SA

Studio Arts

Wyoming Studio Arts Field Study

SA
1542

This course is a directed study-like elective for Studio Arts majors. Students apply for consideration and four students are invited to enroll in the 17-day summer field study offered since launching in 2009. Preparatory work consists of readings and response papers that address the early unfolding of American art and how the art of the West develops from these and other influences; how and why people get lost and what happens when they are found, or choose to stay lost; and an overview of land art and how the experience of the pilgrimage may influence personal quests.
The field study is situated in Rock River, Wyoming between a 1930s motor lodge as primary residence, a 1919 bank building as makeshift studio, and the University’s 4,000 acre Spring Creek Preserve. Students interact with others simultaneously enrolled in the Paleoecology field study on the preserve exploring the landscape, flora and fauna, and gaining greater historical and geologic context while absorbing impressions for their creative work - the group camps at the preserve along with the science group at least two nights.
Offering a complete focus on creative work within a community of others engaged in the same pursuits, students are fully engaged in their work approximately eight hours per day. Spontaneous and planned critiques, guest artists, and local field trips offer additional insights. A mid-field study trip to Utah offers a new landscape with the exploration of two, land-art works in more remote locales. The course culminates with presentations to the Paleoecology group regarding creative work and Wyoming influences. A journal, artist statement, and reflective final paper are submitted upon return to Pittsburgh.

Sculpture - Figure and Portrait

SA
1440
Figurative sculpture is a basic studio course designed for beginners and intermediate students. It explores the skills and techniques necessary to approach clay modelling. Students are invited to take advantage of class activities as much as possible since it is through constant commitment and exercise that they will achieve the technical mastery of the medium. At the same time, it is necessary for students to acquire a certain theoretical awareness. Stimuli provided by projections, workshop and site visits to the most important sculptures in Florence are integral to the course. Students will visit these works during the week. Students will have a sketchbook in order to document at least one work per visit.

 

Foundation Drawing

SA
0130
Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Creative Work  General Education Requirement
 
A studio arts drawing course for beginning and intermediate students that explores an essential aspect of artistic self-expression and the techniques necessary to learn to draw what you see. The course will examine Florentine artists' drawing techniques that raised the level of this medium during the Renaissance period from preliminary studies to that of true works of art. Visual perception is a way of seeing that differs from our typical way of seeing. The objective is that of teaching students how to transmit what they see, an artistic perception which will permit them to explore their personal mode of expression. The course will concentrate upon the component parts of drawing, the necessary aspects self-awareness and general creativity, learning to draw what is out there and self expression.

 

General Education Requirements: 
Creative Work

Foundation Painting

SA
0120
Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Creative Work General Education Requirement
 
Investigate concepts of color, form, line, composition, volume, space, and the use of oil paint as a medium. Beginning or intermediate levels accepted. This course is structured to introduce oil painting starting from the basic techniques and introducing new approaches and ideas. Students should take advantage of open studio hours to complete their assignments. At the beginning of each new topic and project students will be asked to list the techniques acquired in the previous lessons before moving on to a new exercise. Students will be expected to complete at least 4 paintings to successfully complete the course in addition to completing the weekly assignments.

 

General Education Requirements: 
Creative Work