Visual Arts

In the field of visual arts, UC Berkeley Extension offers courses from art history, art theory and criticism to studio courses in painting, drawing, photography and other media. Here, you can find the courses that will help foster your individual expression and hone your skills as a practicing artist. Courses in the visual arts are enhanced by a combination of expert instruction and studio experience. No matter what type of courses you pursue, UC Berkeley Extension offers a supportive atmosphere for professional, personal and artistic growth.

View all courses in Visual Arts.

Featured Courses

New! Beat Cinema

Explore films produced by the most important Beat filmmakers from 1947 to 1960. Learn more.

New! Light and Space

Use the narrative language of photography and film—such as backlighting, shadow casting and deep focus—to conceptualize and apply these effects to any genre of work. Learn more.

American Art

Discover how artists, their work, and critical and theoretical discussions functioned within specific communities and at specific moments in American history. Learn more.

Perspective Drawing for Artists

Learn to use perspective to depict spatial and volumetric depth in your paintings and drawings. Learn more.

Play as a Subversive Strategy

Determine the powerful techniques that subvert rational analysis and behavior, and question the underlying cultural, political and social assumptions based on such thinking. Learn more.

Professional Certificate (What is a professional certificate?)

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Visual Arts (EDP 022442)

Designed for artists who have completed an undergraduate degree with a nonart major, this exciting curriculum provides the rigorous studio practice and conceptual and art-historical framework necessary to develop a portfolio of work for application to graduate programs in fine art. Learn more.

Specialized Programs of Study (What is a specialized program of study?)

Digital Photography

The Specialized Program in Digital Photography explores the essentials of digital imaging, including getting the most out of new technologies. You also deepen your understanding of the aesthetics and pictorial strategies of photography. Learn more.

Drawing

Drawing, the foundation of any art practice, is your most accessible and versatile tool for exploring and expressing creative ideas. With the Specialized Program in Drawing, master fundamental drawing techniques, methods and materials. Learn more.

Painting

After centuries of experimentation, painting still promises the discovery of boundless creative expression. The Specialized Program in Painting teaches essential painting techniques to develop your creativity using a variety of materials and methods. Learn more.

Learn more about all of UC Berkeley Extension's professional certificates and specialized programs of study.

Information Sessions

Learn more about Extension—without making a commitment. Come to a free, no-obligation information session to discover how we can help you achieve your goals. Learn more about courses and programs, meet other prospective students, talk to instructors and staff and ask questions.

Enroll in a free information session, or call (510) 642-4111 to reserve your space.

Events, Programs and Resources

LASER: Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous (EDP 055392)

The LASER series, chaired by cultural historian Piero Scaruffi, is a local forum for art and science
projects that are creative, original and interdisciplinary in nature. Each evening program features
a medley of four artists, scientists, philosophers, historians, inventors and scholars who are
working on projects that expand existing paradigms.

Dates and Times: Wednesdays, June 5 and Aug. 7, 6:30–8:30 pm
Location: Berkeley Campus
Cost: FREE

The State of the Object: How Art Interacts With Technology, Society and Life (EDP 015602)

Moderated by author Piero Scaruffi—with individual presentations and a panel discussion by distinguished Bay Area practitioners in art and design—this event ranges across the contemporary art and design field to underscore the importance of creativity for business, technology and the way that people live.

Date and Time: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 7–8:30 pm
Location: San Francisco: Art and Design Center
Cost: FREE

Forgers, Prophets and Purists: A Conversation on the Art World

UC Berkeley Extension and Litquake present artist and writer Jonathon Keats in conversation with gallerist and author Richard Polsky and author Nancy Boas on art and artists. Watch the full video.

Art and Design Gallery

Larry Lozares View examples of student and instructor artwork and class projects in Extension's Art and Design program areas. Go to gallery.

UC Berkeley Library Exhibits

View "Story Hour in the Library" videos at webcast.berkeley.edu.

Contact

To contact the department office, email visualarts@unex.berkeley.edu or call (415) 284-1041.

Subject Areas

Courses Available in