ARTS 2643 Computer Art Syllabus 010 Spring 2026

Download as PDF
Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 1 Clinical/Lab Hours 5
Type of Credit
Baccalaureate/Transfer
CIP Code
50.0409
Course Meeting Time

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 - 4:00 

Course Description

This hands-on digital art course blends traditional concepts with modern tools to create original computer art. Artistic styles, theory, and core digital techniques will be learned. Industry-based software, such as Adobe Photoshop® and Adobe Illustrator®, will be used. Topics include digital painting, digital drawing, photography, and fostering artistic expression.

Prerequisites

ARTS 1503 or ARTS 1513 - Completion is recommended prior to taking this course.

General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Communication

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Jo Rieger
Faculty Email
jrieger@kcc.edu
Faculty Office Number
815-802-8654
Faculty Student Support Hours

By Appointment: jrieger@kcc.edu 

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Create original artwork incorporating the elements of art and principles of design.
  2. Use course terminology with critique discussions.
  3. Produce digital artwork with pixel-based tools and techniques.
  4. Develop vector-based illustrations using digital drawing tools and techniques.
  5. Operate computer art software and hardware to complete projects without assistance.
  6. Analyze computer art styles and techniques through comparison.
  7. Present selected coursework to an audience.
Topical Outline
  • Software Applications
    • Digital Art Workspace
    • File Management
  • Core Design Theory
    • Elements of Art
    • Principles of Design
  • Pixel-Based Image Creation
    • Working with Layers
    • Masking Techniques
    • Selection Tools
    • Editing Tools
    • Color Adjustments
    • Digital Painting
  • Vector Graphics Techniques
    • Paths
    • Text and Typography
    • Digital Drawing
  • Hardware Components
    • Input Devices
    • Output Devices
  • Analysis
    • Digital Artists, Styles, and Techniques
    • Critique Format
    • Present Selected Coursework
Textbook/s and Course Materials

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES:

  • SD Card (512MB or Bigger)
  • SD Card Reader
  • Sketchbook
  • Digital or Phone Camera

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES:

  • Drawing Tablet
  • Hands-on media supplies of your choice
Methods of Evaluation

Student performance will be evaluated using 

  • Discussions
  • Quizzes
  • Written Assignments
  • Lab Projects
  • Portfolios
  • Presentations of Artwork
Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

Course Policies

 

  1. Please contact me with any questions or set up a time to meet during class, or email me.
  2. All work will be posted in Canvas under Modules.
  3. Homework assignments are due one day prior to the next week's class.
  4. Formative assessments are done in class and are due immediately.
  5. Summative assessments are due before the end of Thursday's class.
  6. All assignments can be turned in a second time for further mastery, if they were turned in on time.
  7. The final portfolio will be due before the exam block begins.

 

Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior
  1. Please come prepared, be on time, remove earbuds/headphones, and put cell phones away/on silent.
  2. Music/headphones can be used during studio time.
  3. All absences are counted and can affect your program status. See KCC’s Non-Attendance/Non-Participation Policy at catalog.kcc.edu.
  4. When absent, please inform me in advance to arrange to complete missed work.
Course Calendar

LIVE LINK: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hymngq1UdzgwXMMbxV3NHSU1khB22wseSq_7ZqQ0dDI/edit?tab=t.0 

WEEK
DATES
TOPICS
ASSIGNMENTS:
1

JAN

13/15

1. Getting Started

2. What even is Computer Art?

3. Unleashing your creative brain:The Artist’s Way

4. Building Your Portfolio

5. Getting Cozy With:

  • Pixlr E
  • Photoshop
  • Illustrator
  • Master Your Digital Workspace
  • Life Saving File Management
  • Organizing Grids

6. Level Up Your Skills

  • Backgrounds and Custom Patterns
  • Typography
  • Layer Image Styles
  • Drawing Connections
  • Fit Artists Warm Up
  • Your Portfolio Shell
  • Photoshop File Upload
  • Illustrator File Upload
2

JAN

20/22

1. Analyze

  • Digital Artists Crushing it
  • Decode their Styles/Techniques

2. Input Devices

3. Building Blocks of Design Theory

  • Elements of Art
  • Principles of Design
  • Artist’s Page/Date #1
  • Sticky Note #1
  • Elements and Principles in Computer Art: Plan/Begin
3

JAN

27/29

1. 8 Artists’ Advice

2. Continued Elements and Principles

  • Artist’s Page/Date #2
  • Food For Thought #1
  • Elements and Principles in Computer Art: Evaluate
4

FEB

3/5

1. Analyze

  • Digital Artists Crushing it
  • Decode their Styles/Techniques

2. Pixel-Based Power

  • The Showdown: Raster vs Vector
  • Layer Magic
  • Masking Wizrdry
  • Selection and Editing Tools
  • Color Adjustments
  • Digital Painting
  • Artist’s Page/Date #3
  • Sticky Note #2
  • Analysis
  • Photoshop Tutorial
5

FEB

10/12

1. The Secret Life 

2. Original Pixel-Based Masterpieces

  • Artist’s Page/Date #4
  • Food For Thought #2
  • Project #1: image collection, plan and create
6

FEB

17/19

1. Who You Can Become

2. Continued Project #1

  • Artist’s Page/Date #5
  • Food For Thought #3
  • Project #1: evaluate
7

FEB

24/26

1. Hardware Components

  • Output Devices / Presentations

2. Reflect On How Far You’ve Come

  • Growth

3. Give and Take

  • Critique Format
  • Artist’s Pages/Dates #1-5 Review
  • Print/Frame/Present
  • MOCA Critique
8

MAR

3/5

1. Vector Graphics Vibes

  • Paths, Curves, Clean Lines
  • Digital Drawing Techniques

2. Analyze

  • Digital Artists Crushing it
  • Decode their Styles/Techniques
  • Artist’s Page/Date #6
  • Sticky Note #3
  • Illustrator Tutorial
  • Project #2: image collection, plan and create
9

MAR

17/19

1. Why Connections Matter

2. Continued Project #2

  • Artist’s Page/Date #7
  • Food For Thought #4
  • Project #2: evaluate
10

MAR

24/26

1. Beauty is Everywhere

2. Artist’s Choice #1 (AC #1): it will be great!

  • Artist’s Page/Date #8
  • Food For Thought #5
  • AC #1 Proposal: Image Collection/Plan/Create
11

MAR31

APR2

1. Power to Change Your World

2. Continued AC #1

  • Artist’s Page/Date #9
  • Food For Thought #6
  • Evaluate AC #1
12

APR

7/9

1. Present A Masterpiece

2. Artist’s Choice #2: push yourself even more!

  • Artist’s Pages/Dates #6-9 Review
  • Show-N-Share
  • AC #2 Proposal: Image Collection/Plan/Create
13

APR

14/16

1. The Creative Process

2. Life is a Journey

3. Continued AC #2

  • The Creative Process Reflection
  • Food For Thought #7
  • Evaluate AC #2
14

APR

21/23

1. Pay Attention

2. Artist’s Choice #3: your final sprint…the best yet!

  • Food For Thought #8
  • AC #3 Proposal: Image Collection/Plan/Create
15

APR

28/30

1. Kahoot- How You’ve Grown

2. Continued

  • Evaluate AC #3
16

MAY

5/7

1. Kahoot- How You’ve Grown

2. Portfolio Assembly

  • Artist’s Statement
  • Put it all together
  • Digital Portfolio
EXAM

MAY

12/14

1. Celebrate Surviving and Thriving

  • Peer Portfolios
  • Course Feedback
  • Present

.

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.
Copyright & Syllabus Disclaimer

The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright. 
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.