Foundations

Breadcrumb

At the University of Colorado at Boulder, the Foundations Arts Program introduces studio undergraduates to a cohesive curriculum offered through a sequence of first-year courses. The focus of this curriculum is on visual literacy and understanding the use of technique as a tool to illustrate concepts that span many different art disciplines and cultures. This program includes two core courses designed for the student to progressively build upon his or her existing aptitudes and to be introduced to new ways of working and thinking. Foundation Faculty carefully guide students through a comprehensive program, providing students with a thorough understanding of contemporary art and art practice to ensure a successful creative future.

Students develop creative, expressive, and analytical skills through a variety of multidisciplinary assignments, including digital media. Each course consists of studio practice and a lecture series. The first Foundations Arts course ARTS 1010 focuses on introducing the students to two and three-dimensional design practices with exploration in color theory. ARTS 1020 is designed to introduce the students to a more conceptual approach to theme based projects with attention to Digital Arts. These courses introduce a range of theoretical positions, artistic methods, materials, and media that are key to art making.

Foundations Area FAQs

ARTS 1010 Introduction to Studio Arts: This course is composed of three divisions, beginning with the drawing studio, where the student explores drawing techniques integrated with 2-D Design concepts in progressive exercises using a wide range of materials. A 3-D design project that places the students in the woodshop to learn basic wood fabrication while exploring the fundamental principles of three-dimensional practices with application of a variety of materials. A Painting Studio section, which introduces color theory and coloring mixing through creative color compositions. The last studio component is the Printmaking Studio, where the student is introduced to the techniques of multiples and one-of-a-kind printmaking processes.

ARTS 1020 Introduction to Studio Arts II builds on what the student has learned in ARTS 1010 through more advanced projects. Additional skills including digital media are integrated into interdisciplinary assignments to allow students greater freedom and responsibility in their approach to art practice. It challenges the student to produce projects that are based on current issues, a range of media, and a variety of the studio art programs. Studios represented in this course are Ceramics, Sculpture, Photography, and Interdisciplinary Media Art Practices.

No, ARTS 1010 is a prerequisite for ARTS 1020, so students are required to take ARTS 1010 first.

The Foundations Lecture series is based on the readings as well as on current art issues. ARTS 1010 lectures are focused听on the fundamentals of 2-D and 3-D Design as well as Color Theory. ARTS 1020 lectures are constructed around the various studios and projects introduced in the studio component.听In the both 1010 and 1020 lectures, you will be introduce to current contemporary artists and materials.

You will need to bring a syllabus of each course you want to review and a copy of your transcript so the Director can note that you have passed the course. Do not send this information by mail, email, or fax, as it is important to meet directly with the Director of the Foundations Area. The Foundations Director holds office hours during the academic year 鈥� your advisor can provide the appropriate email address for scheduling an appointment.