NLC Art Department

FAQS: Art Department

Do I need to buy my own supplies?
Yes, art students are required to purchase their own supplies.

What is the approximate cost of those supplies?
Students should NOT purchase supplies until the instructor discusses the supply list for that class.
For 3D Design, Ceramics (Pottery), and Sculpture classes, the anticipated costs are $40 - $60, more or less depending on individual projects selected. A class handbook ($3) is also required. Kiln firings and standard class glazes are provided.
For Computer Graphics classes, students are expected to purchase CD-RWs for data storage, photo quality paper, and presentation supplies (mat board). Basic printing (and inks) is provided.
For 2D classes (2D Design, Painting, and Drawing), costs for supplies are usually between $100 - $200.

Are Textbooks required?
Each instructor makes this decision so it is important to check for the course section number at the bookstore before purchasing your book. It is advisable to wait until after the first class day to best understand the textbook requirements.

I took lots of art in high school, do I really need to take the beginning art classes at North Lake?
Even though a student has had several art classes in high school, they still should begin with Drawing I, 2DDesign, 3D Design, Ceramics I, etc. for their college education. If they are advanced in skills, they may handle the college assignments in a more mature way, but still should have the beginning college class as part of their official college record. So YES, even though one has had previous non-college drawing or other art courses, everyone should begin with the BEGINNING college art classes.
It is within these classes that students learn how to critique at the college level, how to use vocabulary appropriate to the college classroom, how to participate in discussions involving more mature subject matter, how to present their work in a professional manner, and how to use materials and supplies not always provided in the high schools.
Skipping a beginning course will place you at a disadvantage to those students who have already taken these college-level classes.

I would like to take Painting, should I have Drawing or Design first?
YES, all students wishing to take painting, should first begin with Drawing or 2D Design. These classes prepare students for the composition and design needs of a Painting class.

Are there pre-requisites for Ceramics (Pottery) or Sculpture?
Art Majors should take Drawing or 3D Design before taking Sculpture or Ceramics. Students taking Ceramics or Sculpture for personal enrichment or as an Art Elective (other major than Art) are not required to have the Drawing or Design prerequisites.

I want to major in computer graphics, why do I need hands-on studio classes?
The computer is a tool. It does not create, compose, or draw for you. Without the skills learned in the beginning classes (composition, organization, drawing, thinking both two- and three-dimensionally), computer graphic students are at a disadvantage to those students who have already mastered these skills.

What classes should I take first?
Any of the following courses can be taken first:
ARTS 1311 (2D Design)
ARTS 1312 (3D Design)
ARTS 1316 (Drawing 1)
It is also advisable to take art appreciation/art history (ARTS 1301, 1303, or 1304) before taking too many studio classes. It is from these lecture classes that our students see themselves within the continuum of the art process and begin the process of idea-gathering.

How many studio classes should I take at a time?
Studio classes require 6 hours of class-time each week, plus work outside of the studio. Two studios are the maximum that most students can easily handle a semester alongside the core requirements that are also needed to graduate.

Should I take all of my core curriculum before taking art?
We recommend that for those students considering a major in the visual arts that they take at least one art course a semester.

Are Open Lab times available?
Yes, in both the 3D (sculpture and ceramics in J211) and Computer Graphic (K308) areas, open labs are posted each semester. Lab assistants in those studios are available to help with basic questions. Those taking 2D classes in J201 need to make arrangements with their instructors for extra open lab time.

I just want to paint, or I just want to do pottery, I'm not looking for credit, can I take these classes for non-credit?
It is very common at North Lake to have students taking ART classes for Personal Enrichment; many of our students are not seeking degrees (or already have degrees in other fields). However the "credit" Art classes at North Lake are taught in a regular 16 week format - providing 96 semester hours of instruction, and with required projects. All students are advised to take these "credit" format Art classes for CREDIT, even if one's purpose is for Personal Enrichment.
Students who take credit classes for non-credit are expected to meet the same requirements (attendance and assignments) as of those students taking the class for credit.

Does a credit class cost more than a non-credit class in Art?
Actually credit classes cost less in the case of Ceramics and the same in the other classes.

Is an Entrance Test required for registration for credit?
If one is taking a class for Personal Enrichment only, there is no required "entrance" test, but one must file an application with North Lake (in person is best). Check "Personal Interest" on the application, get set up on the computer, then register for the classes. Once you are set up on the computer to register as a credit student, you do not have to repeat this process the next semester if you wish to register for another course.

How can I get more information about an art class before I register?
In most cases, our classes are annotated with information in theschedule. If you need further info, the best way to contact aninstructor is through email.
3D classes, Sculpture, Ceramics, etc.: Marty Ray mray@dcccd.edu
2D classes, Drawing, Painting, etc.: Chris Fulmer cfulmer@dcccd.edu
Computer Graphics: Byron Black bblack@dcccd.edu
Art Appreciation/Art History: Melodee Ramirez MMR7490@dcccd.edu