Early College Program Classes Courses

In this course students improve their writing skills and push their creative limits through journaling, free writing, writing through music, digging through memories and dreams, and other methods of responding to the world in written form. Students learn how to edit and revise a work, as well as respond critically to the writing of others; learn how to craft short stories, monologues, poetry and personal essays; push the limits of original and personal expressions and prepare for the college writing process. With faculty guidance and peer support, students share their literary efforts in class and are assigned reading and writing exercises to clarify, expand, and challenge written expressions.

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.

Designed for students with little or no experience in oil painting, this course introduces the specific materials and processes of the medium. Demonstrations on stretching a canvas, laying out a palette, various paint application techniques, and color mixing provide the fundamentals of oil painting and a strong foundation for creating portfolio-quality work. In addition, color theory, composition, structure, proportion, and perspective are explored through observational painting, as well as exercises that encourage students to confidently experiment to find their own direction and style. Basic drawing and water-based painting experience required. 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.

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.

Working from the nude model, students learn how to draw the human form from direct observation. Class exercises include fast movement and long duration poses as well as content from other visual sources including photographs and the imagination. The essential elements of life drawing, including anatomy, proportion, volume, composition, gesture, and the accurate and expressive use of line and tone are addressed to provide a focus for increasing skill. Students work with black and white dry media, such as graphite, charcoal, and conte crayon to realistically render subjects from direct observation. In addition, students explore experimental approaches such as blind contour drawing and drawing from memory. Focus is placed on both traditional drawing modes as well as individual creativity so each student can investigate their own ideas. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, presentations on historic and contemporary artists, and critiques supplement the studio experience. This course is recommended for both beginners and those wanting to improve and develop their current skills and ideas.

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.

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.

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.

Focus on drawing and illustration 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 such as charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, and digital illustration. Virtual visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and discussion of practicing artists and illustrators supplement the studio experience. This course is recommended for both beginners and those wanting to improve and develop their current skills and ideas.