VISUAL ARTS
Grade 9 –12
Studio in Art (1 Credits) fulfills Art requirement
Intro to Ceramics (1/2 Credit)
Intro to Computer Art (1/2 Credit)
Intro to Drawing (1/2 Credit)
Intro to Sculpture (1/2 Credit)
Into to Digital Photography (1/2 Credit)
Grade 9–12 (Studio Art Prerequisite)
Drawing 1 (1 Credit)
Computer Art 1 (1 Credit)
Ceramics (1 Credit)
Sculpture (1 Credit)
Digital Photography I (1 Credit)
Grade 10–12 (Prerequisite)
Drawing & Painting (1 Credit)
Grade 11–12 (Prerequisite)
Visual Art IB SL (1 Credit)
Sculpture II (1 Credit)
Cultural Arts (1 Credit)
Computer Art II (1 Credit)
CORE COURSE
STUDIO IN ART
(1 CREDIT) fulfills art requirement
Studio in Art is a hands-on class with experiences in drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking, collage, mixed media, and pottery. Students also learn about art history, careers, and criticism and apply the Elements of Art and Principles of Design to their work. This is the only visual art course that meets the arts elective requirement for graduation and prerequisite requirement for intermediate level visual art classes.
INTRODUCTORY COURSES
INTRODUCTION TO CERAMICS
(1/2 CREDIT) (3D OPTION)
This is an introduction to the art of hand building using three basic techniques: Pinch, coil, and slab. This course will include some cultural and historical aspects of ceramics from ancient times to contemporary. Preparation of clay, shaping, molding, decorating techniques, and application of underglazes and glazes will be explored
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER ART
(1/2 CREDIT)
This course is an introduction to the use of a computer as a tool for making art. Drawing, painting, illustration, and graphic design, will be explored through the use and knowledge of several software programs. Students will develop problem-solving skills as they find unique solutions to creative problems. Students will leave this class with a digital portfolio of their work.
INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
(1/2 CREDIT)
This course is based on a series of mini projects with an emphasis on basic practical photography and image manipulation skills. Students will gain an initial intro level range of techniques and processes involved in digital photography, such as manual settings, lighting and setting up a photoshoot. Students will also explore the process of editing photos on technologies such as Adobe Photoshop. Topics are designed to encourage students to cover a broad range of styles and compositions standards while allowing them to find their own style while also being exposed to the art history of photography.
INTRODUCTION TO DRAWING
(1/2 CREDIT)
Students will explore drawing through a variety of materials and techniques. Students in this class will develop their drawing skills through a variety of media which may include pencil, charcoal, conte crayons, and pastels. Students will explore different drawing styles from a variety of artists and art history. In this course students will develop skills in observational drawing through a variety of projects. Assignments may include figure drawings, still life drawings, and portraits. Students will learn how assess and evaluate drawings through class critiques.
INTRODUCTION TO SCULPTURE
(1/2 CREDIT)
Explore sculpture through different cultures and artistic movements. This course will explore the use of clay, wire, and paper mache to create small to medium scale sculptures. In this course you will learn to use a variety of tools and methods to create a range of sculpture.
INTERMEDIATE COURSES
CERAMICS
(1 CREDIT)
Prerequisite: Studio Art or portfolio review by course instructor
In this course you will learn a variety of hand building techniques that may include pinch, coil and slab methods. Students will explore cultural and historic aspects of ceramics. Assignments may include functional pottery as well as sculptural forms and construction pieces. Students will create a body of work that focuses on a concentration area for the second half of the year.
COMPUTER ART 1
(1 CREDIT)
Prerequisite: Studio Art or portfolio review by course instructor
You will complete computer art projects that will build your skills in the basic principles of typography, graphic design, and the creation of digital imagery. There will be a balance of using the computer art tools to explore both commercial art and fine art in the digital realm. Projects may include but are not limited to Book Cover Illustrations, Tattoo Designs, Digital Character creation and so much more. Tools such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator as well as Blender may be used. The final project of the course is using all the skills and technical methods you've learned over the class to create original, creative, and unique digital art.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY I
(1 CREDIT)
Prerequisite: Studio Art or portfolio review by course instructor
This course is based on a series of mini projects and an end of the year independent project with an emphasis on practical photography and image manipulation skills. Students will gain a wide range of a basic to intermediate level of techniques and processes involved in digital photography, such as manual settings, auto settings, advanced lighting and filters as well as setting up photoshoots. Students will also explore the processes of editing photos on technologies such as Adobe Photoshop. Topics are designed to encourage students to cover a broad range of styles and compositions standards while allowing them to find their own style while also being exposed to the art history of photography.
DRAWING 1
(1 CREDIT)
Prerequisite: Studio Art or portfolio review by course instructor
In this course you will explore a variety of drawing techniques to build your fundamental drawing skills. You will discover how to draw from observation, render spatial relationships, and how light effects forms. Students will explore a variety of drawing materials and techniques such as charcoal, colored pencils and pastels. Students will learn and participate in art of critique and explore drawings throughout art history. Students will develop their drawing portfolio with portraits, still life drawings and figure studies
SCULPTURE I
(1 CREDIT) Studio Art or portfolio review by course instructor
Explore plaster, clay, wood, fabric, wire, found objects, and paper mache to create medium to large scale sculptures. Use a variety of sculpting tools. Learn basic and advanced 3D concepts as you work both abstractly and realistically. Be part of our annual Sculpture class exhibit over the Fine Arts entrance.
ADVANCED COURSES
ADVANCED DRAWING & PAINTING
(1 CREDIT)
Prerequisite: Drawing 1 or portfolio review by course instructor
Explore and build upon your abilities developed in Drawing 1 through paint and advanced drawing techniques. Pursue your artwork, big and small, realistic and abstract, drawn and painted. Draw with ink, colored pencils, graphite, charcoal, and pastel. Paint with acrylics, tempera, and watercolors. Explore mixed media. Develop technique while exploring your “voice” in your work. Build your portfolio for college.
CULTURAL ARTS
(1 CREDIT)
Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting or portfolio review by course instructor
In this course students will learn about art through a global approach. Students will explore contemporary art and art history from around the world. Students will use a variety of materials. Students will build upon skills and techniques developed from prerequisite classes as well as develop new techniques learned to create a culturally influenced body of artwork. This course is also intended to assist students working towards a college portfolio.
COMPUTER ART II
(1 CREDIT)
Prerequisite: Computer Art 1
Computer Art 2 is a unique continuation of the sequential computer art program here at Schenectady High. Students will continue to improve their skills using the Adobe Creative Suite of programs which include Photoshop, Illustrator & Indesign, as well as other Animation programs. Students will be able to use these skills to explore Urban Contemporary Art and Artists in both Fine Art and Commercial Art fields that are relevant to students’ lives and create their own SOLO Artist show in their own digital gallery. Students will also explore Stop Animation and the Adobe Animate program to create their own work in two separate animation units.
SCULPTURE II
(1 CREDIT)
Prerequisite: Studio in Art, Sculpture 1 or portfolio review by course instructor
Build on the techniques and concepts learned in Sculpture 1 by designing, proposing, and then pursuing your own independent sculpture projects. Enjoy studio space devoted just to Sculpture 2 students. Students must be highly motivated and able to work independently to find success in this unique class.
VISUAL ART IB SL
(1 CREDIT)
Prerequisite: Drawing I or portfolio review by course instructor
IB Visual Arts is a 1-year course starting the summer before the student's junior or senior year, designed to provide IB and non-IB students with the opportunity to examine their own ideas and processes in making art. Students will explore thematic concepts through the study of an artist(s) of their choice while creating a minimum of 4 pieces of original work showing increased technical skills in 2 media. Students will explore, experiment, and build their skills with a variety of 2-D and 3-D materials while documenting their own ideas, skills, themes, and artistic explorations in a visual art journal. Students final project will be to design their own art exhibit, including learning to photograph their work, and to create artist statements.