Visual Arts

College of Fine Arts

• Drawing and the Figure

  CFA AR 136
  

  An introduction to the practice of representational and non-representational drawing with the human figure. Focuses on establishing basic formal skills concerning rendering the human form onto the two-dimensional page, and conceptually contextualizing figuration in the history of art. Through working from life and from art historical transcription, students investigate composition, gesture, form, and mark-making in wet, dry and mixed media. Students study work including, but not limited to, the Renaissance masters, the French Academy, Modernist masters, and practitioners of Contemporary figuration. Students employ traditional silver tip drawing techniques, ink, graphite and collage. This course is appropriate for both beginners and more advanced students. 4 cr.

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• Foundation Painting

  CFA AR 141
  

  A studio course that emphasizes two-dimensional composition and direct painting in oil. Exercises in representing still life, interior, and portrait introduce basic principles of drawing, composition, and color interaction. Exercises in color mixing, preparing supports, and caring for tools and equipment introduce technical and craft considerations. Individual and group critiques, presentations, and occasional assigned readings complement regular studio class meetings. 4 cr.

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• PHOTOGRAPHY 1

  CFA AR 243
  

  Students learn to properly expose, develop, and print black and white 35mm film. Lectures introduce historical and contemporary photographic practices. Students have weekly assignments and should be prepared to develop their own ideas. The integration of historical, conceptual, and technical skills broadens experience with the medium and allows students to gain an appreciation for photography as a fine art. In this course, students gain skills and experience not only in making photographs, but also in the analysis and critique of photographic imagery. No previous experience is required, but access to a 35mm camera with manual exposure capability is necessary. Some material costs are expected. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr.

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• Digital Photography

  CFA AR 515
  

  Provides a basic technical and conceptual understanding of the medium of photography. Students learn the basics of RAW image capture using a 35mm DSLR camera, non-destructive image file management, input and output resolution management, establishment of a digital workflow, adjustment and editing in Adobe Photoshop, and high-end archival inkjet printing. Lectures also introduce historical and contemporary photographic practices. Students have weekly photographing and printing assignments, and should be prepared to develop their own ideas. Access to a digital SLR camera is necessary. Some material costs are expected. Effective Fall 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Creativity/Innovation, Critical Thinking. 4 cr.

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