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. 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. Students will engage in visual and conceptual problem solving, collaboration, and personal exploration of individual practice using the Elements and Principles of Art and Postmodern Principles. Readings, writings, slide lectures, and videos on relevant artists and periods in art history will be presented throughout the semester in conjunction with each project. 

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Students in Art Practices I will learn how to produce creative works that explore a variety of points of view and materials, both traditional and conceptual. In addition to learning foundational skills, students often use this course to make autobiographical or socially relevant work.  Personal voice is strongly encouraged in this class.

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 MOTIVE and CHANGE while developing concepts, techniques, and processes involved in working in the third dimension. Students will complete projects in a variety of media, including works on paper, sculpture, photo, and video, and short response paper/artist statement will accompany each project. In some cases, students are encouraged to approach each project with the materials they feel are most appropriate. Visual problem solving will be emphasized throughout the course, in addition to the nature of artistic meaning. Readings, writings, slide lectures, and videos on relevant artists and periods in art history will be presented throughout the semester in conjunction with each project. 

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Students in this class will produce creative works that explore, interpret, and/or question issues of ethics, audience, identity, sustainability, invention, time, and change in relation to creative arts 

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. 

Drawing II introduces color and colored media as an element of composition while emphasizing descriptive and perceptual drawing skills and conceptual approaches to contemporary drawing. Students will create drawings in wet and dry color media from a range of subjects.

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This course designed to investigate the next level of drawing exploration after Drawing I. Using basic drawing vocabulary, materials, and techniques as a foundation, students will begin to investigate more conceptual aspects of drawing with emphasis placed on personal artistic expression. Students will begin this course with traditional observational drawings of still-lifes and the figure, then progress to experimentation with abstraction. Color is introduced both formally and expressively. Students are encouraged to approach drawing in a variety of non-traditional ways including alternative mark-making, incorporation of text, drawing as documentation, ephemeral drawings, and combining performative action with drawing. In addition, students will be given a series of theoretical problems to solve and/or incorporate into each assignment as a guide to discovering multiple perspectives in drawing. Class projects and critiques will be focused on providing a continuation of observational and technical drawing skills, an introduction of new ideas and experimentation, and insight into discovering one’s own personal voice.

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 students to the fundamentals of observational oil painting, particularly making representational paintings of a variety of subjects including still-life, landscape, self-portrait. This class will develop skills relating to all aspects of painting such as surfaces, materials, application, texture, concepts of color, content, and craftsmanship. You will learn how to build and stretch canvases, mix and apply color through a variety of techniques, and discuss the visual information in your paintings in several in-class critiques. We will discuss the application of paint and color, 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 technical processes and conceptual concerns of working with ceramic material. Various methods of forming functional and expressive works out of clay are explored. Methods used include hand building and throwing, basic clay bodies, slip and glaze, and atmospheric firing.

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Terminology, concepts, historical and technical information will be presented. Techniques will include the hand building techniques of pinch, coil, slab and molding. Wheel projects will include cylinders, bowls and mugs. Individual creative development is encouraged. There will be both self-selected and assigned projects.

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 introduces the principles of Raku firing, post firing, and alternative firing techniques and the process of making simple Raku glazes. 

Raku was originally developed in 16th century Japan and adopted for making tea bowls for the tea ceremony. The technique is now being used as a method to achieve unique results for both pottery and ceramic sculpture. 

We will be using hand building methods including pinch, coil and slab construction as well as wheel throwing. The class will include developing raku glazes as well as learning the effect of different combustibles on the molten glaze. Special raku firing techniques including iron chloride fuming, halo stain, alcohol reduction, slip resist and Obvara will be introduced.

Sculpture I introduces the student to a working knowledge of the medium and techniques used in the creation of ceramic sculpture; along with the historic, conceptual, and aesthetic foundations of the sculptural process. Projects will include bas-relief, plaster mold, organic, geometric, bust, figure and mixed media. Each session will include a presentation/demonstration with both historical and contemporary examples. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 7 finished sculptures.

Sculpture I introduces the student to a variety of mediums and techniques used in the production of sculpture; along with the historic, conceptual, and aesthetic foundations of the sculptural process. 

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This course presents concepts central to traditional and contemporary sculpture. Students will create three-dimensional works of art in a variety of materials, including but not limited to wood, clay, cardboard, paper, and found objects. Concepts to be addressed include activation of space, scale, realism, positive/negative space, exaggeration/abstraction, multiples, installation based works, wearable art, and object and video. Some projects are directly guided and others will encourage students to work in materials of their choice and their own modes of expression. Students are expected to engage in a drawing practice during the course of this class; studies, maquettes, and/or research will be required for each project. Discussions, readings, writings, slide lectures, and/or videos on relevant artists and periods in art history will be assigned and/or presented throughout the semester in conjunction with each project.

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.

Monotype explores the addition and subtraction methods of monotype printmaking to produce exciting images. Monotype is an old method that has received new attention in today's society. Students explore its relationship to other contemporary forms of art and develop a personal direction in their work. 

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This is an intermediate level course in printmaking with emphasis on the monotype (and monoprint) processes. Students will explore the varied possibilities of the monotype medium while also developing safe and non-toxic printmaking procedures. Additive and subtractive methods, as well as oil inks, crayon, and pencils, will be used. Technical and aesthetic considerations will be addressed in one-on-one instruction and group critiques. Students will understand the working properties of inks, ink modifiers and solvents used in printmaking. The course is finalized with a portfolio of monotype prints.

This foundation course introduces and explores the visual arts, providing a broad awareness of the significance of the visual arts at 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. Building on a broad knowledge base, students practice the skill of formal analysis in order to expand an art appreciation and grow a personal aesthetic. 

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, email, and phone by the HELP support staff of UNM. Pacing may be accelerated for early completion.

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 the 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.

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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 for busy students. Support with the technology of the course is provided on campus, email, and phone by the HELP support staff of UNM. Pacing may be accelerated for early completion.

This survey course will explore the architecture, sculpture, ceramics, paintings, drawings, and glass objects from the 14th century to the modern era. 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. 

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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 2120 provides an excellent learning experience and offers flexibility for busy students. Support with the technology of the course is provided on campus, email, and phone by the HELP support staff of UNM. Pacing may be accelerated for early completion.

Modern Art is an overview of European and American art and architecture during the Modern era. Students will analyze the various movements in art as they relate to the historical settings in which the works were created. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship of artworks to political, social, spiritual, intellectual and cultural movements as they affected and were affected by their creation and development. 

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Taught online and at the Harwood Museum of Art in the Historic District of Taos, this course utilizes the museum's collection and local gallery district to enhance the student experience of learning art history.