Fine Arts: Art
Art
The Art Department offers a wide variety of courses for students with all levels of ability. Students who want to explore art for personal enrichment or pursue art on the post-secondary level and beyond are encouraged to participate.
ART VARIATIONS 5005
Art variations is a foundation level course for beginning art students. Students sample a variety of art techniques and materials in a studio environment, which is designed to increase art appreciation through the use of computers as well as such materials as tempera, charcoal, pencil and clay. Students will also explore the areas of printing and commercial art.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:9-12
CERAMICS I 5015
Students will learn, through practice, the three hand building techniques of pottery making. Students will also learn the use of the potter’s wheel. In addition, students will use several glazing techniques, as well as surface decoration, in the creation of practical pottery and sculptured forms.
This is a highly desired class, and one must understand that priority will be given to 12th and 11th graders who wish to take it.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
PORTRAITURE AND CARTOONING 5043
This course is designed for students interested in learning to draw the human face realistically and abstractly. The areas of facial anatomy, proportion, features, expression and color theory will be explored. The study of color theory will also be introduced via hands-on computer techniques. Even though this course description may sound highly technical, the course itself is fun and enjoyable, and it is not limited to talented artists.
Students will work on developing cartooning and animation skills during the second half of the semester. This semester course is an elective and does not serve as a prerequisite to second level art courses.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:9-12
ANYONE CAN DRAW, PAINT & SCULPT 5235
Anyone can draw, paint and sculpt is an introductory, hands-on course that is designed for students who think they might enjoy art but are skeptical about their abilities. This course explores techniques associated with drawing realistically, as well as using color theory while painting with watercolor. Students will also be working with three dimensional concepts, as well as computers.
This is a highly desired class, and one must understand that priority will be given to 12th and 11th graders who wish to take it.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:9-12
PERSPECTIVE DRAWING 5303
Students do not have to know how to draw in order to make their drawings appear realistic. Course work begins with simple exercises and graduates to three-point perspective skyscrapers. Along the way students create room interiors and building exteriors in one, two and three point perspective. This semester course is an elective and does not serve as a prerequisite to second level art courses.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:9-12
PHOTOGRAPHY 5325
This course provides an introduction to the use of the adjustable camera and computer imaging techniques. Areas explored are exposure speeds, lighting, lenses, composition, film processing, printing and enlarging black and white photographs. Special effects, portraits, posing and illustrative photography will be taught as well as digital imaging techniques with the Windows computer. Assignments stressing creativity are assigned throughout the course.
This is a highly desired class, and one must understand that priority will be given to 12th and 11th graders who wish to take it.
COURSE NOTE: All students must supply a manually adjustable 35mm camera.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:9-12
COLOR, COMPOSITION AND CALLIGRAPHY 5883
This entry-level class introduces the student to the basics of color and composition as well as skills associated with “beautiful writing” (known as calligraphy). Students will have the opportunity to learn color and paint/ink application techniques as well as some basic layout skills and related art history concepts.
CREDIT: 2.5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 9-12
CERAMICS II 5125
This course is open to those who have mastered the techniques learned in Ceramics I. Advanced glazing techniques and surface decorations are emphasized, and skills and expertise on the potter’s wheel will be stressed. An historical overview of ceramics is also included in this class.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:10-12
PREREQUISITE: 5015 - CERAMICS I
GRAPHIC DESIGN 5305
This elective is a must for the student working to develop a marketable skill in the art field. This class features a hands-on approach to the world of advertising and commercial design. Project units include illustration, business cards and stationery, trademarks, and lettering. Students will also be exposed to layout design and drawing techniques using computers and software programs found in the professional graphic arts studio. Ceramics, photography, portraiture and cartooning and perspective drawing are not considered prerequisites for this course.
COURSE NOTE: 10th grade transfer student only: portfolio acceptance by any commercial art instructor is required. This course meets the computer requirement.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:10-12
PREREQUISITE: 5005 - ART VARIATIONS/ or 5235 - ANYONE CAN DRAW.../ or 5325 PHOTOGRAPHY (but only with the Photography teacher's recommendation as well)
PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO 5355
This course is designed to offer the student an opportunity to explore advanced photographic concepts and methods. Students work on assigned and independent projects. Some areas investigated include color slide photography, lab and in-camera special effects, advanced lighting techniques, digital imaging, and illustrative photography. Emphasis is placed on production of exhibit quality work. Special effect techniques will be explored in both film and digital computer media.
COURSE NOTE: All students must supply a manually adjustable 35 mm camera.
CREDIT: 5 TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: 5325 - PHOTOGRAPHY
DESIGN/MIXED MEDIA 5405
This is a studio course which explores two and three dimensional design concepts, including drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. Computer technology is utilized in Art History/Appreciation as well as project planning stages. This course expands upon the sills introduced in Art Variations or Anyone Can Draw, Paint & Sculpt.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:10-12
PREREQUISITE: 5005 - ART VARIATIONS/ or 5235 - ANYONE CAN DRAW.../ or 5325 PHOTOGRAPHY (but only with the Photography teacher's recommendation as well)
CERAMICS STUDIO 5135
In this course, advanced techniques of wheel-throwing skills will be explored. Concentration in one hand building technique will be encouraged in order to promote expertise. Students will explore advanced glazes, surface decorations, slip-casting molds and creating plaster molds.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE:11-12
PREREQUISITE: 5125 - CERAMICS II
PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO II 5363
Photo Studio II is designed to challenge the serious student interested in more self-directed projects and visual problem solving. Refining of skills in both traditional and digital imaging is emphasized. Those who plan a college major in this field will be assisted in the critique and building of a portfolio for the college interview and application process.
CREDIT: 5
TYPE: Foundations and General
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: 5355 - PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
