Arts (Cont.)

for-the-camera is required (you can act in projects or find actors to work with.) Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries.

Drawing 1 (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

“Drawing from life,” whereby you take the view of an object, place, or person and transfer that vision of the real onto a two-dimensional work, is a challenging task. This course first helps students “see” their world, and then we train their hands to work off that critical observation. The students will work through ideas of line and value using various media, including pen and ink, pencil, charcoal, and chalk. During this one-semester course, specific areas of study are the human figure, still life, landscape, and perspective. Students also study master artists’ works. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries.

Drawing 2 (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

Prerequisite: Drawing 1

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Drawing 2 builds upon the fundamentals learned in Level 1 and focuses on refining technical skills, exploring different mediums, and developing a personal style. Students will learn composition, line quality, value, and how to use light and shadow to create depth and form. Additionally, they will study art history and contemporary practices to gain a deeper understanding of drawing as a medium for self-expression and communication. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of finished works and a strong foundation in the principles of art. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries.

Painting 1 (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course is designed to teach students about color and composition using the painting medium. During this one-semester course, students will learn about color concepts and relationships through formal study and color-mixing exercises that resolve into finished works. Painting from life, students will tackle a variety of subjects including, but not limited to, still-life, portraiture, landscape, and abstraction. Art history components are incorporated into class assignments. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries.

Painting 2 (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

Prerequisite: Painting 1

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

Painting 2 class builds upon the fundamental skills of color, and composition learned in Level 1. It aims to develop students’ proficiency in advanced color-mixing techniques and design principles, specifically line, shape, and texture. Through various painting genres such as portraiture, landscape, and abstraction, students will experiment with new materials and techniques to push their creative boundaries. The course includes an art history component to contextualize concepts explored in class. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of painting techniques and concepts and a portfolio of work that showcases their growth as artists. Coursework is supplemented with trips to area museums and galleries.

Photography 1 (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This basic course provides students with a working knowledge of the 35-mm camera. It includes the technical aspects of exposure, lenses, metering, and artistic considerations of composition and lighting. Digital imagery is incorporated into all aspects of the class. The course includes an in-depth exploration of Photoshop and digital bookmaking. Off-campus photo opportunity trips are part of the course. All materials will be provided, including a 35mm digital camera.

Photography 2 (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

Prerequisite Photography 1

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This course goes beyond the basic skills learned in Photo 1. Students begin with analyzing formalism in composition and then take that information into each successive project. The students will investigate documentary photography, digital mixed-media Photoshop techniques, and portrait work (to name a few). With each unit covered, a companion digital book is created. All of the work created during the semester is made into a photo-essay coffee-table style book. Additionally, the class will tour and relate historical works as they apply to studio assignments.

Portfolio: Photography (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

Prerequisite Photography 1 & 2 and Department permission required 10th, 11th, 12th

This course is for serious photography students only. Elements of photography introduced in the previous two levels will be pursued. With an emphasis on independently explored subject matter, students are free to create work that interests them.

Portfolio: Studio Art (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

Prerequisite: 2 Visual Arts Class Experiences and Department permission required 10th, 11th, 12th

This course is designed for the advanced art student. Media include drawing materials and extend to printing, watercolors, acrylics, and oil bars. Art history components are incorporated with class assignments. Students will work towards the development of a portfolio of works. Coursework is supplemented with visits to area museums and galleries.

Advanced Studio Art: 3D Design (1 credit, full year)

Prerequisite: Ceramics 1 and 2 and Department permission required 10th, 11th, 12th

This course will prepare the student for the AP exam. It addresses a broad interpretation of sculptural issues in depth and space. These may include mass, volume, form, plane, light, and texture. Such elements and concepts can be articulated through additive, subtractive, and/or fabrication processes. Various representation, abstraction, and expression approaches may be part of the student’s portfolio. Students will do some artwork outside of class hours. Coursework is supplemented with visits to area museums and galleries.