Art
Apply NowCreate, Express & Design
The Art Program at Skyline College works to inspire creative citizenship by empowering students to:
- Communicate ideas, perspectives, concepts, and feelings through visual art and design
- Understand art and its connection to social and political events
- Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills
“Artistic expression is at the foundation of who we are as a global community. It has the power to transcend and transform.”
Hear from Skyline College Art alumni
"Remember" by Jimmy Pon, Skyline College art student
"Fix Me" by Hanz Pacheco, Skyline College art student
"They Mattered" by Jasmine Espinoza. Skyline College art student
An education in art fosters creativity, encourages independent thinking, and develops personal expression. Art is a broad field where one may apply training in visual foundations to a wide range of careers.
Student success in the Art Program will depend on developing strong critical thinking, problem solving, and technical skills as well as demonstrating creative ways to express ideas.
Choose from Digital Art, Studio Art, Art History, and Art Studies courses. Studio art courses offer the opportunity to explore the diversity of art methods and materials. Courses include:
- Drawing, Painting, Photography, Digital arts and other 2D arts
- 3D Media like Ceramics and Sculpture
- Studies in Film and Video
Art History and Art Appreciation courses let you explore art of many times and places, and to find their connections to your own life.
"Liberty" by Miyuki Togi, Skyline College art student
Career Opportunities
Architecture
Archiving
Art Activist
Art Conservation
Art Direction
Art Education
Art Entrepreneur
Art History
Art Restoration
Art Sales
Art Therapy
Cinematography
Commercial Photography
Courtroom Sketching
Curating
Digital Animation
Digital Art
Fashion Design
Fine Art
Fine Art Photography
Forensic Art
Gallery/Museum Direction
Graphic Design
Illustration
Industrial Design
Interactive Design
Interior Design
Set Design
UI/UX
Video Game Design
Videography
Visual Merchandising
Web Design
Window Design
Looking for a list of classes offered this semester?
Check out the current class schedule.All Courses
ART 101 History of Western Art I (3 units)
Comprehensive survey of the history of arts (architecture, painting, sculpture and other media) in the Western traditions and the understanding of art as reflections of the cultures from which the art emerged. Survey of the arts from the historic periods of the Prehistoric to the late 1300’s.
ART 102 History of Western Art II (3 units)
Comprehensive survey of the history of arts (architecture, painting, sculpture and other media) in the Western traditions and the understanding of art as reflections of the cultures from which the art emerged. Survey of the arts from the historic periods of the Renaissance to contemporary times.
ART 105 Asian Art and Architecture (3 units)
Introductory survey on Asian art and architecture with a focus on China, Japan, Korea, South Asia and Southeast Asia from the prehistoric to contemporary periods.
ART 107 Art of Our Times (3 units)
An introduction to the American visual experience of today including painting, sculpture, architecture, industrial, interior, package, advertising, furniture, design, etc.
ART 115 Art, Music and Ideas (3 units)
A multi-faceted examination and analysis of art and music as reflections of cultural ideas and traditions. The student will develop an informed appreciation of the visual arts, performance arts and musical works. Also listed as MUS. 115.
ART 117 Arts of Africa and the African Diaspora (3 units)
Introductory survey of the arts in Africa and the cultures of the African diaspora. Analysis of the history, diaspora and cultural contexts of the Art from prehistoric to contemporary times.
ART 120 Art of the Americas (3 units)
An examination of the diverse indigenous arts and cultures of the Americas, the impact of colonialism and the development of ethnic arts in the 19th and 20th centuries in the Americas.
ART 130 Art Appreciation (3 units)
A brief survey of the concepts and traditions of art through history and diverse cultures. Historical events, customs, traditions, and technology are evaluated as integrated and interactive elements which influence the creation of art. Through recognition of the communicative abilities of art, the functions and values of art to cultures and the individual are explored.
ART 171 Visual Theory and Practice: B/W Photography (3 units)
Introduction to the history, culture and technologies of the art of film-based photography. Integrating social and art histories with the theories of visual literacy, students will engage in analysis and critique of photographs. Through practices of contemporary b/w film photography, students will create images which simulate or recontextualize historic examples of photographic art. The images will demonstrate the communicative abilities of photographic images to present personal perceptions, cultural values and understandings of their world.
ART 175 Visual Theory and Practice: Ceramic Art (3 units)
An introduction to a broad spectrum of ceramic art from diverse cultures, with a focus on visual theory, aesthetics, criticism, and historical context. Students will develop critical thinking skills through the analysis of cultural and technological constructs which influenced the creation of specific genres. In addition, students will produce original works of ceramic art by reinterpreting the traditions they study in a contemporary context, with an emphasis on creative problem solving skills.
ART 204 Drawing I (3 units)
Introduction to principles, elements, and practices of drawing, employing a wide range of subject matter and drawing media. Focus on perceptually based drawing, observational skills, technical abilities, and creative responses to materials and subject matter.
ART 205 Drawing II (3 units)
Exploration of artistic concepts, styles, and creative expression related to intermediate-level drawing, focusing on complex subject matter and concepts using a variety of drawing mediums, techniques, and methodologies. Students will build on fundamental drawing skills to develop personalized approaches to content and materials in exercises covering multiple historical and contemporary approaches to drawing.
ART 207 Life Drawing (3 units)
The study of the human form as art using the techniques and materials of drawing in several media. Application of fundamental studies of anatomy in the pursuits of expressive representations of the human figure. Studio practice drawing from live models.
ART 214 Color (3 units)
A study of the principles, theories, and applications of color in two dimensional art practice. Topics include major historical and contemporary color systems, production of art projects using the elements of design as they apply to color.
ART 217 Intermediate Life Drawing (3 units)
Continued study of the human form as art using the techniques and materials of drawing and painting in pastels, acrylics, oil and watercolor paints. Application of more advanced studies of anatomy and chromatic expressions through different skin palettes. Use of expressive representations of the human figure in different environments. Expression of complex narrative contexts in the human figure. Studio practice drawing and painting from live models.
ART 221 Painting I (3 units)
Introduction to principles, elements, and practices of painting. Exploration of painting materials, perceptual skills, and paint mixing technique, as well as creative responses to materials and subject matter.
ART 222 Painting II (3 units)
An intermediate level course in techniques, materials and theories of painting using oil or acrylic paints. Students will develop strategies for image development and visual cohesiveness, with topics including composition design, color principles, and concept ideation.
ART 231 Watercolor I (3 units)
Introduction to transparent and opaque Watercolor. Varied approaches and techniques.
ART 232 Watercolor II (3 units)
Additional exploration of watercolor painting as a vehicle for creative art expression.
ART 234 Printmaking I (3 units)
Basic introduction to printmaking using techniques and materials to create limited edition prints in a variety of media. May include: Monotype, Drypoint, Collagraph, Lithography, Intaglio and Lino-cut.
ART 239 Printmaking II: Monotype, Monoprint and Mixed Media (3 units)
Advanced practice in monotype, monoprint, and mixed media print processes.
ART 301 Two-Dimensional Design (3 units)
Introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to two-dimensional art and composition, including the study of the basic principles and elements of line, shape, texture, value, color and spatial illusion. Development of a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lecture presentations, studio projects, problem solving, and written assignments.
ART 350 Visual Perception Through Photography (3 units)
The evaluation of photographs as a means to share observations and critiques of oneself, culture and history. Students will make their own images to further explore the relationships of images and perceptions; to examine how photographs impact our understanding of our world.
ART 351 Black and White Photography I (3 units)
An introduction to film-based 35mm black and white photography. Students will gain skills to view and produce photographs as an alternative means of sharing personal observations and perceptions. To develop personally meaningful images, the knowledge and application of the photographic equipment, materials and techniques are emphasized.
ART 352 Black and White Photography II (3 units)
The second level in the sequence of Black and White film courses, expanding upon concepts and techniques developed in ART 351. Students will enhance skills to produce photographs to better share personal observations and perceptions. Critical considerations of style, content and presentation will be fundamental components of students' projects.
ART 353 Black and White Photography III (3 units)
The third level in the sequence of Black and White film courses, expanding upon concepts and techniques developed in ART 351 and ART 352. Major emphasis of course is the critical considerations of the application of skills to produce photographs that share personal perspectives based upon observations and perceptions.
ART 354 Digital Photography I (3 units)
Introduction to the use of digital color photography as an alternative means of sharing personal observations and perceptions. In addition to the knowledge and application of the photographic equipment, materials and techniques; students are introduced to the concepts and principles of using images as a means of communication and expression.
ART 355 Digital Photography II (3 units)
A continuation of ART 354. The introduction of advanced and specialized techniques in camera use and manipulations in PhotoShop to expand upon the understanding and use of images as a means of sharing personal perspectives and expressions. An important emphasis of this course is the production of artworks that reflect upon personal observations, perceptions and considerations of one's world.
ART 401 Three-Dimensional Design (3 units)
Introduction to fundamental concepts and the historical references of organizing forms in three dimensions. Studio application involving various materials to explore 3-D concepts.
ART 405 Sculpture I (3 units)
An introduction to the sculpture processes. Studio practice using a variety of materials. e.g. wood, metal, plaster, clay, stone, and mixed media assemblage to make three-dimensional works of art.
ART 406 Sculpture II (3 units)
Advanced study and practice in three dimensional form; a continuation of Art 405 in developing mastery of the media of sculpture, e.g. wood, metal, plaster, clay, stone, and mixed media assemblage.
ART 407 Sculpture III: Direct Metal (3 units)
Creation of sculptural form in metal using welding, brazing, and soldering techniques for fabrication of line, plane, found-object and mixed media composition.
ART 411 Ceramics I (3 units)
Basic introduction to ceramics and the creative process. Students will learn ceramic hand-building, glazing, and firing methods as a means of self-expression and communication.
ART 412 Ceramics II (3 units)
Additional study of ceramic processes and their application in art.
ART 417 Ceramic Glazing Techniques (3 units)
Advanced glazing techniques including special glazes, glaze composition and multi-firing techniques. Projects with emphasis on glaze effects.
ART 418 Ceramics III (3 units)
Advanced study of ceramics with a focus on either sculptural or functional artworks in clay. A series of focused ceramics pieces will culminate in the creation of a portfolio.
ART 430 Introduction to Digital Art (3 units)
Explores creative uses of digital technologies, and introduces digital art from historical and contemporary perspectives. Learn a range of skills and software used in the creation and editing of digital artworks for print, web, and multimedia.
ART 431 Digital Imaging I: Photoshop (3 units)
Focus on the creation and editing of digital images for use in art and design with Adobe Photoshop. Also listed as DMAD 431.
ART 432 Digital Imaging II: Advanced Photoshop (3 units)
This project-based course will expand on the tools and techniques necessary to further explore the image making process using raster based software such as Adobe Photoshop. Students develop strategies for content development, visual cohesiveness, and graphic production techniques. Topics include design, layout, typography, color principles, and project preparation for print, web, and animation. Also listed as DMAD 432.
ART 435 Digital Illustration (3 units)
Learn skills for creating digital illustrations, designs, and artworks through creative projects using Adobe Illustrator. This course will utilize the industry standard vector-based illustration software to create vector graphics for use in art, design, digital publishing, and the web.
ART 440 Introduction to Web Design (3 units)
An introduction to creating web sites and web graphics using popular industry-standard authoring tools and design software. The course introduces the basics of layout for visual communication by integrating design concepts with technical execution in a web environment.
ART 441 Intermediate Web Design (3 units)
Exploration of intermediate design processes for the web with an emphasis on visual design and web technologies. Various industry standard software applications and web technologies are employed to create original graphics, control layout and type, process images, and publish professional websites. Topics may include in-depth discussions on the design strategies used for combining text, images, animation, video, audio, and third party API’s to create compelling visual experiences for web users.
ART 479 Typography (3 units)
Explores the history and perceptual development of letterforms and the application of typography in art and design. Language and technology will be reviewed. Creative Projects will demonstrate theoretical concepts and their application.
ART 665 Special Topics in Art (0.5- 3 units)
Specialized courses in Art designed for the focused investigation of a particular issue or topic. The courses are designed to address either artistic theoretical or rhetorical issues, or to acquire technical or craftsmanship skills of particular materials and processes associated with a specific studio art.
ART 667 Special Topics in Art (0.5- 3 units)
Lecture-based sections (1 or 2 or 3 units): Hours/semester: 16-18, 32-36 or 48-54 lecture/additional hours by arrangement where indicated. Studio-activity sections (.5 or 1 or 2 or 3 units): Hours/semester: 24-27, 48-54, 96-108 or 144-162 lab/additional studio hours and/or hours by arrangement. Specialized courses in Art designed for the focused investigation of a particular issue or topic. The courses are designed to address either artistic theoretical or rhetorical issues, or to acquire technical or craftsmanship skills of particular materials and processes associated with a specific studio art.
ART 695 Independent Study in Art (0.5- 3 units)
Designed for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge via self-paced, individualized instruction provided in selected areas or directed study to be arranged with instructor and approved by the division dean using the Independent Study Form. Varying modes of instruction can be used -- laboratory, research, skill development, etc. For each unit earned, students are required to devote three hours per week throughout the semester. Students may take only one Independent Study course within a given discipline.
| Program | Type | Total Units |
|---|---|---|
| Art | AA | 60 Units |
| Art History for Transfer | AA-T | 60 Units |
| Studio Arts for Transfer | AA-T | 60 Units |
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:
- Develop visual literacy through communication, analysis, and reflection of artworks and the concepts and influences from which artworks originate
- Develop physical/technical skills within an art/design based medium to be used as tools for creative expression
Email: socialsci-creativearts@smccd.edu
Empty Bowls
Visit Empty Bowls WebsiteEmpty Bowls is a global grassroots artists project created to raise money and awareness of hunger and food insecurity, and has inspired fundraising events internationally.
The common thread with all Empty Bowls events is using the power of art to unite communities for the purpose of sharing culture, reducing food insecurity, and caring for one another. “Think Globally, Act Locally”
Community Mural Project
Visit Mural ProjectWebsiteThe Community Mural Project (CMP) at Skyline College partners with the community groups to bring art collaboration to schools, cities, civic, and arts organizations facilitating community partnership and engagement.
Our community-driven mural-making process is a vehicle for education and cultural expression that builds on our guiding principle of community engagement and our role as an academic and cultural center.
Behind the Curtain
Visit Behind the Curtain WebsiteSkyline College Creative Arts introduces you to creative thought leaders in the visual and performing arts, as they share their personal and professional journeys, providing insight into the creative process, illuminating career pathways, and shining a spotlight on the impact of creative arts in cultural and social movements.
Skyline College takes you inside the revolutionary realm of Creative Arts, join us as we go “Behind the Curtain.”
Skyline College Art Gallery
Skyline College’s Art Gallery on the first floor of Building 1 (1-121), is an artistic venue with programming that reflects the cultural diversity of the Skyline College community.
The gallery provides varied and unique opportunities to identify, evaluate, and respond to relevant ideas, perspectives, and concepts depicted in images, forms, and sounds. Admission is free. Hours vary: check page for details.
Pandemic Polarity: an Online Art Show
The COVID-19 Polar Graph Export is a web application designed and built by David Eisenberg. Alanis Forde (Barbados), Tim Maxwell (New York), Tom Mueske (Iowa), and Joseph Pascual (California) were asked to use the polar graph export program to re-contextualize Corona Virus data in their own work.
Student Art Exhibit
This show was a collaboration between Skyline College and the Society of West-Coast Artists featured their ceramics, sculpture, digital pieces, paintings, photographs and interactive conceptual work.
The Art of Palestine Exhibit
The Skyline College Art Gallery in collaboration with Zawaya hosted an art exhibit, reception, and concert featuring the art, music, cuisine, and other cultural artifacts of Palestine.
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