Engineering Art: The French Perspective

This is an entry level, exploratory, course that promotes the development of drawing and critical thinking skills for the purpose of making creative connections. It is designed to help the student begin a daily practice of sketching as a tool for engineering and creative process. This course will focus on observation, organization, experimentation and conceptualization. In person demonstrations, practice drawing sessions, some readings, site specific field trips will prompt inspiration and exploration along with evaluation of ideas. Students will be guided to engage creatively and investigate their surroundings along with their visual experience while reflecting on the relationship of art and engineering.

“The experiences we all have had are simply unparalleled to any other. This class has allowed us to venture out into Lille and capture all these experiences in a sketchbook, allowing our own personal thoughts and biases of the moment to appear, something that can’t be done with a simple photograph. Through this class, I was able to branch out of my comfort zone and truly take in the details of the city around me.”

— Taylor Sapp 23’

“Throughout my time in Lille, I gained many new insights into art and how I interact with my surroundings from the drawing class. Initially, I was slightly nervous to start drawing because I did not have an extensive background on drawing technique, but I quickly realized that art didn’t have to be perfect and found drawing to be an outlet for my emotions during the first part of the study abroad program. Drawing class quickly became one of my favorite parts of the day because it allowed me to explore Lille and the space I exist in on a deeper level. I am now confident in some of my new abilities to capture what I am seeing and feeling in the space around me.. Not only did I grow in my art throughout this time, I also found art and drawing as a new outlet to explore my relationship with my environment and emotions. Being able to draw and simply exist in the moment has become a new favorite pastime of mine.”

— Isabelle Stark 23’

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Honors Summer in the City