Visual Arts

Visual Arts Offerings

After completing Art 1, students who wish to continue taking Visual Arts courses may select from offerings in Painting & Drawing, Sculpture, Ceramics, and Photography.

Visual Arts courses satisfy the SC Commission on Higher Education's requirement of a Fine Arts credit for those wishing to enroll in a 4 year college or university.

Visual Arts Courses

Art 1

350102CW

Note: This course is a prerequisite for all higher-level visual art classes.

This introductory art course examines the visual arts in what is known as the formalist approach. In this course, the major focus is on the elements of art—line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space. Students will study how these elements are put together in a composition using the principles of design.  Students will explore the ways that well known artists have used these basic building blocks of art. We will explore many artists, styles & media and develop technical & critical skills. Activities include studio projects, reading, writing, group activities, videos and quizzes.

AP Art History (Yearlong)

4599A2HW-1st semester

357102AW-2nd semester

Note: If the student fails the first semester of this course, it is recommended that a conference be held with the student, parent, and guidance counselor in order to continue into the second semester.

This course follows the curriculum prescribed by the College Board and  offers a chronological survey of Western art from the dawn of civilization to the present time, including the most modern trends and ideas world of art. The course combines proper historical techniques and procedures with an emphasis on the unique position and role played by both the artist and the work of art, its context, and the critic. Special attention is given to the interpretation of a work of art based upon its intended use, audience, and role in a particular society. As a survey course, this material is approached as an introduction to the discipline, with the goals of becoming versed in the visual language of art and encouraging further study in college. Students take the AP Art History examination in May.

Advanced Art classes in Painting & Drawing, Ceramics, Photography, and Sculpture require a materials fee. Students will pay this through MyPaymentsPlus.

Painting & Drawing Courses

Painting & Drawing 1

350202CW (Art 2)

Prerequisites: Art 1

This visual arts course presents an in-depth study of artistic principles with a concentration in painting and drawing to design multi-media works of pastels, painting, and printmaking. Compositional development, through a variety of media emphasize the foundations presented in Art 1. Students are involved in art production that requires research and the ability to work independently on assignments. Art history  covering world-wide events from the mid-eighteenth century up to the present are  studied. Written tests, quizzes, a production journal, and a portfolio are required in this class.


Painting & Drawing 2

350302CW (Art 3)

Prerequisites: Painting 1

This course provides an advanced study of artistic techniques to develop students’ unique styles. Each student, under the guidance of the instructor, designs an individualized program of study with in-depth production in areas of interest in the visual arts. A production journal, portfolio, and an artistic statement are required for successful completion of this class.


Painting & Drawing 3

350402CW (Art 4)

Prerequisites: Painting 2

This course is designed for students who are seriously considering the further study of visual arts with a concentration in painting, drawing, and printmaking at the post-secondary level. Students will work with the instructor to develop a comprehensive portfolio of work in their selected medium, as well as extend their knowledge of other artistic styles and techniques.

Ceramics Courses

Art:  Ceramics 1

456101CW

Prerequisites: Art 1

This course presents an in-depth study of artistic principles with a concentration in drawing for three-dimensional design and production built upon the foundation presented in Art 1. Students will become familiar with clay and its  many uses in form, function, and design. The course will also introduce students to the principles of ceramics, including the processes of hand building, glazing, and firing. Art history, with a focus on three-dimensional works, is also studied. Written tests, quizzes, a production journal, and a digital portfolio are required in this class.


Art:  Ceramics 2

456201CW

Prerequisites: Ceramics 1

In this course, students will improve hand building and throwing techniques through the completing of assignments and projects that are technically challenging. Knowledge of glazing techniques is broadened, and students experiment with a variety of glazing techniques. Emphasis is also placed on aesthetic judgment and critique. Students will also continue their study of the cultural relevance and history of pottery. A production journal, portfolio, and an artistic statement are required for successful completion of this class.


Art:  Ceramics 3

456301CW

Prerequisites: Ceramics 2

This course is designed for students who are seriously considering the further study of visual arts with a concentration in ceramics at the post-secondary level. Students will work with the instructor to develop a comprehensive portfolio of work in their selected medium, as well as extend their knowledge of other artistic styles and techniques.

Photography Courses

Photography 1

4599N2CW (Basic Photography)

Prerequisites: Art 1

Grade Level: 10-12

This course presents an  in-depth study of art principles with a concentration in print techniques and an introduction to photography built upon the foundations presented in Art 1. Students are involved in art production that requires research and the ability to work independently on assignments. Art history, covering world-wide events from the mid-eighteenth century up to present, with a concentration in photography are studied. Written tests, quizzes, a production journal, and a portfolio are required for this class.


Photography 2

4599O2CW (Advanced Photography)

Prerequisites: Photography 1

Students explore traditional and digital alternative photographic processes. Students manually and digitally manipulate photos, negatives, and files. Students continue to refine their traditional black and white photographic techniques using an SLR camera and black and white film.  Students continue studying key modern photographers and their styles as pertaining to the lessons. A production journal, portfolio, and an artistic statement are required for successful completion of this class.


AP Art Studio: 2-D Design

357402AW

Prerequisite: Advanced Photography

AP Studio Art students create a portfolio of work to demonstrate the artistic skills and ideas they have developed, refined, and applied over the course of the year to produce visual compositions. The emphasis in this course will be on the medium of photography . Students will submit a portfolio of original work to College Board in lieu of taking an advanced placement examination in May.

Sculpture Courses

Sculpture 1

350501CW (Art: 3-D Design 1)

Prerequisites: Art 1

This art course deals with art in its 3-Dimensional form. A variety of mediums will be explored, which may include textiles, ceramics, paper mache’,  and wire sculpture. Students will participate in a wide range of experiences using additive or subtractive sculptural techniques designed to build artistic and creative confidence.


Sculpture 2

350601CW (Art: 3-D Design 2)

Prerequisites: Sculpture 1

This art course deals is a continuation of Sculpture 1. Students will still work with art in its 3-Dimensional form. Students will improve their use of mediums which will include textiles, ceramics, paper mache’,  and wire sculpture. Students will participate in a wide range of experiences using additive or subtractive sculptural techniques designed to build artistic and creative confidence.


AP Art Studio: 3-D Design

357502AW

Prerequisites: Ceramics 2, Sculpture 1

Students will demonstrate mastery through any 3D approach, such as figurative or nonfigurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, glass work, installation, assemblage and 3D fabric/fiber arts. Students will develop technical skills and familiarize themselves with the functions of visual elements as they create an individual portfolio of work for evaluation at the end of the course. Students will submit a portfolio of original work to College Board in lieu of taking an advanced placement examination in May.