Art Course Descriptions

2D DESIGN

Semester - Grades 9-12

Through a series of art projects, students can gain an appreciation of the creative process, the elements and principles of design, and how art can enrich their lives and provide career opportunities. 2D Design is an introductory art course which is a prerequisite for Graphic Design 1 and Photography 1 and can help build a solid foundation for any art class. It is an intense study of the elements and principles of design. A variety of 2-dimensional materials and techniques, including photography, collage, digital design, drawing and painting, are used to create projects.

PREREQUISITE:  None

CERAMICS 1

Semester  - Grades 9-12

Ceramics 1 provides students a means of artistic expression through a series of hand built clay projects. Students also develop physical skills, an appreciation for handmade items and an understanding of the historic and present day uses of clay. Ceramics 1 introduces the basic clay hand building methods such as pinch, coil, slab, and sculpture.  Projects will be finished using a variety of decorative methods, such as glazing, under-glazing, slip, wax-resist, and painting.  Emphasis is on the use of the elements and principles of design in the creation of projects in clay.  Students will be working with several different types of clay, and will be expected to write about their projects and the clay process.

PREREQUISITE:  None

CERAMICS 2

Semester - Grades 9-12 

Ceramics 2 builds on the development of skills learned in Ceramics 1 through advanced hand-built projects and introduction of the potter's wheel. Students will also explore ceramic surfaces through a variety of glazing and firing techniques. An emphasis will be placed on the creative aspects of ceramic art and individual idea development. Students will be required to keep a sketch journal to record and pursue their own artistic development. 

PREREQUISITE:  Required grade of "B" of better in Ceramics 1 or teacher recommendation

GRAPHIC DESIGN 1

Semester - Grades 9-12

Graphic Design 1 uses Photoshop and a Macintosh computer as tools for creating original artwork.  Emphasis is placed on the Elements and Principles of Design as students explore real world design problems and creative and more imaginative art production.  We will also look at contemporary artwork and advertising with a focus on digital citizenship and deciphering what messages advertising is really selling us.  We will explore digital photography and images from the Internet and learn about copyright, fair use, and free use.

PREREQUISITE: 2D Design or Drawing 1

GRAPHIC DESIGN 2

Semester - Grades 10-12

Graphic Design 2 is an extension of Graphic Design 1.  Students will expand their depth of understanding of the Photoshop software and will have the opportunity for more independent work and project design.  In addition to the Macintosh computer and Photoshop software students will use a Wacom drawing tablet.  Students may have the opportunity to participate in local, regional and national design competitions, allowing them to put their artistic skills to the test in real world design situations.

PREREQUISITE:  Graphic Design 1 or Digital Design 1 (with a grade of “C” or higher is recommended)

DRAWING 1

Semester - Grades 9-12

Drawing 1 enables students to develop their creative abilities and appreciate the contributions of drawing to society. Drawing 1 helps students develop techniques and skills in drawing. The students will be required to maintain a sketchbook to record observations, practice, ideas, and take notes. Emphasis will be on the basics of drawing and using different drawing techniques, such as contour line, perspective drawing, shading, portrait drawing, and working with color. In addition to pencil, there will be a variety of media introduced including: ink, pastel, marker, charcoal, scratchboard and colored pencil.

PREREQUISITE:  None

DRAWING 2

Semester - Grades 9-12

This course enables students to develop their creative abilities and appreciate the contributions of drawing to society. A variety of media will be used in projects such as figure drawing, perspective and mixed media drawings. Drawing 2 assumes that the student already has a strong command of drawing skills and techniques. Emphasis will be on the creative aspect of drawing and developing ideas and furthering techniques. Assignments are geared to the individual student’s experiences, memories and skills. Sketchbooks are an important component of planning and practicing for drawing projects.

PREREQUISITE:   Drawing 1 (with a grade of “B” or better is recommended)

PAINTING 1

Semester - Grades 9-12

Painting 1 develops creative skills through a variety of painting techniques, and media. Composition and color usage are stressed in watercolor and acrylic paintings. Students will paint from still life, create works based on historic and artistic styles and write about and evaluate artwork. Drawing skills are necessary and it is recommended that a student has completed Drawing 1 with a minimum grade of "B". 

PREREQUISITE:  Drawing 1 (with a grade of “B” or better) 

PAINTING 2

Semester - Grades 10-12

This course is an intensified application of painting skills, techniques, and media beyond Painting I. Students will work on a larger scale and it is expected that they will work independently with assistance from the teacher. Direct observation, artists' styles, and art history will be used as the basis for paintings. Students will critique works of art and be expected to write about their projects and the painting process. 

PREREQUISITE:  Painting 1 (with a grade of "B" or better is recommended)

PHOTOGRAPHY 1

Semester - Grades 9-12

This is a basic course in photography designed to offer experiences with a point-and-shoot digital camera. Various manual camera settings will be learned to offer greater creative and technical control. This course builds the foundation for visual literacy regarding both form and content of photographic images. The elements and principles of design as they relate to photographic composition are emphasized. Students learn framing within the viewfinder and explore various compositional principles. Students also learn to examine images critically through weekly critiques. Digital processing techniques are introduced using Adobe Photoshop. History of photography will be explored. Students are expected to spend time outside of class on coursework.

PREREQUISITE:  2D Design or Drawing  1

PHOTOGRAPHY 2

Semester - Grades 10-12

This is an advanced course in photography designed to offer experience with a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera. Various manual camera settings will be taught to offer greater creative and technical control. This course builds on the foundation of visual literacy. Students will build on the knowledge and experiences from Photography I including compositional principles, lighting techniques, and editing using Adobe Photoshop CC. There will be some exploration of contemporary photographers and non- conventional photo processes such as sun printing and camera obscura. Students will participate in weekly class critiques of photography assignments. Students will be expected to spend time outside of class on coursework. 

PREREQUISITE: Grade of "B" or higher in Photography 1

3D DESIGN

Semester - Grades 9-12

3-D Design is an introduction to the elements and principles, with an emphasis on three-dimensional form. The wide variety of possible media and processes may include clay sculpture, wire, cardboard, found-object art, weaving, fabric dyeing, glass work, plaster, and foam carving. Students will develop the visual vocabulary, technical skills, and critical thinking necessary to engage in creative problem solving. Students will work independently and collaboratively to develop original ideas and improve their skills through the creative process.

PREREQUISITE:  None

INTERMEDIATE SCULPTURE AND CRAFT

Semester - Grades 9-12

Intermediate Sculpture and Craft builds upon the foundation of skills and knowledge acquired in 3-D Design. Students will work independently and collaboratively to develop original ideas and improve their skills through the creative process. The wide variety of possible media and processes may include clay sculpture, wire, cardboard, found-object art, weaving, fabric dyeing, glass work, plaster, foam and soapstone carving. Students will develop the visual vocabulary, technical skills, and critical thinking necessary to engage in creative problem solving.   

PREREQUISITE:  Sculpture 1 OR 3D Design

ART INTENSIVE: JEWELRY MAKING                                         

Semester - Grades 11-12

This course will allow students to design and create wearable art using a variety of jewelry making techniques. We will be creating these small scale sculptures with a variety of media such as copper, nickel, brass, found objects and glass. Students will learn basic metal manipulation techniques and learn about fabrication, casting, and enameling. As students create projects such as rings, necklaces, earrings and ornaments the emphasis will be on successful design. Students will be expected to think and act like artists, take notes, and work in a sketchbook.

*Note: This course is an "Art Intensive" and may not be offered every year. 

PREREQUISITE: 1 semester of Art (with a grade of "B" of better is recommended)

ART INTENSIVE: PRINTMAKING

Semester - Grades 11-12

This course will allow students who have taken 2D Design and/or Drawing to further develop their visual ideas and artistic voice utilizing a variety of printmaking techniques. We will explore methods such as block prints, reduction cut prints, silkscreen, collagraphs, monoprints, and photo transfer techniques to create multiples of designs and images students create. Students may also explore printing on a range of surfaces, such as paper, clothing and textiles, and even 3D forms. Students will learn to research, brainstorm and formulate ideas as working artists. 

*Note: This course is an "Art Intensive" and may not be offered every year. 

PREREQUISITE: 2D Design or Drawing 1

INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ART

Semester - Grades 10-12

Semester-long independent studies are available in the following areas: Ceramics, Graphic Design, Photography, Drawing, Painting and Sculpture. This is a course for the advanced art student. The instructor and student will design a rigorous individualized program of study that challenges the student's ability and skills. Students will be expected to complete a significant and agreed upon number of pieces during the semester. Students must have successfully completed Levels 1 and 2 in that area and have teacher approval to take the course. 

PREREQUISITE:  Level 1 and 2 successfully completed and Teacher Approval

AP ART AND DESIGN

Full Year - Grades 11-12 

This course requires students to challenge themselves to create artwork at a college level and enables them to prepare a portfolio for college admissions and scholarships. Students are expected to think critically about their own and others' artwork, complete artist research, work regularly and independently in their sketchbooks and explore subject matter, themes, media and art techniques in depth. This course encourages and supports students in developing their own artistic voice. The format of the class is based on the portfolio requirements to receive AP® credit from the College Board. Students wishing to receive AP® credit in Art and Design must pay for and submit a portfolio to the College Board in the Spring. This is a year-long course and students should enroll for both 1st and 2nd semester. 

PREREQUISITE:  Students should have at least 3 semesters of art including at least one Level "2" class AND approval of teacher. Students may take AP Art and Design up to 2 years for credit.