The summer of 2025 presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking to immerse themselves in the world of art and design. UCLA Extension’s Summer art courses offers a diverse array of topics tailored to both beginners and seasoned artists. Whether you’re looking to develop new skills, explore creative expressions, or advance your professional portfolio, these classes provide a comprehensive platform for artistic growth and accommodate various schedules, including options for evening classes, making it ideal for working professionals and those with daytime commitments.
Diverse Course Offerings, Class Formats and Practical Tips for Enrolling and Succeeding
The Summer quarter course offerings encompass a broad spectrum of disciplines within the arts:
- Studio Arts: Courses like Basic Drawing I and Calligraphy lay foundational skills, while advanced offerings such as Advanced Ikebana and Abstract Painting challenge students to refine their techniques and explore new mediums.
- Graphic Design and Photography: These courses focus on the principles of user experience and graphic design, equipping students with the skills to create visually compelling and user-friendly designs.
Understanding the needs of working individuals, many courses are offered in evening or hybrid formats. This flexibility allows students to engage in their artistic pursuits without compromising their professional responsibilities. For instance, courses like Basic Drawing I are available in hybrid formats, combining online learning with in-person sessions to provide a balanced learning experience.
Embarking on an artistic journey requires thoughtful preparation. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your Summer class experience:
Before enrolling, carefully examine the course schedules and formats. Some courses may require in-person attendance, while others are offered online or in hybrid formats. Ensure that the course timing aligns with your availability to maintain a balanced schedule.
Art courses often involve assignments and projects that require time outside of class. Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to coursework each week. For those working full-time, it’s advisable to start with one course to gauge the workload and manage your time effectively.
Each course may have specific material requirements. Check the course descriptions for a list of necessary supplies and procure them in advance. Being well-prepared will enhance your learning experience and allow you to fully engage in the creative process.
UCLA Extension fosters a collaborative learning environment. Take advantage of opportunities to connect with instructors and fellow students. Participating in discussions and critiques can provide valuable feedback and inspire new ideas.
Art is as much about the journey as it is about the final product. Approach each project with an open mind, experiment with different techniques, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The Summer of Arts program encourages exploration and personal expression.
Featured Courses Starting in June 2025
To help you get started, here are some highlighted courses beginning in June:
- Abstract Painting (ART X 450.10): This hands-on course explores the fundamentals of abstract painting, helping students strengthen their understanding of color, composition, and improvisation. Emphasis is placed on creating engaging color relationships and dynamic visual space. Projects are designed to approach these concepts from various angles, encouraging personal exploration through open-ended painting methods. Students may use oil or acrylic on canvas or panel. The course includes demos, studio work, individual feedback, and group critiques, with a goal of completing at least three pieces. Brief lectures also explore how formal elements relate to meaning in both abstract and representational art.
- Chinese Brush Painting (ART X 430): In Chinese art, flowers and landscapes often symbolize deeper stories and spiritual themes. This 11-week course in Chinese Brush Painting offers a hands-on introduction to its philosophy, materials, and techniques. Through lectures, demos, and guided practice, students build foundational skills and advance to more complex compositions featuring flowers, animals, and scenery. The course also covers proper use of rice paper, brushes, ink, and color. Suitable for all skill levels.
- Calligraphy (ART X 429): Calligraphy—the timeless craft of artistic handwriting—serves as a dynamic form of expression in both communication design (such as logos, invitations, certificates, and greeting cards) and graphic media (like advertising and print layouts). This course guides students in developing proficiency with traditional calligraphy tools through practical exercises and creative lettering projects. The curriculum explores a range of styles, from classical scripts to contemporary forms, with alphabet selections rotating each quarter.
- Basic Drawing (ART X 5A): This introductory drawing course helps students build observational and rendering skills through exercises in line, shape, volume, perspective, and composition. Classes focus on key concepts, progressing from line drawings to fully developed tonal still-life pieces using pencil, pen, and charcoal.
- Advanced Ikebana (ART 803.82): This course is intended for students who wish to further develop the skills and techniques introduced in ART X 803.81 Ikebana. It offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of this refined Japanese art form, where flower arranging goes beyond decoration to become a practice rooted in harmony, balance, and thoughtful design. Each week, students will create unique arrangements using a variety of fresh or dried materials such as branches, leaves, and flowers, with an emphasis on form, space, and seasonal relevance. The course encourages experimentation while reinforcing the traditional principles of Ikebana. Prerequisites: Students must have completed at least two quarters of ART X 803.81 Ikebana or receive instructor approval to enroll.
- Advanced Painting (ART X 135): This course is designed for intermediate and advanced students who wish to develop a personal project with individualized guidance from the instructor. Students refine their technical skills, choosing materials and techniques that best express their concepts. Emphasis is placed on exploring new approaches, expanding material use, and creating ambitious, self-reflective work. The instructor provides personalized attention throughout, with mid-term and final critiques offering opportunities for group problem-solving. Open to all painting media, including oils, acrylics, and watercolors. Prerequisite: ART X 5D Beginning Painting: Acrylics or equivalent experience.
- Choosing and Using a Digital Camera (ART 730.26): This free workshop is ideal for anyone interested in digital photography or planning to purchase a digital camera. The session covers key features to look for when selecting a camera, as well as essential camera settings to help you capture your best creative shots. Participants will learn how to compare various digital camera models, from basic point-and-shoot to advanced prosumer types, and gain an understanding of image quality settings, resolution, lens options, file formats, and image storage. This workshop is particularly useful for students who plan to choose a camera before enrolling in Photography I.
- Design Software Intensive Boot Camp (DESMA X 481.60): This intensive course focuses on mastering the essential Adobe CC programs—Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign—commonly used in graphic design. Students will gain proficiency in editing and creating designs with Photoshop, learn branding techniques and vector-based workflows in Illustrator, and build effective layouts using InDesign. The course emphasizes how these programs are typically integrated in design projects, helping students develop the right habits for professional work. Delivered in a fast-paced boot camp format, this class covers core concepts from introductory Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign classes for those looking to quickly incorporate these tools into their creative processes.
Summer art classes at UCLA Extension offers a unique opportunity to explore and expand your artistic abilities. With a diverse range of courses, flexible schedules, and a supportive learning environment, it’s an ideal setting for both personal enrichment and professional development. Embrace the summer as a time to ignite your creativity and embark on a fulfilling artistic journey.
