This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
Liberal Arts
Dean
Patrick Marasso
Associate Deans
Soni Verma, Maria Villasenor
Location
Division Office
W 107, Rocklin Campus

Overview

The faculty of the Art Department is committed to the objective of making the arts of the past and present available to the students through historical surveys and the studio experience. It is believed that this heritage of thought and skill, going beyond our immediate time and culture, will enrich the students’ lives, their personal view of their world and their communication of ideas, through added knowledge and inter-cultural understanding.

TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Art are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Positions for which four-year graduates in Art are qualified are professional artist, teacher, fine artist and crafts artist.

(Student art work may be retained by the Department, at its discretion, for one year)

Faculty

Brenna M. Chapman

Professor, Art/Art History/Women and Gender Studies

B.A., University of California, Davis
M.A., University of California, Davis

Sandra C. Escobar

Professor, Art

B.A., California State University, Northridge
M.A., California State University, Northridge
M.F.A., California State University, Chico

Nicholas Gagliardi

Assistant Professor, Art

B.F.A, Sonoma State University
M.F.A, University of Georgia

Jennifer Packer

Professor, Art

B.A., Rutgers State University
M.A., University of California, Santa Barbara

Degrees/Certificates

Associate Degree for Transfer

Associate Degree

Studio Arts for Transfer

AA-T Degree

Studio Arts is a program that provides students with broad exposure to the visual arts through basic requirements in two and three-dimensional studio and art history. Program curriculum introduces students to the fundamental concerns of art, including lab and material safety, visual literacy, design, problem solving and critical thinking. Through various hands on projects, students develop the skills necessary to approach problems, analyze constraints and requirements and use appropriate techniques to invent creative solutions in a variety of media.

The Associate in Arts in Studio Arts for Transfer degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To earn the Associate in Arts in Studio Arts for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

Required Courses

ARHI 0120Survey of Western Art II: Renaissance Traditions3
ARHI 0130Survey of Western Art III: Modern through Contemporary3
ART 0002Two-Dimensional Design Foundations3
ART 0003Three-Dimensional Design Foundations3
ART 0004ADrawing I3
Select 3 units from the following:3
Survey of Western Art I: Prehistory through the Middle Ages
History of the Arts of Africa, the Americas, and Oceania
History of Asian Art
Select 9 units from the following:9
Drawing II
Figure Drawing I
Color Theory
Oil Painting I
Watercolor Painting I
Acrylic Painting I
Sculpture I
Ceramic Sculpture/Handbuilding
Ceramics I
Metal Arts
Introduction to Fiber Arts
Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Printmaking I
Digital Art Studio: Concepts and Practices (also AAD 0073)
Elementary Photography
Figure Drawing II
Oil Painting II
Watercolor Painting II
Sculpture II
Ceramics II
Figure Sculpture
Raku Ceramics
Printmaking II
Total Units27

Studio Art

AA Degree

(formerly Art)

The AA program in Studio Art is intended to prepare students for entry-level positions in the fine and applied art fields. The program seeks to provide breadth through basic requirements in two and three-dimensional studio and art history courses. Additional course work is selected by students toward specific career alternatives such as fine artist, graphic designer, crafts person, illustrator, or computer artist. Employment opportunities in these fields are highly dependent on the quality and breadth of one’s artistic portfolio. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

Required Courses

ARHI 0120Survey of Western Art II: Renaissance Traditions3
ARHI 0130Survey of Western Art III: Modern through Contemporary3
ART 0002Two-Dimensional Design Foundations3
ART 0003Three-Dimensional Design Foundations3
ART 0004ADrawing I3
Select 3 units from the following:3
Survey of Western Art I: Prehistory through the Middle Ages
History of Women in Art
History of the Arts of Africa, the Americas, and Oceania
History of Asian Art
History of Islamic Art
Select 9 units from the following:9
Drawing II
Figure Drawing I
Figure Drawing II
Color Theory
Oil Painting I
Oil Painting II
Watercolor Painting I
Watercolor Painting II
Acrylic Painting I
Acrylic Painting II
Sculpture I
Sculpture II
Ceramic Sculpture/Handbuilding
Ceramics I
Ceramics II
Figure Sculpture
Raku Ceramics
Metal Arts
Advanced Metal Arts
Independent Study
Introduction to Fiber Arts
Art Metal Casting
Collage and Assemblage
Printmaking I
Printmaking II
Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Portrait Drawing and Painting
Illustration (also AAD 0055)
Introduction to Digital Painting
Portfolio Development and Presentation
Introduction to Digital Painting
Interaction Design
Intermediate Black and White Photography
Total Units27

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

ART 0002. Two-Dimensional Design Foundations

Units: 3
Formerly known as ART 6A
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to two-dimensional art and composition, including the study of the basic principles and elements of line, shape, texture, value, color, proportion and spatial illusion. Students develop a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lecture presentations, studio projects, problem solving, and written assignments. (C-ID ARTS 100) (CSU, UC)

ART 0003. Three-Dimensional Design Foundations

Units: 3
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to three-dimensional design and spatial composition, including the study of the elements of art and principles of design as they apply to three-dimensional space and form. Development of visual vocabulary for creative expression through lecture presentations and use of appropriate materials for non-representational three-dimensional studio projects. (C-ID ARTS 101) (CSU, UC)

ART 0004A. Drawing I

Units: 3
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to drawing, including gesture and contour drawing; rendering of volumetric form showing light and shadow; description of forms in space; and basic principles of compositional arrangement. Instruction in the use of black and white drawing media including pencil, charcoal, and ink. References to various historical and cultural styles and techniques. (C-ID ARTS 110) (CSU, UC)

ART 0004B. Drawing II

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Continued exploration of the various concerns of drawing, including gesture and contour drawing, rendering of volumetric form showing light and shadow, description of forms in space, and basic principles of compositional arrangement using color drawing media including pencils, pastels, and inks. Drawing studied with reference to various historical, contemporary, and cultural styles and techniques. Creative studies in scale, non-traditional materials, and substraits also explored. (C-ID ARTS 205) (CSU, UC)

ART 0005A. Figure Drawing I

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to drawing the human figure from direct observation using live models and a variety of black and white drawing media and techniques. Topics include an introduction to human anatomy and the historical and contemporary roles of figure drawing in Western art. Students practice objective, descriptive approaches to drawing the figure. (C-ID ARTS 200) (CSU, UC)

ART 0005B. Figure Drawing II

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ART 5A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Advanced drawing of the human figure from direct observation of live models. Continued explorations of the human form in space, anatomical construction, proportions, and composition with emphasis on the use of color. Study of figurative art in non-Western historical and cultural contexts. Students practice subjective, expressive interpretations of the human figure, building on fundamental drawing skills to develop personalized approaches to drawing the human form through exercises covering various historical and contemporary approaches to drawing. (CSU, UC)

ART 0006C. Color Theory

Units: 3
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Basic principles and properties of color. Theoretical study and direct studio projects of such colorists as Josef Albers and Johannes Itten. Study of the physics of light and color; physiology of color vision; psychological and compositional effects of color use; cultural interpretations and traditions; history of color theory and its impact on art and design. (C-ID ARTS 270) (CSU, UC)

ART 0007A. Oil Painting I

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
An introduction to the techniques and concepts of oil painting. Painting techniques explored in historical/cultural contexts, with emphasis on perceptual skills and creative responses to materials and subjects. Compositional strategy, introduction to color theory, and sources of inspiration are explored through in-class and independent painting assignments. (CSU, UC)

ART 0007B. Oil Painting II

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ART 7A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Further in-depth study of oil painting techniques and concepts. Painting techniques explored in historical/cultural contexts, with emphasis on perceptual skills and creative responses to materials and subjects. Compositional strategy, color theory, and sources of inspiration are explored through in-class and independent painting assignments, with emphasis on development of personal expression and style. (CSU, UC)

ART 0008A. Watercolor Painting I

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to watercolor as a transparent painting medium through exploration of traditional watercolor methods and techniques. Topics include composition, color use, development of sources of personal inspiration, and the study of watercolor in the context of the historical Western tradition. (C-ID ARTS 210) (CSU, UC)

ART 0008B. Watercolor Painting II

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ART 8A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Advanced, in-depth study of the techniques and processes of painting in transparent watercolor. Continued exploration of design and composition with emphasis on the subjective and expressive use of color, including abstract and non-objective approaches. Students practice subjective uses of watercolor to develop personal style. Watercolor painting studied in relation to non-Western historical and cultural contexts. (CSU, UC)

ART 0009A. Acrylic Painting I

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
An introduction to the techniques and concepts of acrylic painting. Painting techniques explored in historical, cultural, and contemporary contexts, with emphasis on perceptual skills and creative responses to materials and subjects. Compositional strategy, introduction to color theory, and sources of inspiration explored through in-class and independent painting assignments. (C-ID ARTS 210) (CSU, UC)

ART 0009B. Acrylic Painting II

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ART 9A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Further in-depth study of acrylic painting techniques and concepts. Painting techniques explored in historical/cultural contexts, with emphasis on perceptual skills and creative responses to materials and subjects. Compositional strategy, color theory, and sources of inspiration are explored through in-class and independent painting assignments, with emphasis on development of personal expression and style. (CSU, UC)

ART 0012A. Sculpture I

Units: 3
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduces the fundamental issues of sculpture through a variety of materials, processes and techniques. Skills acquired in a wide range of techniques and materials, both traditional (wood, metal, plaster) as well as non-traditional (fabric, video projections, performance, sustainable/salvaged/recycled materials). Emphasis on conceptual idea development, connecting metaphorical ideas and symbolic meaning to the crafting/making of sculptural objects. (CSU, UC)

ART 0012B. Sculpture II

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ART 12A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
In-depth exploration of sculpture philosophy and materials with a focused emphasis toward development of personal direction and individual style. Students work with a variety of materials to create works of art. (CSU, UC)

ART 0017. Ceramic Sculpture/Handbuilding

Units: 3
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Exploration of various ceramic hand-forming methods with clay as a medium; cultural, traditional, and contemporary ceramics techniques explored through the development of three-dimensional projects. Emphasis on handbuilding and hand forming techniques. (CSU, UC)

ART 0018A. Ceramics I

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to the ideas, techniques, history and tradition of the art and craft of ceramics. Designed for students interested in working with clay, the course provides experiences in making functional as well as sculptural pieces using a variety of techniques. Emphasizes well-thought-out forms, designs and functional uses along with good craftsmanship. Ceramics explored through handbuilding projects, wheel throwing, decorating and glazing of ceramic works. A rigorous exploration of clay as a craft and art form. (CSU, UC)

ART 0018B. Ceramics II

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ART 18A with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Students integrate techniques and concepts learned in introductory ceramics to produce works of a more prioritized and personal nature. Introduces advanced techniques and concepts of using clay for creative expression to produce a fundamentally more self-directed portfolio using the potter's wheel and or hand building techniques. Provides increased sensitivity to the materials, to aesthetic design, and to further development of individual and imaginative use of the materials. Glaze technology is introduced. (CSU, UC)

ART 0019. Figure Sculpture

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of ART 12A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to figure sculpture using the live model. Emphasis on understanding the human figure as it relates culturally to contemporary and traditional sculptural concepts. Introduction to a variety of construction materials beginning with clay, plaster and mixed media. (CSU, UC)

ART 0020. Raku Ceramics

Units: 3
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to Raku, a traditional ceramics process. Explores origins and cultural developments and their application to the contemporary world. Includes fabrication techniques, glaze chemistry, firing techniques, and design theory. (CSU, UC)

ART 0022. Metal Arts

Units: 3
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Exploration of metalworking techniques, design principles, and material use for sculpture, functional and nonfunctional art forms. Common welding processes, forming, bending, and blacksmithing techniques for ferrous and nonferrous metals. (CSU)

ART 0024. Advanced Metal Arts

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ART 22 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Advanced exploration of metal techniques, design principles, and material use for sculpture and functional and nonfunctional art forms. Emphasis on development of a personal creative vision, furthering technical skills, and complex problem solving. Includes ferrous and nonferrous metal machining, advanced welding techniques, advanced forming methods, and public outdoor art installation. (CSU)

ART 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

ART 0032A. Introduction to Fiber Arts

Units: 3
Formerly known as ART 32
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
IIntroduction to basic materials, methods and vocabulary used in fiber and textile media as well as the hands-on development of expressive visual ideas. Develop familiarization with materials and basic understanding of several off-loom construction techniques. Emphasis on techniques requiring little specialized equipment with materials that are found readily in the environment. Contemporary and historical development and cultural relevance of the fiber media is also explored. (C-ID ARTS 282) (CSU, UC)

ART 0033. Art Metal Casting

Units: 3
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Foundations of art casting techniques and skills with an emphasis on the elements of art and principles of design. Introduction to mold making, wax working, traditional and nontraditional metal casting methods, chasing finishing for bronze and aluminum. (CSU)

ART 0034. Collage and Assemblage

Units: 3
Formerly known as ART 303
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Explores the variation and formation of an altered surface with found and constructed materials. The application of historical and contemporary techniques and concepts provides the foundation for creating two and three dimensional works of art. Development of a personal visual language is essential to this course. (CSU)

ART 0040A. Printmaking I

Units: 3
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to printmaking processes. Direct practice in wood cut, lino cut, and collagraph; planographic processes, such as monotype and monoprint; drypoint, a form of intaglio printing using a non-toxic etching process; stencil techniques; chine colle; color printing; registration; and traditional and contemporary printmaking practices. Students practice skills required to work in a shared studio environment using an etching press, and practice hand-pressing using various implements. Most inks used are soy-based and non-toxic. (C-ID ARTS 220) (CSU, UC)

ART 0040B. Printmaking II

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ART 40A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Further in-depth study of printmaking processes. Direct practice in relief, intaglio, collagraph, monotype, and digital prints and transfers. Exploration of traditional and contemporary printmaking practices. Techniques of creating and labeling print editions. Students practice skills required to work in a shared studio environment using an etching press, and practice hand-pressing using various implements. Most inks used are soy-based and non-toxic. (CSU, UC)

ART 0041. Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing

Units: 3
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to a wide range of methods, techniques, and materials used to create jewelry and small-scale metal artwork and objects. Includes examination of the history and contemporary practices of jewelry-making and small metal casting/fabrication with a global cultural perspective. (CSU)

ART 0052. Portrait Drawing and Painting

Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to drawing and painting the human portrait from live models. Basic proportions, facial features, basic rendering and painting techniques, and portrayal of individual portrait characteristics with a variety of drawing and painting media. Historical study of the art form of portraiture integrated into studio projects. (CSU, UC)

ART 0055. Illustration

Units: 3
Also known as AAD 55
Prerequisite: Completion of AAD 44, 60, 62, 75 or ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
Professional practices of illustration, including concept development, communication of ideas, identification and use of appropriate styles and techniques, time management, pricing and contracts, and presentation of finished artwork. (CSU)

ART 0071. Introduction to Digital Painting

Units: 3
Also known as AAD 71
Prerequisite: Completion of AAD 44 or ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to the concepts, tools, and techniques of drawing and painting using creative software. Exploration of traditional artistic techniques in a digital environment. Includes development of skills such as building form, creating color, composing subjects and describing space. Development of portfolio-quality projects in both digital form and print. (CSU)

ART 0073. Digital Art Studio: Concepts and Practices

Units: 3
Also known as AAD 73
Prerequisite: Completion of ART 4A or AAD 44 with grade of "C" or better
Advisory: Completion of AAD 70 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to the tools, concepts, and processes for digital art creation with an emphasis on experimental animation, video, mixed media, digital imaging, installation, and new genres. Topics include integration of traditional design, color, and compositional principles with contemporary digital tools in an art studio context. (CSU, UC)

ART 0095. Internship in Art

Units: 0.5-4
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. One unit of credit is equal to each 60 hours of non-paid work, or each 75 hours of paid work. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

  • Differentiate and evaluate verbally or in written form a work of art (his or her own art, the work of other students, and/or historical works of art) in terms of technical and aesthetic success and historical/cultural references.
  • Analyze problem, formulate/invent idea then execute and use  appropriate techniques to build or construct a solution/project that meets assignment criteria.
  • Practice and demonstrate appropriate, safe and sustainable studio/lab practices, when inventing and producing solutions, to meet assigned project criteria.
  • Use both pre-compiled knowledge and devise alternative knowledge structures to demonstrate understanding of works of art.  Identify, analyze, and/or create images and objects which may contain multiple meanings and ways of communicating.
  •  Identify and analyze the achievements and contributions of significant artists and cultures throughout history.