss what it is becoming, and explore both formal and narrative methodologies for design. The class will use the built environment of the city - and the Homewood campus - as a classroom and a site for interpretive drawing and creative design work. Essential in the architect's education is the sketchbook, which functions not merely as a place to 'store' what has been witnessed, but a place to interpret and explore implications of design in the world, whether close to home or traveling in exotic locales.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
This course concentrates on the fundamentals of Lightroom and Photoshop for photographic post-processing and creative image-making techniques. Students will gain a proficient workflow for image development using such tools as adjustments, gradients, actions, masking, and other post-production methods. Course projects will include digital collaging and hand coloring techniques, and will pull inspiration from various artistic movements, field trips to local museums, and exploring the surrounding Station North neighborhood. Students will also learn inkjet printing as a mode for bringing their digitally crafted images to life. Students will receive instruction on DSLR cameras, which are available on semester loans. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
In this introductory photography course, we will learn the fundamental techniques of image-making using digital camera technology and editing software. Emphasis will be placed on DSLR/Mirrorless camera functions as both a means of proper image exposure and creative effect. We will also explore the traditional rules of photographic composition and contemporary image design. Adobe software will be utilized for organizing, editing, adjusting, and manipulating our images to make beautifully crafted files and inkjet prints. Throughout the semester, we will engage in classroom critiques, field trips, readings, and discussions, to expand our photographic vocabulary. In this course, creative exploration will be fostered through the visual language of photography. DSLR cameras are available on loan for the semester. Attendance for the first class is mandatory
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
The digital design course explores two-dimensional graphics as visual communication. Students will be introduced to basic design principles and elements, learn graphics tools used in the design industry, and develop and apply creative strategies to solve design problems in their everyday lives. This unique course will address the students’ direct needs through real-life design problems they face. Students will be asked to bring design challenges and tackle the issue both independently and collaboratively. Design challenges may include building print and web visual presentations, producing information brochures and posters, developing off and online portfolios, and creating resumes for business cards. The course will offer analog and digital design processes, graphics software tutorials and techniques, and a basic introduction to design history, vocabulary, and concepts. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
This course provides experience and instruction in observational and expressive watercolor techniques, materials, concepts, and vocabulary. Topics to be reviewed include line, perspective, value, texture, composition, color, and pictorial space. There will be an introduction to contemporary practices in watercolor, as well as experimental and abstract exercises, collage, and conceptual work. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
This course is an overview of hand-drawn and digital methods for silk screen printing. Through demonstrations and self-guided projects, students will develop their compositional skills while creating images based on narrative, self-reflection, and intercultural connectivity. This course will introduce students to various technical skills required for producing prints such as film/screen preparation, image registration, and printing techniques on different materials. In addition to this, students will learn the history of printing, and how both analog and digital processes can be used to create and inform a printed image. At the end of the course, students will get the opportunity to produce their own edition of prints. No prior experience is necessary to enroll in this course. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
In this course, students learn to create marks, textures, and imagery using various printmaking techniques. In this class, students will learn how to create relief and intaglio printing matrices. They will also practice printing by hand and with a press to reproduce their images. Towards the end of the course, students will explore layered printing, monoprinting, and mixed media approaches to create unique 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works. No prior experience is necessary to enroll in this course. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
This course introduces the tools, techniques, and technologies of design representation in a project-based setting. Students will build drawing skills, learn the principles of perspective, and explore theories and applications of design media and emerging digital technologies. Designing projects at various scales from the hand-held object to the public realm, we will develop creative problem-solving, design thinking, and iterative design methodologies, leaving the course with the ability to apply the foundations of design to any discipline. Special note: This spring our course will be geared toward collaborative and site-based practices. Class meetings will begin with remote instruction and collaboration. Then it will expand to include site visits as the season progresses. This course will satisfy the foundation drawing class for the art minor. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
This is an intermediate drawing class that builds on the concepts and skills in Foundation Drawing. Students will explore contemporary and conceptual approaches to drawing while further developing their skills in various graphic mediums. Risk-taking and experimentation will be encouraged while learning about contemporary practices in the medium. The course will conclude with students creating an individual series of drawings of their choice. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Prerequisite(s): AS.371.131 OR AS.371.186
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
What makes an image truthful? Students will create drawings utilizing both traditional and unconventional processes through the lens of historical and political illustrations, propaganda graphics, misinformation, and current events. The course is anchored in, but not limited to, the art practices of Kara Walker's slavery narrative, George Grosz's political caricatures of First War Germany, historical war posters, Hugo Crosthwaite's depiction of the US/MX border to Coronavirus "beauty shot." Projects may involve revising historical artwork, manipulating propaganda graphics, redrawing visual data, and designing personal narratives. Field trips, technical demos, discussions, and lectures will provide context and support for students to become image-makers of their individual narratives and history. Attendance for the first class is mandatory. Recommended but not required: AS.371.131
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
In this studio art class students will create three artist books taught by three different CVA faculty. The first four weeks will investigate the book as a technological and cultural artifact, exploring historically what the book is and does, and as a cognitive aid and engine for ideation. Students will create a blank book that they use for their creative explorations. The second section will use printmaking techniques such as paper lithography, xerox transfers, and relief printmaking combined with quick and ephemeral folding structures to understand both printmaking and bookmaking’s rich history in the dissemination of ideas, democracy, and social change. This section will participate in a class zine exchange. The third section of the course will explore embroidery and weaving to navigate language and mark-making. Students will explore the relationship between poetry, storytelling, and fiber processes to create a narrative textile. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
In this course, we will learn photographic lighting techniques used in both contemporary art and commercial photography. We will explore how design, composition, location, and use of light and color all play integral roles in our photographic images. Projects in this course will explore the boundaries of both representation and abstraction, by working with such themes as portraiture, still life, product, environmental, and location photography. We will gain technical proficiency with studio lighting equipment, including strobe lights, continuous LED lights, clamp lights, on-camera flash, light stands, backdrops, color gels, and other lighting accessories. Demonstrations in Adobe software will provide us with the technical skills to organize, edit, and adjust our photographs to make beautifully crafted inkjet prints. DSLR cameras are available on loan for the semester. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
In this photography course, we will learn how to use traditional 35mm film cameras for photographing with both color and black & white film stock. The film shot in this course will be outsourced to a professional photography lab, to both develop our film and provide us with high-resolution digital scans. Demonstrations in Adobe software will provide us with the technical skills to organize, edit, and adjust our scans to make beautifully crafted inkjet prints. Various paper surfaces will be explored to show how substrate choices emphasize the textural qualities, tonal range, and color pallet that film offers. We will study a wide range of topics in photography, such as culture, identity, family, politics, environmentalism, history, and other themes in art. We will also learn about the invention of photography and how the technical evolution of the camera advanced the medium into new realms. 35mm film cameras are available on loan for the semester. Please note that this is not a traditional darkroom course, therefore, there will be no hand development of film or traditional darkroom printing. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
In this non-traditional photography course, we will employ historic and contemporary photographic processes as a means of creative investigation. We will explore such techniques as Cyanotypes, Lumens, Photograms, Anthotypes, Collaging, Digital Negatives, Polaroid Image Manipulation, and uses of Vernacular Photography. We will learn how these processes played an integral role in the invention of photography, and how they have been recontextualized from the mid-19th century to now. A variety of substrate choices will be utilized for creating our images, such as light-sensitive darkroom paper, watercolor paper, Polaroid, newsprint, fabric, wood, and other unconventional surfaces. Emphasis will be placed on the material nature of photography and how the medium can be pushed to its limitations. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
The fabric of the universe, a wrinkle in time and space: our physical universe is frequently described through fiber metaphors. Fiber processes are algorithmic. They grow exponentially, they fold, they tear, they wrinkle. These processes function as a pliable plane that can be bent, stretched, and turned inside out. This course offers students an opportunity to explore fiber processes through this sculptural lens. Topics include knitting, crochet, basketry, and installation as they come together to form sculptural armatures and objects. Together we will explore the physical properties of fiber and textiles, and how they take up space and function in our world. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
In this course, students will discover various techniques for capturing still-life photographs and expressing their connections to the objects that fill their daily lives. The term still-life refers to the items we buy, own, use, observe, and organize. Throughout the course, students will explore tabletops, food, found objects, and product photography as they delve deeper into the world of still-life photography. Technical explorations include the exposure triangle, depth of field, basic lighting control, framing, and visual design. This class will consist of live demonstrations, independent studio work, discussions, and photography critiques. By the course's end, students will be expected to create a portfolio of printed images. A digital camera with manual control, tripod, Lightroom, and Adobe Photoshop will be supplied for this course. Students will be approved for the course after enrollment in SIS. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
In this course students will gain insight into the art of portraiture with projects such as the self-portrait, collaborative portraiture, portrait of a place, and image and text. In representing people, we'll explore developing an understanding of people in relation to power and representation, the body, environments and society. Lectures on the history of the portrait and its practitioners, new directions in portraiture as well as empathy and the gaze will inspire students to bring greater depth to their image making. Camera experience is a plus but not a requirement. Cameras will be provided for the semester. First class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
In this intermediate painting course, students build on the concepts and skills developed in Oil Painting I while furthering their understanding of painting tools, techniques, and image-making. Course content will include the study of traditional and contemporary uses of color, glazing techniques, painting mediums, stretching and priming a canvas, alternative painting surfaces, and painting imagery. Structured assignments on thematic motifs such as still life, cityscapes, light, color, collage, and composition will aid students in developing their style and point of view in painting. The semester will end with students creating a series of paintings on their choice of subject. Developing a deeper understanding of the history of painting; past and present and applying that in research and peer review will be stressed. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Prerequisite(s): AS.371.133 or instructor's permission.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
An intensive look at the traditions and techniques of portrait drawing. Students will work from live models in a variety of media and study master portraits by Holbein, Rembrandt, Ingres, Degas, etc. Class trips to the Baltimore Museum of Art Print & Drawing Room and JHU Archaeological Museum will enhance knowledge and appreciation of the history and traditions of portraiture. Attendance for the first class is mandatory. Recommended Course Background: AS.371.131 or permission required.
Prerequisite(s): AS.371.131
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
This advanced painting course, Portrait and Figure Painting, is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the art and techniques of figurative and portrait painting from the model. Students will delve into aspects of human anatomy, color theory, and painting techniques, using various painting mediums like oil, acrylic, and watercolor. The course will also focus on the development of personal style and the ability to capture likeness and facial expressions. Taught by a renowned Baltimore mural and portrait painter, Ernest Shaw. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Prerequisite(s): AS.371.133 OR AS.371.234
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
This studio art course will introduce students to conceptual techniques and applications of digital photography. In this course, we will foster creative exploration and use of technology through advanced digital capture, image construction and manipulation, substrate choices, and methods of digital output. Students will have an in-depth look at historic and contemporary photography as it relates to culture, current trends, and classroom assignments. Students will also engage in conversation and classroom critique throughout the semester to aid their dialogue and understanding of contemporary art. Attendance for the first class is mandatory. Completion of AS.371.152 is suggested.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
An intermediate drawing course focusing on drawing the human form and studying anatomy for artists. Working from live models, students will draw clothed and nude figures, portrait drawings, gesture drawings, and anatomy tracings of the skeleton and muscles. Students will use drawing skills learned in “Drawing I” to explore the human form using wet and dry material, collage, and color. The class will study figure drawings and paintings from Renaissance to contemporary artists. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Prerequisite(s): AS.371.131 or AS.371.187 or permission of Instructor.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
In this course, students will research, investigate, and build art utilizing traditional and non-traditional processes and materials. Students will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of basic art-building materials, including, but not limited to found objects, photographs, basic electronics, and consumables. Projects may include assemblages, light 3-D structures, collages, wearables, and hard and soft sculptures. Exploration of materiality as form and content through the lens of contemporary art practices and theory will serve as a reference and a guide for students. Students are encouraged to imagine all possibilities for a structure. Students will provide the materials for this class. Attendance for the first class is mandatory. Recommended but not required: one studio art course.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
This course will provide students with the basic skills needed to design and fabricate their own jewelry and/or small sculptures. Offered at the Baltimore Jewelry Center, a metal + jewelry makers-space in Baltimore City, this course will cover piercing, filing, finishing, fabricating, soldering, forming, basic stone setting, and basic embellishment techniques as well as simple clasps. Designed for beginning sculpture, metals, or jewelry students, the projects may include a pierced pendant or brooch, a hollow constructed ring, a linked bracelet or necklace with clasp, and a bezel-set pendant or brooch. Students will become familiar with the safety, use, and maintenance of studio equipment and hand tools. No prior experience is required for this class. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
This advanced fiber class will build upon the techniques and experiences developed in Fiber Art, and the String Revolution and Sculptural Fibers. Students will have the chance to explore complex fiber structures and processes including knitting, crochet, lace, and floor loom weaving. Emphasis will be placed on personal exploration and expression through technical samples and longer-form independent projects supported through group critique and critical readings and discussions. Students will collectively present a cohesive body of work and artist statement of their semester explorations. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Prerequisite(s): AS.371.126 OR AS.371.226
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
As the historical core of the photographic medium, documentary photography spans a broad range of expressions. This includes its earliest role in scientific and medical advancements, landscape surveys, journalism, war reportage, social action, personal storytelling, and conceptual mythmaking. Within these modes of image-making, photography inspires conversation about truthful witness vs. aesthetic commentary. In this course, students have the option to photograph with digital technology, including, but not limited to DSLR, Mirrorless, Point-and-Shoot, and Smartphone Cameras. We will use Adobe software for file management, image editing, sequencing, and inkjet printing. Course projects, readings, lectures, critiques, and field trips in Baltimore are designed to expand our image-making vocabulary and refine individual photographic styles. DSLR cameras are available on loan for the semester. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Citizens and Society (FA4)
In this advanced painting class students build on the techniques and concepts developed in Painting II. Through a combination of assignments and research students will further their understanding of contemporary painting practices, experiment with materials and ideas and continue to develop their painting skills. The semester will culminate with students creating a series of paintings on a research topic of their choice.
Prerequisite(s): AS.371.234
Distribution Area: Humanities
In this studio course, students will create artwork based on their individual research and concerns in art. To enhance the student’s understanding of artistic practice and develop an advanced project, approximately one-third of the class periods are off-site visiting artist studios and galleries in Station North in addition to visits to the BMA. Through the development of a body of work on a research topic of their choice, students will advance their technical skills while strengthening their understanding of contemporary art and critical theory. This class is open to all studio and digital photography students who want to engage with other serious art students and advance their art practice and research. Preferred courses: 2 Studio or Digital classes. In this course, students will need to provide the necessary materials for their projects. Attendance for the first class is mandatory.
Prerequisite(s): AS.371.131 OR AS.371.133 OR, AS.371.152 OR AS.371.186 OR AS.371.211 OR AS.371.236 OR AS.371.250
Distribution Area: Humanities
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3), Projects and Methods (FA6)
Students propose an independent body of work to be created over the course of the semester for one or two credits. Proposals must be sent to the instructor prior to approval for the course.
Prerequisite(s): You must request Independent Academic Work using the Independent Academic Work form found in Student Self-Service: Registration, Online Forms.
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)
Students propose an independent body of work to be created over the course of the semester for one or two credits. Proposals must be sent to the instructor prior to approval for the course.
Prerequisite(s): You must request Independent Academic Work using the Independent Academic Work form found in Student Self-Service: Registration, Online Forms.
AS Foundational Abilities: Culture and Aesthetics (FA3)