Painting and Drawing | Academic Requirements | Drawing Courses | Painting Courses | Faculty
Undergraduate Drawing Courses (VDR)
VDR 1000–1999 (lower level)
VDR 2000–2999 (lower level)
VDR 3000–3999 (upper level)
VDR 4000–4999 (upper level)
Note: In sequenced courses (e.g., I, II, III, IV), successful completion of each course is a prerequisite for the next course in the sequence. For example, VDR 1010/Drawing I is a prerequisite for VDR 1020/Drawing II.
Drawing I
VDR 1010 / 4 credits / Every semester
Drawing is studied as a tool to help enhance powers of observation and imagination. Fundamental elements of visual representation, including mass, shape, line, composition, value, and texture, are developed through drawing studies and projects. Students are encouraged to respond perceptually and conceptually to visual works presented in the studios, learning how to organize their insights both rationally and intuitively. VDR 1010 is required for all visual arts majors.
Drawing II
VDR 1020 / 4 credits / Spring
A continuation of VDR 1010, using wet media: ink, wash, watercolor, and paint (acrylic and/or tempera). Subjects may include the still life, self-portraits, the figure, interior and exterior space, architecture, master copies, nonobjective and process-oriented problems, and personal subjects. Students begin with controlled value scale and linear marking, transition to wet-over-dry, and then explore wet-into-wet. A final project is required. Research sources include Tiepolo, Poussin, Rembrandt, Picasso, Manet, Richard Diebenkorn, Elizabeth Peyton, and Marlene Dumas.
Prerequisite: VDR 1010
Drawing Seminar IA and IB
VDR 1090 and 1100 / 4 credits (per semester)
IA: Fall; IB: Spring
This two-semester seminar embraces graphic delineation as a means by which we learn to see, understand, imagine, and depict form and space. The approach is both analytic and synthetic, and the emphasis is on economy of means. Class exercises are designed to strengthen powers of direct observation as well as imagination (the mind’s eye), and to enhance eye-hand coordination. Because of its emphasis on depth rather than breadth of experience, credit is awarded only after successful completion of VDR 1100.
Figure Drawing I and II
VDR 2050 and 2060 / 4 credits (per semester) / Every semester
In this examination of the form and structure of the human figure, the student’s ability to see and record the reality and relationships of live subject matter is emphasized. Concepts like gesture, contour, modeling, and movement are studied in workshops, lectures, critiques, and slide presentations. Materials include pencil, charcoal, wash, and conté.
Prerequisite: VDR 1010
Figure Drawing Workshop
VDR 2051 and 2061 / 2 credits (per semester)
Special topic (offered irregularly)
A 2-credit workshop version of VDR 2050 and 2060. Concepts like gesture, contour, modeling, and movement are studied to see and record the reality and relationships of live subject matter. Materials include pencil, charcoal, wash, and conté.
Prerequisite: VDR 1010
Black and White as Color
VDR 2130 Refer to VPA 2130 in Painting Courses for description.
Intermediate Drawing
VDR 2150 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
An intensive perceptual study of objects in relationship to interiors, still life, and (when possible) landscape. The focus is on the interaction between objects and spaces. Students explore the formal means by which objects in recessional space may be represented and interpreted on the 2-D drawing surface.
Prerequisite: VDR 1010
Visiting Artist
VDR 3050 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Visiting artists work with advanced students to further develop their drawing skills and abilities. Students work independently and meet for group discussions and critiques. Readings and field trips may supplement the visiting artists’ discussions.
Prerequisite: VDR 1020
Drawing
VDR 3060 / 4 credits / Summer (offered in Italy)
Drawing concentrates the mind, leading to intensified discovery and appreciation of the visual meaning found in the local environment, both natural (landscape) and man-made (architectural and sculptural forms). This course approaches drawing as a language, a tool by which students learn to see the visual world with greater clarity and insight. Most work is conducted outdoors to take advantage of the unique landscape and landmarks of this historic region. In addition to scheduled classes, instruction takes place on location during field trips, concluding with museum drawing in Rome. Studio sessions are supplemented by slide talks that address the formal strategies of old and modern master drawings.
Drawing Seminar IIA and IIB
VDR 3090 and 3100 / 4 credits (per semester)
IIA: Fall; IIB: Spring
A two-semester course for students who wish to pursue in greater depth the approach to drawing exemplified in VDR 1090 and 1100. It is also designed for students who, having had two semesters of other drawing experience, are receptive to (and curious about) the analytic/synthetic approach, process, and method of the drawing seminars. Credit is awarded only after successful completion of VDR 3100.
Prerequisite: VDR 1090 and 1100 or two semesters of drawing
Black and White as Color
VDR 3130 Refer to VPA 3130 in Painting Courses for description.
Drawing Concepts I
VDR 3150 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
A conceptual study of drawing, employing research of established artists’ work to develop the following themes: the portrait, artist’s studio, café, mirrors/veils, commedia dell’arte, and mythology. The focus is on critical thinking, understanding the self-defining aspects of style, and the nature of content and meaning.
Prerequisite: VDR 1010
Outrageous/Outscale
VDE 3190 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Students experiment with ideas for making a series of work that is extreme in content, scale, color, and visual impact, and may choose to work independently or collaboratively.
Prerequisite: Four semesters of drawing and/or painting courses
Large-Scale Figure Drawing
VDR 3200 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
This course involves drawing the nude in grand scale from observation. Anatomy, gesture, and composition are stressed in large-scale, fast-to-slow drawing. Homework, analysis, critiques, hard work, and fun are all part of the course. Assignments in anatomy, photography, narrative, memory, and art history are used to allow each student’s development of a uniquely “cool” vision.
Special Topics: Museum Drawing
VDR 3260 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
This course uses the collections of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, both the Cloisters and main branch, as sources for drawing motifs. Particular focus is on sculptural forms and their representation in painting and drawing.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Onsite Drawing
VDR 3270 / 2 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Students work outside the studio from direct observation. Personal invention, imagination, and unique responses are encouraged. Sites have included Grand Central Station, Rye Playland, the Westchester County Airport, and various locations on campus.
Prerequisite: Two semesters of drawing
Advanced Drawing Projects I and II
VDR 3300 and 4300 / 4 credits (per semester)
Special topic (offered irregularly)
The limits of scale, material, and concept of drawing as an art form are pushed in these courses. Students are expected to already be directed in their primary medium (painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, or photography) and to be able to pursue drawing as a finished form in relation to that work as a medium all on its own. VDE 4300 may be of particular interest to M.F.A. students.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Experimental Drawing
VDR 3400 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
This course encourages nontraditional approaches to drawing. Students explore a more innovative and interpretive response to their visual and intellectual experiences, both through a wide-ranging use of tools and materials and through complex and unconventional concepts, ideas, and subject matter. Assumptions about technique, subject, author, environment, audience, and historical classifications are interrogated.
Prerequisite: VDR 1010
Experimental Drawing Workshop
VDR 3401 / 2 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
A 2-credit workshop version of VDR 3400 that encourages nontraditional approaches to drawing. Students explore a more innovative and interpretive response to their visual and intellectual experiences, both through a wide-ranging use of tools and materials and through complex and unconventional concepts, ideas, and subject matter.
Junior Studio I and II
VDR 3500 and 3510 Refer to VPA 3500 and 3510 in Painting Courses for description.
Studio Assistant
VDR 3950 / 2 credits / Every semester
Students gain technical professional experience by helping provide a safe and well-functioning studio environment for their fellow students. Studio assistants are expected to have advanced standing in their media area and a thorough understanding of current professional practices. Duties include basic maintenance and demonstrations of equipment, independent or group tutorials and workshops, weekly meetings, and other responsibilities assigned by the sponsoring instructional technician. A maximum of 4 credits in VDR 3950 (or a combined maximum of 6 credits in VIS 3800 and VDR 3950) may be applied toward the B.F.A. degree. Also offered as VPA, VPH, VPR, and VSC 3950.
Prerequisite: Two semesters in the relevant media area and permission of instructor
Research
VDR 4200 Refer to VPA 4200 in Painting Courses for description.
Advanced Drawing Projects II
VDR 4300 Refer to VDR 3300 and 4300.
Senior Seminar and Critique
VDR 4400 / 4 credits / Spring
Commitment and professional practice are the focus of this seminar. Students are encouraged to articulate and clarify the intentions of their work through lectures, critiques, discussions, and readings. Required for all painting/drawing majors who are undertaking a senior project in drawing.
Prerequisite: VDR 3500 and 3510
Special Topics in Drawing
VDR 4500 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
An extensive study of a particular topic or technique in drawing. Topics vary each semester.
Prerequisite: Two semesters of drawing
Special Topics in Drawing Workshop
VDR 4501 / 2 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
A 2-credit workshop version of VDR 4500 on a particular topic or technique in drawing. Topics vary each semester.
Prerequisite: Two semesters of drawing
Updated July 28, 2008