Studio Art

Studio Art is the study of communicating concepts and ideas visually. The Studio Art program offers a wide range of courses in studio art and design, including two and three-dimensional foundation courses, studio courses in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and digital art. The Studio Art program offers an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) degree in Studio Art, and courses are included in the Certificate of Achievement in Photography, and the AA-T in Art History. It is the goal of the Studio Art program to:

  • Help students develop their artistic and intellectual potential to the highest possible level, so that majors and non-majors alike develop skill in creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication through visual and verbal forms.
  • Provide a broad foundation of knowledge in the history, and practice of art for students wishing to pursue degree, certificate, transfer, and vocational areas.
  • Promote community awareness of the relationship between art and the history of human values, cultural diversity, and the liberal arts tradition.
  • Promote the development of discipline-specific skills appropriate to the training of those who wish to teach, those who will pursue advance studies or professional employment, and those who will use their artistic training in community settings and other cultural service areas.

Careers in art include but are not limited to studio artist, art educator, art consultant, art therapist, conservator, art historian, photographer, designer, illustrator, animator, museum, and gallery employment in curatorial, administrative, educational, registration, installation, and conservation departments. Transfer requirements at four-year colleges and universities vary, so students should consult with a counselor and faculty advisor for specific information regarding the transfer process and lower division requirements.

Advisor:

Emily Maddigan
Studio Arts (3-D)
emaddigan@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.862.1365

Associate Degrees for Transfer (AD-T)

Certificates of Achievement

  • Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate of Achievement in Drawing
  • Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate of Achievement in Painting
  • Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate of Achievement in Printmaking
  • Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate of Achievement in Ceramics
  • Photography Certificate of Achievement

Limitation on Enrollment by Courses Related in Content

Many Art courses have enrollment limitations. Active participatory courses that share a similar educational objective in Art are grouped together as a “family” of courses related in content. Students are allowed four enrollments within each “family”, but each course in the “family” is limited to one enrollment unless it has been designated as repeatable, per Title 5, Section 55040 (c), California Code of Regulations:

"The policies and procedures adopted by the governing board of each community college district pursuant to subdivision (a) may not permit student enrollment in active participatory courses, as defined in section 55000, in physical education/kinesiology, visual arts or performing arts that are related in content, more than four times for semester courses. This limitation applies even if a student receives a substandard grade or “W” during one or more of the enrollments in such a course or petitions for repetition due to extenuating circumstances as provided in section 55045."  The following groups of courses related in content were approved by the Curriculum Committee:

Course Code Title Units
Related in Content:
DESIGN & COLOR
Basic Design & Color
Three-Dimensional Design
Intermediate Design & Color
DIGITAL ART
ART 034Introduction to Digital Art & Media3
DRAWING
Beginning Drawing & Composition
Intermediate Drawing & Composition
Beginning Figure Drawing
Intermediate Figure Drawing
PAINTING
Introduction to Painting
Beginning Watercolor Painting
Intermediate Watercolor Painting
Beginning Acrylic Painting
Intermediate Acrylic Painting
PHOTOGRAPHY
ART 030A
Intermediate Photography
Digital Photography
Digital Photography
Commercial Photography
PRINTMAKING
Beginning Printmaking
Intermediate Printmaking
Beginning Screen Printing
Intermediate Screen Printing
SCULPTURE
Beginning Sculpture
Intermediate Sculpture
ART 008Fiber Art3
CERAMICS
ART 007Ceramics3
ART 007BIntermediate Ceramics3
Beginning Ceramic Sculpture
Intermediate Ceramic Sculpture
ART 308Wheel Throwing Workshop0
ART 309Raku Workshop0
ART 310Clay Hand-Building Workshop0

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Apply the principles, elements, and language of art/design by objectively critiquing their own work as well as work of their peers.
  • Develop individual and group aesthetic awareness.
  • Produce a complete portfolio or "body of work".
  • Analyze the variety of forms of expression and how those are used to communicate social, cultural, personal ideas, and concepts.

ART 001A  Beginning Drawing & Composition   Units: 3

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of drawing and composition. Through hands-on assignments, drawing techniques covered include traditional approaches of line application, charcoal shading and ink wash techniques. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on the use of basic visual elements and organizational principles of compositional structure. These techniques enable the student to communicate visual images as creative statements. (C-ID ARTS 110)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 001B  Intermediate Drawing & Composition   Units: 3

This is an intermediate course in the methods of drawing and composition with an emphasis on the use of color. Students build on beginning level skills through a continued study of traditional drawing approaches and are then introduced to intermediate drawing problems. An emphasis on experimental applications with color media and mixed media occurs. Focus is on the development of images that are created through the use of intermediate applications of technical processes, color theory use and compositional structure. (C-ID ARTS 205)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ART 001A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 003A  Basic Design & Color   Units: 3

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of two dimensional design. Through hands-on assignments, various traditional and contemporary design techniques are covered which include the use of pencil, paper and paint. Mixed media applications are introduced at the end of the course. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on the study and use of basic visual elements of line, shape, texture, space, time, color theory, conceptual development, and organizational principles of compositional structure. These techniques enable students to gain experience in organizing their thoughts in solving design problems and to communicate visual images as creative statements. (C-ID ARTS 100)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: C1                 IGETC: None

ART 004  Three-Dimensional Design   Units: 3

Introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to three-dimensional design and spatial composition, including the study of the elements and organizing principles of design as they apply to three-dimensional space and form. Development of a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lecture presentations and use of appropriate materials for non-representational three-dimensional studio projects. (C-ID ARTS 101)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 005A  Beginning Figure Drawing   Units: 3

Introduction to drawing the human figure from observation using a wide variety of drawing media and techniques. Topics include an introduction to human anatomy and the historical and contemporary roles of figure drawing in the visual arts. Students in this course will learn both descriptive and interpretive approaches to drawing the figure. This is a basic course in the study of the human figure from a model. Composition and expressive aspects of gesture, weight, and line on a beginning level are investigated through study of the human figure using pencil and charcoal exercises. C-ID: ARTS 200
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 005B  Intermediate Figure Drawing   Units: 3

This is an intermediate course in the study of the human figure from a model. Students continue exploration with black and white media and are then introduced to color applications. Students explore these variety of drawing materials and techniques on an intermediate level leading toward personal growth and style.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ART 005A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 006A  Intermediate Design & Color   Units: 3

This is an intermediate two-dimensional design course with an emphasis on the methods and applications of color theory. Students develop images that are created through the use of progressive applications of color within compositional structure. Topics include major historical and contemporary color systems, production of projects in applied color, and the elements of design as they apply to color. Multiple types of water-based media, the use of collage and mixed media applications are investigated. (C-ID ARTS 270)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ART 003A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 007  Ceramics   Units: 3

This course introduces the use of clay as an expressive medium on a global scale. The content includes: preparation of clay, hand building, wheel throwing, design,techniques and glaze application.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 001A
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 007B  Intermediate Ceramics   Units: 3

This is an intermediate course which expands students' knowledge and expertise in both hand building and throwing on the potter's wheel. Students explore intermediate glaze application, kiln loading and firing techniques.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ART 007
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 008  Fiber Art   Units: 3

Introduction to basic materials, methods and vocabulary used in fiber and textile media as well as the hands-on development of expressive visual ideas. Contemporary and historical development and cultural relevance of the fiber media is also explored.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 009A  Beginning Printmaking   Units: 3

Introduction to the basic materials, equipment, and processes of printmaking, including relief (i.e., linocut and woodcut), intaglio (i.e., drypoint and etching), monotype and stencil (i.e., screenprint). (C-ID ARTS 220)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 009B  Intermediate Printmaking   Units: 3

In this course students build on skills learned in the beginning printmaking course. Students create prints using intermediate level technical processes where the focus is on edition printing skills, work in series, and multiple color work. With faculty guidance, students develop personal imagery utilizing one or more of the intermediate level hand printmaking processes.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ART 009A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 011A  Beginning Sculpture   Units: 3

This is a basic course in the principles, theories and techniques of sculpture. Students explore three-dimensional forms with a variety of materials and techniques. Additive, subtractive and assemblage formats are explored.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 011B  Intermediate Sculpture   Units: 3

This is an intermediate course in the principles, theories, and techniques of additive, subtractive and mold making approaches in sculpture.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ART 011A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 014A  Beginning Screen Printing   Units: 3

This is an introductory course in screen printing. Basic silkscreen printing techniques are studied, including stencil formation, edition printing, and various substrate concerns. Class work focuses on attaining competence in direct screen printing processes. Emphasis is placed on composition theory, print quality, concept, and design throughout the course. These techniques enable the student to communicate visual images as creative print statements. Basic drawing skills are recommended.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ART 001A
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 014B  Intermediate Screen Printing   Units: 3

In this course students use a variety of intermediate screen printing techniques, materials, and equipment. Students further build competence in screen printing skills and aesthetics. With faculty guidance, students develop their individual expression and personal style.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ART 014A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 019  Introduction to Painting   Units: 3

This course is an introduction to the principles, elements and practices of painting. Focus is on the exploration of painting materials, paint mixing techniques, perceptual skills, color theory and compositional structure as applied to painting. Exploration of traditional and contemporary approaches and techniques applied to painting as well as creative responses to materials and subject matter are explored. This course also applies the basic development of painting as a means of self-expression. C-ID: ARTS 210
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 020A  Beginning Ceramic Sculpture   Units: 3

This course explores the basic techniques of the ceramic sculptural art form. Emphasis is on the understanding of the medium of clay, the appreciation of the basic ceramic sculpture modeling processes and glazing techniques. The students will also begin to explore their own personal expression in clay.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ART 007A
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 020B  Intermediate Ceramic Sculpture   Units: 3

Students study intermediate ceramic sculpture modeling techniques, decoration and embellishing techniques, glaze formulation and kiln loading and firing techniques.This course expands student knowledge and expertise in the technologies of the ceramic sculpture art form. With faculty guidance, students move toward development of a personal creative style.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ART 020A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 021A  Beginning Watercolor Painting   Units: 3

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of transparent watercolor painting. Through hands-on assignments, painting techniques covered include traditional applications of wash, wet-in-wet, direct painting and layering techniques. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on the use of basic visual elements, organizational principles of compositional structure, color theory and concept development. These techniques enable the student to communicate visual images as creative statements. Historical applications of watercolor techniques and different conceptual approaches to painting are studied. Basic drawing skills are recommended.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 021B  Intermediate Watercolor Painting   Units: 3

This is an intermediate course in the methods of transparent and opaque watercolor painting. Aspects acquired in Beginning Watercolor Painting are developed further through a continued building on the study of traditional watercolor painting approaches and which are then followed by intermediate approaches. Focus is on the development of images that are created through the use of intermediate of technical processes, color use and compositional structure.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ART 021A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 025A  Beginning Acrylic Painting   Units: 3

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of acrylic painting. Through hands-on assignments, painting techniques covered include traditional approaches of opaque, transparent, under and over painting, palette knife and wet-on-wet painting. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on the use of basic visual elements, organizational principles of compositional structure, color theory and concept development. These techniques enable the student to communicate visual images as creative statements. Historical applications of acrylic techniques and different conceptual approaches to painting are studied. Basic drawing skills are recommended.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 025B  Intermediate Acrylic Painting   Units: 3

This is an intermediate course in acrylic painting. It concentrates on the further development of traditional techniques with specific investigations of theoretical concepts and personal subjects and techniques. Focus is on the development of images that are created through the use of intermediate applications of technical processes, color use, gels, mediums and compositional structure.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ART 025A
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 026  Museum Studies   Units: 3

This course is an introduction to the history of museums, and to professional practices in museums and art galleries. Course provides overview of exhibition development, design, installation, and evaluation, along with study of exhibition interpretation and education practices, event management and marketing, visitor relations, collections management, conservation and archival practices, copyright and artists' rights, cultural diversity and repatriation of cultural artifacts, accreditation and professional standards, non-profit management, and fundraising and development.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ART 010
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 030B  Intermediate Photography   Units: 3

This intermediate level course expands upon traditional film processing, printing and introduces medium format camera and film. Students strengthen technical applications and further explore photography as a means of creative expression and communication. Intermediate archival printing techniques, alternative print processes, medium format film camera use, and studio lighting are covered. Print quality, concept, and composition are emphasized throughout the course in "wet" lab environments.
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: ART 030A or permission of instructor based on a portfolio presentation of student's previous work
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 031  Digital Photography   Units: 3

This course provides an introduction to the tools, materials and techniques of digital photography. Students learn to capture images using a digital camera to demonstrate and master basic standards in photographic technique. Topics include the use of digital interfaces, printers and file formats as well as the preparation of images for electronic display. A digital camera with manually adjustable f-stops and shutter speeds and a corresponding camera manual is required. (Equivalent to DDP 131.)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Courses Related in Content
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 034  Introduction to Digital Art & Media   Units: 3

This overview course is open to all students wanting to know more about the different areas of Digital Art and Media. Introduction to fundamental concepts, practices and theories of digital art and media. Topics include: integration of traditional design, color, and compositional principles with contemporary digital tools. Demonstrations of digital image capture, image manipulation, illustration, layout, animation, 3D, and emerging technologies will also be given. (Equivalent to DDP 100.) (C-ID ARTS 250)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 308  Wheel Throwing Workshop   Units: 0

Introduction to the basic steps and techniques of using the pottery wheel. This course will cover the beginning practices, of centering clay, throwing simple cylindrical forms, trimming, embellishing techniques and simple glaze application. This course is to practice techniques to assist you in the ART 007 Ceramics course. Material fee of $30 for basic pottery tool kit and clay.
Noncredit Hours: 16                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 309  Raku Workshop   Units: 0

An introductory course in ceramics focusing exclusively on the raku process. Projects will utilize a variety of forming methods including coil, slab, pinch, and wheel, which will be fired using the raku process.
Noncredit Hours: 16                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

ART 310  Clay Hand-Building Workshop   Units: 0

Introduction to the basic steps and techniques of hand-building functional and abstract forms with clay. This course will cover the beginning practices, pinch, coil and slab building techniques and simple glaze application. This course is to practice techniques to assist you in the ART 007 Ceramics course. Material fee of $30 for basic pottery tool kit and clay will be needed.
Noncredit Hours: 16                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None