Artists have been fascinated by other people since the Stone Age, and in this class, we will use depictions of the human body as a case study.  It is for people of all experience levels and combines interactive lectures, hands-on exercises, and art-making. You can expect to see examples of great paintings, drawings, and sculptures, learn how artists have represented the human face in many ways.  You will learn how to draw a face with accurate proportions.  You will also learn how artists thought about the body in layers from the inside out—from the skeleton, to muscles, to skin, to clothing.    We will even consider how artists have used color and layers to depict people in both realistic and wildly unrealistic ways.

The course is geared toward adults, but mature high-school-age students are also welcome to enroll.  The course includes some artistic representations of unclothed bodies. No prior knowledge or artistic skill is required to enjoy this class. Art supplies will be provided, including a set of watercolor paints and oil pastels for you to keep. 

About the Instructor: 

Dr. Travis Nygard is an award-winning college professor with a PhD in art history and cultural studies from the University of Pittsburgh.  He loves teaching about art from around the world and from our own region, often using hands-on techniques to make art more engaging and accessible. He regularly presents original research at conferences and publishes his findings.  His scholarly interests are eclectic, ranging from Andy Warhol's pop art to the murals of the Corn Palace to the financial value of art.  He is also an artist himself, who enjoys collage, painting, photography, and mixed-media work.  

Note: This includes a $25 materials fee.

Level: Beginning to Intermediate