Fine Arts /Visual Arts
Fine Arts /Visual Arts
Through the application of the Elements of Art, students examine and create visual art to solve problems, to express feelings, and to communicate ideas.
Through the application of the Elements of Art, students examine and create visual art to solve problems, to express feelings, and to communicate ideas.
From introductory courses focusing on two- and three-dimensional design through specialized and advanced courses, the Visual Arts Department incorporates problem-solving through skill-building, understanding, and appreciation of art. Whether students are exploring or expanding their interests or focused on a career in the arts, they are encouraged to improve their abilities and experience the joys of creativity. Students may begin art study at any grade level; however, many exploratory classes are prerequisites for advanced courses.
Advanced Placement: The Visual Arts Department offers the following Advanced Placement Courses: Advanced Placement Art & Design: Drawing, Advanced Placement Art & Design: 2-D Design and Advanced Placement Art & Design: 3-D Design. Advanced Placement courses in Visual Arts are nationally recognized programs of study that prepare students to submit an Advanced Placement Portfolio and to receive college credit and/or advanced standing in college.
Grade 9, 10, 11 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES – 10E311
Through a variety of 2- and 3-dimensional projects and materials, students will explore the artistic process while learning about the Elements and Principles of Design. Students will gain many of the basic art skills necessary to develop and express their ideas and vision through visual art. Students will have access to a wide variety of media to support their artistic vision, which could include drawing or painting media, printmaking, digital media, as well as wire, cardboard, wood, clay and other 3D materials.
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES – 10E205
In this course students will have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of drawing materials as they learn about the basic techniques used in drawing. Students will work with both realistic and imaginative approaches as they explore the artistic process and learn to develop and express their ideas and vision through drawing.
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES – 10E210
Painting focuses on the use of color as a vehicle for self-expression. Students in painting will explore the artistic process while learning techniques that are specific to a variety of different painting media. Students will be encouraged to explore color for both its descriptive and emotional qualities, and to express personal ideas and visions.
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES – 10E215
Cartooning and Character Development explores a variety of cartoon styles and formats. In this course there is a strong emphasis on drawing as students develop their own cartoon style. Technology will be incorporated into specific projects for students to explore additional cartoon media.
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES – 10E220
Ceramics focuses on exploring clay and three-dimensional concepts. Students participate in various clay construction techniques such as clay preparation, hand-building, function and design, sculpture, surface texture and glazing.
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES- 10E222
Ceramics and Pottery II will develop and strengthen learned methods from Ceramics and Pottery I. Students will further study form and balance while advancing their hand-building skills through the creation of functional and sculptural forms using clay. An emphasis will be placed on independent problem-solving and the refinement of 3D work. Both traditional and non-traditional methods, techniques and tools will be explored. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ceramics and Pottery I
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES – 10E105
Digital Media and Design will strengthen students' development of creating imagery using digital media. Concepts of composition, typography, rendering, and use of space will be blended with software to create illustrations and other works. Students will gain an understanding of multiple programs used by digital artists as well as an understanding of the context of computer imagery as it relates to contemporary art practice.
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES-10E106
Digital Media and Design II will continue to develop and strengthen students’ creation of original imagery using digital media. Concepts and techniques learned in Digital Media and Design I will be built upon as students continue to work with industry standard software. Students will continue to develop their understanding of computer imagery as it relates to digital art. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Digital Media and Design I
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES – 10E110
This course is designed to foster imagination and the skills necessary to produce 3-dimensional artworks. A variety of materials will be used, which may include stone, plaster, wood, wire, clay and paper. Students will use both additive and subtractive sculptural methods to create original works that incorporate an understanding of the Elements and Principles of Design as they relate to 3D art.
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: ES – 10E315
This course is designed to introduce students to the art of digital photography. Focus will be on developing a body of creative images using basic photographic processes, capturing images with digital media, and improving technical and compositional skills using the Elements of Photographic Composition.
Grade 10, 11, 12 (1.0 Credits)
Level: 1 – 101250
Advanced Studio offers students the opportunity to further explore the artistic process as a means to create artwork that communicates their ideas and vision. In-depth assignments will include an emphasis on creativity, design principles, the development of concepts and the selection of appropriate media for the clear communication of ideas. Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least one art course prior to enrolling in this course. Students who are considering taking AP Art & Design courses will need to have taken at least one advanced visual art course or receive art teacher recommendation.
Grade 10, 11, 12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: 1 – 101335
Photography I focuses on improving technical and creative skills while exploring more advanced photographic processes. Students will be challenged with in-depth assignments to stimulate their resourcefulness, problem-solving skills and creativity. Prerequisite: Introduction to Photography (formerly Digital Photo) Please note: Successful completion of at least one advanced course or teacher recommendation is required for students interested in AP Art & Design.
Grade 11, 12 (0.5 Credits)
Level: 1 – 101340
Photography II builds on the concepts of Photography I (previously titled Advanced Photography 1) while teaching students to use photography to develop artistic ideation. Students will explore more complex aspects of exposure, lighting and composition while strengthening conceptual development of creating imagery. Students will refine the aesthetic and technical aspects of their images to develop a body of work that shows the distinct identity and voice of their own personal vision. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Photography I (formerly Advanced Photography). Please note: Successful completion of at least one advanced course or teacher recommendation is required for students interested in AP Art & Design.
Grade 12 (1.0 Credits)
Level: ES – 10E400
Through a broad variety of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional projects and materials, students in Art for Seniors will explore the Creative Process while learning about the Elements and Principles of Design as the building blocks of art. Students will gain many of the basic art skills necessary to develop and express their ideas and vision through visual art.
Grade 11, 12 (1.0 Credit)
Level: AP- 100100
Through studio practice, application of design concepts and informed decision-making students will create a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality and growth over time. Students' work must demonstrate an understanding of their synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas. Students will develop mastery in concept, composition and execution. Students will address two components in their AP portfolios: Selected Works and Sustained Investigation. Students will submit a portfolio of their work to the College Board for review. AP Art & Design courses have required summer assignments. Prerequisite: A minimum of at least one advanced visual art course or art teacher recommendation.
Grade 11, 12 (1.0 Credit)
Level: AP- 100103
Through studio practice, application of design concepts and informed decision-making students will create a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality and growth over time. Students' work must demonstrate an understanding of their synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas. Students will develop mastery in concept, composition and execution. Students will address two components in their AP portfolios: Selected Works and Sustained Investigation. Students will submit a portfolio of their work to the College Board for review. AP Art & Design courses have required summer assignments. Prerequisite: A minimum of at least one advanced visual art course or art teacher recommendation.
Grade 11, 12 (1.0 Credit)
Level: AP- 100102
Through studio practice, application of design concepts and informed decision-making students will create a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality and growth over time. Students' work must demonstrate an understanding of their synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas. Students will develop mastery in concept, composition and execution. Students will address two components in their AP portfolios: Selected Works and Sustained Investigation. Students will submit a portfolio of their work to the College Board for review. AP Art & Design courses have required summer assignments. Prerequisite: A minimum of at least one advanced visual art course or art teacher recommendation.