Micro-Credentials.
We offer micro-credentials that are a comprehensive series of on-campus and distance learning courses, culminating in a certificate of completion. This certificate serves as a testament to your specialized proficiency, acknowledged by colleges, employers, and professional networks. Students may enroll in specialized art disciplines such as anatomy, drawing, and composition.
IMPORTANT: Micro-Credential tracks have limited availability. Admission will be based upon application date and approval of your portfolio. Available spots will be announced at least four weeks prior to start date. Submit your completed application as soon as possible.
Animation micro-credentials coming soon…
Drawing (On-Campus) $5517.83
Quarter 1
DW1010 Drawing 1A: Beginning Form and Light 2.50 credits
This course is an introduction to drawing. Students will learn how to depict the illusion of three-dimensional objects through the language of linear and tonal drawing. The subjects of the sphere, cube, cone, cylinder, egg, and cylindrical ring are possible subjects that will serve as foundational elements for the later study of casts and the human figure in subsequent courses in the curriculum. This course will introduce the student to ideas of linear construction using complex cross-contour analysis of form. Students will also be introduced to the properties of light and shadow necessary in the depiction of form. In the second half of the term, the course will proceed to linear and tonal investigation of more complex, hybrid geometric forms.
DW2010 Drawing 1B: Beginning Comparative-Observational Drawing 2.50 credits
The course will begin with learning how to make an accurate silhouette (block–in) of basic geometric shapes and will then proceed to complete linear drawings of the Cast, in which both primary and secondary forms are represented in block-in language. Proportions, line quality, and the abstraction of 3-dimensional objects as 2 dimensional shapes will be applied to each drawing to create a block-in that is accurate enough to continue to a finish. Students will gain confidence in block-in phase of drawing with understanding that comparative measuring/observational drawing will be the focus of Drawing 2B in the following quarter.
Quarter 2
DW3010 Drawing 2A: Intermediate Form and Light 2.50 credits
This course will provide a continued examination of Light and Shade Theory, as well as the process/technique of rendering form. More complex ideas about Light and Shade Theory will be discussed. Using challenging subject matter such as plaster casts and other still life objects, students will begin to hone their ability to control edges, compose values of light and shadow, and create a value hierarchy. Studies may also include drawing from photography to understand subtle transitions in value.
DW4010 Drawing 2B: Intermediate Comparative-Observational Drawing 2.50 credits
This course is a continued examination of the processes used to create a drawing from direct observation, and the measuring techniques used to do so. This course will apply the sensibilities learned from drawing 1B and apply it to challenging subject matter. Drawing 1B and Drawing 2B will employ comparative measuring/observational drawing techniques. Study will begin with carefully measured linear drawings of Greek and Roman casts and will proceed to complex linear drawings of the live model and photo preferences, with an emphasis on observational measuring. Students will also begin to learn how to abstract the human form into geometric shape in the French Academic block-in technique. While the emphasis of this course is on accurate linear drawing, some inclusion of Light and Shade Theory may occur in the latter half of the term.
Quarter 3
DW5010 Drawing 3A: Advanced Form and Light 2.50 credits
This course will require the completion of a mid-sized/large rendering of the full human figure demonstrating an advanced understanding of Form and Light. Emphasis will be on moving from planning stages of the drawing, through studies of the pose, and into the final execution of a finished piece. Final presentation must demonstrate fine craftsmanship in the drawing practice and may also include matting and framing. The emphasis of this course is on the rendering of the human form itself, and not of background elements or the figure as a spatial element, which will occur in Drawing 4.
DW6010 Drawing 3B: Precision Portrait Drawing 2.50 credits
Focusing on the complexity of the human head, students will engage in the act of portrait drawing with an emphasis on precision and capturing the idiosyncratic proportions, features, and likeness of an individual’s face. Lectures will focus on the structure of the features as derived from classical Greco/Roman aesthetics as well as the Italian Renaissance, and how to utilize their structures in decoding/understanding more naturalized forms as observed on the life model. Discussions will include in-depth form concepts applicable to painting and sculpture. Students will experience the possibilities of drawing the head from different vantage points, angles, and perspectives, and will consider the varying art historical periods associated with these differences. Study will also include the incorporation of the hand as part of the portrait. This course will require a synthesis of the student’s capacity for linear drawing as well as an application of their knowledge of light and shade theory and rendering techniques. This course will develop block-in abilities for shape recognition. Discussions will include in-depth form concepts applicable to painting and sculpture.
Quarter 4
DW7010 Drawing 4: The Figure in a Spatial Environment 3.50 credits
Using the knowledge learned from all previous drawing courses as well studies in perspective, composition, figure construction, and anatomy, students will learn how to convincingly place a figure within a spatial environment and will be expected to complete an ambitious drawing of such. Emphasis of this course is on the figure as a harmonious element within a believable space; a figure which both creates a dynamic element to the composition in the Figure-Ground relationship, yet which is also a cohesive part of the whole space. This course will emphasize the theory of Atmospheric Perspective, which will stress changes in value, edge quality, contrast, line quality, detail, and texture to achieve the illusion of space.
Drawing (Distance Learning) – $3375.00
Quarter 1
DW1010 Drawing 1 3.00 credits
This course is an introduction to realistic form drawing. Students will be introduced to composing images using various hierarchies such as the hierarchy of focus or hierarchy of accents and highlights, an introduction to tonal drawing and the emphasis of light and shadow as the driving force behind how we see form and space. The class will start with rendering the standard primitives, the cube, cone, sphere, and cylinder. We will then move on to complex organic forms such as the features of the face, that use the edge emphasis we learned while studying the basic forms. We will finish out the course studying the complex plane structure of the human head, emphasizing the subtle transitions that sit between the major planar surfaces.
Quarter 2
DW1020 Drawing 2 3.00 credits
This course will provide continued examination of Light Logic Theory and the process/technique of rendering form. More complex ideas about composition, relationship of focal points, rendering three-dimensional form will be discussed. Using challenging subject matter such as a human skull, a variety of classical casts, and a live model, students will learn to measure using comparative and observational techniques and will begin to hone their ability to master composition using visual tools such as value hierarchy depicting light and shadow, control of edges, and application of the materials through textures. Lectures will focus on the structure of the features as derived from classical Greco/Roman aesthetics, and how to utilize their structures in decoding/understanding more naturalized forms as observed on the life model using the Classic Academic block-in technique.
Quarter 3
DW1030 Drawing 3 3.00 credits
This course will require the completion of a mid-sized/large rendering of the full human figure demonstrating an advanced understanding of form and light. Emphasis will be on moving from the planning stages of the drawing, through studies of the pose, and into the final execution of a finished piece. Final presentation must demonstrate fine craftsmanship in the drawing practice and may also include matting and framing. The emphasis of this course is on the rendering of the human form itself, and not of background elements or the figure as a spatial element, which will occur in Drawing 4.
Quarter 4
DW1040 Drawing 4 4.00 credits
Using the knowledge learned from all previous drawing courses as well studies in perspective, composition, figure construction, and anatomy, students will learn how to convincingly place a figure within a spatial environment and will be expected to complete an ambitious drawing of such. The emphasis of this course is on drawing with respect to composition. Figure drawing is a great way to explore composition in a variety of ways, relationships of different interest points, variety in treatment light vs shadow, form vs background. This course will also cover theory of Atmospheric Perspective, which will stress changes in value, edge quality, contrast, line quality, detail, and texture to achieve the illusion of space.
Figure Construction (On-Campus) – $3579.13
Quarter 1
DW1020 Figure Construction 1: The Gesture 3.00 credits
Figure Construction 1 will primarily focus on the Gesture of human form and introduce students to the abstraction of human forms into simple geometric shapes, volumes, and solids. Through the repetition of many quick studies, the student will understand the idea of rhythm, flow, fluidity as well as the basic proportions and forms of the human figure. This course will emphasize the ability to use gesture drawing as a foundation for proportion, posture, balance, and weight distribution. Students will also learn to see gesture drawing as a planning stage for more elaborate drawings made later in the curriculum.
Quarter 2
DW2020 Figure Construction 2: The Figure as Simple Geometric Forms 3.00 credits
Figure Construction 2 will solidify students’ understanding of the geometric conception of the human figure. Students will understand the human form as a series of interlocking cylinders, cones, spheres, cubes, rectilinear solids, ovoid masses, as well as complex, hybrid geometric volumes. This course will also introduce the student to anatomical construction of muscle and bone groups, including discussions of Bony Landmarks. There will also be strong emphasis on the usage of an established proportion system, selected by the instructor, to be utilized throughout the term. Emphasis of this course will fall on natural linear drawing of the form as opposed to tonal development of the form. Line quality/variation will also play an integral role in this course, as well as the continued use of Gesture drawing as a building block from the previous course, Figure Construction 1.
Quarter 3
DW3020 Figure Construction 3: Anatomy Construction 3.00 credits
Figure Construction 3 will solidify understanding of anatomical construction and will synthesize students’ experience of drawing the figure from life with their studies in anatomy. Students will learn the construction of all bone and muscle groups and how these relate to one other and the human form in its entirety. This course is intended as a continued study in anatomy and provides the opportunity to apply and deepen knowledge of the Musculoskeletal System through a series of lectures. Study will also provide the student with an opportunity to draw the figure from life with an emphasis on anatomical drawing, form, and construction.
Quarter 4
DW4020 Figure Construction 4: Constructional & Anatomical Drawing 3.00 credits
Figure Construction 4 will synthesize the act of drawing the figure from life with the study of anatomy. Using the model as reference, students will utilize knowledge gained from previous Figure Construction and Anatomy classes to demonstrate understanding of the human figure in 3 stages:
1. The structure of the skeleton; students will draw the bones of the model in a natural pose with accuracy and precision.
2. The muscular system: students will carefully draw the muscular system, while remaining faithful to the depiction of the model’s pose.
3. The Form: students will create a finished drawing of the figure that portrays how light reveals the deeper layers of form.
Anatomical and proportional accuracy will take priority over direct observation.
Figure Construction (Distance Learning) – $3115.38
Quarter 1
DW2010 Figure Construction 1 3.00 credits
Gesture drawing is the emphasis of this quarter, using the gesture as a foundation for proportion, posture, balance, and weight distribution. We will break the figure down into simple geometric shapes and volumes that will lead to more complex geometry in later quarters. Through repetition of many quick studies, the student will learn to understand the idea of rhythm, flow, fluidity, and the basic proportions of forms of the human figure. Students will also learn to see gesture drawing as a planning stage for more elaborate drawings made later in the curriculum.
Quarter 2
DW2020 Figure Construction 2 3.00 credits
Figure Construction 2 will solidify students’ understanding of the geometric conception of the human figure. Students will understand the human form as a series of interlocking cylinders, cones, spheres, cubes, rectilinear solids, ovoid masses, as well as complex, hybrid geometric volumes. This course will also introduce the student to anatomical construction of muscle and bone groups, including discussions of bony landmarks. There will also be strong emphasis on the usage of an established proportion system, selected by the instructor, to be utilized throughout the term. Emphasis of this course will fall on natural linear drawing of the form as opposed to tonal development of the form. Line quality/variation will also play an integral role in this course, as well as the continued use of gesture drawing as a building block from the previous course, Figure Construction 1.
Quarter 3
DW2030 Figure Construction 3 3.00 credits
Figure Construction 3 will solidify understanding of anatomical construction and will synthesize students’ experience of drawing the figure with additional studies in anatomy. Students will learn the construction of all bone and muscle groups and how these relate to one other and the human form in its entirety. This course is intended as a continued study in anatomy and provides the opportunity to apply and deepen knowledge of the Musculoskeletal System through a series of lectures. Students will also have an opportunity to draw the figure with an emphasis on anatomical drawing, form, and construction.
Quarter 4
DW2040 Figure Construction 4 3.00 credits
Will synthesize the act of drawing the figure with the study of anatomy. Students will learn how to utilize knowledge gained from previous figure construction and anatomy classes to demonstrate understanding of the human figure in 3 stages:
• The structure of the skeleton; students will draw the bones of the model in a natural pose with accuracy and precision.
• The muscular system: students will carefully draw the muscular system, while remaining faithful to the depiction of the model’s pose.
• The Form: students will create a finished drawing of the figure that portrays how light reveals the deeper layers of form.
Anatomical and proportional accuracy will take priority over observation.
Composition (Distance Learning) – $2076.92
Quarter 1
DS3010 Composition 1 2.00 credits
Composition 1 will teach the student the difference between drawing what they see and organizing the elements of design within a picture plane. Principles of contrast, balance and imbalance, tension and release, harmony, placement, and division of the frame for aesthetics, dynamism, reading order, and innate psychological effects of design are the main emphases. Students will be introduced to the primary and secondary elements of design and begin to understand how to use them to fluently move their audience’s gaze around a piece and orchestrate meaning.
Quarter 2
DS3020 Composition 2 2.00 credits
Composition 2 will teach the students how to key values and use alternative points of view to create emotive states and conceptual settings within a piece. This class will also teach the student the various degrees of the illusion of depth and how they contribute to mood and meaning.
Quarter 3
DS3030 Composition 3 2.00 credits
The focus of this quarter is color, shifting from the value study to the color/value study. Students will learn ways to harmonize color and control saturation, utilize it to influence the hierarchy of focal points, affect the sense of depth, and begin to employ color to affect mood and meaning. The students will also be introduced to chroma shifting, limited color schemes, and color formulas that are more specifically directed towards the mood and emotional content of the piece. We will end the semester learning to assemble complex images from multiple sources and reference points.
Quarter 4
DS3040 Composition 4 2.00 credits
In Composition 4, the students must complete the picture-making process with original compositions and subject matter. The challenge will be to produce images with multiple figures interacting, solving the pictorial problems of character hierarchy, action, repose, rhetoric, and decoration/design (interior/exterior). The students will be given two generic themes to help them explore the message of the composition in their own creative way. The students will use the skills they have learned from the previous quarters to develop production worthy imagery that has a clear focus and intent through shape, color, spatial, figurative design, and sound visual story telling using the proper steps to create a well-informed collection of reference points to use for the finished works.
Anatomy (Distance Learning) – $1038.46
Quarter 1
SC1310 Anatomy 1 2.00 credits
Students will analyze the important muscles needed to create convincing figures and will also learn about the surface anatomy, such as the fat distribution and the fasciae that surrounds every inch of the living form. Students will better understand the living form of the model and create more easily from the imagination, but most importantly to have the confidence to edit the living model and therefore interpret more poetically what he/she sees and make the drawing or painting more personal.
Quarter 2
SC1320 Anatomy 2 2.00 credits
Anatomy/Écorché 2 is the second of two classes that are intended to give students a thorough understanding of the superficial anatomy of the human form. Students will sculpt both the bones and muscles of the entire figure. Through a series of rigorous weekly lectures, the student will be able to understand the movements, proportions, and form of individual muscles and bones as well as the human figure in its entirety. The knowledge gained in this class will be applicable to any media or style.
Please click here: https://laafa.edu/classes/laafa-application-fee/
