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An introduction to painting in water-mixable oil or acrylic media. This course is designed to develop confidence in painting along with basic techniques and perceptual skills. A variety of approaches are used. It is recommended to take VACA 121 Drawing prior to this course.
Core: CA
VACA 232 Ceramics I (4 SH)
Ceramics is a comprehensive course designed to explore a variety of techniques and processes in clay. Sculptural and functional pieces will be created using both hand building and wheel techniques. Students will be challenged to become proficient in creating work, glazing, and will learn about firing processes.
Core: CA
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Relief printmaking is an ancient form favored by contemporary artists in which images are printed on paper from wood and other materials. Screen printing is a newer process in which ink is forced through fabric onto paper and other materials. These processes are used to develop rich, colorful prints with an emphasis on visual ideas and technique. An introduction to watercolor covers a variety of techniques including washes, wet-in-wet, wet-on-dry, mono-types, pen-and-ink with color tinting. Students will also have opportunity for skill development following demonstrations with guided and independent practice. When the weather is especially lovely, we'll move the classroom outside and enjoy painting en plein air. (Spring 2025)
Core: CA
VACA 332
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Ceramics II (2 SH)
Building on the foundation of ceramics, students are challenged to expand their vocabulary of ceramic form and function. Hand building and wheel throwing techniques will be explored for both vessel and sculptural work. Technical understanding of surface treatments, firing techniques, glaze formulation, and ceramic processes are emphasized as tools used toward formal and conceptual success. Students have the opportunity to pursue more individual concerns in tandem with class directed assignments. In conjunction with increased technical proficiency, students will expand critical awareness through the investigation of conceptual, historical and contemporary art issues, ultimately increasing professionalism and the development of a personal aesthetic. Prerequisite: VACA 232.
Core: CI
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In Ceramics III, students will balance assignments designed to develop technical skills, while developing projects that explore personal style. Research and experimentation from an array of materials and processes such as wheel and hand building methods, unique firing processes, glaze chemistry, and clay body foundation will be used toward formal and conceptual success. In conjunction with increased technical proficiency, students will investigate conceptual, historical, and contemporary art issues to increase professionalism, develop a personal aesthetic, and create artwork that is suitable for exhibition. Prerequisite: VACA 332.
VACA 434
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Drawing II (2 SH)
Further development of drawing techniques, visual processes and experimental approaches. The capacity to change one's perspective and habits and an openness to taking risks are encouraged. This course is for students who want to explore drawing in its own right, strengthen work in other media through enhanced drawing skills or connect drawing with other arts or disciplines. Advanced investigation into physical, intellectual and emotional aspects of drawing. Content development, individual direction and creative voice are stressed along with further development of drawing skills. This course should be taken in the junior or senior year as a lead-in to VACA 481 Junior/Senior Thesis and Exhibition. Prerequisite: VACA 121.
Core: CI
VACA 435
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Painting II (2 SH)
Further development of techniques and visual strategies using oil and acrylic media. The capacity to change one's perspective and habits and an openness to taking risks are encouraged to understand the various ways artists approach structure and meaning in painting. Advanced investigation into physical, intellectual and emotional aspects of painting. Content development, individual direction and creative voice are stressed along with further development of painting skills. This course should be taken in the junior or senior year as a lead-in to VACA 481 Junior/Senior Thesis and Exhibition. Prerequisite: VACA 222.
Core: CI
VACA 442
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Ceramics
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IV (2 SH)
In Advanced Ceramics 2, students will develop a body of work suitable for exhibition. Research and experimentation from an array of materials and processes such as wheel and hand building methods, unique firing processes, glaze chemistry, and clay body foundation will be used toward formal and conceptual success. In conjunction with increased technical proficiency, students will investigate conceptual, historical, and contemporary art issues to increase professionalism and develop a personal aesthetic. This course should be taken in the junior or senior year as a lead-in to VACA 481 Junior/Senior Thesis and Exhibition. Prerequisite: VACA 432.
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