Fine Arts Curriculum

Students receive traditional-style training in painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking. Under the mentorship of master artists, students take classes in cast drawing, life drawing and painting, anatomy, color, still life, figure modeling, perspective, etching, woodcut, and art history.

Drawing

Students develop the ability to represent three-dimensional spatial relationships accurately on a two-dimensional plane. These early drawings are a vital tool for training the eye to see correctly. Each step of the drawing process is demonstrated and reinforced through repetition. Students will use both charcoal and pencil and will start by drawing geometric shapes and still-life as well as plaster casts to develop a sense for the shapes of the human figure.

Painting

Students are exposed to oil painting in addition to other painting mediums such as watercolors, acrylics, color pencils, and pastels. Various techniques of paint application are discussed and demonstrated. The students learn from still-life painting, compositional theories, color theory, texture, and the illusion of three-dimensional form. Students will work on an individual creative project as a way to learn about the complete painting process—from selecting the frame and canvas, attaching and priming the canvas, sketching a draft, mixing pigments, paint application, applying protective varnish, and building a frame for the completed work. At a more advanced level, the students learn the fundamentals of painting using a live model.

Sculpture

Students are taught to understand historical and contemporary examples of sculpture and how to integrate that knowledge into studio practice. Informed by proficiency in still-life drawing, knowledge of anatomical structure, and an understanding of three-dimensional composition, students demonstrate their ability to articulate forms in the round and in relief and produce robust and convincing sculptures in such modes as the figure and the portrait. Students also develop competency in the use of sculptural materials and casting methods.

Appreciation of Western Art

This course is an introduction to the Western visual arts emphasizing the understanding and appreciation of art. The course reviews two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional art forms, methods, and media, examines the visual elements and principles of design, and briefly surveys the styles, aesthetics, characteristics, and socio-political background of art from the prehistoric to the 20th century. Students are expected to:
1. Develop the critical abilities to appreciate art, its production, function/purpose, and aesthetic value;
2. Master the critical skills to effectively articulate the issues of art;
3. Demonstrate knowledge of an art-related vocabulary and the historical and intercultural context of artistic styles;
4. Gain an appreciation for the aesthetics of the visual arts;
5. Develop an informed personal reaction to the arts based upon critical analysis of various art forms and an appreciation of the artistic processes used to complete such art forms; and
6. Apply the classroom methodologies to any artistic environment (domestic, gallery, museum).

Art History

This course studies the global history of the arts from prehistoric times to the present and the different art forms in various civilizations. Special emphasis is placed on the Renaissance in Europe and revival of the arts during the Tang dynasty in China. Students examine essential questions such as the origin of artistic creativity, the role of arts and artists in culture and civilization, as well as the interrelation of art and thought. Students are encouraged to develop inferential skills with which to interpret art works and cultures.

Appreciation of Chinese Visual Art

The purpose of the course is to help students develop an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the various visual art forms that arose from traditional Chinese culture. Students will be introduced to masterpieces in calligraphy, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and architecture. Lectures and tutorials will help students become aware of the relationship between art and culture, as well as the significance of art in society. They will learn how morality and humanity influence judgment in art and aesthetics.

Chinese Calligraphy

This course focuses primarily on the proper brush and ink techniques for the two major styles or scripts: Kai Shu (Standard Script) and Li Shu (Clerical Script). This course is particularly useful for those who are interested in learning more about Chinese characters and the Chinese language. Historically, the practice of Chinese calligraphy has been seen as a way to improve man’s moral character and is considered a necessary habit for a learned person to acquire. Students are also introduced to the role of calligraphy in Chinese painting and in Chinese culture as a whole.