ILL 322: Figures and Environments
Explore the portrayal of characters in context
Students will focus on advancing their ability to convincingly represent the human figure and characters in space, within multiple environments while considering historical context. Concepts to be addressed include anatomy, gravity, weight, movement, light, color, and the history of representing the figure. Additionally, students will explore architecture, structural elements, and scale with an emphasis upon developing compelling and vivid environments.
About This Course
Project-Based Learning
Students will research and develop a series of illustrations for a story of their choice. Students will have the opportunity to develop a visual narrative in a new setting and style of a work done in the past or a contemporary story with a different interpretation. Options include a print media project (book, comic, magazine, and so on), or a digital media project (video game, movie, animation, or 3d product) or a personal project that meets the same requirements.
What Skills Will I Develop?
Students in this course can expect to learn to:
- Analyze, evaluate, and synthesize historical concepts and artistic styles when exploring and researching multiple illustrations/paintings/artwork with a figure (human figure and/or characters) in an environment and with consideration of historical context, anatomy, gravity, movement, scale, proportion, light, value contrast, perspective, color, mood, and other art/design principles.
- Professionally present research and creative concepts in alignment with the course content, creative brief, project criteria/expectations, and presentation guidelines.
- Actively and professionally participate in class discussions/meetings, constructively assess the work of your peers, and enhance your creative work based upon feedback.
- Demonstrate effective and efficient use of your digital and traditional drawing, painting, and other image making skills to create quality portfolio ready pieces.
- Effectively conceptualize, create, finalize, and present a series of illustrations (digital and/or traditional) based upon research, integrating the figure in an environment with consideration of historical context, anatomy, gravity, movement, scale, proportion, light, value contrast, perspective, color, mood, art/design principles, and visual storytelling.
- Apply and demonstrate technically proficient digital illustration/image making skills utilizing appropriate software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
What Software and Supplies Do I Need?
- Computer with Internet connection.
- Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator CC (InDesign optional).
- Drawing and art supplies may be required depending on your choice of project.
Course Instructor(s)
The course is taught by the following instructor(s):
Fiorella Shalat
Fiorella Shalat is an artist and educator with expertise in commercial still life, microscope photography, and creative darkroom techniques. Born in Florence, Italy, Fiorella has illustrated several books and her work has appeared in various group shows.
Course Outline
What is a Powerful Story?
Explore how artists since ancient times have told powerful stories by combining figures and environments.
How Do We Make a Story Personal?
Examine the importance of following your passions—which will lead you toward the places, people, and stories that are important to you—and doing research.
How Do We Grab the Viewer's Attention?
Explore how to make compelling scenes starting from observational sketches, by positioning our characters in their setting, drawing in natural light or artificial light, and creating different views.
How Do We Compose An Image?
Examine how a well-designed image comes to life using position, balance, color, contrast, scale, symbols, and that crucial element: novelty—and how facial expressions, hand, gestures, and body language can communicate liveliness and energy!
How Do We Create An Environment?
Address various ways of creating a setting, both digitally and hand-built, and making the characters come to life in their environment.
How Do We Use Color?
Deepen your knowledge of how to make effective color choices, using imagination, ingenuity, and taste, as well as a plan guided by the selection of hues, values, and intensity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do The Courses Work?
Our courses are project-based and instructor-led. In each course you’ll complete a series of lectures, projects, discussions, and critiques designed to stretch your creative skills. Weekly assignment deadlines keep you on track, so you can build your studies around your schedule. Two live Zoom meetings in this course provide the opportunity to work 1to1 with your instructor.
Who Are The Instructors?
Our courses are developed and taught by our industry-leading faculty of creative professionals. This means that you’ll learn in-demand skills, get feedback on your work, and build a portfolio of creative work. View our Student Gallery for featured student projects.
When Can I Start?
Classes start January, April, and August, and this course is completed in a 15-week term. This course is part of a Bachelor's Degree program at Sessions College. You can enroll in this course on an individual basis or as part of a program.
How Do I Register?
To register for a program, complete our program application. To register for this course on an individual basis, please contact our admissions team at admissions@sessions.edu. An Admissions Advisor will contact you to setup your enrollment.
| Course Tuition and Fees | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $300/credit |
| Registration Fee* | $200 |
| Total Course Price | $1100 |
Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from enrollment.
Is Sessions College Accredited?
Yes. Since 2001, Sessions College has been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).