Art: Visual Arts

Dane Carlson, Assistant Professor

Daniel D. Kistler, Associate Professor

Kristin J. Martin, Assistant Professor

Deborah Z. Worley, Assistant Professor

The Visual Arts major at Principia College welcomes all students to explore topics and processes in art and to tap into their ability to work creatively. Embracing the spirit of inquiry and diverse expression, it promotes aesthetic and conceptual exploration while encouraging excellence. Designed by the prominent twentieth-century architect Bernard Maybeck, the campus of Principia College began as a work of art. The program is housed in the Voney Art Center, with open and light-filled studios, located on the edge of the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The Center includes the James K. Schmidt Gallery, where students and visiting professional artists exhibit their work. From this basis of fine architecture “at home” and with the rich resources of the art museums nearby in Saint Louis, Principia College students experience works of art and architecture first-hand as a normal part of daily life. Visits to museums and galleries, which often include student presentations, are a regular part of the curriculum at every level. 

In the Visual Arts major, students take studio and art history courses where they learn the following: perceptual skills, analytical and critical competence, technical skills related to specific media, the importance of process, creative problem-solving, various means of artistic conceptualization, and the context of historical and contemporary art. 
Studio courses focus on the process of making art, art’s inherent capacity to express content and ideas, the roles of art in society, and the function of art to enrich the individual creatively and intellectually. Studying and making art within the context of a liberal arts college like Principia reflects contemporary art’s interdisciplinary practices, encouraging links to the explorations, discoveries, and ideas of other academic disciplines. This informed approach fosters new ways of seeing and understanding the world while cultivating creative connections.

Art history courses explore the thoughts, works, and lives of artists, architects, and designers from the distant past to the ever-changing present. Art history includes the study of architecture, sculpture, painting, photography, and decorative arts from around the world, including aspects of western and non-western art. Artists do not create in a vacuum, and art history examines history, religion, philosophy, science, technological developments, and literature to understand the ideas and influences behind creative expressions. Students learn about a variety of art and architectural theories from their foundational courses onward.

The Visual Arts faculty are actively engaged in their creative practices and devoted to teaching. Because there are fewer than 18 students in each class, professors are able to give substantial time to working individually with students. They take sincere interest in each student’s current and future success. 

Students desiring to major in Visual Arts are encouraged to begin with foundational courses—ARTS 107 Sculpture I, ARTS 111 Painting I, ARTS 150 Drawing I, ARTS 170 Visual Communication Design I, ARTS 185 Survey of Contemporary Art, and a 100- or 200-level Art History course—during their first two years. The student will consult with the Visual Arts faculty to select their major electives and center course. 

During the fall or spring semester of a studio art major's junior year, a portfolio review is conducted by the studio art faculty. The review is used to assess student work and to encourage students in anticipation of their senior capstone exhibition.

Although a professional internship in the arts is not a requirement for graduation, its value cannot be overstated; students are encouraged to pursue an internship, especially during the summers, to supplement the studio program.

The culmination of the major is the capstone exhibition: the production and presentation of a cohesive body of work that represents in-depth investigation of a theme or idea. Affording the opportunity for independent scholarship and creative work, the capstone exhibition is essential for preparing the student for professional activity and/or graduate work.

To receive transfer credit toward studio art requirements, the student must submit a catalog description of the course along with a representative portfolio of work produced in that course. Up to 18 semester hours of transfer work may be credited towards the requirement for an Visual Arts major and six for a minor. Credit may be granted for successful completion of Advanced Placement examinations in studio art and art history. For consideration towards the art major requirements, the submission of a portfolio is required.

Most studio art classes carry lab fees that are published in the course description section of the catalog. Some of these fees include the cost of classroom materials. Most courses will require the purchase of some personal art supplies.

Students majoring in Visual Arts may minor in Art History. The three art history courses required for the major in art will count toward both the Visual Arts major and the Art History minor. 

For any repeatable course that is used as an elective for the Visual Arts major or minor, a maximum of six semester hours may be counted for any one course.

Program Learning Outcomes

Context + Theory

  1. Describe and interpret artwork using discipline-specific vocabulary.
  2. Develop a practice of independent inquiry that includes academic research.
  3. Demonstrate understanding of historical and/or contemporary cultural contexts.
  4. Use theory to discuss meanings in art through historical, cultural, and social contexts to develop an informed, individual point of view.

Process + Practice

  1. Demonstrate a practical understanding of the elements of visual art and design (e.g. line, value, texture, color, perspective, composition, positive and negative space, and scale).
  2. Demonstrate skill in a selected visual art medium or media.
  3. Identify, explore, and address visual and conceptual problems.
  4. Demonstrate intentional connections between form and content.

College Wide Student Learning Outcomes of Principia College: Defining a Liberal Arts Education

The curricular and co-curricular programs at Principia College are designed for students to be lifelong learners, thinkers, and problem-solvers. To accomplish this, the College has established the following outcomes for its graduates.

Guided by Principle, Principia College students will demonstrate:

  1. Depth and breadth of knowledge
  2. Critical and creative thinking
  3. Effective communication
  4. Intellectual inquiry and engagement
  5. Active commitment to community and global citizenship

Major

Minor

ARTS 107 Sculpture I 3.0 SH [GEA]

An introduction to sculpture with emphasis on understanding and manipulating three-dimensional space. Students explore various processes, materials, techniques, tools, and studio safety. Emphasis is on the exploration of diverse modes of making sculpture and development of a personal working method across multiple media. The course critically examines the role of sculpture in society, from the aesthetic object to activist narratives.
Fee=$125.00.

ARTS 111 Painting I 3.0 SH [  ]

An introduction to technical and formal approaches to painting with acrylic and/or oil paint. Practice includes studio as well as on-location work, with emphasis on color-value control and composition. The class will study and emulate how painters think or see by examining issues of artistic perception and interpretation considered significant in contemporary and past painting traditions.
Fee=$150.00.

ARTS 150 Drawing I 3.0 SH [GEA]

Continued study of line and value including additional perspective and composition studies, focusing primarily on the development of facility and perception. Emphasizes both technical and abstract observations.
Fee=$100.00.

ARTS 170 Visual Communication Design I 3.0 SH [GEA]

In VCD I, students learn foundational skills used by professionals to create art and design with digital media tools. They will become familiar with the basic principles of two-dimensional design (including typography and color) by applying them to their own projects. Students will explore the role of content in visual compositions. Students will practice conceptual thinking, visual problem-solving, and critique.
Fee=$100.00.

ARTS 185 Survey of Contemporary Art 3.0 SH [GEA]

This course considers the aesthetic and conceptual vigor and diversity of postmodern and contemporary art practices from the 1960s through the present. Required for all Studio Art majors, it is also open to any student interested in contemporary art. This course is not a hands-on course where objects are created. Learning occurs through reading, writing, slides, films, and class discussion.

ARTS 195 Professional Practice I 1.0 SH [  ]

Prepares the major to meet professional expectations for a career in the visual arts including professional writing skills, beginning the artist’s statement, photographing artwork for a digital portfolio, and beginning construction of the artist’s website to assist the artist in exhibition(s) of their work. An expectation of this course is attendance at art exhibitions and events selected by the instructor.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior only.
Field of Study Restrictions: Visual Arts Majors only.

ARTS 196 Professional Practice II 1.0 SH [  ]

Advances professional skills for a career in the visual arts including refining professional writing skills, revising and enhancing artist’s statement, adding to artist’s digital portfolio, and continuing development of artist’s website for presentation to the public. Grant-writing skills for professional exhibition will be included. An expectation of this course is attendance at art exhibitions and events selected by the instructor.
Prerequisite: ARTS 195.
Class Level Restriction: Junior and Senior only.
Field of Study Restrictions: Visual Arts Majors only.

ARTS 207 Sculpture II 3.0 SH [  ]

Continues the exploration of various 3D media. Includes in-depth experimentation with specific working methods and the physical characteristics of materials. Prepares students to transition toward self-determined creative 3D practice through building independent working methods and articulating critical positions. Includes more in-depth positioning of student work in relation to relevant narratives and bodies of work within and beyond studio art.
Prerequisite: ARTS 107.
Fee=$125.00.

ARTS 211 Painting II 3.0 SH [  ]

Builds on knowledge gained during the introductory course. Painting II constitutes a further development of skills and image making paired with strong emphasis on research, critical discourse, and experimentation in handling of medium. Students will develop research and production models that reflect contemporary painting practices.
Prerequisite: ARTS 111.
Fee=$150.00.

ARTS 230 Color Studies 3.0 SH [GEA]

Using color as a means of conveying individuality through art is unparalleled in context with any other element of design. Studio assignments and lecture notes focus on the artistry, physics, chemistry, psychology and metaphysics of color. Students build a concise portfolio demonstrating an understanding of color interaction and perception.
Fee=$125.00.

ARTS 233 Topics in Studio Art 1.0-6.0 SH [  ]

Group study of selected topics in art. The title will be extended to describe the current topic. May be offered for variable credit from one to six semester hours. May be taken four times up to a total of twelve semester hours provided the topics differ.

ARTS 250 Drawing II 3.0 SH [  ]

Moving beyond the basic skills gained in Drawing I, the central purpose of this course is to expand the student's concept and practice of drawing -- that is, to enlarge the student's pool of sources for ideas and to develop an understanding of the virtually limitless approaches to drawing. This will occur technically, conceptually, and aesthetically.
Prerequisite: ARTS 150.
Fee=$100.00.

ARTS 251 The Language of Drawing 3.0-4.0 SH [GEA]

An immersive study of on-location drawing practices and techniques where drawing becomes a tool for observation and recording of cultures, historical sites, and landscapes. Drawing will also be explored as a vehicle to communicate content. This course develops skills in composition, observation, facility with mixed-media, drawing terminology, critiquing and perspective. May be repeated if associated with a different abroad/field program.

ARTS 255 Field Research Journal 2.0-3.0 SH [  ]

An in-depth focused study of techniques and processes for visual observation and recording of information in the field. Mapping, writing, memory drawing, diagraming, and other methods will be explored, learned, and used. Students use the journal to daily record and organize data, problem solve ideas, and prepare ideas for communicable visual solutions. Offered only on abroad programs.

ARTS 256 Exhibition Project Management 1.0 SH [  ]

This course is designed to develop skills in the layout and design of a visual exhibition. Students will apply the general principles of effective communication, develop skills in organizing and managing content, and develop skills in working as a creative team. An understanding of planning, research, and audience will be emphasized. May be taken up to three times.

ARTS 270 Visual Communication Design II 3.0 SH [  ]

VCD II builds on the foundational skills developed in Visual Communication Design I. The media/assignments become more technical and intricate, emphasizing the design process, the quality of concepts, and designed outcomes. Projects include application of large/small scale design, marketing design, typography, information design, motion graphics, and interactive design. Students practice skills both individually and in teams.
Fee=$100.00.

ARTS 277 Photography as Fine Art 3.0 SH [  ]

This course is an exploration of contemporary visual artists with particular emphasis on photography based work. Students will explore how and why this work can or is influencing their artistic practice. Students will develop skills in conceptualization, post production image manipulation, and make images with a strong aesthetic focus. The overall goal is to develop a cohesive fine art portfolio.
Prerequisite: ARTS 150 or ARTS 170 or MDIA 181.
Fee=$100.00.

ARTS 280 Printmaking 3.0 SH [  ]

An introduction to basic printmaking areas: relief printing, mono-printing, and other contemporary printing methods. Emphasis is placed on the student's original development of ideas and imagery. Aesthetic and theoretical issues concerning the influence of digital imagery will also be explored. A printmaking portfolio is the major outcome of the course.
Prerequisite: ARTS 150.
Fee=$75.00.

ARTS 285 Illustration 3.0 SH [  ]

An introduction to the broad based thinking skills required to illustrate verbal communication in various manifestations. Several formats will be utilized reflecting the instructor's strengths: book, poster design, musical interpretation, scientific rendering, and communication arts. Mixed media will frequently be engaged. Emphasis is on the book as an art form - as a valuable professional activity.
Prerequisite: ARTS 111 or ARTS 150.
Fee=$75.00.

ARTS 290 Web Design 3.0 SH [  ]

Introduction to the design/management of web sites with an emphasis on the development of design strategy processes. This course builds skills in terminology, design principles, and visual problem solving. Students learn skills in organizing information, loading and maintaining web pages, applying design theory and page layout, overcoming technical challenges, and publishing a portfolio site showcasing the class projects.
Prerequisite: ARTS 170.

ARTS 295 Sustainable Design 3.0 SH [  ]

This course examines design of the built environment as a mode of response to crises of the current moment. It begins by challenging definitions of sustainable design through readings, conversations, and design exercises. Contemporary global design practice is also examined. Building on this work, students address a series of problems through design strategies like flood adaptive landscapes.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.
Fee=$75.00.

ARTS 299 Experimental New Media Seminar 3.0 SH [  ]

Examines a specific topic in studio art practices that may include sound, video, photography, motion, design, and installation. The course is built around the special expertise of the faculty. The title will be extended to describe the current topic. May be repeated once up to a total of six semester hours provided the topics differ.
Prerequisite: ARTS 150 or ARTS 170.
Fee=$100.00.

ARTS 301 Portraiture 3.0 SH [  ]

For the student seeking experience in drawing the human form. Focus includes grounding in specific drawing skills, including ability to represent proportion, anatomic architecture, volume, and experience with various mediums. Learning about major practitioners of the genre will instill an appreciation for portraiture - its usefulness and influence as an important art form for content in past and present art.
Prerequisite: ARTS 150 or permission of the instructor.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.
Fee=$75.00.

ARTS 302 Figure Studies 3.0 SH [  ]

The human figure is used as a vehicle for exploring issues of fine drawing. Includes proportion, anatomy, gesture, content, and some historical background. May be repeated with instruction at increasingly advanced levels.
Prerequisite: ARTS 150.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.
Fee=$150.00.

ARTS 307 Sculpture III 3.0 SH [  ]

Course emphasizing the development of individual or collaborative student-determined project work in sculpture. Students will determine: working method, process, subject matter, project intent, materials, patterns of critical engagement, physical outcome, and the situating of work in time and space. Work includes in-depth planning, such as development of a budget and written proposal. All works will be fabricated, sited, and installed.
Prerequisite: ARTS 207.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.

ARTS 311 Painting III 3.0 SH [  ]

This advanced course engages the student in the practice and process of painting in relation to contemporary and historical approaches. Various painting strategies are introduced and investigated and inform the development of individual painting projects. ARTS 311 offers solid preparation for working on the capstone exhibition.
Prerequisite: ARTS 211.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.
Fee=$150.00.

ARTS 325 Art and Critical Theory 3.0 SH [  ]

This course examines significant ideas and issues in art theory and criticism from 1930 through the present. Learning about a range of critical lenses from formalism through post-structuralism and post-colonialism, students will explore foundational and contemporary texts about art. The readings embrace an emphasis on the relation of art to society. Strongly recommended for students applying to graduate school.
Prerequisite: ARTS 185.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.

ARTS 330 Studio Seminar 1.0-6.0 SH [  ]

Group study of selected topics in art. The title will be extended to describe the current topic. May be offered for variable credit from one to six semester hours. May be repeated up to a total of six semester hours provided the topics differ.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.

ARTS 350 Drawing III 3.0 SH [  ]

An intense exploration of the relationship of visual language to content in art via mixed drawing media. Production of several different series formats and a focused preparation of a portfolio quality series are covered during the term. Preparation of an aesthetic statement.
Prerequisite: ARTS 250.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.
Fee=$75.00.

ARTS 370 Visual Comm. Design III 3.0 SH [  ]

In VCD III, students learn and explore professional design practices within the context of a creative design firm or as a freelance multi-media artist. Students are challenged with specialized activities/problems that commonly occur in these contexts. They work in creative teams, design over a network, learn research methods, and create a portfolio of forms/contracts used in the field.
Prerequisite: ARTS 170.
Class Level Restriction: Sophomore and Junior and Senior only.
Fee=$100.00.

ARTS 402 On-Location Studies 1.0-6.0 SH [  ]

Offered by permission of the program faculty to students enrolled in field-oriented classes such as internships or off-campus independents. Course work provides opportunity for in-depth, individual research based upon previous studio classes at Principia College. May be offered for variable credit from one to six semester hours. May be repeated up to a total of six semester hours.
Class Level Restriction: Junior and Senior only.

ARTS 499 Capstone Exhibition 3.0,6.0 SH [  ]

The capstone is an ambitious project preparing the student for professional activity and/or graduate work. The student will produce and exhibit a cohesive body of work that represents investigation of a theme or idea. This course is typically a two-semester course. Will receive a star (*) grade until the semester in which the exhibition is installed.
Class Level Restriction: Senior only.
Field of Study Restrictions: Visual Arts Majors only.
Fee=$125.00.