Drawing and Painting
People have been using drawing and painting to illustrate their lives and express their feelings since the beginning of recorded history (the first records are drawings, paintings and carvings). The concepts and skills used to design and produce two-dimensional fine art drawings, paintings and prints are learned in this area of the Palomar College Art Department.
Design is the organization of visual information. The elements and principles of design are learned in this introductory general education course.
Drawing is the basis for almost all visual art making. Drawing instruction covers the range from a beginning general education course through more advanced life (figure) drawing. One can never learn to draw too well.
Painting courses investigate traditional and modern techniques for using oil, acrylic and watercolor media to produce paintings in a variety of styles. Airbrush painting is also in the curriculum.
The printmaking courses explore the making of multiple images using relief (wood and linoleum block) and intaglio (etching) techniques. Additional techniques may be taught.
Class schedule and catalog information
Since schedules and courses change on a regular basis, please use the links below to get the most recent information on our degree programs, class schedules, and course descriptions
Degrees offered Degree programs in Art
Class scheduleClass schedule
Course offerings in Drawing and Painting
Core courses
ART 101 Methods and Materials (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryNote: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Introduction to the aesthetic and technical potential of a variety of materials and
methods basic to various art disciplines. Concentration on the skills needed to
use these materials in a two‑ and three‑dimensional art.
ART 102 Drawing and Composition I (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryNote: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC - ART 102, 103 and DT 144, 145, 160, 215, 216 combined: maximum credit, 18 units; CAN ART 8
A basic studio course in the media and technique of drawing. An introduction to pictorial structure, visual elements, use of perspective, and rendering and sketching techniques. This course is designed to develop skills for both commercial and fine arts.
ART 103 Drawing and Composition II (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: ART 102
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC - ART 102, 103 and DT 144, 145, 160, 215, 216 combined: maximum credit, 18 units
The development of subject and theme concepts with varied approaches to composition and the use of media. Introduction to abstract composition and mixed media techniques as a preliminary to painting.
ART 104 Design and Composition (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryNote: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC; CAN ART 14
Basic instruction in flat design. The study of line, color, value, shape, texture, form, and the principles of composition. Experience in a variety of media. Essential to students of fine and commercial art, photography, graphic arts, architectural, and interior design.
ART 105 Three‑Dimensional Form and Design (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryNote: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC; CAN ART 16
Basic instruction in sculptural forms and structures. A variety of media is explored.
ART 200 Color/Light and Theory (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: ART 102 and 104
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC
Investigations into the phenomenon of color and its use in art. Problems involving color and design in various media, including acrylics and collage. Exploration of the role of color in Western art from late 19th Century to the present.
Drawing courses
ART 120 Life Drawing and Composition I (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: A minimum grade of ‘B’ in at least one semester of a college-level drawing course
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC; CAN ART 24
A basic course in the fundamentals of drawing the human figure. The use of the figure as an element of both naturalistic and expressive rendering.
ART 121 Life Drawing and Composition II (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: ART 120
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC–Credit Limitations - Credit for only one attempt
An exploration of the human figure as the basic subject of creative and experimental composition.
ART 125 Head Drawing (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: ART 102 or ARTI 100
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC
Introduction to human head drawing. Special emphasis on techniques designed to illustrate musculoskeletal relationships that distinguish differences in age, sex, and personality.
Painting courses
ART 214 Head Painting (1)
2 hours lecture/laboratoryNote: May be taken 3 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Introduction to painting techniques as they apply to the human head. Critical analysis and application of color theory and mixing principles. Analysis of human facial planes, proportion and bone structure in the application of either oil or acrylic paint
ART 220 Oil Painting I (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, ART 103 and 200
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC; CAN ART 10
Fundamental methods and concepts of studio painting using oil color as the primary medium. Concentration on gaining technical skills in pictorial composition, subject interpretation, brush handling, and the use of color. Exploration of historical and contemporary styles, attitudes, and techniques.
ART 221 Oil Painting II (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: ART 220
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC
Advanced projects in the concepts and techniques of oil painting with concentration on individual creative progress and development.
ART 225 Acrylic Painting I (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, ART 103 and 200
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC
Concepts of studio painting utilizing acrylic based colors as the primary medium. Exploration of different styles and techniques with emphasis on contemporary modes of expression. Concentration on gaining skills in composition, brush handling, and the use of color.
ART 226 Acrylic Painting II (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: ART 225
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC
Advanced projects in the concepts and techniques of acrylic painting with emphasis on individual creative progress and development.
ART 230 Airbrush Painting I (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, ART 103 and 200
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Emphasis on developing skills in airbrush painting and masking techniques for use in fine arts, commercial art, and photo retouching. The theory, use, and maintenance of airbrushes and associated equipment.
ART 231 Airbrush Painting II (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: ART 230
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Creative approaches to airbrush painting. A continued study of airbrush techniques used in fine arts, commercial art, and photo retouching.
ART 235 Watercolor Painting I (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryNote: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC
Fundamental approaches to the use of watercolors and other waterbase paints in creative painting. Concentration on both literal and expressive modes utilizing a variety of subjects.
ART 236 Watercolor Painting II (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: ART 235
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC
Advanced work in watercolor media.
Printmaking courses
ART 130 Printmaking I (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: ART 102
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC; CAN ART 20
Introduction to the techniques of etching, aquatint, drypoint, photo engraving, and wood and linoleum cuts. Problems in multicolor intaglio and multicolor relief printing. Design and composition in relation to the media will be emphasized.
ART 131 Printmaking II (3)
6 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: ART 130
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC
Continued practice in the creation of fine prints. Mixed media and the photointaglio process are explored.
ART 132 Lithography and Experimental Printmaking (1)
2 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: ART 102
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Introduction to the techniques of plate lithography and experimental lithographic processes.
ART 133 Etching (1)
2 hours lecture/laboratoryPrerequisite: ART 102
Note: May be taken 2 times
Transfer acceptability: CSU
Introduction to the techniques of etching, aquatint and drypoint.
