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Certificate of Achievement
Drawing

This Certificate of Achievement provides a focused curriculum in foundational drawing skills to prepare students studying art and visual arts-related fields. Students learn basic rendering skills, two-dimensional design concepts, and figure drawing using analog studio arts materials and techniques. Emphasis is placed on observational drawing while also exploring creative expression and form.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2025-2026 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
ART 130 - Freehand Drawing IM3.0
ART 130 - Freehand Drawing I (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 010A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course for art and non-art majors interested in developing basic drawing skills is an introduction to observational drawing and composition. In the course, students develop the ability to perceive and define shape, contour, volume, space, and light using a variety of drawing media and subject matter. Emphasis is on clarity of observation and the ability to order and translate 3D form and space into 2D drawings.

ART 120 - Two-Dimensional DesignM3.0
ART 120 - Two-Dimensional Design (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 030A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This introductory course is open to all students interested in learning basic design principles as they apply to two-dimensional media. Through lectures, written assignments, and studio projects using materials such as ink, paper collage, and paint, students learn how to orchestrate the fundamental elements of two-dimensional images like line, shape, texture, value, and space. In addition to developing a visual vocabulary for personal creative expression, students explore design concepts as they relate to effective visual communication across art, design, and culture.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
2nd Semester
ART 131 - Freehand Drawing IIM3.0
ART 131 - Freehand Drawing II (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 010B)

Prerequisite: ART 130
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This is a second-level course for all students in observational drawing and composition, stressing an advanced ability to perceive and define shape, contour, volume, space, and light. Students use a variety of drawing media and subject matter. Emphasis is placed on strengthening skills introduced in ART 130 (Freehand Drawing I), the exploration of color in drawing, and concepts related to content.

ART 230 - Beginning Life DrawingM3.0
ART 230 - Beginning Life Drawing (3.0 units)

(Formerly ART 012A)

Prerequisite: ART 130
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course is intended for art, animation, and non-art majors who have satisfied the drawing course prerequisite and are interested in developing the basic drawing skills of representing the human figure. As the course is an introduction to observational figure drawing and composition, students develop the ability to identify and render the surface anatomy and structural organization of the human form through the creative use of drawing media, such as charcoal and ink.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
Total Units for Drawing COA program12.0 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
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Program Learning Outcomes

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