Art
34 courses · Sierra College · 2025-2026 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2025 · Spring 2026 · Summer 2026
ART 0002 Two-Dimensional Design Foundations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 100
Introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical and contemporary 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)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 101
Introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to three-dimensional design and spatial composition, including the study of the elements of art and principles of design as they apply to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)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 110
Introduction to quick and long forms of drawing; different types of line drawing including gesture and contour; rendering of volumetric form showing light and shadow; description of forms in space along with perspective drawing; and basic principles of compositional arrangement or placement of elements on the page. Instruction in the use of black and white drawing media including pencil, charcoal, and ink. References to various historical and cultural styles, including non-eurocentric examples and techniques. (C-ID ARTS 110) (CSU, UC)
ART 0004B Drawing II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 205
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 different surfaces also explored. (C-ID ARTS 205) (CSU, UC)
ART 0005A Figure Drawing I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 200
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. Students practice objective, descriptive approaches to drawing the figure. (C-ID ARTS 200) (CSU, UC)
ART 0005B Figure Drawing II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ART 5A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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 historical and global 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)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 270
Basic principles and properties of color. Theoretical study and direct studio projects of historical and contemporary colorists. 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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Advisory
- Completion of ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ART 7A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Advisory
- Completion of ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 210
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 historical and contemporary art periods. (C-ID ARTS 210) (CSU, UC)
ART 0008B Watercolor Painting II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ART 8A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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 global and cultural contexts. (CSU, UC)
ART 0009A Acrylic Painting I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Advisory
- Completion of ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 210
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ART 9A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ART 12A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Advisory
- Eligibility for ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ART 18A with grade of "C" or better
- Advisory
- Eligibility for ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Advisory
- Completion of ART 12A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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)
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ART 22 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
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 Fiber Arts I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Formerly
- ART 32
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 282
Introduction 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)
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Transfers to
- CSU
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)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 220
Introduction to printmaking processes. Direct practice in woodcut, linocut, and collagraph; planographic processes, such as monotype and monoprint; drypoint, a form of intaglio printing using a non-toxic etching process; stencil techniques; chine collé; 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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of ART 40A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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)
- Transfers to
- CSU
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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Advisory
- Completion of ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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
- Hours
- 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of AAD 44, 60, 62, 75 or ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
Also known as AAD 55 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
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Prerequisite
- Completion of AAD 44 or ART 4A with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
Also known as AAD 71 Introduction to the concepts, tools, and techniques of painting and drawing using creative software. Exploration of traditional artistic techniques in a digital environment. Includes development of skills such as form, color, space, and composition. Development of projects in for both print and screen. (CSU)
ART 0073 Digital Art Studio: Concepts and Practices
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
- Advisory
- Completion of AAD 70, or AAD 75, or AAD 79 with grade of "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Also known as AAD 73 Introduction to the tools, concepts, and processes for digital art creation with an emphasis on experimental animation, multimedia, digital art, and new genres. Topics include the 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
- Transfers to
- CSU (with unit limitation)
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 54 hours of 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)