Painting & Drawing Undergraduate Studies

A green and yellow painting of various figures at a park.

Ruth L Poor, "Some Tailgate," 2021

Painting and Drawing Undergraduate Overview

With up to 80 courses offered in the Department of Painting and Drawing at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) each semester, students have the choice, freedom, and openness to design a painting and drawing curriculum tailored to their creative needs while developing the skills and conceptual foundations necessary for a sustainable art practice.

Choose from:

1. Painting Practice Classes: This is an introductory prerequisite course for all other painting classes. It is taught by a variety of faculty, each with their own pedagogical approach. Students learn the fundamentals of painting with a strong emphasis on developing proficiency with fundamental formal and material processes. Students also become familiar with various forms of visual and critical engagement in order to catalyze their conceptual development.

2. Painting Studio: Multi-Level Classes: These classes offer a fertile environment for the development of individual practice while advancing technical skill. General sections are open to students who have completed Painting Practice. Advanced, topic-based sections are also available. Topics include but are not limited to:

The Abstract Image
Cheap TV
Conceptual Approach
The Dream
Exploding Paint
Expressionism
Funny Painting
Painting after Painting

3. Studio Drawing: Multi-Level Classes: Taught by a diverse group of faculty who approach drawing with critical rigor, students learn and develop drawing fundamentals, as well as explore experimental, narrative and conceptual approaches with different media. General sections, as well as specialized, topic-based sections are available without prerequisite course requirements. Topics include, but are not limited to:

Wild Combination
Mixed Media
Abstraction/Representation
Ink Painting: the Brush of Zen
Large Format Painting
Collage: Concepts and Techniques
Landscape Narratives

Figure Drawing and Painting Classes

Dedicated to the study of the body, these classes prioritize various approaches to the line, shape, volume, and anatomy of the human form. Approaches range from perceptually traditional to radically conceptual. Topics include but are not limited to:

Anatomy
Figures in Space
Large Format
The Portrait
Advanced: Inside and Out
Advanced: Narrative Figuration
Advanced: Photo to Memory

Materials and Techniques Classes

These classes, offered in our new state of the art StudioLab, focus on the production, preparation and application of various traditional and contemporary paint systems. Students have the opportunity to make their own paints and drawing materials, such as egg tempera, gesso, casein, encaustic, oil paint, advanced acrylic processes, as well as silverpoint, conte-crayon and walnut ink. Students are also encouraged to develop their own material processes and recipes.

Comics Classes

These courses, taught in classrooms dedicated to the specific needs of comic production, cover aspects of narrative development, cell layout, illustration, zine creation and a variety of other approaches. Topics include but are not limited to:

Autobiography
Advanced Comics
Capstone: Publish or Perish
Cartooning the Figure
Drawing Outside the Boxes
Independent Comics

Sophomore Seminars, Professional Practices, and Senior Capstone Classes

The Academic Spine is a required three-course sequence for all undergraduate degrees. The three courses provide a structure of peer support and intensive faculty mentoring as students navigate SAIC’s open curriculum. Please see here for more information.

Advanced Painting Studio: Each semester, advanced students can apply to one of two sections of Advanced Painting Studio. Students share dedicated, private studio spaces from one to three consecutive semesters, working with faculty members three days per week. In many ways, this highly competitive course begins to approach the intensity of a graduate program, requiring dedicated independent studio practice and rigorous conceptual development.

Summer Institute: Painting Residency/Drawing Residency: These three-week summer intensives are taught in the Advanced Painting studios. Offering a residency experience, students are provided with an individual studio space, instruction from two faculty members, and access to an established visiting artist-in-residence who works alongside the students. While studio practice is primary, topical lectures and periodic visits to the Art Institute of Chicago are a consistent attribute of the course.

Recent Visiting Artists-in-Residence include:

Kristin Calabrese
Michael Cline
Dana DeGuilio
Karen Heagle
Salomon Huerta
Jessica Jackson Hutchins
Diego Leclery
Rebecca Morgan
Ralph Pugay
Christine Tien Wang

Admissions Requirements & Curriculum Overview

To apply to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), you will need to fill out an application and submit your transcripts, artist's statement, and letters of recommendation. And most importantly, we require a portfolio of your best and most recent work—work that will give us a sense of you, your interests, and your willingness to explore, experiment, and think beyond technical art, design, and writing skills.
In order to apply, please submit the following items:
Online application
Artist’s Statement
Transcripts
Letter of Recommendation
Test Scores
Portfolio

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Portfolio
Submit 10–15 pieces of your best and most recent work. We will review your portfolio and application materials for merit scholarship once you have been admitted to SAIC.
When compiling a portfolio, you may concentrate your work in a single discipline or show work in a breadth of media. The portfolio may include drawings, prints, photographs, paintings, film, video, audio recordings, sculpture, ceramics, fashion designs, graphic design, furniture, objects, architectural designs, websites, video games, sketchbooks, scripts, storyboards, screenplays, zines, or any combination of the above.

Curriculum

Studio	69
CP 1010 Core Studio Practice I (3) CP 1011 Core Studio Practice II (3) CP 1020 Research Studio I (3) CP 1022 Research Studio II (3) SOPHSEM 2900 (3) PROFPRAC 3900 (3) CAPSTONE 4900 (3) Studio Electives (48) PROFPRAC and CAPSTONE are now required for new incoming students beginning in the 2015-16 academic year.
Art History	15
ARTHI 1001 World Cultures/Civilizations: Pre-History—19th Century Art and Architecture (3) Art History Elective at 1000 level (3) Art History Electives (9)
Liberal Arts	30
ENGLISH 1001 First Year Seminar I (3) ENGLISH 1005 First Year Seminar II (3) Natural Science (6) Social Science (6) Humanities (6) Liberal Arts Electives (6)
General Electives	6
Studio, Art History, Liberal Arts, AAP, or EIS
Total Credit Hours	120

* BFA students must complete at least 6 credit hours in a class designated as "off campus study." These credits can also fulfill any of the requirements listed above and be from any of the divisions (Art History, Studio, Liberal Arts, or General Electives).

BFA With Distinction—SAIC Scholars Program: The SAIC Scholars program is a learning community of BFA students pursuing rigorous study in both their academic coursework and their studio pathways. There are two opportunities for interested students to apply to the SAIC Scholars Program: at the time of admission to the school, and after they have completed 30 credits of study at SAIC. Students pursuing the latter option are required to formally submit an application to the Undergraduate Division. Once admitted to the SAIC Scholars Program, students are required to successfully complete a minimum of six designated scholars courses. Students who complete the program will graduate with distinction.

BFA in Studio with Thesis Option (Liberal Arts or Visual Critical Studies)

BFA students may complete a nine-credit, research-based academic thesis as part of their studies within the 126 credits for the BFA in Studio degree. BFA with Thesis course sequences are offered over 3 semesters through the departments of Liberal Arts or Visual and Critical Studies (VCS). Students who are interested in one of the thesis options should follow the steps outlined below in the beginning of the junior year.

Requirements for the BFA: Studio Art with Liberal Arts Thesis

Step One: Students are required to meet with the Chair of the Liberal Arts department in the beginning of their junior year.

Step Two: With the Department Chair's approval, the student enrolls in the following courses beginning in the spring term of their junior year:

SOCSCI or HUMANITY 3900 Academic Research and Writing (3 credits)
LIBARTS 4800 Undergraduate Thesis: Research/Writing I (3 credits)
CAPSTONE 4900 Liberal Arts Undergraduate Thesis: Research/Writing II (3 credits)

Step Three: The completed thesis must be approved by both the Thesis II instructor and the Chair of Liberal Arts. Students must make a formal presentation and participate in the Undergraduate Thesis Symposium in their senior year.

Requirements for the BFA: Studio Art with Visual and Critical Studies (VCS) Thesis

Step One: Students are required to meet with the Visual and Critical Studies Undergraduate Coordinator in or by the beginning of their junior year.

Step Two: With the VCS Coordinator's approval, the student enrolls in the first of the three-course sequence beginning in the spring term of their junior year:

VCS 3010 Tutorial in Visual & Critical Studies (3 credits)
VCS 4800 Undergraduate Thesis Seminar: Research & Writing I (3 credits)
CAPSTONE 4900 VCS Undergraduate Thesis Seminar: Research & Writing II (3 credits)

Step Three: Completion of thesis must be approved by both the Thesis II instructor and the VCS Undergraduate Coordinator. Students must make a formal presentation and participate in the Undergraduate VCS Thesis Symposium in the senior year.

Total credits required for minimum residency	66
Minimum Studio credit	42

Learn more about applying to SAIC's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio, or view our portfolio preparation guide for more information.

Course Listing

Title	Catalog	Instructor	Schedule
Painting Practice	2001 (001)		Mon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1913	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 323
Painting Practice	2001 (002)	Larissa Setareh Borteh	Mon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1914	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 325
Painting Practice	2001 (003)		Mon/Wed 6:45 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1915	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 305
Painting Practice	2001 (004)		Mon/Wed 6:45 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1916	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 323
Painting Practice	2001 (005)		Mon/Wed 6:45 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1917	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 325
Painting Practice	2001 (006)	Peter Jorge Fagundo	Tues 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1918	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 323
Painting Practice	2001 (007)	Steven Husby	Tues 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1919	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 325
Painting Practice	2001 (008)	Alexis de Chaunac	Tues 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1920	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 323
Painting Practice	2001 (009)		Tues 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1921	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 325
Painting Practice	2001 (010)	Amanda Joy Calobrisi	Wed 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1922	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 321
Painting Practice	2001 (011)	Richard Hull	Wed 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1923	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 323
Painting Practice	2001 (012)	Erin Washington	Wed 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1924	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 325
Painting Practice	2001 (013)	Josh Dihle	Thurs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1925	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 323
Painting Practice	2001 (014)		Thurs 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1926	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 305
Painting Practice	2001 (015)	Noah B Rorem	Thurs 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1927	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 323
Painting Practice	2001 (016)	Ro Miller	Thurs 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1947	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 325
Painting Practice	2001 (017)	Herman Aguirre	Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1949	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 323
Painting Practice	2001 (018)	Kaylee Rae Wyant	Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1955	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 325
Painting Practice	2001 (019)	Frank Vega	Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1959	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 323
Painting Practice	2001 (020)		Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM In Person
Description Painting Practice is an introductory painting course offering. The curriculum addresses basic skills as related to a painting studio practice. Topics and curricular goals include material, facility and technique, space and color, as well as concept. This course is a prerequisite for all Multi-level Painting, Figure Painting and Advanced Painting Studio classes.	Class Number 1960	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 325
Comics	2002 (001)	Kevin Huizenga	Mon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description The Department of Painting and Drawing offers a wide variety of comics courses, ranging from traditional to experimental methods and techniques. Each course is designed to focus on a specific area of comics production. To learn more about the topic of a specific comics course in which you are interested, please review the course description for that particular class.	Class Number 1934	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 306
Comics	2002 (002)	Cecilia Beaven	Mon/Wed 6:45 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description The Department of Painting and Drawing offers a wide variety of comics courses, ranging from traditional to experimental methods and techniques. Each course is designed to focus on a specific area of comics production. To learn more about the topic of a specific comics course in which you are interested, please review the course description for that particular class.	Class Number 1935	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 306
Comics	2002 (003)	MJ Lounsberry	Tues 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description The Department of Painting and Drawing offers a wide variety of comics courses, ranging from traditional to experimental methods and techniques. Each course is designed to focus on a specific area of comics production. To learn more about the topic of a specific comics course in which you are interested, please review the course description for that particular class.	Class Number 1936	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 306
Comics	2002 (004)	MJ Lounsberry	Tues 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description The Department of Painting and Drawing offers a wide variety of comics courses, ranging from traditional to experimental methods and techniques. Each course is designed to focus on a specific area of comics production. To learn more about the topic of a specific comics course in which you are interested, please review the course description for that particular class.	Class Number 1937	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 306
Comics	2002 (005)	Johnny Sampson	Tues 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description The Department of Painting and Drawing offers a wide variety of comics courses, ranging from traditional to experimental methods and techniques. Each course is designed to focus on a specific area of comics production. To learn more about the topic of a specific comics course in which you are interested, please review the course description for that particular class.	Class Number 1938	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 308
Comics	2002 (006)	Sara Varon	Wed 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description The Department of Painting and Drawing offers a wide variety of comics courses, ranging from traditional to experimental methods and techniques. Each course is designed to focus on a specific area of comics production. To learn more about the topic of a specific comics course in which you are interested, please review the course description for that particular class.	Class Number 1939	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 306
Comics: Graphic Journalism	2002 (007)	Anya Pauline Davidson	Thurs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description For over a century, illustrators have used the comics medium to document current events and disseminate information, but due to globalization, the ascent of the graphic novel and the birth of the internet, the practice is now more vital than ever. From global conflicts to cultural events, cartoonists are documenting the defining moments of our era as they happen, and are creating works that help readers comprehend the complex historical, political and cultural forces shaping our world. In this class, students will read classic works of graphic journalism, learn best practices for artists in the field, and create their own short works that explore various aspects of contemporary life in Chicago and beyond.	Class Number 1940	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 306
Comics	2002 (008)	Marnie Galloway	Thurs 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description The Department of Painting and Drawing offers a wide variety of comics courses, ranging from traditional to experimental methods and techniques. Each course is designed to focus on a specific area of comics production. To learn more about the topic of a specific comics course in which you are interested, please review the course description for that particular class.	Class Number 1941	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 306
Comics	2002 (009)	Sam Sharpe	Thurs 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description The Department of Painting and Drawing offers a wide variety of comics courses, ranging from traditional to experimental methods and techniques. Each course is designed to focus on a specific area of comics production. To learn more about the topic of a specific comics course in which you are interested, please review the course description for that particular class.	Class Number 1942	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 308
Comics: Remote	2002 (010)	Aaron Renier	Thurs 6:45 PM - 9:30 PM All Online
Description The Department of Painting and Drawing offers a wide variety of comics courses, ranging from traditional to experimental methods and techniques. Each course is designed to focus on a specific area of comics production. To learn more about the topic of a specific comics course in which you are interested, please review the course description for that particular class.	Class Number 1948	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location Online
Comics	2002 (011)	Sam Sharpe	Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description The Department of Painting and Drawing offers a wide variety of comics courses, ranging from traditional to experimental methods and techniques. Each course is designed to focus on a specific area of comics production. To learn more about the topic of a specific comics course in which you are interested, please review the course description for that particular class.	Class Number 1961	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 306
Comics:Advanced	2002 (012)	Jeremy R Tinder	Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM In Person
Description The Department of Painting and Drawing offers a wide variety of comics courses, ranging from traditional to experimental methods and techniques. Each course is designed to focus on a specific area of comics production. To learn more about the topic of a specific comics course in which you are interested, please review the course description for that particular class.	Class Number 1962	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 306
Comics	2002 (013)		Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM In Person
Description The Department of Painting and Drawing offers a wide variety of comics courses, ranging from traditional to experimental methods and techniques. Each course is designed to focus on a specific area of comics production. To learn more about the topic of a specific comics course in which you are interested, please review the course description for that particular class.	Class Number 1963	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Books and Publishing, Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 308
Color	2003 (001)	Jo Hormuth	Mon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This studio course will provide a hands-on introduction to the fundamental understanding and use of color. Students will gain practical experience working with material color in order to improve their understanding of how color works. Assignments will be introduced in class to help students develop a working knowledge of the basic concepts of hue, value, and chroma, and the relationship between these concepts and those of color harmony and organization. By working with color in context students will gain a practical understanding of color interaction and develop strategies for approaching color with greater sophistication and specificity in their own practice. In addition to our investigations with color in the classroom, this course will examine the ways in which artists and scholars have worked with color art historically as a medium of expression, and thought about color scientifically as an index of an underlying natural order, as well as culturally as a system of signs reflecting our biases back to us to be interpreted. Reliable perceptual phenomena like simultaneous contrast and afterimages will be considered alongside more unstable notions like synesthesia and color music, as well as the complicated history of thinking about color as evidence of that which is ?other.? Course work will include exercises to help students develop their approach to color, and a final project in which they put their understanding to work.	Class Number 1943	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Graphic Design, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 308
Color	2003 (002)	Steven Husby	Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This studio course will provide a hands-on introduction to the fundamental understanding and use of color. Students will gain practical experience working with material color in order to improve their understanding of how color works. Assignments will be introduced in class to help students develop a working knowledge of the basic concepts of hue, value, and chroma, and the relationship between these concepts and those of color harmony and organization. By working with color in context students will gain a practical understanding of color interaction and develop strategies for approaching color with greater sophistication and specificity in their own practice. In addition to our investigations with color in the classroom, this course will examine the ways in which artists and scholars have worked with color art historically as a medium of expression, and thought about color scientifically as an index of an underlying natural order, as well as culturally as a system of signs reflecting our biases back to us to be interpreted. Reliable perceptual phenomena like simultaneous contrast and afterimages will be considered alongside more unstable notions like synesthesia and color music, as well as the complicated history of thinking about color as evidence of that which is ?other.? Course work will include exercises to help students develop their approach to color, and a final project in which they put their understanding to work.	Class Number 1944	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Graphic Design, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 308
Figure Drawing: Multi-Level	2030 (001)	Noelle Africh	Mon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.	Class Number 1873	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 124
Figure Drawing: Multi-Level	2030 (002)	Mary Griffin	Mon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.	Class Number 1874	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 320
Figure Drawing: Multi-Level	2030 (003)	Ruth Poor	Tues 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.	Class Number 1875	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 124
Figure Drawing: Multi-Level	2030 (004)	Sebastian Thomas	Tues 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.	Class Number 1876	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 320
Figure Drawing: Multi-Level	2030 (005)	Jessica Du Preez	Tues 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.	Class Number 1877	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 124
Figure Drawing: Multi-Level	2030 (006)	Mary Griffin	Wed 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.	Class Number 1878	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 315
Figure Drawing: Multi-Level	2030 (007)	Josiah Ellner	Wed 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.	Class Number 1879	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 320
Figure Drawing: Multi-Level	2030 (008)		Thurs 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.	Class Number 1880	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 124
Figure Drawing: Multi-Level	2030 (009)		Thurs 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.	Class Number 1881	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 315
Figure Drawing: Multi-Level	2030 (010)	Larissa Setareh Borteh	Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.	Class Number 1882	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 124
Figure Drawing: Multi-Level	2030 (011)		Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Students draw from the model as a means of understanding form, shape, and line using a variety of media. The course emphasizes shorter poses as training in immediate response to gesture and form. This course serves as a requirement and preparation for topic-based Figure Drawing B classes.	Class Number 1883	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 320
Fig Draw:Anatomy	2030 (012)	Melinda Whitmore	Wed 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This course is designed to enlighten and empower the student?s knowledge of basic anatomy in skeletal and superficial musculature forms and to apply it in a drawing context with confidence and fidelity. Not only will the student become better familiarized with anatomical structures through class lectures and life drawing sessions, but a greater understanding of the dynamics of form and movement in space will be achieved through practice and repetition of procedures learned throughout the course.	Class Number 1957	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Comics and Graphic Novels, Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 124
Fig Draw: Adv Draw Inside/Out	2031 (001)	Anne Harris	Tues 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This course will concentrate on drawing the figure with an emphasis on sculptural form. The objective will be to use drawing?particularly line?to investigate the body three-dimensionally. You will work from the inside out, drawing internal volume and topography, rather than an outside edge. The goal will be to rotate the body and move it through space, to understand its basic structure and movement and, through that understanding, to learn about drawing as a tool for investigation, a way of exploring and structuring space, weight, and form. By semester's end you will be able to invent a body in space. This ability is key to the tradition of figurative art found in artists ranging from Peter Paul Rubens to Kerry James Marshall and Nicole Eisenman. Throughout the course we will be looking at and learning from a range of figurative artists, both historical and contemporary, via lectures and visits to the museum, including the AIC?s Prints and Drawings viewing room. This is a highly structured course, akin to an intensive workshop. New information will be introduced every class. There will be regular outside assignments. Prerequisites Prerequisite: PTDW 2030.	Class Number 1929	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 320
Fig Draw:Adv:Narr/Figuration	2031 (002)	Amanda Joy Calobrisi	Thurs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This studio drawing course explores how narrative operates in the history and traditions of figure painting. The class incorporates a range of methods; visits to the museum and galleries; introduce written material into drawn images; and analyze forms of narrative, including short film, graphic novels, abstraction, and sculpture. Sessions will focus on how mood, color, light and the passing of time influence how we read and produce a narrative image. Prerequisites Prerequisite: PTDW 2030.	Class Number 1930	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Location 280 Building Rm 315
Studio Drawing: Multi-Level	2040 (001)	Jenny Halpern	Mon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This drawing studio serves as a broad introduction to historical and contemporary drawing practices. This course presents drawing as an organizer of thought, experience, and image. Students will investigate a full range of drawing materials and supports. Lectures and exercises introduce various concepts of drawing, possibly including illusionistic form and space, gesture and expressive mark-making, or collage and found imagery, depending on the instructor?s emphasis. Designed to accommodate many skill levels, students can explore various creative strategies through technical drawing exercises, material explorations, and individual projects. Structured classroom critiques will bring drawing concepts into personal student work.	Class Number 1884	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 125
Std Draw:Large Format	2040 (002)	Steven Husby	Mon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description How big is big? Does the size of a drawing alter our ideas of what we?re about while we?re producing it? How do relationships of internal scale alter our sense of the surrounding space, and how do the sizes of the materials and the support alter our own awareness of scale? In this course we will explore the potential for large format drawing in the perceptual, material, narrative and conceptual senses. We will work towards expanding notions of Large, Format, Studio and Drawing. We will work towards specificity and developing each student's individual concerns. Bring your ambition, you'll need it. Most time in class will be spent working on studio projects, which will be supplemented by museum visits, slide lectures, student led reading discussions and presentations, and in depth critique. Readings and artists looked at will vary, but will typically include texts which attempt a broad overview of the state of drawing within the field of contemporary art like Vitamin D2 and Drawing Now: Eight Propositions, and include contemporary artists working with drawing at ambitious scale such as Toba Khedoori, Amy Sillman, and William Kentridge, and more historical examples like Willem de Kooning, Cy Twombly, Lee Krasner, and Jasper Johns. There will be a long form mid-term critique and a shorter final critique. Students will be expected to complete multiple large scale works for each.	Class Number 1885	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 321
Studio Drawing: Multi-Level	2040 (003)	Josiah Ellner	Mon/Wed 6:45 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description This drawing studio serves as a broad introduction to historical and contemporary drawing practices. This course presents drawing as an organizer of thought, experience, and image. Students will investigate a full range of drawing materials and supports. Lectures and exercises introduce various concepts of drawing, possibly including illusionistic form and space, gesture and expressive mark-making, or collage and found imagery, depending on the instructor?s emphasis. Designed to accommodate many skill levels, students can explore various creative strategies through technical drawing exercises, material explorations, and individual projects. Structured classroom critiques will bring drawing concepts into personal student work.	Class Number 1886	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 321
Stu Dwg: Collage	2040 (004)	MaryLou Zelazny	Tues 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This multi-level studio will cover all of the various traditional methods of assembling cut paper into a complete work of art. Additionally, we will touch upon the use of unorthodox materials for 2D assemblage and bas-relief. The class will review historic and contemporary approaches, using them as an inspiration for projects. Individual as well as group instruction will provide a flexible educational environment, accommodating both the novice and accomplished collagist. Examples from the rich history of collage will be shown, as well as field trips to related exhibitions.	Class Number 1887	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 125
Studio Dwg:Mixed Media Paper	2040 (005)	Noelle Africh	Tues 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Simply put, this class is about exploring possibilities-- the use of various combinations of materials used, wet and/or dry, on any paper related products, from fine drawing sheets to left over cardboard, as long as the what and how of it is on/with a paper support...the individual pursuit for a personal visual voice is encouraged...during the first several weeks, various 'problems' will be given to start things moving?	Class Number 1888	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 308
Std Draw:Representn/Abstractn	2040 (006)	Judith Geichman	Tues 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Manipulate Space, Deconstruct Form, Re-Invent Your Visual World. This course will explore different form and space making systems as they relate to abstraction. Slide presentations throughout the semester will focus on abstraction and different artist, art movements, elements of visual language, and concepts past and present, all to engage and open students visual ideas and art making practice. Students will be encouraged to pursue their own ideas and imagery as they work with the course material. Painterly drawing will be explored, as well as drawing from a live model. Field trips are scheduled in the curriculum.	Class Number 1889	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 321
Studio Drawing: Multi-Level	2040 (007)		Tues 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description This drawing studio serves as a broad introduction to historical and contemporary drawing practices. This course presents drawing as an organizer of thought, experience, and image. Students will investigate a full range of drawing materials and supports. Lectures and exercises introduce various concepts of drawing, possibly including illusionistic form and space, gesture and expressive mark-making, or collage and found imagery, depending on the instructor?s emphasis. Designed to accommodate many skill levels, students can explore various creative strategies through technical drawing exercises, material explorations, and individual projects. Structured classroom critiques will bring drawing concepts into personal student work.	Class Number 1890	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 125
Studio Drawing: Multi-Level	2040 (008)	Jessica Zawadowicz	Thurs 3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person
Description This drawing studio serves as a broad introduction to historical and contemporary drawing practices. This course presents drawing as an organizer of thought, experience, and image. Students will investigate a full range of drawing materials and supports. Lectures and exercises introduce various concepts of drawing, possibly including illusionistic form and space, gesture and expressive mark-making, or collage and found imagery, depending on the instructor?s emphasis. Designed to accommodate many skill levels, students can explore various creative strategies through technical drawing exercises, material explorations, and individual projects. Structured classroom critiques will bring drawing concepts into personal student work.	Class Number 1891	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 321
Studio Draw:Landscape	2040 (009)	Olivia Petrides	Wed 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description From the sublime to the technological, contemporary artists are reinventing the landscape genre and examining its relevance. This multi-level studio course provides an opportunity to explore individual perceptions of the natural world in light of current landscape painting narratives. There will be presentations and readings on issues pertinent to the landscape as subject.	Class Number 1892	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 125
Studio Drawing: Multi-Level	2040 (010)	Scott Reeder	Wed 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This drawing studio serves as a broad introduction to historical and contemporary drawing practices. This course presents drawing as an organizer of thought, experience, and image. Students will investigate a full range of drawing materials and supports. Lectures and exercises introduce various concepts of drawing, possibly including illusionistic form and space, gesture and expressive mark-making, or collage and found imagery, depending on the instructor?s emphasis. Designed to accommodate many skill levels, students can explore various creative strategies through technical drawing exercises, material explorations, and individual projects. Structured classroom critiques will bring drawing concepts into personal student work.	Class Number 1893	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 308
Studio Drawing: Multi-Level	2040 (011)	Israel Aten	Thurs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This drawing studio serves as a broad introduction to historical and contemporary drawing practices. This course presents drawing as an organizer of thought, experience, and image. Students will investigate a full range of drawing materials and supports. Lectures and exercises introduce various concepts of drawing, possibly including illusionistic form and space, gesture and expressive mark-making, or collage and found imagery, depending on the instructor?s emphasis. Designed to accommodate many skill levels, students can explore various creative strategies through technical drawing exercises, material explorations, and individual projects. Structured classroom critiques will bring drawing concepts into personal student work.	Class Number 1894	Credits 3	Department Painting and Drawing Area of Study Illustration Location 280 Building Rm 125

Take the Next Step

Visit the undergraduate admissions website or contact the undergraduate admissions office at 800.232.7242 or ugadmiss@saic.edu.

Upcoming Admissions Events

Jul27

Summer at SAIC

We invite you to join us on campus for an informative and fun day featuring our "Art School 101" presentation, one-on-one meetings with our faculty and admissions counselors, a guided tour of our state-of-the-art campus and our loft-style residence halls, and a Chicago style lunch for you and your guests!

Saturday, July 27 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CDT at 280 South Columbus Drive Chicago, IL 60603

Undergraduate Overview

Painting and Drawing Undergraduate Overview

Figure Drawing and Painting Classes

Materials and Techniques Classes

Comics Classes

Sophomore Seminars, Professional Practices, and Senior Capstone Classes

Admissions Requirements & Curriculum Overview

BFA in Studio with Thesis Option (Liberal Arts or Visual Critical Studies)

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