Our Mission
Contemporary artists use their talent, imagination, and skill to create works of art that add beauty and richness to the world. They produce work for a vast global network of museums, commercial art galleries, publicly funded arts organizations, and artist-run spaces. Taught by a faculty of active professional artists, students in Fine Arts delve into each of the core disciplines—Painting, Sculpture/New Genres, and Photography—before selecting an area of emphasis.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Students in the Fine Arts Department will:
- Formulate questions and ideas clearly and precisely based on relevant information and research and to come to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions. Students will develop the ability to think open-mindedly with the ability to consider alternative systems of thought that challenge received notions and social cultural bias.
- Effectively express abstract concepts in concrete form.
- Skillfully create artistic form using techniques and methods appropriate to the intended result.
- Consider the role of art making in the larger social context.
- Understand that the meaning of a work of art is conditioned by the manner in which it is exhibited or otherwise presented and distributed. They will have the ability to consider methods of presentation and distribution in innovative ways that respond to, and potentially influence, existing conditions in the field.
- Have an awareness of current professional standards in their chosen media and in the larger field of contemporary art as well as the ability to effectively meet those standards.
Degree Requirements
All programs’ curricula are developed in response to Program Learning Outcomes, which signify what students learn within a degree program or emphasis area. All program learning outcomes respond to overarching Institutional Learning Outcomes. View the BFA in Fine Arts: Emphasis in Painting program learning outcomes here or request information.
Course Title
Course Number
Credits
Fall Semester
Form and Figure
FNDT 100
3.00
Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive study in drawing from observation. Students begin by lear ning to draw a simple geometrical form, progressing to rendering objects within a compositional setting and drawing the entire human figure based on an investigation of its anatomical structur es. Students will develop an awar eness of the playful, rhythmic relationships between various components of a compositional sett ing and the human form, constructing drawings which reflect their unique vision. Drawing techniques such as perspective and isometric projection facilitate successful form generation. Skills of r elational measurement, compositional organization, and the accurate placement of form in space, will infor m all drawing activities such as drawing objects, figures, and environments, which will enhance students’ per ceptual abilities.
Color and Design
FNDT 101
3.00
Course Description: Students will create innovative and impactful designs by lear ning and applying essential elements including, line, shape, color, texture, space, balance, contrast, and rhythm. Utilizing digital and analog tools, students will engage in diverse design challenges, enhancing their pr oblem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as de veloping their visual literacy and communication abilities. Thr ough this course, students will lear n fundamental concepts relevant to today’s creative industries, laying a solid foundation for further explor ations.
Contemporary Studio and Creative Action
CAIL 102
3.00
Course Description: Students explore the built environment, analyzing its physical, spatial, and temporal elements. This course introduces students to art and design fundamentals, including scale, material, measurement, context, and function. They will explore innovative and sustainable solutions using fabrication, techn ology, studio labs, and joint activities with other classes. This course includes the Creative Action & Integrated Learning (CAIL) component, which encourages engagement with the city of Los Angeles. Students will participate in site visits, lectures, and relevant readings that highlight cultural, social, political, ecological, or economic aspects of responsive design. Throughout the course, students will also develop pr ofessionalism and collaboration skills.
Visual Culture 1 Gateways to Art and Culture
AHCS 122
3.00
Course Description: This introduction to visual culture will address the history of visual communication and the changes that visual culture has undergone up until the 19th century across geographical boundaries, while providing students with the tools to understand the visual culture of the present. The class will address formal analysis, the study and history of materials, techniques, and genres. Students will also learn the semiotic language of visual culture and the socio-cultural contexts framing the history of art, both in the past and present. This course will help students understand how visual objects reflect the cultural context in which they were originally produced and consumed, and how the meaning assigned to them changes over time. This will create bridges for the students to connect to the present visual culture while understanding that images are fluid signs which help create and maintain cultural, social, and political discourses.
Writing as Discovery: Thought Lab 1
ENGL 108
3.00
Course Description: How does the world influence you, and how do you influence the world? In this class, you will discover narratives and other texts that reveal the complexity of your identity. You will apply that understanding to a broader exploration of the necessity of empathy in navigating difference in today’s global society. You will be invited to turn your curiosity into a research question about a topic that captures your interest. By the end of the semester, you will have completed a personal narrative, learned how to critically analyze diverse texts, and developed research techniques that will be valuable during your academic career and beyond. You will continue to hone these skills in a specialized Thought Lab 2 course of your choosing during your second semester. A minimum grade of "C-" is required to pass this course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENGL090 or placement through the Writing Placement Assessment.
Spring Semester
Choose 6 Credits in Expanded Studio
6.00
FNDT 103
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: These drawing courses are designed to support students in preparation for their chosen majors. Students will experiment with various materials and mediums while exploring a broad spectrum of approaches to drawing as an active form of thinking, seeing, and understanding. See the schedule of classes for course offerings and course descriptions. Students must complete 6 credits from the following course options: FNDT103,FNDT104 and FNDT105. Students may take 2 courses with the same course number if the topics are different, for example FNDT103A and FNDT103B.
Expanded Studio Dimensional Studies
FNDT 104
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Dimensional Studies explores the tangible world, built environment, and object making. Courses are offered in a variety of mediums and investigate a range of topics including spatial analysis and thinking, material experimentation, form design, digital fabrication, hand skills, and building strategies while creating in 3 dimensional and 4-dimensional space. See the schedule of classes for course offerings and course descriptions. Students must complete 6 credits from the following course options: FNDT103,FNDT104 and FNDT105. Students may take 2 courses with the same course number if the topics are different, for example FNDT103A and FNDT103B.
Expanded Studio Transmedia
FNDT 105
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Transmedia explores strategies for visual communication. A range of cross-disciplinary studio courses investigate multi-model applications for conveying bold ideas through form. Courses invite innovative approaches to contemporary media, strengthening fluency in design principles and cultural literacy. See the schedule of classes for course offerings and course descriptions. Students must complete 6 credits from the following course options: FNDT103,FNDT104 and FNDT105. Students may take 2 courses with the same course number if the topics are different, for example FNDT103A and FNDT103B.
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Major Studio Elective
FNDT 150
3.00
Course Description: The Foundation Major elective is the introductory course in each major. Courses are numbered as ANIM101, GAME101, etc. The Foundation major elective will introduce students to a range of foundational principles in the major’s field. Students will develop a way of thinking and approaching work in the field and will have the opportunity to develop a self-reflective, creative practice. Social, cultural and/or environmental issues facing the field will also be addressed.
Visual Culture 2: Unpacking Art, Power, & Modernity
AHCS 123
3.00
Course Description: Planned as a continuation of Visual Culture 1, Visual Culture 2: Unpacking Art, Power & Modernity offers a transparent chronology to continue but deepen an investigation of art, design and world perspectives from roughly 1800 to 1960 -- years loosely associated with "modernisms." It explores Western and non-Western, dominant, and marginalized histories during this proposed 200-year time frame, broadening and reinforcing first-year students’ historical awareness, while de-centering dominant canons. Visual Culture 2 uses multi-cultural artifacts, readings, seminar-like discussions and experiential collaborations to explore and critically analyze key works and key themes like colonialism, structural racism, xenophobia, industrialization, technology, capitalism and consumerism from multiple perspectives. By the end of the semester, students should have the necessary critical tools to become empathic citizen-artists who can engage an equitable, trans-global, diasporic, technically creative and environmentally demanding present and future.
Thought Lab 2: Foundation Seminar: Media: Environments & Experiences
LIBS 115
3.00
Course Description: Where do your curiosities in the world lead you? How can you transform general interest in a subject into specific knowledge that can fuel a creative practice? Building on concepts from Thought Lab I, Thought Lab II will allow you to take a deep dive into a themed seminar of your choosing. Seminar themes may range from environmental and social justice to narrative to technology. These courses will invite you to explore a special topic through a variety of media to deepen your understanding of key events that have shaped its history. By the end of the semester, you will complete assignments which may include an exploratory essay or a research paper, and ultimately, a creative translation of course themes. Four Potential Themes: Narrative Story & Culture Technology: From Industrial Design to AI Media: Materials and Meaning Environmental + Social Justice
Fall Semester
Painting I
PNTG 204
3.00
Course Description: This is a hands-on investigation of technical and formal issues in painting (oil, acrylic, and mixed media), focusing on developing technical abilities in collaboration with concepts and exploration of different methods of achieving visual “dexterity.” Offered fall semester only
Choose ONE of the following courses from the dropdown
3.00
PHOT 204
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: This course introduces students to the technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of the medium of photography. Basic skills, including digital and analog (film) camera operation, the fundamentals of image exposure, black-and-white film processing, black-and-white and digital color printing, and basic presentation techniques, are covered in regular lab sessions. Group critiques, slide lectures, and field trips help students to develop a critical vocabulary. Offered fall semester only
Sculpture/New Genres I
SCNG 204
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: An introduction to the history and practice of sculpture and new genres (new art forms that use time and space). Students are introduced to technical and contemplative approaches to commanding space and material to produce meaningful objects, events, or places. Technical instruction covers introductory use of wood and metal shops (including digital 3D printer), adhesives and joinery, basic mold making and casting, as well as contemporary new genres forms such as performance and installation art. Offered in Fall semester only.
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Digital Media
FINA 217
3.00
Course Description: Digital Media is an introductory course in new media – exposing students to a wide range of digital art-making practices while providing the technical fundamentals that enable students to begin integrating digital methods in their respective practices. The course consists of lectures, demonstrations, and computer lab experience. Particular attention is placed on balancing technical skills with creative content and experimental approaches. We will explore the evolution of new media and the corresponding social and cultural impact. The core software is Adobe Premiere, InDesign and Photoshop.
Electives
Experimental Drawing Projects
DRWG 320
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Provides an opportunity for students to explore advanced techniques and ideas in drawing and explore many uses of drawing. It helps students develop their vision and awareness of the drawing media through independent projects and building a body of work. Offered in the Fall only.
Advanced Topics: Wilderness
FINA 406
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: This course allows the student access to a cohesive body of information connected with simultaneous components of subject and object making. A three- or six-hour seminar and/or studio explores the historical and contemporary models and contexts of artistic practice. See the schedule of classes for course offerings and course descriptions. Only certain courses will count for the Sustainability Minor. Please see the Interdisciplinary Studies Director.
Section Description: "This course begins as a seminar exploring aesthetic and political uses of the Western United States’ landscape as preparation for a five day trip across the Great Basin, ending amidst stalactites in a cave below Nevada. Some of the topics covered in the seminar section of the course will include: Kant’s Analytic of the Sublime, the Freudian Oceanic, Anton Ehrenzweig’s concept of dedifferentiation, Romanticism, the writings of Robert Smithson, the history of land art and earthworks, the role of landscape in narrative cinema in particular the Western and science fiction genres, distinctions between land and landscape and space and place, and an analysis of wilderness as an ideological construct. This class culminates in a road trip across the Basin and Range. Students will camp and cook each night, practice the skill of extended observation, as well as have fireside group discussions of the surroundings and the experience in light of texts. Travel Fee $400."
Adv. Topics: Embodied Expression, Movement, Creativity and Emotional Intelligence
FINA 406
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: This course allows the student access to a cohesive body of information connected with simultaneous components of subject and object making. A three- or six-hour seminar and/or studio explores the historical and contemporary models and contexts of artistic practice. See the schedule of classes for course offerings and course descriptions. Only certain courses will count for the Sustainability Minor. Please see the Interdisciplinary Studies Director.
Section Description: This course explores dance and movement as a medium for self-expression, creative discovery, and social-emotional learning. Designed for artists and designers, the course will introduce students to various movement practices that enhance body awareness, creativity, and emotional intelligence. By integrating physical practice with reflective discussions, students will explore how movement impacts artistic expression, collaboration and personal well-being
Time Based Media Projects
MEDA 320
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: This is an advanced course in the technical and aesthetic aspects of video, sound and performance. It will emphasize the creative issues involved in a time- based, expressive medium through the discussion of examples. Students will become familiar with current discourses in time based art and receive instruction in digital post-production procedures and advanced technology.
Photo Genres: Thinking LA
PHOT 335
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Genres courses provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety of topics within the context of photography, targeting specific conceptual, aesthetic, and material approaches in-depth, offering theoretical and vernacular driven investigation. Recent topics offered include Text and Image, Photography and Space, and Our Private Selves. Offered on a rotating basis. See schedule of classes for course offerings and course descriptions.
Section Description: In this class we will wonder about this brightly lighted, 4000 square mile tissue of enigmas and contradictions.Through field trips, literature, visual art and screenings of many films we will look at the portrayal of Los Angeles and the myths surrounding it. We will analyze it through issues such as ecology, race relations, power structures, urban planning and car culture. We will strive to understand the dreams and promises that the city offers reflected through its film industry, infrastructure and geography. Eventually, as appropriate for a city that is widely considered as a city of the future, will will try to imagine it’s potential prospects and where is it heading to. Throughout the course the students will be encouraged to find their own interests in the city, develop their own research, and create a body of work relating to it.
Photo Genres: Editorial
PHOT 335
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Genres courses provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety of topics within the context of photography, targeting specific conceptual, aesthetic, and material approaches in-depth, offering theoretical and vernacular driven investigation. Recent topics offered include Text and Image, Photography and Space, and Our Private Selves. Offered on a rotating basis. See schedule of classes for course offerings and course descriptions.
Section Description: In this course, students will gain an understanding of what it is like to work for a variety of contemporary publications. From straightforward, traditional portraiture to more conceptual stories, students will experience realistic, industry-related challenges gaining valuable knowledge of the field. While making work of their own, students will also closely examine both historical and contemporary work. In the interest of developing a professional practice, students will be encouraged to get to know their potential clients, establish connections with photo editors and art directors, shape ideas and concepts using art references, and create a clear production plan before a session. Formulating one's own visual style will be encouraged. Over the course of the semester, students will have various assignments that underscore the value of pre-production, thoughtful planning, and overall professionalism. Course work will also simulate the experience of meeting clients, fulfilling requests and executing their own clear, distinct vision. They will also develop their taste and personal portfolios, ultimately putting them in a strong position to strategically enter the field.
Course Fees
Fine Arts Lab Fee: $30
Painting Genres: Oil and Water
PNTG 306
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: The genres courses provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety of topics within the context of painting, targeting specific conceptual, aesthetic and material approaches in depth, offering theoretical and vernacular driven investigations. Recent topics offered: Real Art; Methods, Materials & Concepts of Color, Figure
Section Description: Oil and Water is a painting studio elective course in which students will learn advanced technical skills and materials specific to both oil paint and watercolor. Our class time will be entirely devoted to studio work. Following a short demonstration and introduction to the weekly materials, methods and approaches, students will be painting, and class time will be devoted to exploring the ideas demonstrated in class. A variety of traditional and contemporary painting materials and methods will be discussed and demonstrated. We will be making a variety of mediums and mixing and making our own paint. We will also be exploring different techniques for building surfaces and supports. At the end of the term students will have a professional command of oil and watercolor painting materials, methods and surfaces and they will be very well prepared to continue their explorations independently.
Painting and Printmaking
PNTG 306
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: The genres courses provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety of topics within the context of painting, targeting specific conceptual, aesthetic and material approaches in depth, offering theoretical and vernacular driven investigations. Recent topics offered: Real Art; Methods, Materials & Concepts of Color, Figure
Section Description: This painting course is designed to give students an introduction in printmaking techniques that we will be using to create mixed-media paintings. Our course will be structured around demonstrations, lectures, readings and discussions. By completing the assignments and participating in critique, students will have a strong foundation and technical ability in printmaking and the use of the Printmaking lab, as well as a contextual understanding of contemporary issues in painting. We will be splitting our time between the painting studio and the printmaking lab.
Ceramics
SCNG 236
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: This sculpture elective will teach fundamental skills of working with clay. You will learn the foundational skills of wheel throwing and hand building: centering and forming shapes on the wheel, wedging, pinching, coiling, soft and hard slab construction, building and assembling in parts, using a banding wheel, and various ways to manipulate the surface of the clay, such as carving, stamping, printing, drawing, painting, and glazing. You will learn how kilns work and various ways to fire the clay, with an introduction to how different glazes and clays react to different firing techniques. Exposure to the historical use and international variety of techniques in ceramics will be integrated into the contemporary context. This is an introductory course; no experience is necessary.
SCNG Advanced Topics:Miniature Worlds and Surreal Screens
SCNG 309
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Advanced Sculpture Workshop supports Sculpture majors with more in-depth instruction in particular techniques and technologies in use in contemporary art. In addition to more traditional technologies like woodworking, metal working, bronze casting, glass blowing, and fiber arts; contemporary practices also include digital technologies like Virtual Reality, computer-aided 3-D prototyping and C-N-C milling. Some sections include a fee of up to $250. See the schedule of classes for course offerings and course descriptions.
Section Description: This course explores the intersection of installation, performance, and digital media through experimental world-building and experimental video compositing. Students will begin by crafting miniature sets—sculptural installations that play with materials, lighting, and scale—before integrating their own bodies or performers into these environments using green screen technology and other intuitive digital tools. Layering live action, puppetry, found footage, animation, and AI-generated imagery, they will construct surreal, multi-dimensional video worlds that blur the line between the real and the imagined. Drawing from historical and contemporary practices in installation, stage design, performance, and experimental film, the course emphasizes hybrid storytelling, pushing students to manipulate presence, narrative, and visual relationships through playful, open-ended experimentation. Projects will culminate in dynamic multimedia works that merge tactile and digital elements into evocative, otherworldly compositions.
Painting I
PNTG 204
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: This is a hands-on investigation of technical and formal issues in painting (oil, acrylic, and mixed media), focusing on developing technical abilities in collaboration with concepts and exploration of different methods of achieving visual “dexterity.” Offered fall semester only
Photography I
PHOT 204
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: This course introduces students to the technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of the medium of photography. Basic skills, including digital and analog (film) camera operation, the fundamentals of image exposure, black-and-white film processing, black-and-white and digital color printing, and basic presentation techniques, are covered in regular lab sessions. Group critiques, slide lectures, and field trips help students to develop a critical vocabulary. Offered fall semester only
Sculpture/New Genres I
SCNG 204
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: An introduction to the history and practice of sculpture and new genres (new art forms that use time and space). Students are introduced to technical and contemplative approaches to commanding space and material to produce meaningful objects, events, or places. Technical instruction covers introductory use of wood and metal shops (including digital 3D printer), adhesives and joinery, basic mold making and casting, as well as contemporary new genres forms such as performance and installation art. Offered in Fall semester only.
Out on the Town
FINA 499
Credits: 3.00
Course Description:
Section Description: This course is structured around field trips and designed to acquaint students with the artwork currently being exhibited in Los Angeles at a variety of exhibition spaces throughout the city. We will consider the exhibitions we visit in terms of the conceptual intent of the artists, the programing of the venue, and the installation and curatorial decisions of each institution. The class will meet on Fridays from noon-5PM, mostly every other week, eight times during the semester. Meeting dates will be listed in the class syllabus.