Art Department

Is a beginning course for a pupil interested in specializing in Art. Composition, various techniques in art plus the use of tools and materials will be emphasized. Basic projects include figure and still life drawings, painting, lettering, printmaking, ceramics, and two-dimensional design. Homework is required. Preference will be given to students who plan to continue to Art 2, 3, and 4.

Course fees may apply. Students signing up for this course will have completed Art 1 and would like to learn how to draw and paint at a higher level. This Art 2 class focuses on drawing from observation along with creating better compositional skills. Students will be using a variety of media, including watercolor, chalk, pen and ink, tempera paints, marker and color pencil. Shading with ebony, mixing paint and drawing from life are the primary goals throughout this year course. Homework is required.

Artists who have successfully completed Art 2 and are passionate about art should sign up for this course. Emphasis will continue to be on drawing, painting, printmaking along with illustration. It is also the first part of a special program designed for those interested in preparing a portfolio for college or art school entrance, portfolio scholarships, competitions or vocational interviews. This class is for the serious art student. Homework is required.

Is the fourth year, a continuation of Art 3. It is the completion of the portfolio preparation through advanced work and individualized instruction. It is intended for the student who wants to improve his/ her skills as well as for those who are preparing for careers in art. Additional expenses may be incurred for supplies that will include an 18” x 24” sketch board. This is for the serious art student. Homework is a requirement.

The AP Art History course involves critical thinking and fosters an understanding and knowledge of diverse historical and cultural contexts of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other media. Students examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present from a variety of cultures. Students view many beautiful artworks and take field trips to the museum. Research papers are required. Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. *Art History credit cannot be used as history credit toward an honors diploma.

In this full-year course, students develop a body of work informed by drawing media, creative problem solving, and independent research. This is recommended for students who have demonstrated an ability to complete challenging work successfully at a demanding pace. Emphasis is placed on line quality, light and shade, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, the illusion of depth, and mark-making. Students will work with a variety of media including drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media. By May students will have a minimum of 12 accomplished artworks to choose from for the submission to AP Studio Art. Sketchbooks and Homework are required. It is strongly recommended that students in this course take the AP Drawing Exam in May.

In this full-year course, students develop a body of work informed by 2-D design skills, peer dialogue, research of contemporary and master artists, big ideas, and essential questions. This is recommended for students who have demonstrated an ability to complete challenging work successfully at a demanding pace. The portfolio reflects two areas: sustained investigation and selected works. Each student defends the portfolio in a personal artist’s statement. By May you will have a minimum of 12 accomplished artworks to choose from for the submission to AP Studio Art. Sketchbooks and Homework are required. It is required that students in this course take the AP 2-D Design Exam in May.

AP Photography is a year-long intensive study of photography addressing more advanced film and digital photographic techniques and concepts. This is recommended for students who have demonstrated an ability to complete challenging work successfully at a demanding pace. The use of film, digital imaging, photo collage, image transfer, and other printing techniques will be explored. The portfolio reflects both a sustained investigation, based on inquiry questions, and selected works, demonstrating quality execution of artworks. By May you will have a minimum of 12 accomplished artworks to choose from for the submission to AP Studio Art. Sketchbooks and Homework is required. It is strongly recommended that students in this course take the AP 2-D Design Exam in May.