Youth & Continuing Studies Courses

In this course, students explore a variety of traditional and contemporary painting techniques. Projects include painting from observation and the imagination, as well as experimental approaches to mark-making. Students explore a wide range of materials, such as pastels, acrylic and watercolor paint, charcoal, graphite, gouache, and colored pencils while developing skills in rendering, composition, use of shading, color blending, and layering processes. Regular visits to the Art Institute of Chicago to observe and sketch from paintings and sculptures inspire studio work. This course is designed for all levels.

This course is designed for students who wish to use both digital and traditional/analog media to create moving images. Students learn animation principles while discovering many different techniques, including stop-motion, frame-by-frame, and more. Digital tools may be used in conjunction with sketchbook work and traditional processes to reflect contemporary artistic hybrid methods. This course can be repeated for continued skill building.

This course introduces young designers to fashion with an emphasis on discovering their own style while learning the technical skills that allow them to take their designs from concept to reality. Activities guide students through the process of developing original ideas, finding inspiration for fashion in the world around them, and responding to the work of other artists and designers. Students also explore sculptural draping by using paper to create exciting experimental garments on the dress form. As their designs develop, technical skills are introduced, including printing, embroidery, draping, and machine sewing. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Flaxman Library provide inspiration and supplement the studio experience. Each student creates a complete garment by the end of the course. Lessons/projects change each semester so students may enroll in this course multiple times.

This course introduces young designers to fashion with an emphasis on discovering their own style while learning the technical skills that allow them to take their designs from concept to reality. Activities guide students through the process of developing original ideas, finding inspiration for fashion in the world around them, and responding to the work of other artists and designers. Students also explore sculptural draping by using paper to create exciting experimental garments on the dress form. As their designs develop, technical skills are introduced, including printing, embroidery, draping, and machine sewing. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Flaxman Library provide inspiration and supplement the studio experience. Each student creates a complete garment by the end of the course. Lessons/projects change each semester so students may enroll in this course multiple times.

This course guides students through the process of bringing illustrations to the next level by creating unique comics and graphic novels. Emphasis is placed on storytelling, introducing students to character development, plot structure, scripting, and storyboarding. Skills in pencilling, inking, coloring, space, and perspective are introduced through the use of a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional media, which may include colored pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, digitally edited drawings, and/or handmade zines. Artist presentations, trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, and visits to downtown Chicago's vast array of public art provide inspiration and drawing practice as an entry into the basics of comic narrative and stylization. *Basic drawing skills are helpful, but not required.

This course offers an introduction to drawing as an exciting means of expression through writing, discussion, sketchbooks, and individual and group projects. Students explore a variety of drawing techniques and approaches, including essential elements of 2D design and art, as they develop an understanding of line, shape, shading, and light. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago to gain inspiration from a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and objects. This course is designed for beginning students as well as those who want to continue developing their skills and confidence in drawing, and can be repeated for continued skill and idea building.

This course offers an introduction to drawing as an exciting means of expression through writing, discussion, sketchbooks, and individual and group projects. Students explore a variety of drawing techniques and approaches, including essential elements of 2D design and art, as they develop an understanding of line, shape, shading, and light. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago to gain inspiration from a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and objects. This course is designed for beginning students as well as those who want to continue developing their skills and confidence in drawing, and can be repeated for continued skill and idea building.

This course introduces students to the process architects use to develop their ideas and concepts, focusing on the how and why of creating new shapes, spaces, and buildings. Projects incorporate experimentation with form, basic drawing, perspective and drafting techniques, 3D modeling, and the ability to discuss projects verbally and in writing. Students are presented with a variety of prompts and design challenges, using materials such as chipboard, basswood, foam core, and other objects to realize their ideas in three dimensions. They complete the course with a final presentation of their exploration, which may include prints and drawings, 3D physical models or digital presentations. In addition, influential artists, designers, and architects such as Frank Gehry and Robert Irwin are introduced to investigate the impacts of digital and atmospheric effects in design. No experience is needed for this course, but computer familiarity is helpful.

This course focuses on drawing as an exciting tool for organizing thoughts, feelings, and images. Students develop and strengthen fundamental skills, as well as investigate a range of traditional and contemporary drawing materials and concepts, exploring essential elements of 2D design and contemporary art. Through the study of line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour, students experiment with a number of wet and dry media such as charcoal, graphite, ink, and water-based paints. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and discussion of practicing artists supplement the studio experience (virtual tours of the museum are featured if online). This course is recommended for both beginners and those wanting to improve and develop their current skills and ideas. Note: In-person Figure Drawing, Figure Painting, Painting, and Drawing courses may use nude models hired by the School. Other classes may use them to a lesser degree.

This course is for students interested in exploring contemporary fashion design methods and materials rather than constructing specific garments. Students develop skills in illustrating the fashion figure, styling, draping, and fabric selection, are introduced to the history of fashion design and new research and documentation methods, and are exposed to contemporary designers and design practices. Students may explore resources such as SAIC's Fashion Resource Center, which houses a library on fashion and the history of costume, a number of individual garments and accessories of significant historical importance, and a rich collection of visual material not accessible to the general public, as well as the AIC's collection of art and textiles to develop an informed, thoughtful, and creative approach to design. The class will draw on these resources to develop unique textile and garment designs and to learn about clothing as a language, how garments communicate, and what they signify. Students can expect to gain skills in illustrating the fashion figure, styling, draping the form and developing patterns, increased knowledge of the history of individual garments, research/documentation, and exposure to contemporary designers and a selected history of fashion.

This course is for students who want to learn how to design, construct, and sew their own garments, including pattern making. Students begin by developing original pattern blocks, explore pattern drafting and draping, then document their three-dimensional exploration with photography and/or drawing. Through visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and access to the Fashion Resource Center at SAIC in combination with research and sketchbooks, students develop their own concept and design from flat and paper patterns to final fabric construction. The class also utilizes a wide variety of materials to build concept and execution, such as paper, muslin, second-hand clothing, and fabric off the bolt. The work produced in this class allows students to reflect and expand on their own personal style and ambition while learning the skills to construct a garment from start to finish.

**NOTE: This course is for College Arts Access Program (CAAP) students only and is closed to outside registrants.** Chicago, home to one of the country's largest concentrations of working artists, designers, and other creative professionals, is a city of unparalleled architecture, innovative public art, and world-class museums and galleries. In this course, students explore diverse contemporary practices through an interactive presentation series, including studio visits, with Chicago's leading art historians, artists, designers, writers and other creative professionals. Each presenter discusses their practice, followed by a guided workshop that asks students to respond through various exercises, ranging from making to performance to writing. Through the presentations, studio visits, and corresponding workshops, students reshape their definitions of contemporary art and design, explore the difference between cultural production and consumption, and learn what it takes to become a successful creative professional in the 21st century. This course is ideal for those who are engaged in art making as well as those interested in learning more about the professional paths of creative individuals and opportunities in the arts.

In this hands-on studio course, students will not only develop new works of art to round out their portfolios for upcoming college applications but they will also select, revise, and edit their existing works. Through dynamic workshops and one-on-one meetings with SAIC faculty and admissions staff, students will discover the most effective way to document and organize their work and represent their unique points-of-views as artists to the colleges of their choice. This course also places emphasis on studio time and support from faculty to create final projects that will enhance student's overall portfolio presentation. Additional resources such as artist presentations, and virtual visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and other cultural institutions supplement the course curriculum.

In this hands-on studio course, students will not only develop new works of art to round out their portfolios for upcoming college applications but they will also select, revise, and edit their existing works. Through dynamic workshops and one-on-one meetings with SAIC faculty and admissions staff, students will discover the most effective way to document and organize their work and represent their unique points-of-views as artists to the colleges of their choice. This course also places emphasis on studio time and support from faculty to create final projects that will enhance student's overall portfolio presentation. Additional resources such as artist presentations, and virtual visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and other cultural institutions supplement the course curriculum.

This course is for students that have a background in drawing, but little to no painting experience. Drawings serve as the foundation for acquiring new painting skills and students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and goals with instructor guidance. Skills such as line, volume, space, materiality, form and function, and palette are explored through both drawing and painting. A variety of traditional and contemporary materials are used, and may include graphite, charcoal, pastels, water-based paints, mixed media, and/or collage. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and discussions of practicing artists will supplement the studio experience and encourage development of concepts in student artworks. By the end of the course, students have an expanded knowledge of materials and acquire the ability to transition from drawing to painting. This course is recommended for both beginners and those wanting to improve and develop their current abilities. Note: Figure Drawing, Figure Painting, Painting, and Drawing courses may use nude models hired by the School. Other classes may use them to a lesser degree.

Bring your drawings and ideas to life in Animation Studio. This course is designed for students who wish to explore traditional and digital animation techniques, such as frame-by-frame, stop-motion, and more. Beginning from sketches and storyboards, students complete several projects that focus on communicating ideas through motion studies, character/environment development, storytelling, and other cinematic devices such as composition, set making, and props. Using a variety of tools throughout the course, students develop a final project that is based on individual goals and interests. Artist presentations, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, and group discussions supplement the studio experience. **NOTE: Basic drawing and computer experience required.

This advanced course is for students who have taken at least one or more Early College Program drawing or painting courses or have substantial experience in drawing or painting and want to take their work to the next level. The organization of ideas and development of self-directed work is emphasized with instructor guidance and peer support. Lead by their individual projects and goals, students may choose to work in a variety of media, such as water-based paint, oil paint, ink, pencil, charcoal, collage, or a combination of media. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, contemporary artist presentations, group critiques, and experimental interdisciplinary exercises supplement the studio experience. This course is intended for students with considerable experience in drawing or painting that want to add new work to their portfolio and are comfortable working independently from specific assignments.

Focus on drawing and painting as exciting tools for organizing thoughts, experiences, and images. Develop and strengthen fundamental skills as you work with line, volume, space, form, and palette and investigate a range of traditional and contemporary materials that may include charcoal, graphite, ink, and water-based paints (acrylic, watercolor, water-soluble oils, etc.). Virtual visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and discussion of practicing artists supplement the studio experience. This course is recommended for both beginners and those wanting to improve and develop their current skills and ideas.

Investigate visual storytelling and drawing strategies through the contemporary art forms of comics and graphic novels. Explore a variety of illustrative approaches, such as writing, storyboarding, penciling, and inking/coloring. Building on this foundation, students learn research methods to develop ideas and produce projects that examine narrative structures, material choices, and the integration of text and image. Regular critiques, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, and exposure to contemporary artists, illustrators, and designers supplement the studio experience. Previous drawing experience is helpful but not required.

This course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance.

Explore the illustration process as your instructor guides you from ideation to freehand sketching and ultimately creating a final illustration. Experiment with a variety of materials and styles, including traditional and digital illustration techniques. As you begin to craft your illustrative point of view throughout the course, you will also learn more about the landscape of contemporary illustration. This course will not focus on the development of observational drawing skills. All levels are welcome, even those with no prior drawing experience.

This course introduces the skills and insights needed to be a successful interior designer and examines why some designs are more successful than others. More than a style-selection course, you will learn what is required to design and build an interior space, gain a general knowledge of how interior designers work, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. Included is a survey of important and innovative designs happening today.

Meeting in the galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago museum, this course takes advantage of one of the largest and most significant collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including works by Gauguin, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec, and van Gogh, among others. Through lectures and discussions, students will develop the ability to look closely at, analyze, and discuss the works presented as they learn about the period in which it was created.

This course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance.

This course introduces the skills and insights needed to be a successful interior designer and examines why some designs are more successful than others. More than a style-selection course, you will learn what is required to design and build an interior space, gain a general knowledge of how interior designers work, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. Included is a survey of important and innovative designs happening today.

This course examines a selection of seminal works in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Classes meet in the galleries and observe, discuss, and find connections between works in different points of history. Students learn how to analyze a work of art, as well as gain insights into the context of specific periods, the lives of the artists, and range of expression as a basis for further inquiry. This course, part of a three course series, begins with Ancient Greece and Rome and continues through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and 17th and 18th century Romantic periods, ending with the late 19th century and the dawn of Impressionism. Such renowned artists as El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens and Turner are included, as well as lesser-known artists.

This course introduces the skills and insights needed to be a successful interior designer and examines why some designs are more successful than others. More than a style-selection course, you will learn what is required to design and build an interior space, gain a general knowledge of how interior designers work, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. Included is a survey of important and innovative designs happening today.

Want to use Adobe Illustrator to create sophisticated and complex designs and illustrations while you hone your skills? Learn the basics of the program before moving on to master transparency, feathering, masking, compound paths, gradients, layering techniques, and the specifics of the pen tool. This course will feature dynamic class demonstrations, and group critiques, as well as personalized feedback from your instructor on each assignment and throughout the creative process. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course.

Students in this course create, manipulate, and sew patterns that cover the lower half of the female form. Students learn to draft a basic skirt and pant to develop professional slopers, build waistbands, and pattern pockets and fly fronts. Prerequisite(s): Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals or equivalent experience. Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

Learn the skills you need to manipulate and enhance photographs and digital images. Explore the principal elements of design including composition, color, and typography, as you develop strategies for solving design problems, a design vocabulary, and an understanding of the key role Photoshop can play in creating professional work. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course.

Students will develop an understanding of software interfaces as they learn to translate 2D drawings into 3D models, working with digital drawing tools including Autodesk AutoCAD and SketchUp, and using SU Podium for renderings. This course is taught in Mac OS.

This course focuses on the foundations of photography and the various ways to use a digital camera. Students examine how to choose and shoot subjects that are both personally meaningful in content and contemporary in context. Instruction includes capturing and printing images in both black and white and color, and investigating digital photo editing. Discussions on the history of photography and individual and group critiques are included. Students must supply their own digital SLR (single-lens reflex) camera with manual functions; no point and shoot cameras.

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.

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.

Learn the skills you need to format layout projects in InDesign. Explore the principal elements of the software including paragraph and character styles, object styles, layers, and master pages, as well as how to import graphics. Develop strategies for solving design problems, a design vocabulary, and an understanding of the key role InDesign can play in creating professional work. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course, experience with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop is recommended.

Gain a competitive edge as a designer, artist, or maker by advancing your understanding of color theory. Learn about the variety of ways that color is considered and used as a design element. Working with current color theory principles and models, develop color plans and concepts in relationship to individual and group projects. This research is compiled in sketchbook/notebook format and is used as reference for independent projects. Studies and hands-on studio work reveal the multiple ways that color can transform concepts with cohesive and expressive results.

Gain a competitive edge as a designer, artist, or maker by advancing your understanding of color theory. Learn about the variety of ways that color is considered and used as a design element. Working with current color theory principles and models, develop color plans and concepts in relationship to individual and group projects. This research is compiled in sketchbook/notebook format and is used as reference for independent projects. Studies and hands-on studio work reveal the multiple ways that color can transform concepts with cohesive and expressive results.

Learn to weave in this beginner's course, exploring traditional tapestry approaches such as interlocking, inlay, and shape-building alongside basket weave, twill, soumak, pile, rya, and twining techniques. Don’t have a frame loom? No problem. Your instructor will walk you through building your own. Through faculty guided discussion and presentations, you’ll also deepen your understanding of weaving's relevance in relation to material production, fine art, and craft. Presentations on contemporary handweavers supplement this studio experience. No experience is necessary.

This introduction to typography is recommended for those pursuing a career in art and design fields, and those interested in the history and development of analog and digital type. The course functions as a working lab with multiple projects guaranteed to build confidence and knowledge in typographic usage. Students learn about typographic history, type dos and don?ts, type terminology, setting copy and display text, using style sheets, type styles, and handwriting and illustrative calligraphy. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Graphic Design or equivalent experience.

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.