A wide shot of a ceramics studio, featuring students working with pottery wheels and other tools.
A silhouette of a person against a blue background.

Helen Oh-Conklin

Continuing Studies Instructor

Bio

BFA, (2011), Columba College Chicago, MFA (2014), Harrington College of Design, Chicago, IL. She also studied painting at the School of Visual Arts, the National Academy of Design, and The Art Students League of New York. Exhibitions: the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Terra Museum of American Art, the Butler Institute of American Arts, and the Muscarelle Museum of Art, VA. Publications: Space Threshold; Linea. Bibliography: New American Paintings #29, Art Scene Chicago 2000, American Artist magazine. Collections: Columbia University, The Americas Society in Manhattan. Awards: Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grants, Julius Hallgarten Painting Prize from National Academy of Design Museum.

 

Courses

Title Department Catalog Term

Description

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.

Class Number

2402

Credits

1

Description

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.

Class Number

2304

Credits

1

Description

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.

Class Number

2329

Credits

1

Description

Intended for students with prior figure drawing experience, this course is ideal for those who want to draw from the nude model in a faculty-guided group environment. The emphasis of the course is on developing expressive, interpretive drawings from life, while continuing to refine one?s skills. Critiques and discussions including historical and contemporary approaches to figurative art deepen understanding, support personal direction, and aid in the execution of ideas. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Figure Drawing or equivalent experience.

Class Number

1281

Credits

1

Description

Improve your ability to draw, paint, or sculpt human forms. This workshop examines how human proportion, motion, and balance are affected by the skeletal and muscular systems of the body. Draw from the live model throughout the workshop, exploring ways to amplify your understanding of the mechanics and aesthetics of the body. All levels are welcome and encouraged to join; previous figure drawing experience is beneficial.

Class Number

1048

Credits

1

Description

This course will introduce students to acrylic painting by exploring traditional and contemporary approaches to the medium. Students will learn to work with acrylic paints through demonstrations, individual dialogue, class discussions, and critiques. Artists including Mark Bradford, Helen Frankenthaler, and Mark Rothko will inspire as participants complete a series of paintings on paper, canvas, and wood.

Class Number

1006

Credits

1