Art 1
Full year course Open to grades 9-12 4 credits
Description
Art 1 is the foundation course in the art major sequence. The course includes a series of art activities
designed to teach fundamentals that can be utilized in a variety of visual art forms. Emphasis is on the
gradual build-up of technical and conceptual skills, and activities and projects are designed to be
cumulative and layered. Each student will develop an appreciation and understanding of the elements
and principles of design, and gain confidence in articulating art concepts both visually and verbally.
Students are introduced to several artists and their work, connecting art history and aesthetics with
contemporary practice in class. In order to cover a wide range of styles and techniques, students
complete assignments in both two- and three-dimensional media, including drawing, painting, printmaking,
design, and sculpture. Students participate in class critiques, reviews, and assessments on a regular basis;
their experience with each strengthens their critical analysis abilities and allows art language and
vocabulary to be used with greater ease. Homework completion, sketchbook assignments, and the
development of a first year portfolio are basic expectations of Art 1.
UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, STUDENTS WILL:
• appropriately and safely use tools, equipment, and techniques in creating two and three dimensional artworks
• create well composed pieces of two and three dimensional artwork utilizing the principles and elements of design
• successfully manipulate basic drawing and painting skills to create finished works from observation demonstrating
contour, gesture, value, spatial illusion, and figurative and portrait proficiencies
• demonstrate the process and basic methods of manipulating three dimensional space through sculptural pieces
• understand and utilize basic printmaking processes and techniques to create finished prints
• demonstrate understanding of and utilize color theory in the creation of art
• examine art and artists of the past and present through aesthetic discussion and critical analysis as related to specific assignments
• utilize a variety of techniques and vocabulary to critically examine their work and the work of their peers
• complete a portfolio of finished work demonstrating personal and technical growth along with comprehension of learned art skills and concepts
Prerequisites: None