Youth & Continuing Studies Courses

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 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 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 advanced course is for students who have taken the Middle School Program Drawing Studio class or have previous drawing experience and want to explore a wide range of materials and processes to expand their work in new directions. While continuing to build on technical skills, students will focus on drawing as a tool for organizing thoughts, feelings, and sharing their ideas. Students will work with a wide range of materials including pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, and mixed media. Digital drawing using Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator and tablets may also be used. Students visit the Art Institute of Chicago to observe and sketch from a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and objects that are used as inspiration for studio work.

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 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.

In this dynamic course, you'll explore drawing as a powerful way to express your thoughts, feelings, and unique ideas. Whether new to the medium or looking to sharpen your skills, you'll investigate contemporary themes and subjects while developing essential techniques like line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Get hands-on with various traditional and modern drawing materials, experimenting with everything from charcoal and graphite to ink and vibrant water-based paints. You'll also visit the Art Institute of Chicago, interact with professional artists, and take virtual tours of museums when available¿all designed to inspire your artistic journey. This course emphasizes personal expression and creative exploration, making it the perfect space for beginners and experienced artists to discover their artistic voice. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

This engaging course invites you to unleash your creativity as you explore innovative design methods and materials, focusing on illustration, styling, draping, and fabric selection rather than the construction of specific garments. You'll learn about the rich history of fashion and discover research techniques that will spark your imagination. Plus, you'll examine contemporary works and practices currently reshaping the fashion industry. Visits to SAIC's Fashion Resource Center, a treasure trove of fashion history and stunning collection of garments and accessories, and the Art Institute of Chicago's collection of art and textiles will inspire your designs. Throughout this course, you'll create unique textile and garment designs while exploring how clothing communicates who you are. You'll develop skills in fashion illustration, draping, and even patternmaking while gaining a deeper understanding of garment history and contemporary designers. Whether you're new or have some experience, this course will help you unlock your design potential and express yourself through the powerful medium of fashion.

This course is intended for students with little to no oil painting experience and introduces this medium's specific materials and processes. You'll get hands-on experience with essential skills through demonstrations on stretching canvases, setting up your paint palette, and applying various techniques. You'll also learn how to mix colors. These foundational skills will prepare you to create work for your portfolio. Throughout the course, you'll delve into color theory, composition, structure, proportion, and perspective while painting from observation. Experiment and discover your unique artistic voice and style in a supportive and encouraging environment. Basic drawing and water-based painting experience is required. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

**This course is for College Arts Access Program (CAAP) students only and is closed to outside registrants.**

Art does not stop when the piece is finished- showing work to the public is a large part of the artistic process and should be considered as deeply as the making itself. In this course, students discuss traditional and contemporary presentation methods, from high end galleries and museums to online exhibitions to artist-run shows. In addition to in class examinations of what an exhibition can be and its impact on how artwork is viewed/received, students organize and assemble their own exhibition: from marketing to presentation choices to artist statements to installation to opening reception. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, SAIC's Sullivan Galleries and Student Union Galleries, the Cultural Center, and other Chicago venues help inform discussion and research. Students should have finished, portfolio-quality work that they are ready to exhibit prior to taking this course, as it does not cover studio time or techniques.

**This course is for College Arts Access Program (CAAP) students only and is closed to outside registrants.**

Art does not stop when the piece is finished- showing work to the public is a large part of the artistic process and should be considered as deeply as the making itself. In this course, students discuss traditional and contemporary presentation methods, from high end galleries and museums to online exhibitions to artist-run shows. In addition to in class examinations of what an exhibition can be and its impact on how artwork is viewed/received, students organize and assemble their own exhibition: from marketing to presentation choices to artist statements to installation to opening reception. Visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, SAIC's Sullivan Galleries and Student Union Galleries, the Cultural Center, and other Chicago venues help inform discussion and research. Students should have finished, portfolio-quality work that they are ready to exhibit prior to taking this course, as it does not cover studio time or techniques.

In this course, students will explore their creativity and develop a unique voice through engaging exercises such as journaling, freewriting, writing inspired by music, and exploring memories and dreams. Participants will experience the exhilarating process of editing, revising, and workshopping their writing alongside their peers, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. They will learn to provide constructive feedback on others' work and craft captivating short stories, monologues, poetry, and personal essays. Students will push the boundaries of original and individual expression throughout the course while preparing for college-level writing. With guidance from faculty and peer support, students will share their literary creations in class and complete assigned reading and writing exercises designed to clarify, expand, and challenge their written expressions.

In this exciting course, you'll have the chance to bring your fashion ideas to life, from inspiration to finished garments. You'll start crafting original pattern blocks, then explore drafting and draping techniques. Along the way, you'll document your journey with dynamic photography and sketches that capture your creative process. Inspiring field trips to places like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Fashion Resource Center at SAIC help you transform your flat patterns into stunning fabric creations. You'll be free to experiment with various materials, including paper, muslin, secondhand clothing, and fabric off the bolt. This hands-on approach will allow you to express your unique style and vision. By the end of the course, you will create pieces that showcase your aesthetic and equip you with essential skills in garment construction.

Unlock your creativity in our dynamic figure drawing course. Here, you'll have the opportunity to work from a live nude model, honing your skills by observing the human form. Expect an exciting mix of rapid sketches and longer poses paired with inspiration from photographs and your imagination. Explore the essential elements of life drawing¿like anatomy, proportion, composition, and expressive techniques¿focusing on using black and white media such as graphite, charcoal, and conte crayon to bring your visions to life. Challenge yourself with exercises like blind contour drawing and memory sketches that will push your artistic boundaries. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, presentations on inspiring historical and contemporary artists, and constructive critiques will help you grow. This course is perfect for newcomers eager to explore their creativity and those looking to enhance their artistic skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

This course is your chance to mix traditional techniques with cutting-edge digital methods as you experiment with everything from drawing and sculpture to image transfer, collage, laser cutting, and 3D printing. Begin with exciting mini-projects and hands-on demonstrations to spark your imagination and get your ideas flowing. You'll refine your concepts through engaging discussions before completing a final project reflecting your unique style and interests. Plus, you'll explore the latest trends in art, showcasing inspiring work from contemporary artists pushing boundaries today.

This course is your chance to mix traditional techniques with cutting-edge digital methods as you experiment with everything from drawing and sculpture to image transfer, collage, laser cutting, and 3D printing. Begin with exciting mini-projects and hands-on demonstrations to spark your imagination and get your ideas flowing. You'll refine your concepts through engaging discussions before completing a final project reflecting your unique style and interests. Plus, you'll explore the latest trends in art, showcasing inspiring work from contemporary artists pushing boundaries today.

This course is perfect for students passionate about drawing but new to painting. Build your drawing skills as a solid foundation to explore exciting new painting techniques as you define your unique artistic vision with the guidance of your instructor. You will explore essential skills such as line, volume, space, materiality, form and function, and color. Various traditional and contemporary materials will be utilized, including graphite, charcoal, pastels, water-based paints, mixed media, and collage. Additionally, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and discussions about contemporary artists will enhance the studio experience and inspire students to develop conceptual ideas in their artworks. By the end of this course, you'll have a deeper understanding of different art materials and the confidence to transition from drawing to painting. This course is beneficial for beginners as well as those looking to refine and enhance their skills. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

Discover the exciting world of animation as you bring your drawings and ideas to life. In this course, you'll explore traditional and digital animation techniques, such as frame-by-frame and stop-motion. Get ready to work on various cool projects that let you express your imagination through motion studies, character and environment design, and captivating storytelling. You'll learn cinematic techniques, including composition, set design, and prop creation, while developing a final project that reflects your unique goals and interests. To enhance your experience, enjoy artist presentations, take inspiring trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, and engage in dynamic group discussions.

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 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.

Passionate about clothing design and want to illustrate a collection of your own? Working from clothed models and couture garments, you will learn the skills needed to create evocative and effective illustrations. You will explore fabric texture and draping, along with drawing principles including body proportions, movement and position, perspective, and how to apply appropriate exaggeration and stylization. Influential fashion illustrators will be showcased to provide inspiration and context. Previous drawing experience is helpful.

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 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.

This course meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue.

Art Survey at the AIC: Modernism and Beyond 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 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.

Exploring 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 meets outside the gift shop at the benches, entering the museum from Michigan Avenue.

Art Survey at the AIC: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism fulfills the Art History requirement for the Drawing and Painting certificates.

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.

Focus your interests, refine your skills, and learn to create a compelling and personally meaningful body of work. In-class exercises and individual painting assignments will act as the catalyst for you to discover your point of view through painting. You¿ll learn to communicate your vision and receive feedback and support from your instructor and peers in one-on-one meetings, group critiques, and discussions. You may work in the painting media (acrylic, oils, tempera, watercolor) of your choosing. Prior painting is helpful but not necessary. Introductory painting skills will not be addressed in this course.

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.

In this course, students create, manipulate, and sew patterns that cover the upper half of the female form. Students learn to draft a basic bodice from their personal measurements or by measuring off a dress form, to create a professional sloper, as well as sleeves and collars. They will also manipulate darts, add fullness, and contour. These principles will be used to create a bodice of the student's own design.

Previous sewing experience is required. The SAIC ACE course that would provide you with introductory experience is Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals

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 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) or mirrorless camera with manual functions; no point and shoot cameras.

Share your raw and polished literary efforts with our supportive and dynamic community. Explore different poetic, non-fictional, and fictional forms of writing as you learn to find, build, and develop your own stories. Each class is the ideal blend of writing exercises and experiments, peer critique and feedback, and discussion of curated readings hand-picked by your instructor. All levels are welcome; no prior experience is necessary.

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.

This course emphasizes the artist's role in children's picture book illustration and focuses on the world of visual storytelling. Through demonstrations and in-class assignments, students working at a variety of skill levels explore materials and techniques used to create children's book illustrations; images that guide children into a whole new imaginative universe through a sequence of memorable visual images. Creating book dummies to organize their ideas, students learn to balance text and image on the page. Students should have basic drawing skills.

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.