Explore image making as a means of communication. This is an intermediate class geared toward artists who wish to express narrative themes in their work as well as graphic designers interested in a pictorial approach to visual communication.

Students will learn to analyze current news and opinion writing to create imagery with a message. Concept development methods including written brainstorming, thumbnails, and preliminary sketches will be introduced. Techniques combining traditional and digital media will be explored. This is an ideal opportunity for newcomers to digital media and will bridge the gap between the page and screen.

The course will utilize the online learning platform Canvas, and includes video demonstrations, lectures, and assignments. Weekly group discussions and individual critiques will be conducted via Zoom. Access to a scanner and Adobe Photoshop or other raster graphics software is required for the completion of assignments.

Note: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $525

Materials List : Heimer IL 600EE_ON

Zoom Technical Requirements

CE Policy Guide Fall 2020

Illustrated books can be humorous, cinematic, quirky, and sometimes dark. Join author Molly Burnham and illustrator Kate Samworth for a course in shaping stories through words and images. Examine classic and contemporary treasures written for adults and/or children and be guided through a series of exercises to generate ideas and hone your communication skills.

Rooted in Kate and Molly's dedication to a positive and creative class, exercises will encourage generating, exploring and revising ideas, as well as drawing and writing prompts that ask the students to explore character, setting and plot. This serious and yet playful class will be based on building the students' skills and confidence through inquiry and investigation. Writing prompts may include improv games like writing from abundance, to imaginary games like what's in my pocket to mapping your story. Anything goes when creating art

Materials List : Samworth & Barnham IL 600EB_ON

Zoom Technical Requirements

CE Policy Guide_Fall 2020

Molly B. Burnham, author of the Teddy Mars series, was awarded the 2016 Sid Fleishman Humor Award. Her books can be found on a number of state lists, including the 2017-18 Florida SSYRA list. You can find out more about her at www.mollybburnham.com.

Kate Samworth (BFA '10) explores themes of environmental change, balancing a sense of wonder and possibility with an expression of mourning. Her passion for natural history illustration, dark fairy tales, and satire converge in her illustrations.  Samworth has illustrated several books. Her first, Aviary Wonders Inc., won the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers. The exhibition includes work from published and ongoing projects, including the finely detailed scratchboard drawings for Why Fish Don’t Exist, a work of non-fiction for adults by NPR journalist Lulu Miller, to be released this April by Simon & Schuster.  Visit www.katesamworth.com to learn more

Learn the essentials of color mixing and harmony using gouache paint (opaque watercolor) – essential information for artists in all media.  Develop your understanding of value, color temperature, and simultaneous contrast through a series of guided exercises using limited palettes.  Basic techniques of painting with gouache will also be covered including control of flow, paint application and brush work.  Subjects will include repeat pattern design, perspective drawing, tesselations, and making copies of masterworks.

Materials List : Samworth PT 630D_ON

Zoom Technical Requirements

CE Policy Guide_Fall 2020

Kate Samworth (BFA '10) explores themes of environmental change, balancing a sense of wonder and possibility with an expression of mourning. Her passion for natural history illustration, dark fairy tales, and satire converge in her illustrations.  Samworth has illustrated several books. Her first, Aviary Wonders Inc., won the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers. The exhibition includes work from published and ongoing projects, including the finely detailed scratchboard drawings for Why Fish Don’t Exist, a work of non-fiction for adults by NPR journalist Lulu Miller, to be released this April by Simon & Schuster.

Image: Kate Samworth, "Celestial Map," mixed media, 11 x 15 in.

Explore flowers and other natural forms, beginning with line and value drawing and progressing to full-color rendering in watercolor and mixed media.  Topics will include sighting techniques, line quality, tone and value, creation of depth, composition, texture, and basic color. All levels welcome. 

This Canvas course will include a weekly live Zoom session every Tuesday, 10 am – 12 p.m. (See materials list for more information)

Register by:  October 16

Materials List : Gist DR 615EP_ON

Zoom Technical Requirements

CE PolicyGuide_Fall 2020