pixels and pens

Join CVA Illustration chair, James O’Brien, in this innovative digital illustration course. In this exciting and fast-paced workshop, you will create art using a variety of traditional materials and methods and then learn how to augment this work using digital image-making techniques.Bring in your own artwork as a starting point or come in prepared to make something new.

Update your skills while learning new techniques and methods using Adobe’s Creative Suite. Create and digitally manipulate images. Learn to draw with a graphic tablet. Learn how to properly scan drawings, found materials, and artwork to use in creating images for use in print and on the web.

Adobe Creative Suite experience is helpful, but not required. This workshop is for beginners and intermediates and will focus mainly on Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Bridge.

About the Instructor: James O'Brien
James O’Brien is a practicing illustrator and artist whose work has been recognized by American Illustration, The Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, 3X3, PRINT, The Society of Publication Designers, SBS Digital Design, AIGA, and SILA. His client list includes: American Express, Bank of America, Colgate, Rand McNally, Microsoft, Delta Airlines, Sears, Hewlett-Packard, Oracle, McGraw-Hill, Scholastic Press, Smithsonian, Business Week, Fortune, Harvard Business Review, Newsweek, US News & World Report, Computer World, PC Magazine, Interactive Week, Entertainment Weekly, Wine Spectator, The Christian Science Monitor, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The San Francisco Chronicle, and The New York Times.

James' images are created using Photoshop and Illustrator, a mix of found, made, and digital materials. “The process I use is akin to a collage method incorporating elements that are cut, drawn, and painted, both traditionally and digitally. My work mostly is about quiet, contemplative moments with a hint of unease and impending movement and change. Chance is an essential part of my process. It is a collaboration between me and my materials, my intentional implementation of media along with unexpected and forced accidents.”

He teaches and is chair of the Illustration Department at the College of Visual Arts. In his rare free time, he enjoys running marathons, reading important novels, and collecting/creating music.

MFA Illustration, University of Hartford
MA Illustration, Syracuse University
BFA Graphic Design/Illustration, Minneapolis College of Art and Design