Art and Illustration

Our Illustration program started in 1990 with the objective to provide a quality art program to students who are interested in the traditional techniques of drawing and painting but with a specific focus on entering the commercial illustration field.  In 2009 we added a studio art concentration to the program, which is reflected in the new name of the major, Art & Illustration. Students have the choice of pursuing an illustration concentration or a traditional fine art concentration. Both concentrations will allow students to create artwork in both traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on combining old and new mediums into new art forms.

The majority of studio artists and illustrators are self-employed. For this reason we strongly encourage our Art & Illustration majors to develop a strong foundational understanding of typography, layout, print and web design. This knowledge, combined with drawing and illustration skills, makes them very attractive to potential employers.

In our classes we emphasize the conceptual side of the creative process, and the exploration of traditional fine art and illustration techniques. Additionally, we provide up to date computer graphics applications and instruction in their use.

We offer classes in drawing, figure drawing, oil painting, watercolor painting, printmaking, color studies, art history and beginning as well as advanced illustration. All of our classes are taught by full time faculty or adjunct faculty with extensive professional experience.