A wide shot of a ceramics studio, featuring students working with pottery wheels and other tools.
A silhouette of a person against a blue background.

Helen Oh-Conklin

Continuing Studies Instructor

Bio

BFA, (2011), Columba College Chicago, MFA (2014), Harrington College of Design, Chicago, IL. She also studied painting at the School of Visual Arts, the National Academy of Design, and The Art Students League of New York. Exhibitions: the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Terra Museum of American Art, the Butler Institute of American Arts, and the Muscarelle Museum of Art, VA. Publications: Space Threshold; Linea. Bibliography: New American Paintings #29, Art Scene Chicago 2000, American Artist magazine. Collections: Columbia University, The Americas Society in Manhattan. Awards: Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grants, Julius Hallgarten Painting Prize from National Academy of Design Museum.

 

Courses

Title Department Catalog Term

Description

This course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses.

Class Number

2321

Credits

1

Description

Students explore traditional and contemporary approaches to the watercolor medium, including gouache. A variety of techniques, papers and alternative painting surfaces, as well as mixed media processes are introduced. Intended for students with basic drawing skills as well as those with previous painting experience, the course is structured to encourage experimentation with scale, subject matter and formats. Critiques and discussions will support and encourage each student's personal direction.

Class Number

1088

Credits

1

Description

Working from the nude model, students will learn to draw the human figure from direct observation. The essential elements of life drawing, including anatomy, proportion, volume, composition, gesture, and the accurate and expressive use of line and tone will be addressed. While the primary focus will be on representational drawing skills, students will also investigate figurative abstraction and conceptual approaches. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Drawing or equivalent experience.

Class Number

2381

Credits

1

Description

Intended for students with prior figure drawing experience, this course is ideal for those who want to draw from the nude model in a faculty-guided group environment. The emphasis of the course is on developing expressive, interpretive drawings from life, while continuing to refine one?s skills. Critiques and discussions including historical and contemporary approaches to figurative art deepen understanding, support personal direction, and aid in the execution of ideas. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Figure Drawing or equivalent experience.

Class Number

1058

Credits

1