Gary McDowell

How are pigments made? How were they made in the past? Why do they produce the colors they do? It all comes down to the chemicals they contain. This course will introduce fundamental concepts relating to the production of pigments, and how this relates to their use and utility throughout art history. Topics will range from the nature of light and its interaction with matter, to principles of organic and inorganic chemistry in pigment production, investigating the history and economics of pigment production relating to natural and synthetic methods. The practical lab component of the class will explore principles of these chemical reactions, and the production of certain pigments using synthetic and natural (e.g. lake pigment) processes.
Students will learn about the chemistry of color, the structure and behavior of molecules, and the historical development and use of pigments in art.
Class work will involve experimental work, collaborative group work, critical analysis, and engagement with current concepts in the scientific literature of pigments. We will use qualitative homework, quizzes, lectures, and a final research project to combine understanding of chemical principles with artistic practice.

The world today may seem like it spirals further and further into chaos. But increasing disorder has always been a fundamental requirement of natural processes like chemical reactions. Balance, stability, order and chaos are as fundamental to how the world works on the microscopic level as they are in our daily lives. This class will explore our events, institutions, and art through the lens of chemical concepts such as entropy, equilibrium, catalysis, and kinetics. Class work will involve collaborative group work, critical analysis, and engagement with current concepts in the scientific literature across a range of disciplines. We will use quantitative in-class assignments, qualitative homework, quizzes, an exam, and a final project.

The world today may seem like it spirals further and further into chaos. But increasing disorder has always been a fundamental requirement of natural processes like chemical reactions. Balance, stability, order and chaos are as fundamental to how the world works on the microscopic level as they are in our daily lives. This class will explore our events, institutions, and art through the lens of chemical concepts such as entropy, equilibrium, catalysis, and kinetics. Class work will involve collaborative group work, critical analysis, and engagement with current concepts in the scientific literature across a range of disciplines. We will use quantitative in-class assignments, qualitative homework, quizzes, an exam, and a final project.