Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Art History

PCC offers courses in the art and architectural traditions of Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The program provides a broad perspective for a critical understanding of art and its relationship to history and culture. Sequence courses include Introduction to Art, History of Western Art, History of Asian Art, and Modern Art History. Individual term classes include Women in Art, History of American Residential Architecture, and Understanding Comic Art.

Online classes in Art History now include the Introduction to Art series as well as the Survey to Western Art. International programs have included tours of major European museums and architectural sites in Germany, France, Greece, Italy, and Turkey.

Community-Based Learning programs allow art students to make short presentations to the community.

Basic Design

Basic design foundations studio experience centers on creative problem solving, developing perceptual awareness, and understanding. Students will work on critical skills and personal artistic vision. Students use a broad range of materials, techniques, and projects to explore design concepts regarding historical and contemporary perspectives. Basic Design series 115, 116, 117 may be taken in any sequence.

Ceramics

Studio experience exploring ceramic form, processes, techniques, and concepts while addressing historical and contemporary issues. Students use a variety of techniques to develop and encourage creative problem-solving. Critiques, discussions, and ceramic presentations establish critical skills necessary to evaluate ceramics, explore artistic intent, examine aesthetic and structural solutions, and expand perceptual awareness. Courses include demonstrations, lectures, slides, and audiovisual materials.

Drawing

Students explore both traditional and non-traditional uses of drawing media. Perceptual and conceptual-based ideas of drawing are presented. A studio experience exploring basic drawing techniques, materials, and concepts while addressing historical and contemporary issues. A conceptual framework for critical analysis is presented along with basic art theory. Critiques of student work are held regularly.

Lettering calligraphy

Covers practical and creative uses of calligraphy, lettering principles, techniques, and functions, and discusses the traditions and historical development of letters. Fall term: Roman alphabet, lower and upper case. Winter term: Italic alphabet, lower and upper case. Spring term: Carolingian and uncial alphabet styles.

Painting

Students explore both traditional and non-traditional uses of painting media. Perceptual and conceptual-based ideas of painting are presented. A studio experience exploring basic painting techniques, materials, and concepts while addressing historical and contemporary issues. A conceptual framework for critical analysis is presented along with basic art theory. Painting classes focus on oil and/or acrylic. Critiques of student work are held regularly.

Photography

Introduces basic photographic techniques, processes, and approaches such as the fundamental principles of camera operation and exposure, darkroom procedures involved in developing film and making prints, some methods by which photographs are finished and prepared for presentation. Should own or have access to a 35mm camera with adjustable exposure controls. An introductory course on digital photography is a component of the Photography series that is offered to our students. Basic computer skills are recommended.

Printmaking

Laboratory course in print art focusing on specific techniques and materials each term as well as standards for critical analysis. References the history of the print and the diverse historical and cultural context of the visual arts. Primarily a studio experience with supporting slide lectures and other visual media. Critiques of student work are held regularly.

Sculpture

Studio experience exploring sculptural form, processes, techniques, and concepts while addressing historical and contemporary issues. Uses a variety of materials and techniques to develop and encourage creative problem-solving. Critiques, discussions, and sculpture presentations establish critical skills necessary to evaluate sculpture, explore artistic intent, examine aesthetic and structural solutions, and expand perceptual awareness. Includes demonstrations, slides, lectures, and occasional films. May include field trips.

Watercolor

Lectures, demonstrations, films, slides, and specific problems dealing with color relationships, composition, and watercolor techniques. Explores different ways of seeing and painting to become more visually literate. Examines basic watercolor techniques and materials. Presents the conceptual framework for critical analysis, along with basic theories of art in the historical context.