Art & Design

ART

FOUNDATION ART I | Credit: .5

Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: None One semester course

Foundation Art 1 is a 1 semester course that introduces students to a variety of fine art-making processes and materials. Students develop technical, conceptual and creative problem-solving skills. The course explores drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media and clay. This course teaches an understanding of the elements of art and principles of design and color as well as teaching students to become familiar with art styles, history, criticism.

DRAWING | Credit: .5

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Foundation Art I

In this course, students will expand on drawing techniques acquired in FAI and FAII and will focus on pure drawing methods in all forms of media. Classic drawing techniques and methods of the Masters will be explored, with an emphasis on drawing from life. The first steps in drawing techniques will be on training the human eye to truly 'see' the subject being drawn . Emphasis will be on obtaining realism of the human form, gesture and action drawings, landscapes, technical and perspective drawings, still life and contour drawing, and line techniques. Students will work in pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, conte, oil sticks and pastels. Students will also maintain a sketchbook along with weekly drawing exercises.

PAINTING AND PRINTMAKING | Credit: .5

Grades 11-12 Prerequisite: Approval by the Art Department

This one semester course will enable students to pursue painting and printing techniques and styles in an in-depth manner and will include working from observation and imagination. Understand techniques in both disciplines plus emphasis on color theory will be the core to this course. Students will be painting with acrylics, oil and water color. They will be doing hand printing and also using the printing press. We will also explore mono printing, dry point etching, embossing and collograph.

Students will be encouraged to experiment creatively throughout the course. In addition to developing their technical skills, students will be challenged to think critically and creatively about their own work and the work of their peers. They will be expected to participate actively in class critiques and discussions.

ADVANCED ART | Credit: .5

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Foundation Art I

In Advanced Art, students raise established basic art skills to a higher level through creative thinking and problem solving. An in-depth study of techniques and concepts is made in drawing and painting. In addition, students are exposed to 3-D design. There is an emphasis on technique, craftsmanship, and presentation of work in learning the process of making art. Through the process, a creative personal style emerges.

There is further study of art styles, history, and criticism as a source of inspiration, and to develop artistic judgment.

Advanced Art students are invited to attend professional level workshops in addition to experiencing enrichment activities mentioned in the introduction to art courses. An introduction to art career opportunities is also presented.

SCULPTURE/3D DESIGN I | Credit: .5

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Foundation Art I

In this course, students design, imagine, solve, experience, and produce through their hands. Students first learn how to create sculptural objects based on the basic art concepts learned in Foundation I and II. Then students additionally learn three-dimensional concepts and the techniques to control materials such as paper, wire, straws, thread, plaster, wood, and other materials in the 3D form.

This course teaches students to make different materials suit various needs in a variety of projects. For inspiration, students study sculptors from ancient to modern times.

CERAMICS I | Credit: .5

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Foundation Art I

In this course students learn to appreciate the process of building, coloring, and firing clay based on concepts learned in Foundation Art I and II. Students learn hand-building techniques using the methods of coil/additive, molds, slab, and pinching in creating practical and sculptural pieces. A focus is made on the technical processes of glazing and firing clay.

CERAMICS II | Credit: .5

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Ceramics II allows time for the dedicated ceramist to further develop and refine the skills begun in Ceramics I. Students continue to utilize slab, coil, and reductive process while also incorporating new techniques such as slip molds, stackable structures, and larger mosaics. Alternative styles of coloring ceramics are also explored such as oxide stains and slip glazes.

The creative process is emphasized and stretched as the student risks failure to find success. Students are invited to explore the unlimited possibilities of ceramics.

DESIGN COMPUTER GRAPHICS | Credit: .5

Grade 10-12 Prerequisite: 1 Credit of Visual Art

This course focuses on the role of design in visual communication and the use of the computer as a design tool. We begin with a comprehensive study of design elements and principles as a basic means of organizing two-dimensional space. We also look at how the world of advertising uses the elements and principles to communicate and persuade its audience. Using Adobe Creative Suite we learn the basics of both vector and raster based images. We spend most of our time with Illustrator and Photoshop. One project will use InDesign a page layout program.

In addition, the class often works with local businesses and organizations, to produce promotional materials to support the mission of the business or organization.

INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPY | Credit: .5

Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: 1 Full Credit Visual Art

Introduction to Photography students learn how cameras capture light, how to compose a compelling photograph that communicates effectively, how to use any digital camera, and how it use Photoshop, iPhoto and internet based photo storage websites. Students start with a brief lesson on the history and evolution of Photography and how the technology has changed and shaped the society in which we live. They will explore analogue (use of a darkroom) photographythrough a “pinhole” camera project. The majority of the course will focus on digital cameras, photographic conceptssuch as composition, story telling and image perception. As a final project, students will create a body of photographsthat illustrate their photographic skills and knowledge. The “body of work” will have a theme that visually investigatesan idea, event, place or thing that they find meaningful. Although not required, it would be helpful to have use of a digital camera or smartphone. Students who do not have access to a camera may borrow one from the school.

PORTFOLIO | Credit: .5

Grades 11-12 Prerequisite: 2 Credits of Visual Art, or approval by the Art Department

Portfolio is a course for Architecture, Fine Art and Photography students that are interested in creating a significant body of artwork. Students will choose their own ideas, define the parameters, necessary medium and techniques to effectively communicate what it is that they are expressing. Emphasis will be put on evolution and development of ideas and creative problem solving within their own defined parameters.

The course is designed to start in the spring semester of your junior year and continue through the fall semester of your senior year so that portfolios are ready for college applications. Summer work will be expected. Art teacher permission is required.