If you have questions regarding the Art curriculum, email Ms.Tarby (mtaurone@nhart.org), Art Department Chairperson.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
All students must earn a total of 1.0 credit in Art and/or Music. Students may also fulfill this graduation requirement by completing PLTW Design and Drawing for Production (DDP). Students can earn a 5-credit sequence in Art, Music, or Technology in place of the 3-credit World Language requirement for the Advanced Regents Diploma 5-credit Sequence Options.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY ½ unit of credit
Digital Photography is a half credit course designed to introduce students to the basic functions of the camera, and how to create and manipulate digital images. Students will learn professional image alteration techniques utilizing Adobe Photoshop CS3, and will develop a high level of computer proficiency utilizing a variety of multimedia software for various creative tasks. This course is recommended for any student desiring a creative, hands-on, practical computer course. Although not required, it is highly recommended that students have access to a camera to help them complete assignments for this course.
STUDIO ART ½ unit of credit
This introductory course engages the student in a variety of activities, which explore media, techniques, and methods used to create visual art. Through these activities, students will explore and further develop their own artistic style and capabilities. They will continue to implement their prior knowledge of art elements and principles within their work. Through media exposure and discussion, students will recognize the role art plays in our lives, both currently and historically, as well as possible options for a career in the arts. Students are required to maintain a sketchbook.
DIGITAL MEDIA ARTS ½ unit of credit
This class will be an introduction to the concepts and techniques of digital media. Using the computer as an art-making tool, students will learn how to create and produce visuals for both graphic design and fine art. While the computer is not intended to replace the traditional methods of making artwork, it can be a powerful and impressive new technique for making art in ways beyond the conventional boundaries. The Elements of Art and Principles of Design will be used as the basis for creating effective imagery for visual communication. In this class students will use the Adobe Creative Suite products, such as Photoshop, and Illustrator.
DRAWING ½ unit of credit
Drawing 1 is an upper-level drawing course for students strongly interested in visual expression. Students will develop an understanding of visual language as they acquire basic skills and explore concepts such as composition, value, contrast, space, tone and proportion. Improving observational drawing skills will be the focus of the course. Students will create representational and abstract drawings from still life, the figure, nature and imagination in black and white and in color. Sketchbooks are required. PREREQUISITE: Studio Art
ADVANCED DRAWING (FA101 @ MVCC) ½ unit of credit
Advanced Drawing (previously called General Drawing) is a Dual Credit course designated by MVCC for Juniors and Seniors who maintain an overall B high school average (Sophomores may enroll based upon Art Teacher recommendation). Students who pass the course receive 3 transferable MVCC college credits. Major topics of study include linear perspective, linear and tonal representation, use of measuring and sighting aids, drawing tools and media, form structure and observational drawing. (This is a MVCC Dual Credit course) PREREQUISITE: Studio Art; Grades 11 and 12 only.
PAINTING ½ unit of credit
This course is an introduction to working with different techniques and methods using acrylic and watercolor paints. Students will first focus on color theory before creating both realistic and expressive works of art throughout the course. Each student will gain basic knowledge of the painting process by learning traditional methods of realistic painting, followed by more abstract and experimental paint application. Composition, color theory, and art historical context will be emphasized through the study of still life, landscape, and abstract painting projects. PREREQUISITE: Studio Art
3-D DESIGN & SCULPTURE (Offered as a replacement for Ceramics 1, 2, & 3 during COVID pandemic) ½ unit of credit
This course is an introduction to the basic elements and principles of three-dimensional design and sculpture. In this course, students will explore the basic concepts, applications, and historical references related to three-dimensional design and spatial composition. Students will be introduced to a variety of mediums, including but not limited to paper, textiles, metal, traditional drawing materials, and found objects. Students enrolled in this class are encouraged to utilize their problem-solving skills, and also develop new ways of thinking about design and creative processes while working with these new materials.
CERAMICS 1 ½ unit of credit
An introductory course in basic clay construction. The student will be familiarized with clay history, clay preparation (wedging), and hand building techniques. The student will use coil, slab, and pinch approaches during the semester. Techniques in textural surface design will be introduced. The glazing process will also be explored as an integral part of the ceramic process. Wheel throwing is included as a ceramics approach.
CERAMICS 2 ½ unit of credit
The student will enhance the skills and techniques learned in Hand Building Ceramics. Surface design through structural innovation and textural application becomes more critical. Students will be expected to expand on acquired ceramic skills in hand building and wheel throwing. PREREQUISITE: Ceramics 1.
CERAMICS 3 ½ unit of credit
Ceramics 3 is primarily a wheel throwing course. Equipment (eight wheels) limits the class size to eight. The first basic problem that students solve is the creation of the cylinder. Students then move to create mugs, bowls, and lidded pieces. Effective communicator/complex thinker components are addressed in magazine reviews and artistic summaries. PREREQUISITES: Ceramics 1 and 2.
ADVANCED ART - Drawing & Painting ½ unit of credit
Students will be expected to develop and refine their artwork to a level which reflects their artistic capability. The student's portfolio will maximize their potential towards achieving their higher educational and career goals in the field of visual arts. Art majors will have the opportunity to prepare for college admission's critique. Students may choose to take this course for one or two semesters. PREREQUISITE: Studio Art
ADVANCED ART - Photography ½ unit of credit
This course is designed for students who would like an advanced, comprehensive approach to working with photography at the upper level. Students will continue to build on the body of knowledge acquired in the Digital Photography course. At this level, students will utilize their skills to develop a cohesive photography portfolio. PREREQUISITE: Digital Photography
AP STUDIO ART 1.0 unit of credit (0.5 each semester)
Students enrolled in this course are required to submit a Portfolio for Advanced Placement review in May.
AP Studio Art is an upper-level course offered to students who wish to develop their technical artistic skills while creating a solid body of original artwork. Each student will develop artwork in a variety of 2D media that demonstrate a range of skills. Additionally, each student will create a separate set of works that focuses on a theme or subject. Students who take this course will submit a portfolio for AP review in May. This challenging course offers students the potential of earning future college credit while at the New Hartford Senior High School. While the Portfolios are oriented specifically for the AP Studio Art Program, the work may also be for exhibition, for enhancing the college application process, and may be submitted for scholarship considerations. This course is designed for students with strong, independent motivation and a desire to become mature artists. PREREQUISITE: Have completed either Advanced Art - Drawing & Painting OR 2 out of the following courses: Drawing, Painting, and/or General Drawing.