Richard Gann

Senior Critic
Image
R I S D administrator Richard Gann
BA, University Of California Santa Barbara
MFA, Rhode Island School of Design

Richard Gann is a figurative painter working primarily in traditional media (encaustic, egg tempera emulsion). He also works extensively in digital media, both as a fine artist and as a web designer. A native of Baltimore, he graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz before receiving his MFA in Printmaking from RISD. He currently resides in Brooklyn.

Courses

Fall 2023 Courses

ILLUS 3306-01 - INTERMEDIATE DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION
Level Undergraduate
Unit Illustration
Subject Illustration
Period Fall 2023
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

ILLUS 3306-01

INTERMEDIATE DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION

Level Undergraduate
Unit Illustration
Subject Illustration
Period Fall 2023
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2023-09-06 to 2023-12-13
Times: T | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Richard Gann Location(s): Illustration Studies Building, Room 309 Enrolled / Capacity: 15 Status: Closed

SECTION DESCRIPTION

One commonality amongst all illustrators is the ability to draw. This course builds on principles of traditional drawing, color theory, composition, and with a focus on observational drawing using digital tablet devices. Students will expand on techniques learned at the introductory level to broaden their use of digital mark making tools. Weekly classroom exercise in the first two-thirds of the semester range from careful studies of objects and figures in space, to capturing landscape settings; with the last third engaged in exploring painting from imagination. More involved homework assignments will challenge students to adapt previously acquired drawing skills translated into the digital medium. The main computer application to be used in the course is Photoshop, with an introduction to Painter toward the end of the semester. The goal of the class is to give students a strong foundation in digital painting that can be adapted to their future professional Illustration practice.

This course fulfills the Computer Literacy requirement for Illustration majors.

Prerequisite: ILLUS-3304

Open to Junior or Senior Illustration Students.

Elective

FOUND 1003-16 - STUDIO: DESIGN
Level Undergraduate
Unit Experimental and Foundation Studies
Subject Foundation Studies
Period Fall 2023
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

FOUND 1003-16

STUDIO: DESIGN

Level Undergraduate
Unit Experimental and Foundation Studies
Subject Foundation Studies
Period Fall 2023
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2023-09-06 to 2023-12-13
Times: M | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM; M | 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM Instructor(s): Richard Gann Location(s): Auditorium, Room 520 Enrolled / Capacity: 21 Status: Closed

SECTION DESCRIPTION

Studio: Design promotes multidisciplinary studio experimentation across an array of media and processes. Students explore the organization of visual and other sensory elements in order to understand perceptual attributes and the production of meaning. Using various methods of expression, students may create objects, spaces, and experiences that demonstrate their analysis of composition, color, narrative, motion, systems, and cultural signification. Assignments allow for inquiries into scientific, social, cultural, historical, philosophical, technological, and political topics. Critical and experimental utilization of design principles, which underpin all of the arts, are emphasized. Students are guided through progressive investigations, in which the act of seeing is amplified by the study of physiological and cognitive factors that generate perception. Examined subjects are taken through stages of representation, abstraction, and/or symbolic interpretation to reveal essential communicative properties.

Enrollment is limited to first-year Undergraduate Students.

Major Requirement | BFA

Spring 2024 Courses

ILLUS 2016-05 - DRAWING II: THE ARTICULATE FIGURE
Level Undergraduate
Unit Illustration
Subject Illustration
Period Spring 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

ILLUS 2016-05

DRAWING II: THE ARTICULATE FIGURE

Level Undergraduate
Unit Illustration
Subject Illustration
Period Spring 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-02-15 to 2024-05-24
Times: W | 11:20 AM - 4:20 PM Instructor(s): Richard Gann Location(s): Illustration Studies Building, Room 309 Enrolled / Capacity: 15 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

The ability to articulate ideas visually is the most important skill an illustrator has. Building on knowledge of observed and invented form in space gained in fall semester, this class will explore the human figure as physical form and as a vector for narrative and expression. Anatomical study, volumetric form, foreshortening, gesture, as well as balance and counterbalance will help ground and energize the figures physically. Narrative content and sequential reading will be explored in reference to the interaction of figures in a spatial context, and in relation to an imagined viewer. Additionally the student will be asked to consider complex integration of observed, researched and imagined imagery in the creation of more advanced independent personal work. Drawing will be approached as an investigative tool, one that supports all aspects of studio practice, from more, developed works to quick research studies for paintings or other media. Narrative, expressive and conceptual issues will become increasingly consequential as students become more versed in defining , building and shaping their imagery. Various media and methods of working, including a role for limited color, will be introduced.

Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Preference is given to Sophomore Illustration Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Illustration

ILLUS 3720-01 - ARTISTIC MEDIUM: ILLUSTRATION
Level Undergraduate
Unit Illustration
Subject Illustration
Period Spring 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

ILLUS 3720-01

ARTISTIC MEDIUM: ILLUSTRATION

Level Undergraduate
Unit Illustration
Subject Illustration
Period Spring 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-02-15 to 2024-05-24
Times: TH | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Richard Gann Location(s): Illustration Studies Building, Room 502 Enrolled / Capacity: 15 Status: Closed

SECTION DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to teach the student about contemporary use of Illustration media and how to use and combine them creatively, safely and effectively. Students will acquire the skills and confidence to evaluate new mediums and techniques on an ongoing basis with minimal expense and difficulty through the use of limited palettes. Mediums covered will include: acrylics, gouache, casein, watercolor, markers, crayons (wax and water-soluble), colored pencil, scratchboard, ink, oil (for illustration), and associated tools, palettes, and surfaces.

Open to Junior or Senior Illustration Students.


Elective

Image
R I S D administrator Richard Gann
BA, University Of California Santa Barbara
MFA, Rhode Island School of Design