Printmaking/Art of the Book | Academic Requirements | Courses | Faculty
Undergraduate Printmaking/Art of the Book Courses (VPR)
VPR 1000–2999 (lower level)
VPR 3000–3999 (upper level)
VPR 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, VPR 3670/Art of the Book I is a prerequisite for VPR 3680/Art of the Book II.
Extended Media
VPR 1600 / 4 credits / Spring
Working thematically toward a finished project (realized in an artist’s book and in time-based media), students gain experience in traditional and alternative methods for art making. Digital media, printmaking, and photography are used as unique forms or in new combinations. Emphasis is on the process of making and the challenge of expressing ideas. Demonstrations, critiques, readings, slide lectures, visiting artists, and films are included. Required for all visual arts majors.
Prerequisite: VDR 1010, VDE 1150, and VSC 1010
Introduction to Intaglio and Silkscreen
VPR 2010 / 4 credits / Every semester
This intensive introduction begins with intaglio, which involves sharply etched lines or velvety, delicate tones achieved on a copper plate. Students are then introduced to silkscreen, which uses photo and resist stencils to create multilayered images on paper or other surfaces. Through exposure to the unique characteristics of each medium, students greatly enlarge the technical vocabulary with which to refine and express their ideas.
Introduction to Lithography and Woodcut
VPR 2020 / 4 credits / Every semester
In this concentrated overview of each medium, the surface vibrancy, richness, and extraordinary textural range of lithography are coupled with the directness and graphic qualities of woodcut. Traditional and contemporary lithographic processes are demonstrated. A variety of woodcut techniques, using gouges, chisels, and electric tools, are employed to manipulate a surface.
Introduction to Papermaking
VPR 2250 / 4 credits / Fall
Papermaking is a particularly flexible and adaptable medium that blends aspects of printmaking, painting, and sculpture. In this course, paper is explored in both its flat, two-dimensional aspect and as a three-dimensional sculptural object. Students learn how paper is made by viewing demonstrations of pulping, dying, pressing, pouring, casting, and spraying paper pulp.
The Animated Print
VPR 3000 / 4 credits / Spring
Students explore ways in which printmaking and digital media can be linked to inform and enhance their artistic expression. Working with both the static space of the printed page and the dynamic, temporal space of the computer, students gain experience and make artworks using techniques of print media together with digital imaging and animation.
Prerequisite: One printmaking course, demonstrable Photoshop experience, or permission of instructor
Intermediate/Advanced Papermaking
VPR 3250 / 4 credits / Fall
In this continuation of VPR 2250, students are required to produce a body of work using a variety of papermaking techniques, in consultation with the instructor.
Prerequisite: VPR 2250
Experiments and Mixed Media and Multiples
VPR 3320 and 3325 / 4 credits (per course)
Special topic (offered irregularly)
These courses begin to address the ever-changing landscape of the various media within printmaking. In response to special themes, innovations, and new techniques/equipment, each semester features a different topic of exploration. Students create a body of work that embraces the issues at hand. Critiques, readings, studio visits, and field trips supplement the coursework. Open to students in other disciplines on a space-available basis by permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: VPR 1600 or equivalent (one printmaking course and demonstrable Photoshop experience)
Printmaking Now
VPR 3330 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
In preparation for the professional world, students are exposed to contemporary practices in printmaking and to the New York art world through visits to museum study rooms, artists’ studios, print workshops, publishers, artists’ collectives, and other venues. Topics include portfolio development, résumé writing, artists’ statements, applying for grants, project proposals, and looking at ways that one’s work overlaps and intersects with the larger context of printmaking and contemporary art.
Prerequisite: VPR 2010 and 2020 and junior standing
Special Topics in Printmaking
VPR 3440 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
An extensive study of a particular topic or technique in printmaking. Topics vary each semester.
Prerequisite: VPR 2010 and 2020 and junior standing
The Monotype
VPR 3550 / 4 credits / Spring
Monotype is a bridge between painting and printmaking. Students use brushes, paints, inks, rollers, and drawing implements to create unique prints from a Plexiglas or metal plate. The nature of the process allows students the freedom to work in a direct, spontaneous manner leading to gestural images and textured surfaces. Also offered as VPA 3550.
Prerequisite: Must be a sophomore, junior, or senior visual arts major, or permission of instructor
Art of the Book I and II
VPR 3670 and 3680 / 4 credits (per semester) / Every semester
In this two-course sequence, all aspects of the limited-edition artist’s book are explored. Students are taught that, by the act of turning pages, they can express the continuity of an idea flowing through a near-cinematic continuum. Students realize the potential of narrative, sequence, and pacing, together with the importance of combining word and image. Discussions include letterpress, binding, other bookmaking techniques, and printmaking media.
Prerequisite: VPR 2010 or 2020
Advanced Printmaking Studio I, II, III, IV
VPR 3750, 3800, 4750, 4800 / 4 credits (per semester)
Every semester
These sequential studio courses allow students to broaden their printmaking experience and experiment with one or more printmaking media. Advanced techniques, color separations, multiplate printing, collage techniques, and both digital and photomechanical printmaking are demonstrated. The studio work is supplemented with individual and group critiques, field trips, and/or visiting artists.
Prerequisite: VPR 2010 and 2020
Studio Assistant
VPR 3950 Refer to VDR 3950 in Drawing Courses for description.
Master Printer Workshop
VPR 4500 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Designed to improve students’ technical skills in printmaking, this workshop can also be used as preparation for professional work in the field of fine art publishing. By working on their own suite of prints, students learn expert techniques in all major media from a master printer. Limited to visual arts majors.
Prerequisite: VPR 1600, 2010, 2020, and 3750 and permission of instructor
Advanced Printmaking Studio III and IV
VPR 4750 and 4800 Refer to VPR 3750 and 3800 for description.
Updated July 29, 2008