This course provides students with an opportunity to explore two-dimensional and three-dimensional concepts through discovery, including drawing, painting, collage, digital media, sculpture, assemblage, metal and other processes. Students develop concepts and techniques. Projects will focus on elements of art and principles of design. The art and design process and critical thinking skills will be emphasized extensively. Students develop concepts and techniques in a sketchbook, which will be maintained throughout the year.

This course is a high school level introduction to drawing and painting media. At the foundational level, students build technique with a variety of media and processes, working largely from observation. Students study the work of other artists to help develop work that communicates personal relevance and meaning. Students understand the art criticism process by viewing and discussing the work of their peers and forming aesthetic judgments. Students are expected to keep their work in a work journal and reflect on and self-evaluate their artwork. This course gives students the tools to work through the advanced art courses.

This course is for students who wish to pursue the serious study of art and model the creative journey a contemporary artist makes. Students work with a variety of media and processes, from drawing and painting to printmaking, sculpture and alternative media. Students apply creative and critical thinking skills to develop work according to a theme or conceptual problem and begin to generate their own content and select appropriate media for work. They keep a work journal and explore advanced techniques and ideas. Students study the work of other artists, make interdisciplinary connections and attend local art shows on their own time. This course requires the student to be an independent thinker and be strong at self-directed learning. The classroom teacher’s role is that of facilitator as students work collaboratively and independently on a wide breadth of work simultaneously. This course prepares students for the challenges of Honors Visual Art and the portfolio development process.

In Honors Visual Art III, students apply and expand upon earlier learned creative and critical thinking skills to artistic expression, as well as define their own personal ideas and culturally-informed philosophy about art.  While students continue to work with teacher defined focus areas, they assume increased responsibility for idea development, as well as work collaboratively and conduct independent research related to the problem provided. Relevant historical and contemporary artists related work is researched.  Students select more in-depth, independent and advanced explorations with processes, techniques and aesthetic issues.  Students begin to develop a portfolio showing quality work, broad knowledge base and an in-depth understanding of personal art.  Students continue to critique their own work and reflect about their process.

As a sequel to Honors Visual Art III with a 2D concentration, students continue to build upon their prior knowledge and skills to develop and clarify creative thinking and art production skills, as well as define their own personal aesthetic.  While students continue to work with teacher defined focus areas, they assume increased responsibility for idea development, as well as work collaboratively and conduct independent research related to the problem provided.  Relevant historical and contemporary artists related work is researched.  Work demonstrates more in-depth, independent and advanced explorations with a variety of processes, techniques and aesthetic issues.  Students produce a portfolio showing quality work, personal relevance and growth over time.  Students continue to critique their own work and reflect about their process. All coursework completed follows the 2-Dimensional curriculum, students interested in 2D exploration should enroll.

AP Art & Design is designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. Students submit portfolios for evaluation towards the end of the school year. The AP Art & Design Program consists of a portfolio that corresponds to most common college foundation courses. AP Students create a portfolio to demonstrate the artistic skills and ideas they have developed, refined, and applied over the course of the year to produce visual compositions. Prior experiences in studio art courses that address conceptual, technical, and critical thinking skills can support student success in the AP Studio Art Program.

AP Drawing is designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. Students submit portfolios for evaluation towards the end of the school year. The AP Drawing Program is aligned with the course developed by the College Board, and requires completion of a drawing portfolio. AP Students create a portfolio to demonstrate the artistic skills and ideas they have developed, refined, and applied over the course of the year to produce visual compositions. Prior experiences in studio art courses that address conceptual, technical, and critical thinking skills can support student success in the AP Drawing Program.