Noncredit Courses

Exploring the galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago museum, this course investigates American art from the Prairie School, Tiffany, the Aesthetic movement, and American Impressionists, among others. Additionally, students will examine Luminist landscapes and the work of modern and contemporary American artists, including, but not limited to, Ivan Albright, Edward Hopper, Barbara Kruger, Georgia O'Keeffe, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, and Grant Wood. Students will develop the ability to look closely at, analyze, and discuss the works presented as they learn about the history, literature, music, and theater of the period in which it was created.<br><br>This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue. <br><br>Art Survey at the AIC: American Art fulfills the Art History requirement for the Adult Continuing Education noncredit Drawing and Painting certificates.<br><br>Art Survey at the AIC: American Art fulfills the Art History requirement for the Drawing and Painting certificates.

This course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principal design elements, including composition, color, and typography, through projects introducing Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in commercial and experimental design is stressed as students understand 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 Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop's specific role 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 various materials and styles, including traditional and digital illustration techniques. As you 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.

Learn how to think, plan, and draw like an architect in this engaging course focused on the design process and investigating the impact of built environments. Explore architectural design and historical and contemporary architecture as you develop the skills and knowledge to advance your studies in our noncredit certificate program or at another institution. Field trips, readings, and class projects provide an overview of both the science and art of designing buildings. All levels of experience are welcome.

This course explores the Art Institute of Chicago's Modern Wing, where students observe, discuss, and learn how to analyze a work of art. Lectures and discussions give students insight into the context of specific periods and the lives of the artists. Part of a series, this course focuses on the dawn of Modernism, exploring the work of important artists such as Cezanne, Picasso, Braque, Matisse, and others, and traces breakthrough developments in drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture.<br><br>This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue. <br><br>Art Survey at the AIC: Modernism and Beyond fulfills the Art History requirement for the Adult Continuing Education noncredit Drawing and Painting certificates.

This course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principal design elements, including composition, color, and typography, through projects introducing Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in commercial and experimental design is stressed as students understand 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 Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop's specific role 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 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.

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 pants to develop professional slopers, build waistbands, pattern pockets, and fly fronts. <br><br>Previous sewing experience is required. The SAIC ACE course Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals would provide you with an introductory experience.<br><br>Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.<br><br>Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

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 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 a rendering solution.<br><br>Students are responsible for their software when this course is offered online.

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 and those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses.

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.

This course focuses on the foundations of photography and the various ways to use a digital camera. Students examine how to choose and shoot personally meaningful subjects in content and contemporary contexts. Instruction includes capturing and printing images in 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 digital SLR (single-lens reflex) or mirrorless 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 and those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses.

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

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 various ways that color is considered and used as a design element. Working with current color theory principles and models, develop color plans and concepts for individual and group projects. This research is compiled in sketchbook/notebook format and is used as a reference for independent projects. Studies and hands-on studio work reveal how 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. Dont have a frame loom? No problem. Your instructor will walk you through building your own. You¿ll also deepen your understanding of weaving's relevance to material production, fine art, and craft through faculty-guided discussion and presentations. 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 and those interested in the history and development of analog and digital type. The course functions as a working lab with multiple projects that are guaranteed to build confidence and knowledge in typographic usage. Students learn about typographic history, type dos and donts, type terminology, setting copy and display text, using style sheets, type styles, handwriting, and illustrative calligraphy. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Graphic Design or equivalent experience.

How do we form an opinion about what we see around us? How do we make decisions that are relevant in the design world? In this course, students discuss, analyze, and discover design principles by exploring successful projects envisioned by artists, architects, theorists, and authors. This course examines problem-solving for various project types and will include lectures, readings, and individual assignments. Class discussions will explore new aesthetic trends and examine how ideas have evolved to address new issues.

Students will explore both traditional and modern approaches to watercolor, including gouache. The course will introduce various techniques, types of paper, alternative painting surfaces, and mixed media processes. It is designed for those with basic drawing skills and previous painting experience, encouraging experimentation with scale, subject matter, and formats. Critiques and discussions will support and guide each student in their artistic direction.

This course is designed for artists interested in learning experimental printmaking techniques but who do not necessarily have access to a print studio. Technical processes may include transfers, monoprints, linocuts, basic lithography, repeat patterns, and digital printing on fabric, focusing on the potential for experimental approaches in each area. These processes can be transferred easily from the classroom to the artist¿s workspace. Class discussions will focus on transformations that occur when printing a unique image or multiple and the potential to push these processes in new directions. The processes addressed will allow students to experiment with their existing drawings, photographs, or designs or to develop entirely new work during the course. This class is suitable for artists of all disciplines, both with and without prior printmaking experience.

Joining fabrics to cover the body and create shelter has been a prized skill in the progress of civilization. Students will build on that tradition by learning fundamental seams and finishes used in modern-day garment construction. Industry standards of sewing are emphasized, and techniques are taught and practiced. In addition to creating a personal library of seam samples, students will apply the techniques in two basic projects. The class will also discuss fabric characteristics and proper copying and cutting patterns. Once mastered, these techniques can be used to sew garments from patterns, create original designs, or explore fabric as a medium for soft sculpture. No previous sewing experience is necessary. <br><br>Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

Joining fabrics to cover the body and create shelter has been a prized skill in the progress of civilization. Students will build on that tradition by learning fundamental seams and finishes used in modern-day garment construction. Industry standards of sewing are emphasized, and techniques are taught and practiced. In addition to creating a personal library of seam samples, students will apply the techniques in two basic projects. The class will also discuss fabric characteristics and proper copying and cutting patterns. Once mastered, these techniques can be used to sew garments from patterns, create original designs, or explore fabric as a medium for soft sculpture. No previous sewing experience is necessary. <br><br>Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

In this course, students learn to assemble garments covering the female form's upper half. Industry standard techniques and tips are presented for sewing a pattern for a button-down shirt with sleeves and a lined, zippered shell. Students leave with the ability to transfer their skills to commercial patterns or their designs. <br><br>Previous sewing experience is required. The SAIC ACE course Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals would provide you with an introductory experience.<br><br>Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.

Whether penning the Next Great American Novel (poetry collection, memoir), or preparing a writing sample for a fellowship, grant, or MFA application, you will gain insightful feedback workshopping new or existing projects. Each class will allow you to receive and provide personalized critique with an eye towards revision. Weekly readings will consist of students' work, supplemented by essays on craft and excerpts from Kamau Brathwaite, Sloane Crosley, Joan Didion, Maggie Nelson, and Rebecca Solnit, among others.

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

This course introduces students to traditional and non-traditional materials and methods used in water-based painting. Projects include painting from observation and the imagination, using current artist practices and historical examples. Working from a variety of subjects, students may use ink, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media within their works while building skills in color, tone, volume, contrast, and temperature. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago inspire. Students should have previous drawing experience, but no painting experience is necessary.

Create eye-popping, high-quality artwork. You'll start with traditional media and then translate your ideas digitally in Procreate. Instruction will focus on learning the software and concept development as you create original characters and environments. This course will not focus on the development of observational drawing skills. All levels are welcome, even those with no prior drawing experience. Students will need an iPad to run Procreate.

This course will introduce students to the process, material, and history of painting with organic and inorganic pigments. The basis of study will be the prehistoric cave paintings that date back between 10,000 and 40,000 years and related schools of art - from Lascaux caves to mineral-based traditional pigment painting methods in Japan, Tibet, and India. Students will learn to work with pigments such as calcium carbonate, powdered clays, oxides, ochers, pine soot, and more. They will also be sensitized to the distinct aura of raw pigments that can create ethereal surfaces when mixed with organic binders in varying densities. In addition to media mixing, color theory discussion, and the completion of two-dimensional self-directed artworks, assignments will guide students through various experiments in traditional paper sizing and mounting techniques. Students will be introduced to techniques of foraging and harvesting earth pigments from natural surroundings, and this course will culminate in a presentation of completed work. The course will include lectures on important sites of prehistoric cave painting from around the world and derivative schools of art such as Nihonga, Japanese Traditional Paintings, Thangka, Tibetan Buddhist Painting, and Indian Miniature paintings.

Craft a digital portfolio that combines imagery, composition, text, and narrative to most successfully showcase your creativity, skills, and passions, and put your best foot forward for whatever comes next. This course is perfect for certificate students preparing for Portfolio Review Day and anyone interested in refining their portfolio for their website, residency, grant applications, or graduate admissions. Makers of all disciplines are welcome to join. Note: This one-day workshop does not include individual portfolio reviews.

Learn to identify, develop, and produce an integrated brand identity system that goes beyond the traditional logo. From rough sketches to final digital files, you will develop the practical components to create a public-facing brand while exploring the role of visual metaphor and styling in creating its personality. Analysis of effective identity systems through written and video case studies from master designers will provide insight into the myriad approaches to creating a strong visual brand identity that stands out. Prior knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite is recommended.

Contemporary Art in Chicago is a hands-on initiation into Chicago's vibrant visual art scene. You will visit museums and galleries throughout the city and get the unique opportunity to step behind the scenes into artists' studios and collectors' homes, where you will see works in progress, ask questions, and get to know the real people who make up Chicago's art world. Discussions and conversations with artists and curators provide context and intimacy to this exploration of the creative fabric of our city.<br><br>NOTE: This course meets outside of a classroom setting and will travel to different locations throughout Chicago. Students should know that some class sessions will require physical activity, including walking up to three blocks, taking public transportation, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods.<br><br>This course fulfills the Art History requirement for the Adult Continuing Education noncredit Drawing and Painting certificates.

Students are introduced to traditional and contemporary painting materials and methods through demonstrations and in-class projects. Methods of transferring drawing ideas to painting; preparation of grounds and supports; traditional and non-traditional tools for painting, mediums, and application techniques, and the connection between concept or subject matter to material choice are covered. Lectures, individual instruction, and group critiques will be used to develop insight into the relation between form and content. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Drawing or equivalent experience.

Cultivate a regular sketchbook practice to develop new ideas, stay accountable to your creative goals, and refine the direction of your work. Explore sketching, collaging, painting, and writing, as you investigate how the personal nature of an artist's sketchbook can catapult work to the next level. During one class meeting, handmade sketchbooks are made using an array of book construction methods. You will also review the history of artists¿ sketchbooks and visit the Art Institute of Chicago for inspiration.

This course introduces students to materials, methods, and tools used in oil painting while helping them develop observational skills. Demonstrations will cover stretching canvas, setting up a palette, applying different painting techniques, and mixing colors. These sessions provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of oil painting, preparing students for future projects.

This course introduces students to materials, methods, and tools used in oil painting while helping them develop observational skills. Demonstrations will cover stretching canvas, setting up a palette, applying different painting techniques, and mixing colors. These sessions provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of oil painting, preparing students for future projects.

This course explores the fundamentals of designing a fashion collection. Students will investigate a blend of conceptual inspiration and technical apparel design while applying practical skills in marketing plans, competitive research, and cost analysis. They will develop essential tools to appreciate and contextualize fashion design and better understand labor practices, size inclusivity, and sustainability issues.

From cave paintings to contemporary art, this lively introduction to a complex discipline explores how art reflects-and reshapes-the world around us. We'll trace the global history of art through time, place, and power, while also asking whose stories are being told--and whose aren't. Along the way, we'll explore the question that every artwork invites us to ask: What does it mean?<br><br>Offered online and designed for adult learners, the course requires no prior experience--just curiosity, a willingness to look closely, and an openness to new perspectives.<br><br>Sample Schedule<br>Week 1: Thinking Globally, Looking Locally<br>Week 2: The Origins of Art<br>Week 3: Power, Patronage, and Belief<br>Week 4: Why Is It Called The Canon?<br>Week 5: Beyond the Frame: Global Art Histories<br>Week 6: Race, Class, and Gender¿And the Gaps We Live With<br>Week 7: Modernism and Its Discontents<br>Week 8: Modernism Breaks the Mold<br>Week 9: What Is Contemporary Art?<br>Week 10: Your Art History