Abstraction and its self-interested partner, non-objective art, have been persistent and defining ideas of the twentieth century. This course will combine tutorial and workshop formats to investigate the principles of abstract design and the theories that propel them. The course is designed primarily as a drawing and painting class for intermediate and advanced students, but it is also open to students working in sculpture. The assignments will address the following topics: cubism, field composition, organic form, patterns and working in series. Short essays written by artists will accompany the projects. The last four weeks of class will be dedicated to independent work. In addition to studio assignments, each student will give a 20-minute slide presentation about an artist who works abstractly. The course will meet for 2 hours and 50 minutes twice a week. Evaluation will be based on the quality of visual projects, the slide presentation, and active participation in small critique groups. Prerequisites: ArtS 230 or a 200 level painting or sculpture course or permission of instructor. Enrollment limit: 15. Preference given to majors. This course will satisfy the 300-level tutorial requirement for the Studio Art major.