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Foundations 

The foundations area is comprised of 2-D Design, 3-D Design, Drawing 1 and Drawing 2. The focus of our design classes gives students the opportunity to explore time honored principles of art and design which become the underpinning of well structured design throughout their careers. Students are given the opportunity to learn how to see, analyze and communicate their ideas through the drawing curriculum.

Foundations introduces the beginning student to the language and world of art and design. It is in the foundation classes that the student learns the basic truths which provide guides for success in all areas of art and design. The basic elements are set forth and the student is provided the time and studio space to explore her or his own way of utilizing and organizing these elements.

Foundations works to develop a broader consideration of subject matter and an understanding of the role of concept in art and design. Development of ideas, approaches to problem solving and an introduction to creative thinking are important aspects of the foundations curriculum.

Foundation courses provide the underlying structure which supports all those years ahead of art and design making. Foundations function to level the playing field for all students, giving them the necessary technical and conceptual skills to compete with confidence as they move through their undergraduate experience.

Course Listing

ARTSTDIO 102 2-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN 3 credits
A problem and theory approach to the underlying structure of visual form using a variety of techniques, tools and materials are used to examine the basic elements, principles and concepts of visual organization available in designing for the flat surface.
ARTSTDIO 103 3-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN 3 credits
A problem and theory approach to the underlying structure of three-dimensional form using a variety of techniques, tools and materials to investigate the basic elements, principles and concepts of three-dimensional design.
ARTSTDIO 201 DRAWING I 3 credits
An introduction to the basic concepts in drawing. This course provides a systematic exploration of the drawing methods with and emphasis on traditional approaches to line, form, composition, perspective & chiaroscuro

Ceramics (click for ceramics studio information)

The UW-W Ceramics program is fully committed in offering students at all levels a progressive environment in which to learn the technical and conceptual applications inherent in the fabrication of ceramic arts. The physical space and equipment allows for investigation and technical exploration in the areas of electric, gas, salt , soda, raku and saggar firing methods. Two and three-dimensional design concepts and aesthetic concerns are highlighted as related to the whole of ceramics and art. Examples of ceramics, from the historical to the contemporary, are infused into the curriculum through various means such as slide presentations, examples in the round and biannual workshops and lectures from nationally and internationally known artists working with clay. The studio philosophy prides itself in being non-dogmatic in it's approach to constructing ceramic objects. Beginning students are introduced to both vessel and sculptural applications through fundamental hand-building and potter's wheel techniques. Intermediate students learn basic clay and glaze formulation principles while honing and building upon previously learned skills. Advanced students explore specific applications of ceramic processes such as mold-making, advanced clay and glaze formulation, kiln construction and firing techniques while being encouraged to develop a personal visual language through ceramic form.

Course Listing

ARTSTDIO 251 CERAMICS I 3 credits
A course designed to give the student the opportunity to explore handbuilding in slab, coil and other techniques; wheel throwing will be introduced as a basic means of pottery development. Work with a variety of glazing techniques will be stressed.
ARTSTDIO 352 CERAMICS II 3 cr
A continuation of ARTSTDIO 251 with emphasis on individual direction to develop a deeper understanding of art and art processes. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 251.
ARTSTDIO 353 CERAMICS III 3 credits
Arranged for the student as indicated by the student's own interest and abilities. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 352.
ARTSTDIO 454/654 CERAMICS IV 3 credits
Advanced studio experience in ceramics. Prereq: 9 credits in ceramics or consent of instructor.
ARTSTDIO 455/655 CERAMICS V: RESEARCH 3 credits
A highly specialized course offering directed studio research in a specific creative problem related to ceramics. Prereq: 9 credits in ceramics or consent of instructor.
ARTSTDIO 456/656 TECHNICAL STUDY IN CERAMICS 3 credits
Exploration of technical concerns within ceramics. Emphasis on clay composition and analysis, glaze calculation and formulation, study of ceramic minerals, kiln design, construction and operation. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 352.

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Drawing 

The Drawing area is central to the core foundations curriculum. It engages students in a vital process fundamental to multiple studio disciplines and serves as a point of departure for advanced research in traditional and contemporary drawing methods. The goals of the drawing classes are to introduce students to the technical and conceptual skills involved in drawing as a studio art discipline. Through guided studio exercises, assignments and individual and group critiques, students develop their artistic vision, technical abilities, and visual art vocabulary. Individual curricular objectives are realized through the essential processes of invention and discovery.

The Drawing area is comprised of four courses: Drawing I, II, III: The Figure, and Advanced Drawing. The beginning level courses, Drawing I and Drawing II, serve as an introduction to contemporary and traditional studio art practices in drawing. Both courses emphasize conceptual and technical skill-building through: guided exercises in direct observation, instruction in the use of assorted black and white and color media, experimentation in material, ground, style and format, and diverse problem-solving exercises. Field trips, visiting artists and illustrated presentations on historic and contemporary approaches to drawing provide context for student research.

Drawing II: Figure Drawing, serves as an intermediate level drawing course and both reinforces concepts introduced within Drawing I and II and provides an introduction to handling the figure in traditional and alternative formats. Emphasis is placed on the development of familiarity with surface anatomy and representational and expressive interpretations of the figure. Slide presentations and field trips to regional museums and galleries supplement the studio research and develop an appreciation of the varied historic and contemporary approaches to the representation of the figure in art.

Drawing IV: Advanced Drawing provides opportunities for students to engage in self-directed research, and includes class discussions of relevant readings in contemporary theory and studio art practices. In addition to performing studio research, students write artist statements, learn how to shoot professional quality slides of their work and present a public lecture on their work and influences. Additional advanced coursework and studio research in drawing is available through directed independent study.

Course Listing

ARTSTDIO 201 DRAWING I GA 3 credits
An introduction to the basic concepts in drawing. This course provides a systematic exploration of the drawing methods with and emphasis on traditional approaches to line, form, composition, perspective & chiaroscuro
ARTSTDIO 202 DRAWING II 3 credits
This course develops concepts & skills introduced in Drawing I. Color, alternative materials & variable formats will be explored in problem-solving format. Emphasis placed on strengthening content & design relationships. 2-D design experience recommended. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 201.
ARTSTDIO 303 DRAWING III: THE FIGURE 3 credits
The drawing of the human figure from life with an emphasis on the development of the sound technical skill and individual creative approach. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 202.
ARTSTDIO 408/608 ADVANCED DRAWING 3 credits
A studio course which provides the opportunity for students to pursue directed intermediate and advanced research in drawing. Emphasis placed on the development of personal direction in terms of content, choice and handling of media. Repeatable in increments of 3 credits per term for a maximum of 12 credits. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 303.

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Metals

The overall goal of the metals area is to introduce students to the medium and history of metalsmithing. To provide an environment that demands the growth of independent creative thought, the development of each person’s visual vocabulary, the freedom of expression through mastery of material, a critical eye, the ability to problem solve and the capacity to acquire the language and discipline of a metalsmith.

Course Listing

ARTSTDIO 271 METAL AND JEWELRY I GA 3 credits
Exploration into creating jewelry and small sculpture from brass, copper, bronze, and silver. This course is designed for both art majors and non-art majors.
ARTSTDIO 272 METAL AND JEWELRY II 3 cr
Continued exploration into the creation of jewelry and small sculpture from metal. Emphasis is on conceptual and technical achievement. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 271.
ARTSTDIO 373 METAL AND JEWELRY III 3 credits
This course emphasizes more complex construction and statements in the creation of jewelry and small sculpture from metal. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 272.
ARTSTDIO 474/674 METAL AND JEWELRY IV 3 credits
An advanced course emphasizing design and creation of objects, both wearable and sculptural. Sophisticated technical skills will be explored with and emphasis on contemporary concepts. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 373.
ARTSTDIO 475/675 METAL AND JEWELRY V: RESEARCH 3 credits
A highly specialized course offering directed research in a specific creative problem related to metals and jewelry. Assignments will be made that further students conceptual direction. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 474.
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Painting


The UW-W Painting program introduces students new to the medium to the aesthetics and techniques of painting and encourages the more prepared or advanced student to pursue individual and unique directions. The Painting Program reflects the overall link between tradition and the contemporary as can be discovered across the UW-W Art Program. The Painting Studio occupies a spacious and accessible north light studio with professional easels and fabrication equipment. Beginning with Painting I, students in the program are able to partake of as many as five courses in Painting with additional opportunities available for advanced independent study. In the introductory Painting I course, students are presented with color theory along side practical and achievable methods of application in order to develop their proficiency with paint and color. They are taught how to advance their artisan skill in painting as well as the conceptual processes particular to the medium and encouraged to apply their knowledge to a variety of disciplines beyond the painting studio. Paintings produced in Painting I range from neo-traditional grisaille panels and alla prima canvases to non-traditional processes and materials. The advanced painting courses are designed to introduce the student to the more complex technical and conceptual processes of oil and water-base mediums. It seeks to engage them in the development of their own individual aesthetic vision and encourages them to apply the trained eye of the painter to the broader spectrum of aesthetic practice. 

Course Listing

ARTSTDIO 321 PAINTING I 3 credits
An introduction to painting as an art form. This study is grounded in the disciplines associated with the techniques, and aesthetics of painting based in water based media. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 102 and ARTSTDIO 201 or ARTSTDIO 202 or cons instr.
ARTSTDIO 324/524 WATERCOLOR 3 credits
A studio course where exercises and experimentation with transparent watercolor pigments and techniques will be combined with art principles to form aesthetic creations in watercolor. Prereq: 6 credits from ARTSTDIO 102, ARTSTDIO 201, ARTSTDIO 202 or cons instr.
ARTSTDIO 426/626 ADVANCED PAINTING 3 credits
A studio course which provides the opportunity for students to pursue directed intermediate and advanced research in the techniques and aesthetics of painting. Traditional oil and water based media will be introduced. Advanced students will be encouraged to explore a medium of choice. Repeatable in increments of 3 credits per term for a maximum of 12 credits. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 321.

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Photography

TEMPORARILY UNDER CONSTRUCTION - INFORMATION TO COME

Course Listing

ARTSTDIO 311 PHOTOGRAPHY: EXPRESSION AND EXPERIMENTATION 3 credits
Lectures, demonstrations, and darkroom work sessions constitute a basic introduction to photographic tools, techniques, and expression. Media: black and white prints.

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Printmaking 

TEMPORARILY UNDER CONSTRUCTION - INFORMATION TO COME

Course Listing

ARTSTDIO 331 PRINTMAKING I: INTAGLIO 3 credits
An introduction to the techniques and aesthetics of printmaking. This study is grounded in the disciplines associated with the techniques of intaglio. Specifically, this includes drypoint, aquatint, and etching. In addition, alternative processes are demonstrated and applied in the study of monoprinting. Prereq: 6 credits from ARTSTDIO 102, ARTSTDIO 201, ARTSTDIO 202, or cons instr. Fullfills printmaking requirement.
ARTSTDIO 332 PRINTMAKING I: RELIEF 3 credits
Exploration of printmaking as an art form with emphasis on relief printing techniques, including single, multiple block and reduction wood-cuts and non-traditional blocks, color printing, image making and editioning. Prereq: 6 credits from ARTSTDIO 102, ARTSTDIO 201, ARTSTDIO 202 or cons instr. Fulfills printmaking requirement.
ARTSTDIO 333 PRINTMAKING I: SCREENPRINTING 3 credits
The course presents the basic materials and methods of screenprinting techniques, including ink mixing, stencil developing, image making, and editioning. This course fulfills the basic printmaking requirement. Prereq: 6 credits from ARTSTDIO 102, ARTSTDIO 201, ARTSTDIO 202 or cons instr.
ARTSTDIO 434/634 THE ART OF THE BOOK 3 credits
This course will focus on the creation of hand made fine art books through the combination of applied research in traditional and non-traditional printmaking techniques and bookbinding. Graduate students will be expected to research an historical binding and create models for presentation to the class. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 201, ARTSTDIO 102, or consent of instructor. Fullfills printmaking requirement.

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Sculpture 

The main focus of the UW-Whitewater Sculpture Department is to introduce students to techniques, processes, a variety of media and aesthetic thinking associated with contemporary sculpture. The sculpture area promotes individualism and self-sufficiency. Students have the opportunity to take five levels with in the area. Beginning sculpture students focus on two main areas- safe shop practices and applying their three dimensional foundation skills in regards to creating individualized compositions. All advanced classes are designed to allow the students to aesthetically and technically develop towards their maximum potential. Once a student completes the program they should have all the necessary skills to survive as a prolific sculptor. These students are more than ready for post graduation.

Course Listing

ARTSTDIO 341 SCULPTURE I 3 credits
An introduction to the disciplines associated with the techniques, media and aesthetics of sculpture. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 103.
ARTSTDIO 342 SCULPTURE II 3 credits
A continuation of ARTSTDIO 341 with emphasis on individual direction. The intent is to develop a deeper meaning of art and art processes. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 341.
ARTSTDIO 343 SCULPTURE III 3 credits
Arranged for the student as indicated by the student's own interest and abilities. The student is encouraged to work toward a high degree of competency and enlightenment. Prereq: ARTSTDIO 342.
ARTSTDIO 444/644 SCULPTURE IV 3 credits
Advanced studio experience in sculpture. Prereq: 9 credits in sculpture.
ARTSTDIO 445/645 SCULPTURE V: RESEARCH 3 credits
A highly specialized course offering directed studio research in a specific problem related to sculpture. Prereq: 9 credits in sculpture.

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Internships and Independent Study 

TEMPORARILY UNDER CONSTRUCTION - INFORMATION TO COME

Course Listing

ARTSTDIO 490/690 ART WORKSHOP 1-3 credits
Repeatable. Prereq: Permission of the Workshop Director.
ARTSTDIO 491 TRAVEL STUDY 1-3 credits
Repeatable
ARTSTDIO 492 FIELD INTERNSHIP IN ART 1-3 credits
Internship involving professional experience under the supervision of selected business and/or institutional personnel within student's area of emphasis. Departmental approval required for application. May be retaken to maximum of 6 credits in degree and major. Prereq: 9 credits and 3.00 GPA in area of emphasis and consent and placement by the Department and 2nd term Junior Standing.
ARTSTDIO 496/696 SPECIAL STUDIES 3-4 credits
Repeatable. Prereq: Consent of instructor.
ARTSTDIO 498 INDEPENDENT STUDIES 1-6 credits
Repeatable for a maximum of six credits in major/degree. Prereq: Cons instr.