Visual Arts

AFA Visual Arts

The Visual Arts program offers students a solid foundation in the areas of Studio Art (Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics), Art Education, Art History and Art Therapy. Students develop an understanding of the visual arts through the intensive study of technique, history, theory, concept and hands-on approaches in studio work, and may take studio electives in a variety of media. 

If you are considering a career in teaching, please read about the Teacher Education Specialization in Visual Arts at CCM.

For more information, visit the Visual Arts website.

AFA Visual Arts

(P4140)

 

General Education Foundation
Communication6
English Composition I
English Composition II
Speech Fundamentals
Math-Science-Technology8
Mathematics for Liberal Arts
Laboratory Science Elective (4 CR)
Social Science or Humanities3
General Psychology
Principles of Sociology
General Education Courses6
Art History I
Art History II
General Education Foundation Credits23
Visual Arts Core
ART-122Drawing I3
ART-123Drawing II3
ART-124Figure Drawing3
ART-130Two Dimensional Design3
ART-131Color Theory3
ART-132Three Dimensional Design3
ART-219Painting I3
ART-228Sculpture I3
ART-241Ceramics I3
ART-230Portfolio and Presentation3
ART-102Introduction to Computer for Fine Art1
Visual Arts Electives6
Visual Arts Core Credits37
Total Credits60

James Hart
Chair, Arts & Humanities
Associate Professor, ESL & Spanish
M.A., Montclair State University
B.A., American University
EH 120     973-328-2486     jhart@ccm.edu

Clayton Allen
Associate Professor, Visual Arts
M.F.A., B.A., City College of New York
EH 111     973-328-5444     callen@ccm.edu

Todd Doney
Associate Professor, Visual Arts
MFA, New Jersey City University
B.A., Thomas Edison State College
A.A., American Academy of Art
A.A., Harper College
EH 134    973-328-5622     tdoney@ccm.edu

Dr. Brian Sahotsky
Assistant Professor, Art History
CCM Gallery Director
Ph.D., University of California
M.A., University of Colorado
B.S., University of Wisconsin
EH 108    973-328-5436     bsahotsky@ccm.edu

Keith Smith
Professor, Visual Arts
Special Projects, Visual Arts
M.F.A., B.F.A., California College of the Arts
EH 130     973-328-5779      ksmith@ccm.edu

Courses

Course usage information

ART-102. Introduction to Computer for Fine Art. 1 Credit.

LECT 15 hrs
This 7-week, 1-credit introductory course will teach Fine Art Students the essential elements of the Photoshop interface. Students will learn basic retouching as well as photo editing, including how to correct, enhance, and distort digital images of their art work, and prepare those images for use in print and on the web.

Course usage information

ART-114. Contemporary Art. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
Contemporary Art launches with a review of 19th and 20th century art and then brings students to the here and now, the art and the artists of today. In lectures, multimedia presentations and field experiences, students are exposed to the pluralism of the new global art world.

Course usage information

ART-116. American Art. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
A survey and overview of the development of visual art traditions in America beginning with the colonization of the Americas and continuing through the Modern and Post-Modern periods. Arts, crafts and architecture are examined as well as Native American, African American, Hispanic and other cultural influences contributing to the development of a uniquely American experience and vision.

Course usage information

ART-122. Drawing I. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
In Drawing I, beginning art students learn the methods, materials and visual information needed to draw what we see. In small steps, students are led through a series of simple exercises designed to build competence and confidence. The diversity and complexity of the subjects drawn gradually grows along with students' drawing and visual skills. Students create a sketch book and a portfolio including still life drawings, landscape drawings, perspective drawings and portraiture. Materials used include pencil,charcoal, conte crayon and ink.
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-123. Drawing II. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
Drawing II is an intermediate-level drawing course designed for students who wish to build upon the skills and knowledge acquired in ART-122 Drawing I. Students explore a wide range of tools, mediums and surfaces. Larger scale drawings, the introduction of color in drawing and experimentation with subjects and visual space are encouraged. Drawing II also includes a study of basic anatomy for artists and an introduction to drawing from live nude models, both male and female. By semester end, successful students will have created a sketch book and diverse portfolio of competent and expressive drawings that complement student portfolios begun in ART-122 Drawing I.
Prerequisites: ART-122
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-124. Figure Drawing. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
In Figure Drawing, student artists draw from live nude models, both male and female, study in-depth anatomy for artists and explore a variety of methods and materials to create expressive drawings of the human figure. By the end of the semester, successful students will have created a wide selection of figure drawings to support the drawing portfolio begun in Drawing I and continued in Drawing II.
Prerequisites: ART-122, ART-123
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-130. Two Dimensional Design. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
In Two Dimensional Design, students learn, through lectures, multimedia presentations, and simple drawing, painting and collage projects, how to control and compose visual elements on a two-dimensional plane. These visual elements include line, shape, light, texture, scale and a brief introduction to color applied on two-dimensional surfaces such as paper, board and canvas-board. Student artists who successfully complete this course will have a solid initial portfolio and the fundamental knowledge and basic skills needed to create better, more effective photographs, drawings, paintings, prints, illustrations, designs and graphic designs.
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-131. Color Theory. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
In Color Theory students learn, through lectures, multimedia presentations and assigned projects using a variety of art mediums, how color affects the human eye, mind, body and spirit. Students who successfully complete this course will add a strong body of artwork that exhibits a working knowledge of color theory and its application in the visual arts, adding to the initial portfolio of artwork created in Drawing I and Two Dimensional Design.
Prerequisites: ART-122 and either ART-130 or DSN-108
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-132. Three Dimensional Design. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
In Three Dimensional Design, students, through lectures, multimedia presentations and assigned projects using a variety of materials and the basic aspects of planning, sketching and modeling,learn to understand and control the visual and physical forces inherent in the creation of three-dimensional objects. Students who successfully complete this course will add a body of three-dimensional art work to their portfolios. Student artists will also possess the fundamental knowledge and basic skills needed to pursue further studies in sculpture, ceramics, design (product, industrial, interior, fashion) and architecture.
Prerequisites: ART-122 and either ART-130 or DSN-108
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-133. Art History I. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
Art History I is a global survey of the major developments in painting, sculpture and architecture from the cave art of prehistory through the art of Africa, the Near East, South and South East Asia, Korea, China, Japan, Egypt, Greece and Rome, through the Gothic in Europe. Students explore, through lectures, multimedia presentations and a field experience at major art museums, the social, technological and spiritual changes that influenced the evolution of subjects, styles and ideas expressed in early art.

Course usage information

ART-134. Art History II. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
Art History II explores the significant developments in painting, sculpture and architecture from the High Renaissance to the art of the late 20th century, and the art of Africa and the Americas. Political, religious, scientific, industrial and technological revolutions are mirrored in the powerful and dramatic changes that take place in the art world. Through lecture, visual presentations and a field experience, students discover important stylistic movements of the last half-millennium from around the world.

Course usage information

ART-135. Art Appreciation. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
Art Appreciation will introduce students to the creative processes and techniques used in the diverse media of the visual arts. Through the study and analysis of artworks, students are introduced to visual literacy principles to examine and understand historical, global, economic, cultural and conceptual contexts. Students will correlate the arts with a general history of culture, develop a multicultural perspective of the arts, and learn to understand its application to our contemporary visual culture and its uses. Students will discover the human impulse to create art, and how artistic expression addresses universal humanistic themes.

Course usage information

ART-219. Painting I. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
Painting I introduces students to the technical, formal and creative aspects of painting in either oil or acrylic paint. Student artists work with diverse subject matter and explore a variety of methods, tools and materials.
Prerequisites: ART-122, ART-130, ART-131
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-220. Painting II. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
Painting II advances students in the technical, formal and creative aspects of painting in either oil or acrylic paint. Student artists work with diverse subject matter and explore a variety of methods,tools and materials.
Prerequisites: ART-219
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-228. Sculpture I. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
In Sculpture I, students explore space and form, and three-dimensional media in the creation of expressive sculptural objects. Students model, carve and construct in a variety of media such as clay, plaster, stone, wood, metal and paper.
Prerequisites: ART-122, ART-130, ART-131, ART-132
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-229. Sculpture II. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
Sculpture II builds on the basic skills acquired in prerequisite courses and Sculpture I. Sculpture II is an extension of Sculpture I with a greater emphasis on originality and personal style and self-expression. Student artists continue to develop their understanding of the human figure, form and of the media and techniques by which to represent them.
Prerequisites: ART-228
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-230. Portfolio and Presentation. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
Portfolio and Presentation guides students in the selection of artworks appropriate to include in final portfolios. Students improve, restore, repair or complete any work necessary to the portfolio. Students assemble, collate and document all work in physical and digital forms in preparation for submission to targeted transfer institutions, galleries, museums or prospective employers or clients. Students create written documents including resumes, cover letters and biographies to support professional activities. A final art exhibition and formal presentation of the portfolio and supporting materials are required.
Prerequisites: ART-122, ART-131, and ART-130 or DSN-108.
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-233. Independent Study I. 1 Credit.

LECT 15 hrs
Course study designed with a faculty advisor. The student is responsible for developing a statement of goals and objectives and submitting proposed projects.
Prerequisites: Permission of department chair
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-234. Independent Study II. 2 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs
A project designed with a faculty advisor. The student is responsible for developing a statement of goals and objectives, maintaining a weekly log and submitting a summary project.
Prerequisites: Permission of department chair
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-237. Watercolor Painting. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
In this course, students learn, through demonstration and experience, how to paint using the expressive medium of watercolor. Students create still life, landscape, figurative and abstract paintings. Students who successfully complete this course will have a portfolio of watercolor paintings and the fundamental knowledge and basic skills needed to effectively use the medium.

Course usage information

ART-238. Independent Study III. 3 Credits.

LECT 45 hrs
A project designed with a faculty advisor. The student is responsible for developing a statement of goals and objectives, maintaining a weekly log and submitting a summary project.
Prerequisites: Permission of department chair
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-241. Ceramics I. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
The study and practice of ceramics - the preparation of clay, hand building,wheel-throwing and glazing. Emphasis is placed on contemporary American techniques.
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-242. Ceramics II. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
The study and practice of ceramics. Emphasis is placed on producing finished ceramic artworks.
Prerequisites: ART-241
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-291. Special Topics in Art. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
Studio work in selected topics or issues in art.
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

ART-292. Special Topics in Art. 3 Credits.

LECT 30 hrs LAB 45 hrs
Studio work in selected topics or issues in art.
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.