The Art Department at Laney College offers a wide variety of courses in both fine and applied art to meet student goals ranging from personal interest to preparation for transfer to four-year institutions or professional art schools.
Our department includes classes in drawing and painting, ceramics, sculpture, design, printmaking, and art history.
Art Department Courses Summer/Fall – 2024
Summer Courses
- Introduction to Mural Art ART 129 (in person on campus)
- ART 4 History of Modern Art (online)
- ART 7 History of African American Art (Past to Present)
Fall Courses
Art History Courses
- ART 1 Introduction to Art History (2 online sections, 1 face to face)
- ART 4 History of Modern Art (online only)
Online Studio Art Courses
- Drawing – ART 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
- ART 46 2D Visual Design
Face to Face Studio Art Courses
- Painting – ART 50, 51, 52, 53, 54
- Printmaking – ART 100, 101, 102, 203, 117
- Sculpture – ART 176, 71, 74
- Figure Sculpture – ART 165, 76, 77, 78, 79
- Ceramics – ART 80, 81, 82, 83, 84
- Eco Art Matters – ART 141, 144, 145, 146
All Courses
ART 1
Introduction to Art History
Introduction to Art History
3 units, 3 hours lecture (GR or P/NP)
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 001A.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Introduction to art purposes, principles and forms: Basic understanding of stylistic development and methods of analysis with emphasis on twentieth century art. 1001.00
AA/AS area 3; CSU area C1; IGETC area 3A;
ART 2
History of Western Art: Prehistoric Through the Middle Ages
History of Western Art: Prehistoric Through the Middle Ages
3 units, 3 hours lecture (GR or P/NP)
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 001A.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Major visual art forms of early civilizations: Painting, sculpture, and architecture from prehistory through the medieval period. 1001.00
AA/AS area 3; CSU area C1; IGETC area 3A;
(C-ID: ARTH 110)
ART 3
History of Western Art: Renaissance to Contemporary Art
History of Western Art: Renaissance to Contemporary Art
3 units, 3 hours lecture (GR or P/NP)
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 001A.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Major visual art forms of Western cultures from the Renaissance period to Contemporary period: Survey of the foremost artists and their works. 1001.00
AA/AS area 3; CSU area C1; IGETC area 3A;
(C-ID: ARTH 120)
ART 4
History of Modern Art (1800 to Present)
History of Modern Art (1800 to Present)
3 units, 3 hours lecture (GR or P/NP)
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 001A.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Major visual art forms and movements of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries: Concentration on the foremost painters, sculptors, and architects of the modern period and their works. 1001.00
AA/AS area 3; CSU area C1; IGETC area 3A;
(C-ID: ARTH 150)
ART 5
History of Asian Art (Past to Present)
History of Asian Art (Past to Present)
3 units, 3 hours lecture (GR or P/NP)
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 001A or ENGL 001AS.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Major visual art and architecture of Asia: Focus on India, Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan from pre-history to modern times. 1001.00
AA/AS area 3; CSU area C1; IGETC area 3A;
(C-ID: ARTH 130)
ART 7
History of African American Art (Past to Present)
History of African American Art (Past to Present)
3 units, 3 hours lecture (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Development of the African American visual artist in the Americas: Contributions of selected major African American artists and contemporary trends. 1001.00
AA/AS area 3, 5; CSU area C1; IGETC area 3A;
ART 20
Beginning Drawing & Composition
Beginning Drawing & Composition
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Freehand drawing with various media: Drawing techniques and fundamentals of composition applied to subject matter including an introduction to perspective. 1002.10
(C-ID: ARTS 110)
ART 21
Continuing Drawing and Composition
Continuing Drawing and Composition
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of topics of composition and drawing techniques in relation to drawing as a fine art: Study of form in black and white, and in color. 1002.10
ART 22
Intermediate Drawing and Composition
Intermediate Drawing and Composition
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Exploration of artistic concepts, styles, and creative expression related to intermediate-level drawing, complex subject matter and concepts using a variety of drawing mediums, techniques, and methodologies: Fundamentals of drawing skills to develop personalized approaches to content and materials in exercises covering multiple historical and contemporary approaches to drawing. 1002.10
(C-ID: ARTS 205)
ART 23
Advanced Drawing and Composition
Advanced Drawing and Composition
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Advanced drawing techniques applied to selected subjects and goals. 1002.10
ART 24
Special Projects: Drawing
Special Projects: Drawing
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Independent exploration and experimentation in special areas of drawing: Studio projects involving development of personal style in a specific technique. 1002.10
ART 35
Beginning Portraiture
Beginning Portraiture
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Drawing portraits from the live model: Emphasis on anatomy, proportion, and achieving a likeness. 1002.10
ART 36
Continuing Portraiture
Continuing Portraiture
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Drawing portraits from the live model: Emphasis on composition, position, clothing, and color. 1002.10
ART 39
Special Projects: Portraiture
Special Projects: Portraiture
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Development of an individual style and portfolio of consistent works suitable for an exhibition. 1002.10
ART 40
Color Dynamics: The Interaction of Color
Color Dynamics: The Interaction of Color
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Color interaction as developed by Josef Albers whose discoveries are widely used today in all the visual arts: Presentation of a series of studio problems designed to sharpen color perception, increase sensitivity to color relationships, and help the student discover a new kind of space, tension, rhythm, form, and harmony through interaction of color. 1002.10
ART 46
2-D Visual Design
2-D Visual Design
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to two-dimensional art and composition: 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. 1002.10
(C-ID: ARTS 100)
ART 47
3-D Visual Design
3-D Visual Design
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to three-dimensional design and spatial composition: Elements and organizing 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. 1002.00
(C-ID: ARTS 101)
ART 49
Independent Study in Art
Independent Study in Art
.5 – 5 units, .5 – 5 hours lecture (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
UC transferability is determined by UC faculty after transfer, please see a counselor for more information.
In-depth exploration of an area or problem of the student’s choice not covered by regular catalog offerings in Art. Student must obtain approval from an appropriate faculty member. For more details, see the section on independent study in the college catalog. 1002.00
ART 50
Beginning Painting
Beginning Painting
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Recommended Preparation: ART 020.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Emphasis on the basic techniques of oil or acrylic painting: Preparation and use of canvas and supports, color mixing, composition in a variety of styles, development of imaginative and objective images. 1002.10
(C-ID: ARTS 210)
ART 51
Continuing Painting
Continuing Painting
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of ART 50: Emphasis on composition, using oils, acrylics, and mixed media; may include live models. 1002.10
ART 52
Intermediate Painting
Intermediate Painting
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of ART 51: Emphasis on more independent and complex activities and projects. 1002.10
ART 53
Advanced Painting
Advanced Painting
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Recommended Preparation: ART 050.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of ART 52: Emphasis on developing greater clarity in personal imagery and painting style; development of a professional portfolio. 1002.10
ART 54
Special Projects: Painting
Special Projects: Painting
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continued study and skill development with oil and acrylics: May include production of murals and other large-scale paintings as well as individual projects. 1002.10
ART 60
Beginning Painting: Watercolor
Beginning Painting: Watercolor
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Fundamentals of washes, brushwork, color, and special effects: Transparent, wet-into-wet, and opaque techniques as it applies to various subject matter. 1002.10
ART 61
Continuing Painting: Watercolor
Continuing Painting: Watercolor
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continued development of skills, techniques, and content in watercolor painting: Creative experimentation and individual expression in watercolor painting processes. 1002.10
ART 64
Special Projects: Watercolor Painting
Special Projects: Watercolor Painting
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continued study and skill development in advanced watercolor projects. 1002.10
ART 71
Continuing Sculpture
Continuing Sculpture
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Prerequisite: ART 176 or Instructor’s approval .
Continuation of ART 176: Intermediate to advanced course in material investigation; emphasis different methodology utilizing such materials as clay, wood, plaster, metal and found objects; focus on integration of 3D technology through cross-disciplinary collaborations. 1099.00
ART 74
Special Projects: Sculpture
Special Projects: Sculpture
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Other: Conditional Enrollment: Instructor’s approval.
Continuation of ART 71: Focus on individual proposals in material investigation; and integration of 3D technology through cross-disciplinary collaborations. 1002.20
ART 76
Continuing Figure Sculpture
Continuing Figure Sculpture
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of ART 165: Direct modeling from the live model; emphasis on proportion and composition using various media. 1002.20
ART 77
Intermediate Figure Sculpture
Intermediate Figure Sculpture
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Direct modeling from the live model: Emphasis on accurate, sensitive, expressive modeling of the human figure. 1002.20
ART 78
Advanced Figure Sculpture
Advanced Figure Sculpture
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Recommended Preparation: ART 020 or ART 077.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of ART 77: Experimentation with abstract interpretations of the model with emphasis on developing greater clarity and personal style. 1002.20
ART 79
Special Projects: Figure Sculpture
Special Projects: Figure Sculpture
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continued study and skill development in advanced figure sculpture projects. 1002.20
ART 80
Beginning Ceramics
Beginning Ceramics
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Introduction to ceramics: Materials, techniques, design principles, creative development; historical, contemporary modes of expression across cultures. 1002.30
ART 81
Continuing Ceramics
Continuing Ceramics
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of ART 80: Emphasis on design problems and skill development in forming, glazing, and firing processes. 1002.30
ART 82
Intermediate Ceramics
Intermediate Ceramics
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of ART 81: Emphasis on surface design, firing, and further skill development in forming processes. 1002.30
ART 83
Advanced Ceramics
Advanced Ceramics
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of ART 82: Emphasis on individual expression; experimentation in glazes, clay bodies, and kiln firing. 1002.30
ART 84
Special Projects: Ceramics
Special Projects: Ceramics
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Exploration and experimentation in special areas of ceramics: Studio projects involving development of personal style in a specific technique. 1002.30
ART 100
Beginning Printmaking
Beginning Printmaking
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Combinations of printmaking processes: Conventional and experimental techniques in lithography, etching, mono-type printing, and relief printing. 1013.00
ART 101
Continuing Printmaking
Continuing Printmaking
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
old crn: CCC000360155
Continuation of ART 100: Emphasis on color, larger-scale projects, and non-traditional methods; conventional as well as experimental approaches. 1013.00
ART 102
Intermediate Printmaking
Intermediate Printmaking
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of ART 101: Emphasis on multi-plate color printing and its refinement. 1013.00
ART 103
Advanced Printmaking
Advanced Printmaking
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of ART 102: Continued study and experimentation with advanced techniques and to refine editioning skills. 1013.00
ART 117
Special Projects: Printmaking
Special Projects: Printmaking
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Printmaking projects: Continued study and skill development in special printmaking projects. 1013.00
ART 118
Ceramics: Raku
Ceramics: Raku
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Introduction to the ancient art of Raku ceramics: Aesthetic and philosophical considerations; mixing, applying, and firing raku glazes. 1002.30
ART 129
Introduction to Mural Art
Introduction to Mural Art
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Muralism as a social movement: Study of contemporary mural movements and their historical antecedents, social, economic, cultural and political influences and significance; actual execution of mural work created collaboratively by faculty and students. 1002.10
AA/AS area 3;
ART 137
Beginning Figure Drawing and Composition
Beginning Figure Drawing and Composition
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Recommended Preparation: ART 020.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Introduction to drawing the human figure from observation using a wide variety of drawing media and techniques: Human anatomy, historical and contemporary roles of figure drawing in the visual arts with descriptive and interpretive approaches to drawing the figure. 1002.10
(C-ID: ARTS 200)
ART 141
Eco Art Matters-Beginning
Eco Art Matters-Beginning
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Exploration of the history and aesthetics of the environmental/community/social justice art movement: Exhibition of student-created eco art works, installations or performances based on an important ‘matter’ of their choosing, and exploration of a variety of media; includes community outreach projects. 1002.00
AA/AS area 3;
ART 144
Eco Art Matters Continuing Food and Water
Eco Art Matters Continuing Food and Water
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Prerequisite: ART 141.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of the study and art practices based on environmental and social justice issues: Extensive research on an issue of choice, with an emphasis on Food and Water. 1001.00
AA/AS area 3;
ART 145
Advanced EcoArt Matters: Community Outreach and Collaboration
Advanced EcoArt Matters: Community Outreach and Collaboration
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Prerequisite: ART 144.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Continuation of ART 144: Emphasis on social justice, community outreach, and collaboration projects for a public art exhibition. 1001.00
AA/AS area 3;
ART 146
Special Projects: EcoArt Matters
Special Projects: EcoArt Matters
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Prerequisite: ART 145.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Continued study: Advanced research and art practice of environmental and social justice issues. 1001.00
ART 165
Beginning Figure Sculpture
Beginning Figure Sculpture
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Introduction to direct modeling from the live model: Direct observation sketching, clay and other media, introduction to human anatomy and historical and contemporary roles of figurative sculpture in the visual arts, descriptive and interpretive approaches to sculpting the figure. 1002.20
ART 176
Beginning Sculpture
Beginning Sculpture
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Introduction to three-dimensional sculptural principles, techniques, and concepts utilizing a wide range of materials and practices: Various sculpture methods with attention to creative self-expression and historical context. 1002.20
ART 199
Ceramics and Digital Technologies
Ceramics and Digital Technologies
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Introduction to ceramic materials and digital processes: Hand-building, surface treatment and firing methods in conjunction with digital fabrication technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC router; focusing on experimental approaches to ceramic arts including both functional and sculptural objects; technology and materials will be supported with readings and discussions; projects created in the FabLab and Ceramic studio. 1002.30
ART 202
Fundamentals of Drawing
Fundamentals of Drawing
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Introduction to drawing: Study of shape, form, and space in black and white. 1002.10
ART 205
Fundamentals of Painting
Fundamentals of Painting
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Introduction to painting: Basic painting techniques and composition using oils, acrylics. 1002.10
ART 208
Foundations of Ceramics
Foundations of Ceramics
2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Introduction to Ceramics: Wheel throwing and hand-building instruction, glazing and firing techniques. 1002.30
ART 230
Beginning Art Gallery Management
Beginning Art Gallery Management
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Practical experience in all phases of art exhibit: Research in art exhibit design and philosophy; includes field trips. 1099.00
ART 231
Continuing Art Gallery Management
Continuing Art Gallery Management
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Continuation of ART 230: Continued research and related theory; budget analysis; lighting techniques and installation; practical experience in all phases of art exhibit; research in art exhibit design and philosophy; includes field trips. 1002.00
ART 232
Intermediate Gallery Management
Intermediate Gallery Management
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Continuation of ART 231: Continued research and practical application of art gallery related theory; budget analysis and management; lighting techniques and installation; practical experience in all phases of art exhibit; advanced research in art exhibit design and philosophy; including unsupervised exhibition field trips. 1002.00
ART 233
Advanced Art Gallery Management
Advanced Art Gallery Management
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab, (GR or P/NP)
Continuation of ART 232: Advanced research and related theory; budget analysis; lighting techniques and installation; practical experience in all phases of art exhibit; research in art exhibit design and philosophy; includes field trips. Supervision of beginning art gallery management students in day to day operations of gallery. 1002.00
ART 466C
Work Experience in Art
Work Experience in Art
1 – 2 units, 4 – 8 hours lab, (GR)
Course study under this section may be repeated three times.
Supervised employment providing opportunities in art or a related field: Develop desirable work habits, become a productive, responsible individual, and extend education experience with on the job training. A maximum of 14 units may be earned during one enrollment period. 1099.00
