This course introduces the exploration of processes, ideas, and diverse media of visual arts. It addresses the thematic concepts that are central to the nature of art making today, with emphasis given to issues of LIGHT, FRAME, and MARK while developing an understanding of the elements and principles of design.

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Art Practices I is an interdisciplinary foundations course exploring the diverse processes, ideas, and materials of visual art. Students will work from a variety of approaches including (but not limited to) drawing, painting, sculpture, 2-D design, digital, and time-based media. They will address thematic concepts that are central to the nature of art today while also learning hands-on technical skills, craft, and presentation of finished artworks. Focusing on three distinct topics – Light, Frame, and Mark – students will engage in visual and conceptual problem solving, collaboration, and personal exploration of individual practice. Readings, writings, slide lectures, and videos on relevant artists and periods in art history will be assigned and presented throughout the semester in conjunction with each project.

Drawing I introduces the basic principles, materials, and skills of observational drawing. Emphasis is placed on rendering a 3-D subject on a 2-D surface with visual accuracy. Other topics include historical and contemporary references as well as an investigation of linear perspective, line, value, shape, space & composition. 

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This course is a survey of the basic techniques, materials, theory, vocabulary, and overall practice of observational drawing. Because abstraction is an exaggeration or alteration of reality, it is important to first learn to draw from life; therefore, the projects will be interpreted from a variety of natural forms including interior/exterior space, still-life, self-portrait, the skeleton, and an artist copy. These drawings will be executed using a variety of traditional drawing materials such as charcoal, pastel, Conté, pencil, and ink. With these materials, students will develop an understanding of technical variety in mark-making using perspective, proportion, scale, volume, texture, contrast, value, line and shade. Toward the end of the semester, students will be introduced to color and collage and create more experimental works on paper. Each session will be devoted to studio work with some art historical discussion and/or critique. 

Painting I introduces the tradition of painting as a medium for artistic expression. Students will investigate materials, tools, techniques, history and concepts of painting. Emphasis is placed on developing descriptive and perceptual skills, color theory, and composition.  

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This course introduces basic concepts and develops technical and perceptual skills using acrylic or oil (preferred). Students will learn the fundamentals of observational oil painting, focusing on representational paintings of a variety of subjects including still-life, landscape, and self-portrait. We will discuss the visual information in painting, the dialogue surrounding painting and its formulas, and when it is appropriate to abandon those formulas. Students will make several short-session paintings throughout the semester, rather than focusing on one or two highly polished works, and learn of a variety of techniques accumulating in a confident, contemporary painting style.​

This course focuses on the expressive and conceptual aspects of painting, building on the observational, compositional, technical, and critical skills gained previously. Students will investigate a variety of approaches to subject matter, materials, and creative processes through in-class projects, related out-of-class assignments, library research or museum/gallery attendance, written responses, and critiques. 

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Painting II continues exploration of the painting concepts and techniques presented in Painting I. Working from imagination as well as observation, emphasizing the expressive potential of the medium. Course objectives include increasing ones visual vocabulary, seeing skills, and resolving visual images in the form of paintings. Noting that this is not an introduction class, the primary goal of the class is to further develop ones understanding of visual phenomena, surface development and composition as expressive tools. Assignments will be executed in medium to large scale painting formats. This course explores ideas on creativity and consciousness as they relates to knowing and conceptualizing ideas.

This course introduces the making of photographic images from a broad viewpoint to consider both as an art practice and as a cultural practice. The course covers technical information on camera use and functionality, composition and visual design, digital workflow and editing, professional functions of manipulating and enhancing images, and printing correctly and effectively.

 

The historical aspects of photography are also covered along with a range of contemporary practices. This is a digital course, but if time allows, I will include some darkroom instruction. Class time is a combination of technical demonstrations, lab time, class critiques, discussions of readings pertaining to photography, and slide presentations, with the possibility of a field trip. 

This course introduces the making of photographic images from a broad viewpoint to consider both as an art practice and as a cultural practice. The course covers basic technical information on camera use and functionality, composition and visual design, digital workflow, editing, manipulating and enhancing images correctly and effectively. 

 

Assignments, lectures, demonstrations, artist talks, readings and critiques will give students the beginning tools for creative exploration and expression in the medium of photography. The course content is created to get students thinking about the meaning of photographic images - in history, culture and in their own experiences. The class will not provide training in commercial photographic practices.

An introduction to the medium of clay incorporating hand building and wheel throwing to introduce the student to both the sculptural and utilitarian uses of clay. The student will also be introduced to a variety of glazing and firing techniques. 

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Continuation of Arts 1310 with an emphasis placed on the mastery of forming, surfacing, and firing processes. Intermediate hand building and wheel throwing techniques will include projects with lids, spouts and decorating. Making and formulating glazes, as well as variety of firing techniques will also be presented. Expanded critical awareness and the development of a personal aesthetic will be encouraged. There will be both self-selected and assigned projects. 

This course provides direct experience of exploring basic printmaking processes, including relief, intaglio, and monoprint processes, as well as the investigation of materials/media, tools, techniques, history, and concepts of printmaking. Emphasis is given to solving problems through thematic development while producing a portfolio of prints. 

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Fundamental techniques in Introduction to Printmaking are presented and practiced in a survey format. Methods and expressive potentials of the major printmaking processes are taught. Instruction includes lecture, demonstrations, practice, and critique. At the conclusion of this course, the student will develop awareness of the unique properties of a wide variety of print processes and the historical development of printmaking and it’s influences on contemporary works; develop technique and the proper use of tools and materials within the print shop as a collaborative working space; Utilize a journal/sketchbook as a documentation process, to develop concepts, generate source material and aid in self-criticism and exploration; increase understanding of his/her own aesthetic aspirations and how these objectives can be expressed using the print media; and create a foundation for more advanced study of print media. 

This course provides an introduction to the proper use of shop facilities with an emphasis on the safety procedures required for their proper use. The course will provide the student with a foundation of technical skills for use in the production of their work in subsequent classes. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

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Students will receive an introduction of all power machinery and hand held tools within a wood shop facility along with description and demonstration of safety for proper use of all equipment in a shared working environment. The course will build a foundation of technical and professional skills in the production of their work in subsequent classes. Equipment used are the following: Table saw, Band saw, Wood jointer, Wood planer, Radial arm saw, Router Table, Power combination sander, Drill Press etc. Which will all be demonstrated in class in person by the instructor. Students will also learn about : Project layout & Design, Lumber education, Cost configuration for materials, How to read a tape measure 1/16 of inch scale. The outcome of the course will teach traditional and modern woodworking skills and techniques from beginning to finish.

This course will be an introduction to the computer as a medium and fine art tool. The course will explore the history, theory, and contemporary art issues associated with electronic art practice, as well as introduce students to the basic tools and associated technologies. This studio course will introduce simple electronics, software and ideas for working with sound, video, and the Internet to create artwork.

 

The course is designed to immerse you in electronic and computer-based expression with the tools at hand utilizing your personal computer, phone, and internet. Class time will incorporate a combination of demonstrations, lecture, discussion, and group exercises. Through weekly assignments students will investigate a variety of techniques using electronic devices and software to create visuals, sound, and graphics. Students will analyze and interpret the continued impact electronics and the internet has had on the arts. Students will produce a final creative piece made and presented using technology and concepts studied in the course.

This course is designed to provide students with a fundamental working knowledge of the technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of creating digital artwork using a variety of tools in the Adobe Creative Suite.

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​This course offers a hands-on introduction to many of the skills required to succeed as a media entrepreneur.  Each week will introduce new elements, concepts and skills that are then practiced by creating a multi-media project which will be shown and discussed in class. We begin by looking at the foundations of multimedia including: The five components of a multimedia experience; Three characteristics of old media; The new media paradigm shift; Five principles of new media in a digital age. Students will learn technical skills as well as discuss current trends in media. This course is designed for students interested in exploring storytelling, technical skills and pursuing a career in media arts. 

This course is designed to provide students with a survey of the histories, innovative concepts, and creative possibilities of digital media. Additionally, students will learn fundamental skills in teamwork, storytelling, and design. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences.

 

This dynamic class teaches how to tell a Visual Story using the following basic components: The Cast of Visual Characters; Seven Basic Components; Space, Line, Shape, Tone, Color, Movement, and Rhythm; The Real World & the Screen World.

This course dives into film history starting with the concept of “Movie Magic”. Week one takes us down the road of the very first inventors of motion pictures. This course also focuses on diversity in storytelling and allows us to observe the world beyond our usual borders. We begin with the history of America’s first Black Filmmakers. In the early part of the 20th century, black filmmakers were forced to work outside the white Hollywood mainstream -- and produced around 500 films, mainly for black audiences. For the hands-on part of the course students will create original image sequences based on each week’s theme.  Students will learn how to give feedback to their peers and create a fun, dynamic learning environment.

Analysis of film as a unique art, and a survey of main trends in film history. Screenings and critical study of major films.

 

This course is designed to provide you with a foundation for future film study; to expose you to a wide range of cinematic styles and approaches; and to move you from a passive viewer to an active “reader” of film. You will learn the basic elements of cinematic language (including narrative, mise-en-scene, cinematography, acting, editing, and sound) and will use that knowledge to analyze the way filmmakers convey information, story, and meaning, develop style, and elicit audience response within a single scene and over the course of an entire feature film. We’ll explore the central critical approaches to the study of cinema, and examine a wide range of film styles and movements. There are no prerequisites for taking this class. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design.

An in-depth exploration of digital video production, including camera, lighting and sound production techniques for studio and field production. This class will help the filmmaker visualize and execute a digital film in a real-world team environment.

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​​​This course will train students in advanced Video Production skills, knowledge and concepts necessary to work as a media professional. This course leads to an Associate’s Degree in Digital Media Arts. We begin with the Seven tools of Visual Storytelling: The frame; Light and color; The Lens; Movement; Texture; Establishing; POV - Point-of-view. Students get weekly opportunities to learn about Technical Storytelling starting with how Pixar uses tells a story without words. Iconic and evocative stories are the heart of any production that generates a receptive audience. Each week we examine such stories in a series called “Untold America” - a show by AJ+ that explores the underrepresented, forgotten and misunderstood communities in the United States. For the hands-on part of the class students will create their own Character Videos each week where they get to use the skills from each class and will emerge with a solid reel by the end of the 16-week course. 

An in-depth exploration of digital video production, including camera, lighting and sound production techniques for studio and field production. This class will help the filmmaker visualize and execute a digital film in a real-world team environment.

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This course will train students in advanced Video Production skills, knowledge and concepts necessary to work as a media professional. This course leads to an Associate’s Degree in Digital Media Arts. We begin with the Seven tools of Visual Storytelling: The frame; Light and color; The Lens; Movement; Texture; Establishing; POV - Point-of-view. Students get weekly opportunities to learn about Technical Storytelling starting with how Pixar uses tells a story without words. Iconic and evocative stories are the heart of any production that generates a receptive audience. Each week we examine such stories in a series called “Untold America” - a show by AJ+ that explores the underrepresented, forgotten and misunderstood communities in the United States. For the hands-on part of the class students will create their own Character Videos each week where they get to use the skills from each class and will emerge with a solid reel by the end of the 16-week course. 

This foundation course introduces and explores the visual arts on a personal, societal, cultural, and historical level. An excellent course for someone new to the study of art or the experienced artist, students learn about all art-making processes, art materials, and techniques used by artists, designers, and architects. Studies feature iconic artists throughout history and major art movements. Students will build on a broad knowledge base to practice the skill of formal analysis, in order to expand an art appreciation and grow a personal aesthetic. The course offers a creative project using basic photography.

 

Blackboard Learn Online Course. This course is completed 100% online, therefore access to a computer and the internet are required. Designed with Quality Matters Standards, ARTH 1120 provides an excellent learning experience and offers flexibility for busy students. Support with the technology of the course is provided on campus, by email, and by phone by the HELP support staff of UNM. Pacing may be accelerated for early completion.

 

Inclusive Access for this course: This course has been set up for inclusive access delivery, this means your materials will be accessible through UNM Learn when classes begin. You do not need to shop for the ‘title of the book’ ahead of time. You do not need to pay by credit card or any other method, you should not see a prompt for payment at all when using the inclusive access materials. Your specially discounted price will be billed to your UNM Bursar Account AFTER the add/drop deadline. Additionally, McGraw-Hill Connect Access will be required (includes ebook, Smartbook, course learning activities, and exams).

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Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design

This survey course explores the art and architecture of ancient pre-historic cultures through the end of the fourteenth century. While focused primarily on the art of the Western civilizations, this course will also provide insights into the works of other major cultures in order to provide alternate views of art and history. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship of artworks to political, social, spiritual, intellectual, and cultural movements that affect and are affected by their creation and development. The course offers a creative project using basic photography.

 

Blackboard Learn Online Course. This course is completed 100% online, therefore access to a computer and the internet are required. Designed with Quality Matters Standards, ARTH 2110 provides an excellent learning experience and offers flexibility to Learners. Support with the technology of the course is provided on campus, by email, and by phone by the HELP support staff of UNM. Pacing may be accelerated for early completion.

 

Inclusive Access for this course: This course has been set up for inclusive access delivery, this means your materials will be accessible through UNM Learn when classes begin. You do not need to shop for the ‘title of the book’ ahead of time. You do not need to pay by credit card or any other method, you should not see a prompt for payment at all when using the inclusive access materials. Your specially discounted price will be billed to your UNM Bursar Account AFTER the add/drop deadline.

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​Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design