Catalog 2024-2025

Art

Teaching Faculty

Professors Gill, Lopas, Miller, and Payne (chair)
Assistant Professor Huss

Description

Major in Studio Art

12 courses distributed as follows:

  • ARTS 160 Beginning 2D Studio Art
  • 3-course concentration in one of the following studio categories: Digital Fine Art, Drawing, Mixed-Media 3D, Painting, Photography, Printmaking.
  • 2-course concentration in studio courses different from the required 3-course concentration
  • ARTH 170 Western Art History Survey I
        or
    ARTH 171 Western Art History Survey II
  • ARTH 430 Practicum: Senior Seminar
  • ARTS 497 Practicum: Studio Art
  • 1 art history course beyond the survey level  
  • 2 electives in studio or art history
  • at least one 2-D studio art course beyond ARTS 160 Beginning 2D Studio Art
  • at least one 3-D studio art course

Note(s):

Senior art majors are expected to have their three-course concentration completed no later than the fall of their senior year so as to be properly prepared for their Capstone requirements. The Capstone takes place in the spring semester of the senior year.

Students are required to spend personal funds on supplies and materials for all studio classes. Hendrix supplies some materials that are used communally by the entire class.  

Courses listed in the Digital Fine Art concentration can also be used (double count) in other concentrations. However, the major does still require a total of at least 7 studio courses. 

 

    Senior Capstone Experience

    The Senior Capstone Experience for the studio art major consists of competently presenting a Hendrix College student art exhibition, group critiques, an oral presentation, and a professional portfolio.

    Minor in Studio Art

    6 courses distributed as follows:

    • 2 course concentration in one of the following studio categories: Digital Fine Art, Drawing, Mixed-Media 3D, Painting, Photography, Printmaking
    • 3 additional studio art courses
    • at least one of the additional studio art classes must be at the 300-level or higher
    • 1 course chosen from the following:
      • ANTH 250 Visual Anthropology
      • ARTH 170 Western Art History Survey I
      • ARTH 171 Western Art History Survey II
      • BUSI 262 Art Management
      • any ENGF course 200-level or above
      • FREN 310 French Cinema & Advanced Composition
      • PHIL 112 What is Beauty?
      • PHIL/ARTH 389 Aesthetics & Contemporary Art  

    Minor in Art History

    6 courses distributed as follows:

    • ARTS 160 Beginning 2D Studio Art
    • ARTH 170 Western Art History Survey I
    • ARTH 171 Western Art History Survey II
    • 1 art history course at the 300- or 400-level
    • 2 additional art history courses

    Program Course Listings

    The courses for this program are organized into the following categories:

    Art History Courses

    Some courses are offered alternate years.

    ARTH 170

    Western Art History Survey I

    Introduces concepts and visual imagery of Ancient, Classical, and Medieval cultures.

    Historical Perspectives HP
    ARTH 171

    Western Art History Survey II

    Introduces concepts and visual imagery from the Italian Renaissance through Postmodernism.

    Historical Perspectives HP
    ARTH 245

    History of Photography

    This course covers the history of photography, tracing its development from the 1830s in Europe to its current global prominence. Through readings, lectures, technical demonstrations, and creative projects, we analyze the medium’s social, scientific, aesthetic, and cultural impact. Students enhance their image analysis skills, examining the use of photographs in politics, advertising, and art. We explore the evolution of photographic technology and acquire specialized vocabulary. Students practice photography criticism and theory. Most coursework comprises creative projects in the photography studio and darkroom.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Historical Perspectives HP
    ARTH 290

    Special Topics: Art History

    A topics course in art history. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Check the online courses schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.

    Consent of Instructor.
    ARTH 331

    Italian Renaiss & Baroque Art Hist

    An exploration of the intellectual and artistic changes that occurred in Italy during the Renaissance. Students are guided to consider the Renaissance in its various manifestations, to grasp the larger ethical, theological, and artistic issues. Using this as background, the course also delves into the Baroque period, seeking understanding of the myriad changes and directions as shifts come to Italy but also France, England, and the Low Countries. Prerequisite: ARTH 170 and/or ARTH 171 are recommended

    ARTH 170 and/or ARTH 171 are recommended
    ARTH 332

    Art Hist: 19th Century Art

    This course centers around the developments in European art during the 19th century. Prerequisite: ARTH 170 and/or ARTH 171 are recommended

    ARTH 170 and/or ARTH 171 are recommended
    ARTH 340

    American Art History

    This course examines the changes in art, that is, the changes in how cultural values were reflected in the built environment (architecture) and the fine arts, over the course of American history from the founding to today. Students consider the merits of those changes in values and what effect they have for contemporary American art and culture. Prerequisite: ARTH 170 and/or ARTH 171 are recommended

    ARTH 170 and/or ARTH 171 are recommended
    Historical Perspectives HP
    ARTH 389

    Aesthetics & Contemporary Art

    An introduction to aesthetics as a theoretical discipline in its own right, a discipline concerned with the nature of representation and thus with beauty and art. The course focuses in particular on issues of aesthetics and visual representation; the relationship between visual arts, literature, and other art forms; the efficacy of aesthetic theory as a mode of reading and interpretation. The class explores these issues in relation to specific works of visual art, film, and literature. Cross-listed as PHIL 389.

    Literary Studies LS
    Values, Beliefs and Ethics VA
    Writing Level 2 W2
    ARTH 391

    History of Architecture

    Students study the history of buildings from Ancient Egypt to European Modernism of the 20th century and explore the values expressed through building. Prerequisite: ARTH 170 and/or ARTH 171 are recommended

    ARTH 170 and/or ARTH 171 are recommended
    Historical Perspectives HP
    ARTH 430

    Practicum: Senior Seminar

    Students in this course examine current theory, criticism, and practice relevant to understanding and creating art in the contemporary world. Prerequisite: ARTH 170 or ARTH 171, one upper-level art history class, senior standing or consent of instructor

    ARTH 170 or ARTH 171, one upper-level art history class, senior standing or consent of instructor
    ARTH 490

    Art History: Special Topics

    A topics course in art history. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Check the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

    Consent of instructor
    ARTH X98

    Internship

    Students interested in an internship in art history should contact the department chair.

    ARTH X99

    Independent Study

    Students interested in independent studies in art history should contact the department chair.

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    Digital Fine Art Courses

    The Digital Fine Art concentration take a multi-disciplinary approach to contemporary image making. It combines diverse computer-based methods with the traditional analog disciplines of ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. 

    If a student takes any three of the four listed courses, it will count as a concentration in Digital Fine Art.  

    ARTS 210

    Beginning Mixed-Media 3-D

    This course introduces students to the process of creating three-dimensional works digitally using simple CAD programs and 3D printers, as well as a variety of materials and building processes. The student is taught the basics of traditional foundry casting methods and an introduction to the history of sculpture. There are technical demonstrations, group critiques, and written assignments.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 220

    Beginning Printmaking

    An introduction to the fine art and craft of printmaking, the original "graphic design," this course introduces basic printmaking techniques including digital, relief, and monotype. Students use experimental methods to transfer their original designs to paper in the form of a print. The course includes an emphasis on the elements of design, craftsmanship, development of ideas, critical reflection, and research of historical and contemporary printmaking.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 241

    Interm Drawing - Working Digitally

    Artists have drawn since cave dwellers used charcoal to mark on the wall. Modern touchscreen technology enables a similarly direct drawing method. Each student uses a class-provided iPad or may use their own tablet. Classes visit diverse locations to draw figure, still lives, landscapes, and interiors. Lines, tones, colors, and layers are used to create complete perceptually based compositions. Artworks are projected and printed. Videos of the creative process are produced. Simple animation is explored. This course counts as one course in the drawing sequence. Prerequisite: ARTS 160

    ARTS 160
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 250

    Beginning Photography

    In this introductory photography course, students learn the skills of black and white film photography including how to successfully use a manual film camera, process black and white film, and produce gelatin silver prints. Digital scanning, editing, and archiving of film is also taught. In addition to these technical skills, students are introduced to the critical history of photography and the various formal and social issues that relate to photography as a visual art form. Group and individual critiques facilitate an understanding of photographic analysis and criticism.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
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    Drawing Courses

    The drawing concentration courses are stacked, meaning the 2xx and 3xx classes are held at the same time. Students may include either variations of drawing courses, as long as there is a numerical sequence, for major and minor requirements.

    Students should note that many studio courses are offered alternate years.

    ARTS 160

    Beginning 2D Studio Art

    An introductory course in Studio Art designed for students with little or no drawing skills that explores a range of media and methods. This may include charcoal, pencil, marker, collage, mixed media, printmaking, perceptual drawing, composition, narrative, and realism. Critiques develop visual literacy. This course is good preparation for any 200-level studio art course.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 241

    Interm Drawing - Working Digitally

    Artists have drawn since cave dwellers used charcoal to mark on the wall. Modern touchscreen technology enables a similarly direct drawing method. Each student uses a class-provided iPad or may use their own tablet. Classes visit diverse locations to draw figure, still lives, landscapes, and interiors. Lines, tones, colors, and layers are used to create complete perceptually based compositions. Artworks are projected and printed. Videos of the creative process are produced. Simple animation is explored. This course counts as one course in the drawing sequence. Prerequisite: ARTS 160

    ARTS 160
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 261

    Intermediate Drawing-Creating Space

    Students learn the concepts of how to create the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface. Prerequisite: ARTS 160

    ARTS 160
    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 262

    Interm Drawing-Large Figure Comp

    Students create large drawings of the nude figure working from life and Old Masters. Prerequisite: ARTS 160

    ARTS 160
    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 341

    Adv Drawing-Working Digitally

    Artists have drawn since cave dwellers used charcoal to mark on the wall. Modern touchscreen technology enables a similarly direct drawing method. Each student uses a class-provided iPad or may use their own tablet. Classes visit diverse locations to draw figure, still lives, landscapes, and interiors. Lines, tones, colors, and layers are used to create complete perceptually based compositions. Artworks are projected and printed. Videos of the creative process are produced. Simple animation is explored. This course counts as one course in the drawing sequence. Prerequisites: Any 200 level Drawing class

    Any 200 level Drawing class
    ARTS 361

    Advanced Drawing-Creating Space

    Students learn the concepts of how to create the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface. Prerequisite: ARTS 261 or ARTS 262

    ARTS 261 or ARTS 262
    ARTS 362

    Advanced Drawing-Large Fig Comp

    Students create large drawings of the nude figure working from life and Old Masters. Prerequisite: ARTS 261 or ARTS 262

    ARTS 261 or ARTS 262
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    Mixed-Media 3D Courses

    These courses include content from the areas of sculpture and ceramics. 

    Students should note that many studio courses are offered alternate years.

    ARTS 180

    Beginning Ceramics:Handbuilding

    Introduction to the techniques and concepts of ceramic sculpture and functional ceramics.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 210

    Beginning Mixed-Media 3-D

    This course introduces students to the process of creating three-dimensional works digitally using simple CAD programs and 3D printers, as well as a variety of materials and building processes. The student is taught the basics of traditional foundry casting methods and an introduction to the history of sculpture. There are technical demonstrations, group critiques, and written assignments.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 310

    Intermediate Mixed-Media 3-D

    As a continuation of the beginning class, this course is a more intensive study of creative problem-solving in 3-dimensional art using a variety of materials and processes. It includes more self-directed studio projects, research assignments, group critiques, and individual attention from the instructor. Prerequisite: ARTS 210

    ARTS 210
    ARTS 410

    Advanced Mixed-Media 3-D

    This course emphasizes independent thought and personal conceptual development. The range of processes open to students is much broader and instruction follows the students' interests. Prerequisite: ARTS 310

    ARTS 310
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    Painting Courses

    This series of courses covers perception, imagination, form, color and space with specific themes as noted. As students advance they are expected to develop their own voice as painters. 

    The painting concentration courses are stacked meaning the 2xx, 3xx, or 3xx, 4xx classes are held at the same time.  Students may include any of the four variations of painting courses, as long as there is a numerical sequence, for their major and minor requirements.

    Students should note that many studio courses are offered alternate years.

    ARTS 200

    Beginning Painting-Figure

    Students paint nudes, still lives, and interiors in oil to explore shape, value and compositional structure. Prerequisite: ARTS 160

    ARTS 160
    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 201

    Beginning Painting-Landscape

    Students work outside in the landscape in oil to explore shape, value and compositional structure. Prerequisite: ARTS 160

    ARTS 160
    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 202

    Beg Painting-Materials&Techniques

    This course explores the historic progression of painting techniques, from cave painting, to encaustic (Greek), to egg tempera (Medieval), to oil glazes (Renaissance). Students make paint from scratch, copy historic pieces, and produce original works.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 203

    Beginning Painting-Color

    This course explores color phenomenon and is largely based on Alber's famous 1963 book "The Interaction of Color." Students work with hand-painted collage paper and directly with oil to conduct perceptual color experiments and make still lives and nudes. Prerequisite: ARTS 160

    ARTS 160
    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 300

    Intermediate Painting-Figure

    Students paint nudes, still lives, and interiors in oil to explore shape, value and compositional structure. Prerequisite: ARTS 200, ARTS 201, ARTS 202 or ARTS 203

    ARTS 200, ARTS 201, ARTS 202 or ARTS 203
    ARTS 301

    Intermediate Painting-Landscape

    Students work outside in the landscape in oil to explore shape, value and compositional structure. Prerequisite: ARTS 200, ARTS 201, ARTS 202, or ARTS 203

    ARTS 200, ARTS 201, ARTS 202, or ARTS 203
    ARTS 302

    Interm Painting-Materials&Technique

    This course explores the historic progression of painting techniques, from cave painting, to encaustic (Greek), to egg tempera (Medieval), to oil glazes (Renaissance). Students make paint from scratch, copy historic pieces, and produce original works. Prerequisites: ARTS 200, ARTS 201, ARTS 202, or ARTS 203

    ARTS 200, ARTS 201, ARTS 202, or ARTS 203
    ARTS 303

    Intermediate Painting-Color

    This course explores color phenomenon and is largely based on Alber's famous 1963 book "The Interaction of Color." Students work with hand-painted collage paper and directly with oil to conduct perceptual color experiments and make still lives and nudes. Prerequisite: ARTS 200, ARTS 201, ARTS 202, or ARTS 203

    ARTS 200, ARTS 201, ARTS 202, or ARTS 203
    ARTS 304

    Intermediate Painting-Working Large

    Students create very large paintings of figures in complicated theme based environments that they design as a group. Prerequisites: ARTS 200, ARTS 201, ARTS 202, or ARTS 203

    ARTS 200, ARTS 201, ARTS 202, or ARTS 203
    ARTS 404

    Advanced Painting-Working Large

    Students create very large paintings of figures in complicated theme based environments that they design as a group. Prerequisites: ARTS 300, ARTS 301, ARTS 302, ARTS 303 or ARTS 304

    ARTS 300, ARTS 301, ARTS 302, ARTS 303 or ARTS 304
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    Photography Courses

    These courses cover basic 35mm camera operation, black and white film processing, and photo printing.

    Students should note that many studio courses are offered alternate years.

    ARTS 250

    Beginning Photography

    In this introductory photography course, students learn the skills of black and white film photography including how to successfully use a manual film camera, process black and white film, and produce gelatin silver prints. Digital scanning, editing, and archiving of film is also taught. In addition to these technical skills, students are introduced to the critical history of photography and the various formal and social issues that relate to photography as a visual art form. Group and individual critiques facilitate an understanding of photographic analysis and criticism.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 350

    Intermediate Photography

    This course is designed for students who have completed Beginning Photography and have a good mastery of 35mm shooting, developing, and printing. The student learns medium format and is exposed to advanced skills of black and white photography, focusing on photographic practice as an art medium. Group and individual critiques facilitate an understanding of photographic analysis and criticism. Prerequisite: ARTS 250

    ARTS 250
    ARTS 450

    Advanced Photography

    This course is designed for students who have completed Beginning Photography and Intermediate Photography and have a refined mastery of 35mm and medium format shooting, developing, and printing. The course consists of lectures, demonstrations, and outside assignments. Students learn advanced photographic techniques and some alternative photographic procedures. Having been given assignments for the beginning and intermediate courses, students work toward a unique body of work, the emphasis being placed upon the development of ideas relevant to the individual student's interests. Prerequisite: ARTS 350

    ARTS 350
    ARTS 491

    Alternative Photographic Processes

    This course is designed for students who have completed Beginning photography and have a good sense of the silver process. Students learn several alternative photographic techniques, including the use of digital tools, and how to use these processes in their personal work. Emphasis is placed upon the development of solid contextual ideas with image and object making and a solid working knowledge of alternative processes. Prerequisite: ARTS 250

    ARTS 250
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    Printmaking Courses

    The printmaking concentration courses are stacked, meaning the 3xx, and 4xx classes are held at the same time.

    Students should note that many studio courses are offered alternate years.

    ARTS 220

    Beginning Printmaking

    An introduction to the fine art and craft of printmaking, the original "graphic design," this course introduces basic printmaking techniques including digital, relief, and monotype. Students use experimental methods to transfer their original designs to paper in the form of a print. The course includes an emphasis on the elements of design, craftsmanship, development of ideas, critical reflection, and research of historical and contemporary printmaking.

    Artistic Creativity AC
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 320

    Intermediate Printmaking

    In this course students expand their knowledge of basic printmaking and design by studying intaglio, lithographic and digital processes. Students grow their visual vocabulary and command of the craft by producing several print editions. The course includes an emphasis on the elements of design, craftsmanship, development of ideas, critical reflection, and research of historical and contemporary printmaking. Prerequisite: ARTS 220 or consent of instructor

    ARTS 220 or consent of instructor
    Expressive Arts EA
    ARTS 420

    Advanced Printmaking

    This course is designed for students who have completed the beginning and intermediate levels, and who want a deeper exploration of the techniques. Projects are student-driven. Consistent production and a high level of craftsmanship is expected. The course includes an emphasis on the elements of design, craftsmanship, development of ideas, critical reflection, and research of historical and contemporary printmaking. Prerequisite: ARTS 320 or consent of the instructor

    ARTS 320 or consent of the instructor
    Expressive Arts EA
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    Departmental Courses

    ARTS 290

    Special Topics: Studio Art

    A topics course in studio art. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Recent section topics include Painting Materials and Technology, Art Furniture, Printmaking, and Digital Drawing. Check the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

    Consent of instructor
    ARTS 490

    Art Studio: Special Topics

    A topics course in studio art. This course can be repeated for additional credits as long as the section topics are different. Recent section topics include Documentary, Drawing for Personal Vision, Printmaking-Mixed Media, Advanced Sculpture and Ceramics, and Digital Drawing. Check the online course schedule for information about the topics currently scheduled to be taught. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

    Consent of instructor
    ARTS 497

    Practicum: Studio Art

    Students work on an individual basis to develop their own vision as artists. Group critiques are scheduled regularly. The function of Practicum is to produce works to be exhibited in the Senior Show. Students create a professional quality slide portfolio complete with artist statement and resume. Prerequisite: Senior standing and consent of the instructor

    Senior standing and consent of the instructor
    ARTS X98

    Internship

    Students interested in an internship in studio art should contact the department chair.

    ARTS X99

    Independent Study

    Students interested in independent studies in art should contact the department chair.

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