Painting MFA Course Listings

This course is dedicated principally to identifying and exploring directions the student's work may take, including such aspects as subject matter, content, style, as well as technical considerations. Reference to possible historical and contemporary influences, and issues of personal import or special relevance such as race, gender, or ethnic identification may be considered/discussed as themes or as inspiration. Preparatory material may take the form of written notes and drawn or painted sketches, including possibly photos, to be kept in a dedicated journal or portfolio. Projects at this stage are understood to be largely preliminary in nature, enabling the student sufficient breadth for exploration.

In this course, the student continues the work begun in Mentor Studio 1, producing more resolved, focused studies based on the previous semester's investigations.

This course is concerned with further clarifying the formal and conceptual direction the graduate's work is to take through the planning and execution of a series of developed works. The completion of a body of paintings evidencing a rigorous, sustained effort that effectively achieves the stated project objectives.

Mentor Studio 4 culminates with the student's graduate exhibition.

This course is designed to prepare students for careers as professional artists and college-level educators. The course will also serve to inform students experiences as teaching assistants during graduate study. Students will receive instruction on developing syllabi, structuring class time and delivering lecture material. Other sections of the course will detail the process of creating presentation materials to museums, galleries and alternative spaces for exhibition. The course will also focus on professional applications and interviewing strategies for academic appointments.

This course examines the writing of other visual artists from a variety of mediums and reviews the fundamentals of English grammar and composition. The course will focus on the development of an authentic academic voice, providing the syntactical tools and rhetorical strategies necessary to describe artistic content and process. Course work will include grammar exercises designed for the adult, artistic scholar to facilitate the drafting of the Thesis document.

This specialized course is designed to develop the MFA Thesis: a substantial summative statement analyzing and explaining the student's final studio work in the MFA program. More than a mere artist statement, the writing is to be a formal academic analysis (of approximately 8,000 words), which will be submitted at the end of the final semester of study to stand in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Fine Arts. This MFA Thesis will describe the studio project fully, integrate the student's understanding of historical and contemporary issues with themes that the student is exploring in her or his studio practice, explain the research and methodology behind the creation of the art itself, describe any self-imposed limitations, and present a sufficiently developed justification of the artwork.

This specialized course is designed to develop the MFA Thesis: a substantial summative statement analyzing and explaining the student's final studio work in the MFA program. More than a mere artist statement, the writing is to be a formal academic analysis (of approximately 8,000 words), which will be submitted at the end of the final semester of study to stand in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Fine Arts. This MFA Thesis will describe the studio project fully, integrate the student's understanding of historical and contemporary issues with themes that the student is exploring in her or his studio practice, explain the research and methodology behind the creation of the art itself, describe any self-imposed limitations, and present a sufficiently developed justification of the artwork.

This specialized course is designed to develop the MFA Thesis: a substantial summative statement analyzing and explaining the student's final studio work in the MFA program. More than a mere artist statement, the writing is to be a formal academic analysis (of approximately 8,000 words), which will be submitted at the end of the final semester of study to stand in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Fine Arts. This MFA Thesis will describe the studio project fully, integrate the student's understanding of historical and contemporary issues with themes that the student is exploring in her or his studio practice, explain the research and methodology behind the creation of the art itself, describe any self-imposed limitations, and present a sufficiently developed justification of the artwork.

In this studio course will explore and develop personal content and examine the ramifications of public exposure. Research and strategies for connecting the intensely private and the universally accessible will be examined. Approaches will include content layering, developing personal narratives and mythodologies, metaphorical expression, and the psychology of composition. Learning to identify one's own internal dialogue, clarify the psychological threads, and discovering the best means to deliver your intended meaning.

This studio course is tailored to the student who wants to maximize productive work and seriously curtail procrastination. Heightened accountability, time management, breaking large projects into reasonable tasks, and clarification of one's goals are integral parts of this focused course. The projects will be self-selected and likely aimed at one's thesis body of work. This course is ideal for anyone in their last semester preparing for their thesis show, but students at any level are welcome.

The human figure occupies various positions on the spectrum between the analytically anatomical to the purely poetic. This course will explore the expressive and descriptive potential of the human form in the individual’s art. Sighting methods for accuracy will be introduced along with strategies employing intentional distortion and simplification to amplify expressive potential. Correct as well as convincing placement of the figure in the environment will be covered.

This course draws on contemporary and classical sources, both literary and visual, to create narrative works. Lessons in constructing narrative compositions will be drawn from old masters and current practitioners, and readings from pertinent texts will supplement and inform the strategies for placing the historical, psychological, and personal narratives into a contemporary visual translation.

This graduate level studio course is designed to explore and enhance the connection between materials, methods and the resultant meaning of the artwork. Different representational genres will be introduced with specific challenges tailored to expand artistic options and identify methods most appropriate for one's intentions. While this course is designed for new students, it will benefit returning students equally.

The Filtered Photo is a 3 unit MFA Studio class is focused on skillful incorporation of photography involved in the development of a work of art. What makes it unique is that several guest artists will work along side the students while they, demonstrate, lecture and critique. The selected artists will each have their own unique “filter” or approach and the students will experience, first hand, the steps taken and results achieved. The course will expand awareness of the options and approaches to representational art. It is intended that a variety of materials, mindsets, and methodology will be introduced. This class can be repeated.

A 3-unit MFA Studio class that is entirely focused on painting and or drawing compositions that support the clear objectives of the individual artist. Four distinctly different approaches will be incorporated: 1 Formal, 2 Exploratory, 3 Persuasive, and 4 Disruptive. Aside from the content, what makes this format unique is that 4 different artists will teach and work alongside the students while they, demonstrate, lecture and critique. The selected artists will each have their own unique “filter” or approach suited to the defined approach (formal, exploratory, persuasive, or disruptive). and the students will experience, first hand, the thoughts and actions taken toward the objective. The course will expand awareness of the options and approaches to representational art. A variety of materials, mindsets, and methodology will be introduced.

This 3 credit MFA studio class utilizes several guest teachers with the focus on the topic of Narrative. Projects are designed to focus on effective construction and expression toward the desired outcome. The importance of "story telling" wherein all elements support the artist’s intent will be explored. The guest artists will present specific prompts designed to elevate the ability to convey one's chosen narrative. Historic and contemporary achievements will be examined.

This 3-unit MFA Studio class is focused on painting and drawing methods passed down in workshops or ateliers. Academic practices like cast drawings and drawing from Bargue plates will be introduced. Efficient studio practices like limited palettes, color theory and design strategies will be covered. The course will expand awareness of the options and approaches in traditional and contemporary representational art. A variety of materials, mindsets, and methodology will be introduced and practiced.

A continuation of painting the life model, emphasizing observation and accurate representation. Students convincingly depict the life model through the study of light sources, color palettes, and compositional devices using various painting techniques. Projects include a draped figure and extended poses with the figure in an environment. Graduate students in need of skill building may enroll in this course at the recommendation of the MFA Chair and will be given added challenges including a 15-week figurative painting as well as a presentation on individual research.

This course is a masters level portrait class. The creation of engaging portraits will be explored. Our models will be diverse, presenting unfamiliar challenges. Technical options will be covered. Creative approaches will be encouraged. Human geographic adaptation, and how it influences appearance will be discussed.

Creative Investigation is a three unit Graduate level studio class designed to expand the options and approaches to representational art, foster creativity, learn valuable new skills, generate authentic ideas, and enhance intellectual engagement. A variety of materials, mindsets, and challenges will be introduced. While this course is specifically designed for new MFA students, it will also provide stimulating content for returning students.

The live human figure will be the constant theme of this 3 unit MFA studio class. A variety of accomplished guest artists will teach while they paint the figure along with the students. Every few weeks a new guest artist will direct the class and share their own “filter” on how they approach this timeless subject in a personal and relevant way leading to a finished work of Art. Multiple visiting artists will insure diversity while continuity will be provided by MFA Chairman Peter Zokosky.

This 3 unit MFA Studio class is entirely focused on painting portraits, what makes it unique is that different guest artists will work along side the students while they, demonstrate, lecture and critique. The selected artists will each have their own unique “filter” or approach and the students will experience, first hand, the steps taken and results achieved. The course will expand awareness of the options and approaches to portraiture. It is intended that a variety of materials, mindsets, and methodology will be introduced.

A 3-unit MFA studio class that will focus on drawing and painting derived from direct observation of the natural world and the artistic interpretation of that realm. Plein air painting as well as still life will be included in creative challenges. Students will be encouraged to seek personal symbolism and artistic potential in natural structure, systems, design, and cycles.

This course guides students in producing and assembling a body of work that is cohesive in methodology and concept and exemplifies the student's direction or focus in fine arts. Under faculty supervision, the student first develops a proposal that defines the parameters of the project, such as the number of pieces, conceptual concerns, stylistic direction, and technical scope. Students are then guided in preparing a body of work based upon personal choice, strengths, and interests. Individual and group critiques are scheduled with LCAD faculty and guest artists throughout the semester. Most Fine Arts seniors have an opportunity to work independently in the Fine Arts Senior Studio.

This course will explore a wide range of less-familiar visual arts. Crossing the boundaries of time, culture, class, geography, and intent, students will be encouraged to find relevance within the overlooked. Some areas of focus include; Tribal Art, Abstraction, Photography, Comic Books, Film, Propaganda, Illustration, Folk Art, and Craft.

How do environments influence our experience of the world? The spaces we occupy can be understood as characters in the stories of our lives. This course will examine the intersections between psychology, narratives, and environment. Environment is understood in its fullest sense, encompassing the built and natural world. encompassing intimate spaces, architecture and design, landscape, and the natural world. Students will read theory and research on environmental and narrative psychology, in connection with contextualizing material drawn from fiction, poetry and philosophy. A range of topics will be covered including: psychology of intimate versus public spaces, architecture and design, landscape, the natural world and the stories we tell to make sense of our relationship to it, and the psychology of climate change. As storytellers, students will gain deep insight into the ways in which the spaces we occupy, both in our lives and in our imaginations, shape the ways in which we make sense of our world.

This course traces the major movements and canonical figures of Modernism from 1850-1960. The theoretical underpinnings of Modernism are examined through selected readings. The course will follow the path of representational art and how it was influenced by Modernist theories and processes throughout the first half of the 20th century.

This course examines contemporary representational art in galleries and museums of the greater Los Angeles area. Noted art writer John Seed leads classes through current exhibitions with critical examination of the work on view. Theory and Criticism also includes writing assignments on contemporary artists and group critiques of student work.

The Science of Sight is a comprehensive overview of the visual phenomenon of eyesight incorporating information from disciplines of anatomy and health, history, psychology, sociology, natural science and computer science. Though topics outside of the discipline of art will be introduced, the primary intended audience are those who intend to focus their career in the visual arts. The class consists of lectures, mini-experiments, viewing of short films, group discussions, and student presentations. Guest lecturers for specific topics are encouraged when available.

In the rapidly evolving world of creative industries, mastering the art of business and budgeting is crucial. This course is designed to bridge the gap between creative passion and business acumen. Through a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, students will learn to navigate the financial aspects of their creative endeavors, from budgeting for projects to understanding the economics of the creative industry. This course empowers creatives with the knowledge to make sound business decisions, manage resources effectively, and sustain their artistic ventures in a competitive market.(Satisfies Quantitative Reasoning or Liberal Arts Elective)

This course traces the development of representational art since 1960 and coordinates it with the major changes in the art world during this period. Attention will be given to the influence of late Modernism, Pop Art, Minimalism, Process Art and Photorealism, and other significant movements on representational painting and drawing. Along with the imagery of this period, the course will trace the important theoretical bases of Postmodernism including Structuralism and Deconstruction. The course will also address contemporary representation and its connection to past developments.

This course will examine storytelling as our most powerful means of understanding ourselves and the world around us. Literature becomes the lens through which to view the human mind and the scientific mechanisms by which it operates—focusing on how we, as individuals, may come to understand (or misunderstand) ourselves. Students will learn the basic premises of psychology through the way humankind has told stories through great works of literature. Led by primary texts, students study story as touchstone to explore our human nature, just as the science of psychology does, finding truth and meaning about ourselves through the fictional lives of others. Some specific psychological topics will include identity, memory, crisis, depression, psychopathology, healing, and resilience, covered through the lens of the great writers and storytellers that came before us, including many not often taught.

Art: The lifeblood of creative expression. A world without art is a difficult scenario to imagine. But, behind any major art project is a transaction that requires business skill and legal knowledge. Students preparing for a career in the arts should be aware of their legal rights and responsibilities. This course will provide a detailed overview to the artist in the areas of copyright, trademark and right of publicity law. But that’s just part of the picture: the business aspect of managing an art portfolio and being able to uncover opportunities is essential to any successful career that uses art as its primary income source.