Department of Art
Observation, Expression and Visual Thinking
Explore Drawing Courses
View thesis projects that showcase the creativity, research and artistic vision of students in UAF's BFA and MFA programs.
Discover how a UAF drawing student's award-winning project uses art to explore addiction, community and lived experience.
on his BFA thesis exhibition, The Sick: I really wanted to see through the survey how I could connect more with the people around me and their experiences, so we can all connect our lived experiences into a visual representation of addiction. So it was more about creating art from the community rather than from one person. Kevin Carroll '26 B.F.A., Art
At the University of 91视频 Fairbanks, the drawing studio space serves as a hub for artistic expression, offering students a dedicated environment to refine their skills. Beyond the studio's walls, classes frequently venture to various picturesque locations across campus for outdoor sketching sessions. From the tranquil beauty of the Georgeson Botanical Garden to the unique architecture of campus buildings, these excursions provide students with a wide variety of subject matter and opportunities to engage with their surroundings. This immersive approach not only enriches their artistic practice but also fosters a deeper connection to the university's vibrant campus community.
Drawing students learn from faculty and adjunct instructors who maintain active creative practices and contribute to the field through exhibitions, publications and community engagement. Through mentorship, critique and studio instruction, students develop technical skills, strengthen their artistic voice and explore both traditional and contemporary approaches to drawing.
Drawing students share their work through exhibitions, public showcases and special projects. Students are encouraged to participate in the annual Student Invitational Exhibition and Juried Student Exhibition, gaining valuable experience presenting their work and engaging with the broader artistic community.
3 Credits Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
This is an introductory class that introduces students to fundamental drawing concepts, materials, techniques, vocabulary, functions, and range of visual aesthetics. No prior experience with drawing is required or expected.
Attributes: UAF Degree Humanities Req, UAF GER Arts Req
3 Credits Offered Fall and Spring
This course provides an introduction to design principles and digital skills necessary for fine arts students. The course covers fundamentals of visual design, drawing, and painting techniques on computer. Special fees apply.
Attributes: UAF Degree Humanities Req
Fundamentals of pictorial form, color principles and interactions. Emphasis on traditional art media rendered two dimensionally on paper. This course is recommended for students becoming B.A., B.F.A. Drawing, Painting, and Printmaking majors.
Exploration of pictorial composition and creative interpretation of subjects.
Prerequisites: ART F105X. Attributes: UAF Degree Humanities Req
3 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
Introductory studio art class on sequential art - telling a story with images and text - focusing on the basic elements of creating cartoon and comic art features. Exploration of all stages in production with emphasis on the conceptual and developmental process, as well as drawing and storytelling skills.
Development and refinement of individual problems in drawing. Can be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Prerequisites: ART F205. Attributes: UAF Degree Humanities Req
Drawing from life; study of artistic anatomy. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Prerequisites: ART F305. Attributes: UAF Degree Humanities Req
Advanced studio art class on sequential art - telling a story with images and text - focusing on the basic elements of creating cartoon and comic art features. Exploration of all stages in production with emphasis on the conceptual and developmental process, as well as drawing and storytelling skills.
An in-depth exploration of a specific concept and related techniques in drawing. Topics vary each semester and could include: Pen and Ink, Caricature, Illustration, Tattooing, etc.
Concepts of environmental, urban and industrial design. Relationship of human and natural environment is stressed in this history of architecture with special attention given to contemporary conditions in urban areas and effects of industrialization and mechanization on human living and working spaces, artistic design and aesthetics.
Prerequisites: (ART F261X and ART F262X) or HUM F201X; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X, WRTG F214X. Attributes: UAF Degree Humanities Req
3 Credits Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
This class provides a foundation of practical information for students as they begin to consider various career options in the visual arts. Topics include documentation, websites, promotion and description, exhibit installation methods, marketing, developing application materials for residencies and grants, as well as issues of health and safety.
Prerequisites: Junior standing. Stacked with ART F688.
1 Credit Offered Fall and Spring
This course is a studio critique for BA, BFA and MFA students. The course is structured as a hybrid seminar/critique, with weekly readings, discussions, and studio critique sessions. The course also includes writing assignments as an integrated element of contemporary studio practice preparing students for their solo exhibition.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the BFA, MFA or BA in art program. Stacked with ART F691. Attributes: UAF Degree Humanities Req
1-6 Credits Offered Fall and Spring
Exploration of topic in general drawing with lectures, demonstrations and independent research and production of drawing at a level commensurate with graduate standing. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: ART F305; and graduate standing.
1-6 Credits Offered As Demand Warrants
Exploration of selected topics in drawing with lectures, demonstrations, independent research and production of drawing at a level commensurate with graduate standing. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Jamie Smith
Assistant Professor in Drawing
FINE ART 306
Jamie Smith is the creator of the 91视频n cartoon feature 鈥淣uggets鈥 appearing weekly in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner since 1988. He also teaches drawing classes, participates in artist residencies, and gives presentations, demonstrations, workshops, and does freelance illustration for clients throughout the community. MFA Sequential Art, Savannah College of Art & Design.
Ready to create? Apply to UAF and develop your artistic practice while working alongside faculty and fellow artists.
Have questions about the program? Connect with our department and learn more about degree options, studio concentrations and opportunities for emerging artists.
Explore scholarships and funding opportunities available to art students.
