Foundations
Foundations
Drawing
Drawing is an introduction to the visualization of form, thought, and expression through the drawing process. At RIT, there are two sequential courses that are the foundation of the drawing curriculum. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, and demonstrations, which are designed to provide a broad introductory experience. Students experiment with a wide variety of media, tools, techniques, and subjects to develop drawing and problem-solving skills related to form and composition. They explore a range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication.
Amy McLaren brings positive energy to her Drawing classroom
Video by Ryan Alberts '27 (photographic and imaging arts)
Drawing Faculty
2D Design
2D coursework at RIT fosters the development of visual and verbal vocabularies as a means of exploring and understanding two-dimensional design. Students engage with a wide variety of media, tools, and techniques to develop skills while delving into the theoretical and experimental processes of contemporary art and design. The study of historical and cultural themes and concepts intertwined with aspects of personal interpretation and experience are explored in creative ways.
2D Design Faculty
3D Design
3D Design presents a progressive study in terminology, visual principles, exploration, concept generation, process, and techniques of three-dimensional design. Using hands-on problem solving, student develop an informed understanding of the three-dimensional form and space with an emphasis on the elements and principles of visual design and their function as the building blocks and guidelines for ordering a three-dimensional composition. A heightened awareness of form and space is developed through lecture, assigned projects, and critiques. Students also develop a personal awareness of problem seeking and solving, experimentation, and critical analysis.
3D Design Faculty
4D Design
4D Design introduces students to the basic concepts of art and design in time and space. The course explores elements of moving images such as continuity, still and moving-image editing, transitions and syntax, sound and image relations, and principles of movement. Computers, video, photo, sound and lighting equipment are used to create short-form, time-based work relevant to students in all majors and programs required to take this course. The course addresses historical conventions of time in art and recent technological advances, which are redefining the fields of fine art and design. In focusing on the relations between students' spacing and timing skills, 4D Design extends and supplements the other Foundations courses, and prepares students for further work with time-based media.
By Emma Canfield
By Stephanie Chan
By Elkin Jaramillo
4D Design Faculty
Foundations Facilities
Our Foundations classes are housed in well-equipped studio spaces in Booth Hall, as well as a state-of-the-art, sprawling classroom in the newly built Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED).
The Charrette
The Charrette is the marquee moment for students in Foundations classes. The weeklong workshop challenges students to experiment with materiality and create themed wearable sculpture for display during a culminating event. Select designs have also been featured on the runway at Fashion Week Rochester.
Enjoy the above video of the 2023 event and some photos below from over the years! *Hover over an image for credit
Spotlights
Large-Scale Still Life Drawings
The walls of our Bevier Gallery were lined with striking works from Drawing II classes, setting a unique scene for a group critique.
Creative Table Tennis
One of our 3D Design II classes test out their wearable ping-pong ball passers, showing the sport is played a little differently in the College of Art and Design.
Self-Portraits
An assignment incorporating expressive color in a Drawing II course.
Community Building
Our Foundations studios and classrooms are buzzing with creative thought and engagement during the annual Charrette workshop.