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The following are general descriptions of courses offered by the Department of Visual Art. Not all of these courses are offered each year. VA10 (or VA11) is a prerequisite for all the courses listed, unless a waiver is obtained through a portfolio review. All courses have strictly limited enrollment and require written permission in order to register.
VA10 Studio Foundation Design
This is a prerequsite for all visual art courses, except for VA11 (see next entry). It is not solely meant as a technical course. Rather, it is also intended as an experience which cultivates the capacity for visual thinking in the individual.

VA11 Advanced Studio Foundation
Admission to this class is granted only after a portfolio review.

VA100 Color Theory
A studio/seminar dealing with the theoretical aspects of color.

VA101 Contemporary Art
This course enables students to become aware of the visual/intermedia works since 1945.
This course is a concentration requirement.

VA110 Methods and Materials, Drawing
A study into some of the aspects of drawing, technically and historically, which are not usually considered in the regular drawing classes.

VA111 Drawing I
Drawing from nature, still life, the model, and the imagination in a variety of media.

VA112 Drawing II
Drawing from nature, the model, and the imagination are stressed. Great emphasis is placed on creative work and classroom participation.

VA121 Printmaking
Big Woodcut
Silkscreening
Lithography

VA123 Papermaking
The emphasis is on creative use of handmade paper as a visual medium.

VA124 The Art of the Book
This course will investigate the book as an art form, and provide the student with the background and means necessary for the complete creation of a book.

VA130 Methods and Materials, Painting
Focuses on an analysis and investigation of materials and methods of the artist via lecture, demonstration, workshop, and outside reading.

VA131 Painting 1
This studio course is based on painting principals relating to traditional and contemporary issues in art.

VA132 Painting II
The advanced class covers information beyond the introductory level and individual criticism is emphasized.

VA141 Sculpture I
Basic introduction and exploration of diverse sculptural concepts and techniques using both traditional and experimental materials.

VA142 Sculpture II
Examination of sculptural problems beyond the introductory level.

VA151 Photography I
A basic course in black and white 35mm photography.

VA152 Photography II
Introduction to digital photography, refines technical skills, and seeks to develop individual photographic vision.

VA161 Introduction to Filmmaking
An introduction to the elements of filmmaking encompassing the basic technical foundation with the process of film medium as a language and an art.

VA162 Intermediate Filmmaking
Enables students to refine skills learned in the introductory course.

VA163 Video Production
Provides a basic knowledge and experience in the principals of video technology and electronic image.

VA165 Intermediate Video Production
Enables students to refine skills learned in the introductory course.

VA171 Digital Imaging I
An introduction to the use of digital techniques in Visual Art.

VA172 Digital Imaging II
An exploration of screen based images. Students will construct web sites and multi-media works.

VA180 Seminars in Production
These seminars will incorporate advanced level production in either film, video, or the arts, coupled with readings in theory and analysis as they pertain to each of these areas of practice.
S01. Public Space: Public Art
S02. Problems of Documentary
S03. Approaches to Narrative
S04. Soundtracks
S05. Installation of Mixed Media
S06. Honors Seminar
S08. Jr/Sr Seminar

VA191 Independent Study Project (Sem I)

VA192 Independent Study Project (Sem II)

VA193 Advanced Visual Art Work from approved offferings at RISD.


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