Exploring Artistic Horizons: A Guide to Art Courses at Bucks County Community College

Bucks County Community College offers a diverse range of art courses designed to cater to students of all levels, from beginners to those seeking advanced training. Whether you're interested in honing your drawing skills, exploring the world of painting, or delving into the digital realm of photography, there's a course to ignite your creative passion.

Foundational Courses: Building a Strong Artistic Base

The college provides a solid foundation in art through its introductory courses. These courses are designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in more advanced studies.

Drawing I (VAFA100)

This introductory course focuses on the fundamental concepts and techniques of drawing. Students learn to analyze the structure and appearance of natural forms, developing disciplined draftsmanship skills. Through perception, observation, and memory, they apply basic drawing techniques using black and white media to explore space, value, and volume.

2-D Design Fundamentals (VAFA101)

An introduction to abstract and representational two-dimensional design concepts. Projects emphasize creativity, conceptualization, problem-solving, skill-building, expression, execution, teamwork, research techniques, and presentation. Black, white, and gray media serve as the basis for learning the vocabulary, concepts, and principles of two-dimensional design.

3-D Design Fundamentals (VAFA102)

This foundation course covers the elements and principles of three-dimensional form in space, laying the groundwork for future 3-D courses. The materials employed introduce basic technical skills, and conceptual approaches are emphasized. The relationship between two- and three-dimensional thinking is stressed.

Drawing Basics (VAFA111)

This course introduces and reinforces preliminary skills related to basic drawing concepts. The course comprehends three major units: (1) Simple shapes and Proportions; (2) Measuring and Perspective; and (3) Light and Composition. Students improve their concentration in a studio setting and develop essential skills related to drawing structural forms.

Intermediate Courses: Refining Skills and Exploring New Mediums

Building upon the foundational knowledge, intermediate courses allow students to refine their skills and explore new mediums and techniques.

Drawing II (VAFA103)

This course refines and expands the knowledge base and skill set developed in Drawing I. Students employ a variety of media to investigate three-dimensional illusion and compositional methods working from still life, figure, interiors and landscape. They additionally examine and practice contemporary concepts in drawing. VAFA100 (C or better) or permission of the Arts Department is a prerequisite for this course.

2-D Design Color (VAFA104)

Students learn basic color concepts including theory, perception, chromatic relationships, phenomena, terminology, physics, psychology and harmony. Projects emphasize perception, creativity, conceptualization, problem-solving, skill-building, expression, execution, teamwork, research techniques, and presentation. Working in paint and/or paper serves as the basis for learning the principles of color. VAFA101 (C or better) or permission of the Arts Department is a prerequisite for this course.

3-D Design Materials/Modeling (VAFA105)

This course combines the study and examination of process-based forms and figurative based-forms. Students are introduced to drawing and modeling the human body. Students are introduced to various tools, materials, and techniques in the application of design to tactile forms in space. VAFA102 (C or better) or permission of the Arts Department is a prerequisite for this course.

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Advanced Courses: Mastering Techniques and Developing a Personal Style

Advanced courses challenge students to master complex techniques and develop their unique artistic voices.

Drawing Anatomy (VAFA200)

Through drawing, students study the design and function of the figure. The proportions and architecture of the human form are analyzed. Insight into the construction of the body is achieved through skeletal and muscular studies and conceptual applications of 3-D form. A selection of masterworks is emulated. VAFA103 (C or better) is a prerequisite for this course.

Figure Drawing (VAFA202)

Students integrate and review the drawing experiences of the previous drawing classes. The figure is expressed within complex situations dealing with spatial concepts and composition through extended problems.

Fine Arts and Design Portfolio Studio (VAFA250)

Students develop and enhance their fine arts and design portfolio for transfer or employment. Also, students prepare and deliver an informative speech describing their work using appropriate vocabulary and/or historical references. In preparing and presenting a portfolio in VAFA250, students currently need an array of digital skills, such as, but not limited to, media capture, manipulation, and presentation. Students take at least one required digital course (e.g. VVAFW145, VAMM100, VAPH110, VAMM130 or VACV140) and then reinforce/develop their digital skills across the major.

Specialized Workshops and Courses: Exploring Specific Art Forms

In addition to the core curriculum, Bucks County Community College offers specialized workshops and courses that focus on specific art forms and techniques.

Next Level Learning (NL) Drawing Classes

These classes offer academic rigor with assignments, assessments, and projects. Students learn basic drawing skills from observation, translating perceptions into works of art. The focus is on the methods and mindset of the artist, approaching any subject matter with confidence. Students are encouraged to develop multiple approaches to making a drawing and discover their unique creative ability.

Introduction to Drawing Courses

These courses guide students in developing new skills in a supportive environment. They learn the basics of drawing from observation through a variety of materials and techniques, exploring contour, negative space, proportion, light source, shading techniques, and mark-making. Students also explore the principles and techniques of classical drawing, focusing on how to realistically render three-dimensional forms using graphite and charcoal. They'll develop a strong understanding of light and shadow, value systems, composition, and form through lectures exercises, and hands-on assignments.

Intermediate Drawing Courses

These courses reinforce basic drawing skills and introduce additional drawing media and techniques and color theory using the ink and color pencil mediums. Students will continue building on their working knowledge of the relationships between light and shadow, the concepts of the value systems, composition, pattern, variation of form, and cast and form shadow edges. Traditional and contemporary drawing techniques utilizing pen, ink and brush and colored pencils and various papers will be reviewed. This course will consist of class lectures and handouts, exercises, and sketching and drawing assignments. The course instructor will review and discuss various graphics and drawings in his Introduction to Drawing Series books that cover the ink and color pencil mediums topics in this course.

The Art of Flower Sushi

This is a playful, hands-on workshop where flowers meet creativity.

Women's Empowerment Workshop with Flowers and NLP

This workshop is designed for women ready to connect deeply with their journey and soul. Through replanting flowers and the gentle guidance of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), you will set heartfelt intentions, journal dreams, and engage in a forgiveness ritual inspired by Ho’oponopono. Removing ‘rocks’ representing limiting beliefs and replanting flowers into fresh soil symbolizes release and new beginnings. Celebrate the beauty, love, strength, and wisdom of every woman in this heartwarming workshop. You create stunning flower baskets, enjoy a guided visualization of beauty and self-love, and celebrate through music, dancing, and joyful connection.

Impressionism Painting

Students try a different way of painting and learn how to make a beautiful visual experience in paint! We will work from a floral still life, building up soft, textured layers of paint in the manner of Monet, Renoir, and Pissarro. Exploring Impressionism is a great way for beginners to get into painting or for more experienced painters to expand their skills. Because of its inherent looseness, Impressionism takes the pressure off the early stages of the painting. Students can ease into making their initial brushstrokes free of concerns of accuracy or representation, gradually developing the subject. The time to make art is now!

Observational Painting

This is the perfect class for the new or returning painter. Working from a simple still life we will practice observational painting and address volume, light and shadow, color, paint mixing, and brushwork. Critique and technical advice for experienced painters as well. I can work with you regardless of your level of experience. This course will include basic and advanced instruction in oil painting. Topics covered will be color theory, drawing, perspective, and problem solving. You will be encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, explore new techniques, and express their ideas using the oil paint medium.

Landscape Painting

Exploring the campus grounds, venturing into Tyler State Park or working from the studio, this class will focus on observing nature and observing nature and capturing the visual qualities of the landscape. We will consider light, composition, as well as conceptual ideas that may grow. Bringing historical and contemporary methods and materials of landscape painting to the students’ own style and technique.

Photography Courses

Students get an in-depth view of camera operation, basic and effects driven photographic technique and image composition. Sessions will cover optimum baseline camera set-up, the effects of various settings’ influence on your images, design of image content, the influence of color, workflow organization to maintain control of your image files. This is a learn-as-you-go course, designed to fill the gaps in your knowledge and skill base starting from ground zero. The sessions will move at a pace dependent on the class-wide understanding and work accomplished. Weather permitting and student interest, some sessions will be scheduled for shooting field trips, any-and-all would be locally based off campus. These field trips are to implement and practice newly acquired shooting techniques. Additionally, we will also visit local photographic exhibitions to expand and encourage each student’s intake of the photographic community. Learn how to get what is missing from your digital photos and see how you can move from uninspiring snapshots to dynamic photographs.

Degree Programs: Pursuing a Fine Arts Education

Bucks County Community College offers degree programs for students seeking a comprehensive fine arts education.

Art and Art History Transfer Major

In the Art and Art History transfer major, students experience the process of making artistic objects, as well as the practice of interpreting historical objects through the study of art history. Students develop skills in drawing and then explore other artistic media.

Associate of Fine Arts

The Associate of Fine Arts contains both Fine Arts and Fine Woodworking tracks. For all Fine Arts majors, regardless of track, a portfolio review is recommended for placement purposes.

Important Considerations

Studio Courses: Studio courses can be expensive due to the cost of materials.
Course Sequence: The recommended course sequence is designed for full-time students who average 15 credit hours per semester. Students may need more time to complete major requirements based on placement testing.
Transferability of Courses: Decisions on the transferability of courses are made by the four-year colleges and differ from school to school.

Contact Information

For further information about art courses and programs at Bucks County Community College, contact the School of Arts & Communication at Hicks Art Center, phone (215) 968-8425.

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