ARTS 2643 Computer Art Syllabus 010 Fall 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 1 Clinical/Lab Hours 5
Type of Credit
CIP Code
50.0409
Course Meeting Time

(Lec) T/TH 9:30 - 10:20 in R107

(Lab) T/TH 10:20 - 11:10 in R107

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 recommended

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
Faculty Office Number
815-802-8654

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

ONLINE COURSE CONTENT:

Other sites/apps to reference

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES:

  • Sketchbook (for journaling, art exercises, sketching)...can be DIY or computer paper
  • Black sharpies (fine/thin/fat)
  • Colored markers
  • Watercolors: paints/brushes/palette
  • Old magazines
  • Drawing pencils(not mechanical), gum eraser, and hand sharpener
  • Rubber cement (or other non-wrinkle glue)
  • Found objects
  • Textures
  • Camera (digital, phone, or device)
  • Scissors

Used materials are fine. Ask around.

Methods of Evaluation

Unit Quizzes 
Written assignments / Discussion Posts
Artist Lab projects / Technical skill development 

Final Exam Project/Presenation

Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

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

Course Policies
  1. All work will be posted in Canvas under Modules.
  2. Homework assignments are due by Monday, 11:59 pm, before our next class.
  3. Formative assessments are done in class and are due immediately.
  4. Summative assessments are due before the end of Thursday’s class.
  5. All assignments can be turned in a second time for further mastery if they were turned in on time. The final project will be due before the exam block begins.
Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior
  1. Please contact me with any questions or set up a time to meet during class, or email me.
  2. Please come prepared with homework done/supplies ready, be on time, remove earbuds/headphones, and put cell phones away/on silent.
  3. Music/headphones can be used during studio time.
  4. All absences are counted and can affect your program status. See KCC’s Non-Attendance/Non-Participation Policy at catalog.kcc.edu.
  5. When absent, please inform me in advance to arrange to complete missed work.
Course Calendar
WEEKDATESTOPICSASSIGNMENTS:
1

JAN

13/15

  1. Drawing Connections: who are we?
  2. Getting Started: how will it look?
  3. Appreciating art: why?
  4. Medium: Is it the message?
  5. PROJECT 1: Share Your Vibe
  • Typography
  • Expressive
  • Portrait
  • Photography
  • Contrast
  • ConTOUR line
  • Mixed Media
2

JAN

20/22

  1. Why Connections Matter?
  2. Share Your Vibe
  3. Global Prehistory TOUR #1
  4. PROJECT 2: Building Blocks of ART
  • Elements of Art
  • Principles of Design
3

JAN

27/29

1. Why Such a Majority?

2. Ancient Mediterranean TOUR #2

3. PROJECT 3: Secrets to Drawing

  • 1 and 2 point
  • Blind
  • Upsidedown
  • Puzzle
  • Grid
4

FEB

3/5

  1. Levels of Culture
  2. Early Europe and Americas TOUR #3
  3. Camera Obscura
  4. PROJECT 4: Painting
  • Media
  • value scale
  • color wheels
  • Color schemes
  • Realism
  • Watercolor
5

FEB

10/12

1. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

2. PROJECT 4: Painting Complete

6

FEB

17/19

  1. “Art and Beauty”
  2. Later Europe and Americas TOUR #4
  3. PROJECT 5: Printmaking

 

7

FEB

24/26

1. Don’t Censor Me!

2. PROJECT 5: Printmaking Complete

8

MAR

3/5

1. Indigenous Americas TOUR #5

2. PROJECT 6: Pottery

  • Slab
  • Coil
  • Pinch
9

MAR

17/19

1. Art Heals

2.​​"The Viewing" - ART CRITIQUE

3. PROJECT 6: Pottery Continued

10

MAR

24/26

1.Africa TOUR #6

2. PROJECT 6: Pottery Complete

11

MAR31

APR2

1. West and Central Asia TOUR #7

2. Creative Triggers

3. PROJECT 7: Figure Sculpture

12

APR

7/9

1. South, S East, and East Asia TOUR #8 

2. PROJECT 7: Figure Sculpture Cont.

13

APR

14/16

1. Arts of the Pacific TOUR #9 

2. PROJECT 7: Figure Sculpture Complete

14

APR

21/23

1. 8 Artists’ Advice

2. Global Contemporary TOUR #10

3. PROJECT 8: Artwork that Decays

15

APR

28/30

1. What is Conceptual Art?

2. Global Conteporary TOUR #10 Cont.

16

MAY

5/7

1. EXAM PROJECT: The Curator

2. Course Evaluation

  • EXAM PROJECT: The Curator
  • Course Evaluation
EXAM

MAY

12/14

1. EXAM PROJECT: The Curator Complete
  • SHOW-n-SHARE

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.