Visual Arts
Visual Arts
VISUAL ART PHILOSOPHY
The intent of the Visual Arts Department is to develop observational awareness, conceptual thinking, technical skill, and aesthetic sensibility. The Visual Arts curriculum, accessible to all students, promotes creative problem solving through artistic process and personal expression. Evaluative assessments of artwork demonstrate formal compositional elements to encourage in-depth understanding and appreciation.
VISUAL ART OBJECTIVES
Students will observe, interpret, and record visual perceptions.
Students will solve problems by engaging memory and imagination in their work.
Students will develop technical mastery in a variety of media.
Students will evaluate and critique art in an appropriate visual arts vocabulary.
Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the role of artists throughout history.
COURSE PLACEMENT
All courses in the Visual Arts are College level with the exception of AP Art History, AP Studio Art and Studio Art Honors. All Visual Arts courses are sequentially structured to build on previous skill sets.
ADVANCED DRAWING AND PAINTING
Course #827
Grades 11-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
Advanced Drawing and Painting reinforces skills developed in previous Drawing or Painting electives through interpretation of personal concepts. Students will be challenged to reflect on subject matter through a variety of media, perspectives, and mastery. Artworks will be used in portfolio preparation for AP Studio Art.
Prerequisite: Completion of Art I, Drawing II or Painting II with a B- or better.
ANIMATION (A Year 2026-2027, 2028-2029 )
Course # 849
Grades 9-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
Students will gain an understanding of animation techniques including character design, storyboarding, and stop-motion. Students will learn basic animation processes necessary to design sequences and character movement using both traditional techniques and digital applications in the Adobe Design Suite such as Animate, Photoshop, and Premier.
Prerequisite: none
CERAMIC SCULPTURE I
Course # 825
Grades 9-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
Ceramic Sculpture I is an exploration of art in three dimensions. Students will experiment with different ceramic techniques, such as slab building, coil building, wheel throwing, glazing, and finishing to communicate creative ideas. Students will create both sculptural fine art and functional pottery to express themselves using clay.
Prerequisite: none
CERAMIC SCULPTURE II
Course #828
Grades 9-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
Ceramic Sculpture II builds off of techniques and ideas explored in Ceramic Sculpture I. Students will refine handbuilding and wheel throwing skills and deepen understanding of clay as a medium while digging into deeper conceptual expression in sculptural and functional ceramic objects. Students will explore advanced finishing and glazing techniques to create a body of finished work.
Prerequisite: B- or better in Ceramic Sculpture I.
CERAMIC SCULPTURE III
Course # 830
Grades 10-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
Ceramic Sculpture III builds off of techniques and ideas explored in Ceramic Sculpture I and II. Students will use previously cultivated handbuilding and wheel throwing skills to make work with an emphasis on personal expression. Students will explore advanced finishing and glazing techniques to create a cohesive body of finished work.
Prerequisite: B- or better in Ceramics II.
DIGITAL ART (B YEAR 2025-2026, 2027-2028)
Course #826
Grades 9-12
Semester 2.5 credits
In Digital Art students will work with a variety of digital media and be introduced to digital processes to communicate their ideas effectively. Students will be challenged to create works based on a variety of sources and their own experiences, exploring the synthesis and mobility between traditional and new media. Much of the work will focus on the digital toolbox using the Adobe Creative Suite and digital drawing tablets, but students will also be incorporating available alternative apps to create work.
Prerequisite: none
DRAWING I
Course # 831
Grades 9-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
Drawing I is an introductory course that teaches students basic skills using a variety of drawing materials, techniques, and subject matter. Students learn to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface through observation and interpretation of objects. They will further develop drawing skills in relation to composition, design, an craftsmanship and visual awareness.
Prerequisite: none
DRAWING II (A YEAR 2026-2027, 2028-2029)
Course # 832
Grades 9-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
Drawing II builds on the skills and techniques learned in Drawing I while developing a personal style of expression and interpretation. Students will explore subject matter and experiment with materials to express personal concepts. They will develop a mastery of skills necessary for the subsequent Advanced Drawing and Painting course.
Prerequisite: Art I or Drawing I with a B- or better.
INTRO TO ART
Course # 829
Grades 9-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
In this course, students will explore the foundations of visual art by using a variety of materials and hands-on techniques. Students will develop skills in compositional layout, color theory, observational awareness and perspective while working in a variety of materials. Printmaking, collage, drawing, painting, and 3D design will be explored to develop
GRAPHIC DESIGN I
Course #823
Grades 9-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
Graphic Design I is an introductory course, designed to acquaint students with digital media programs used in graphic communications. Students will learn fundamental design principles using traditional techniques as well as gaining a strong digital foundation in Adobe’s Creative Suite of software (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign). Students will understand how to use typography, illustration and layout to practice real-life skills that are necessary to create work which explores graphic design as a visual communication medium.
Prerequisite: none
PAINTING I
Course # 821
Grades 9-12
Painting I is an introductory course that teaches students basic skills in color mixing, application, and techniques in painting. Students learn to use painting tools and materials and to perceive and interpret subject matter. They will further develop painting skills in relation to composition, color theory, and processes necessary for subsequent Painting II.
Prerequisite: none
PAINTING II (B YEAR 2025-2026, 2027-2028)
Course # 822
Grades 9-12
Painting II builds on the skills and techniques learned in Painting I while developing a personal style of expression and interpretation. Students will use techniques for creative problem solving of personal concepts. They will develop a mastery of skills necessary for the subsequent Advanced Drawing & Painting course.
Prerequisite: Completion of Art I or Painting I with a B- or better.
PHOTOGRAPHY I
Course #839
Grades 9-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
This course is an introduction to a variety of photographic editing and image-making techniques in Adobe Photoshop. Students will gain an understanding of the aesthetic and historical issues that are specific to photography. As students create, analyze, and discuss photographs, they will gain a more thoughtful and personal approach to image-making. Although the course is primarily digital, some alternative processes will be explored. A limited number of digital SLR cameras will be available for loan at the full responsibility of the student.
Prerequisite: none
PHOTOGRAPHY II (B YEAR 2025-2026, 2027-2028)
Course #845
Grades 10-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
In this course, students will explore and expand upon the creative and technical concepts learned in Photography I, using digital cameras and Adobe software. Students will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of digital photography and photo editing, as well as explore the conceptual and aesthetic issues of the photographic medium. Students are encouraged to obtain the use of a digital camera for this course. A limited number of digital SLR cameras will be available for loan at the full responsibility of the student.
Prerequisite: Completion of Photography I with a B- or better.
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Course #835
Grades 9-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
This course will be an introduction to video project planning, recording and editing. Students will learn to use video as a tool for communication and self-expression. Students will learn the visual vocabulary of cinematography to create works in the genres of narrative, abstract essay, and documentary. Projects will emphasize group work, creative problem solving, and production planning. Instruction will include the technical aspects of lighting, as well as use and care of equipment. Students will learn Adobe Premiere to edit and create effects in their videos.
Prerequisite: none
VIDEO PRODUCTION II (A YEAR 2026-2027, 2028-2029)
Course #837
Grades 9-12
Semester - 2.5 credits
This course is a continuation of the skills and techniques learned in Video Production 1. Through several larger projects, such as fictional narrative, documentary, and experimental films, students will further hone their skills. Emphasis is placed on collaboration and delegation, with students taking on the roles of directing, editing, and screenwriting. Some projects will include working within the community, allowing students to experience video production in the real world, with the opportunity to showcase finished work on Medfield TV.
Prerequisite: B- or better in Video Production I.
VISUAL MARKETING
Course #824
Grades 10-12
Semester - 2.5
Using a real world client-designer model, students will work in collaboration with the business department’s Advertising and Marketing II classes to create visual marketing campaigns. Students in this course will create a tailor-made communication strategy that will include logos, social media presence, and print/tv advertising. Students will envision and implement plans for a visual graphic design presence which is crucial for today’s business environment.
Prerequisite: B- or better in any digital media course (Animation, Graphic Design, Video Production, Photo)
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART HISTORY (A YEAR 2026-2027, 2028-2029)
Course #836
Grades 11-12
Full Year - 5 credits
The Advanced Placement Art History course focuses on developing students’ art history knowledge through the examination & analysis of major forms of artistic expression. Artwork from prehistory to the present will be examined to consider the social, political and religious contexts in which they were created. By understanding the significance of great art and architecture in a historical context, students will gain insight on how art and architecture influenced the past & determines the present. This course is equivalent to an introductory college survey and subject to College Board evaluation in early May. Students enrolled in this AP course are expected to take the AP exam.
Prerequisite: None.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO ART
Course #838
Grade 12
Full Year - 5 credits
The Advanced Placement Studio Art Program is designed for highly motivated students interested and committed to the study of visual art. Students will be challenged to develop goals and invest in the process of developing personal works of art. They will be encouraged to explore multiple perceptions through a variety of media. Students are required to create a body of work demonstrating an understanding of visual concerns and applications. AP Portfolios are submitted to the College Board in early May for evaluation. Students enrolled in this AP course are expected to take the AP exam.
Prerequisite: Completion of any four semesters within the Visual Art department and portfolio review by art staff.