4213 - Painting and Abstraction

Course Description

Artwork by Helena Zay

Pablo Picasso said, "There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward, you can remove all traces of reality." How to actually remove traces of reality and move toward abstraction is the challenge. This course -- through a series of exercises involving abstracting from nature, collage, and moving from macro to micro -- offers a variety of solutions, experiments and problem-solving strategies to trigger ideas. Working with line, shape, color and composition, consideration is paid to visual concerns (such as pictorial space) and paint quality, as well as underlying conceptual issues. Students may choose to paint in either oil or acrylic based on individual experience and interest, as this course emphasizes experimentation rather than technical painting skills. Students progress at their own pace, while they loosen their hold on literalness, and discover new means of depiction and expression that lead to the development of an "artistic vision." Note: Previous painting experience is helpful, but not required.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Animation : Electives
• Graphic Design : Electives
• Interactive Design : Electives
• Natural Science Illustration : Electives
• Painting Studies : Electives
• Photography : Electives