Drawing I L3

FA131 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 9-12

Prerequisite:

• C+ or better in 2D Art Foundations; OR

• Permission of instructor

Drawing I is a course designed to investigate the processes involved in the creation of the visual statement. Three major components of the course are the development of the student’s ability to "see," the mechanics of rendering an image, and the production of visual statements made by people in the context of the history of art. These components are developed through a sequence of drawing exercises while using various media, such as sketching posed figures, studying contrasts of light and dark, asymmetrical compositions, and creating textures and patterns.

Drawing II L4

FA240 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 10-12

Prerequisite:

• C+ or better in Drawing I L3; OR

• Permission of instructor

Drawing II is an advanced course in the study of the drawn image. The class is focused on intensified activities that include gesture and contour drawing, the creation of volume through linear extension, and the construction of forms through continual surface lines. Emphasis is on posed figures, figures in action, and the still life, using a variety of media and tools.

Mixed-Media Painting L3

FA230 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 10-12

Prerequisite:

• C or better in 2D Art Foundations; OR

• Permission of instructor

Students electing Mixed-Media Painting will have an opportunity to study three major paint media--watercolors, acrylics and oil paints. In watercolor, the various uses of paper, and brushes and paint techniques will be studied. Because acrylics are relatively new paints with unlimited potential, much experimentation will be expected from each student. In contrast, students will study the strict laws governing the construction of an oil painting.

AP Drawing

FA453 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 12

Prerequisite:

• ​B- or better in Drawing I L3. Admission is subject to a portfolio review by the instructor.

AP Drawing is designed by The College Board based on a set of national standards for performance in the visual arts. It is designed for those students who are seriously interested in the practical experiences of art making regarding issues in two-dimensional design. This 2-D course involves purposeful decision making about how to apply the elements and principles of art and design in an integrative way. Students are guided through a rigorously organized curriculum where they can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in design principles articulated through the visual elements.

For this portfolio, students are asked to demonstrate mastery of 2-D design through any two-dimensional medium and/or process. This AP course addresses three major concerns that are worked on throughout the school full year. They are: Quality, Concentration, and Breadth. A completed portfolio is assembled and submitted to the College Board for assessment at the end of the full year.

A summer assignment is a vital part of AP Drawing. Students must prepare several works before returning to school in September. It is expected that all students signed up for this course will submit their portfolio to the College Board AP evaluation committee for review.

3D Art Foundations

FA103 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 9-12

Prerequisite:

• ​None

This course provides students with the skills that are essential for a solid art background in clay and sculpture mediums. They develop an in-depth understanding of the sculpture elements of art and the principles of design, and apply their learning creatively and proficiently in their own work. Students are also exposed to the artwork of major artists and diverse cultures, developing understanding of how others have used art concepts and techniques to creatively communicate through visual art. Students who successfully complete this course have the background to continue in Pottery and 3D Design courses.

3D Sculpture L3

FA233 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 9-12

Prerequisite:​​

• ​B- or better in 3D Art Foundations

This course engages students in critical thinking about three dimensional art, artists, and building techniques. By observing artists from around the world and experimenting with a range of materials from clay, found materials, fibers, wood, and metal, students will engage with the elements and principles of 3D Art while developing rich, conceptually driven artworks.

Pottery I (L3), II-IV (L4)

FA132/141/242/250 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 9-12 (Pottery I), 10-12 (Pottery II-IV)

Prerequisite:

Pottery I:​

• ​C+ or better in 3D Art Foundations

​​Pottery II:

• C+ or better in Pottery I L3

​Pottery III:

• ​C+ or better in Pottery II L4

​​Pottery IV:

• B- or better in Pottery III L4 (Independent Study, per permission of the instructor)

Pottery classes provide an in-depth and progressive study of wheel-thrown pottery. Students learn how to use the potter's wheel and decorate pottery using a variety of techniques. This is a skill based class where there are fundamental throwing techniques that students master as they progress. Special attention is given to individual development and artistic expression.

AP 3D Art & Design & Advanced 3D Art & Design L4/L5

FA454/4401/457 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 12

Prerequisite:

• B- or better in Pottery III L4 or 3D Sculpture L3. Admission is subject to a portfolio review by the instructor.

AP 3D Art & Design and Advanced 3D Art and Design L4/L5 follow a set of national standards for performance in the visual arts. It is designed for those students who are seriously interested in the practical experiences of art making regarding concepts in three-dimensional design. This 3D course involves purposeful decision making about how to apply the elements and principles of art and design in an integrative way.

Students may elect to submit an independent Advanced Placement Portfolio in 3D Art & Design to receive L5 course credit.

Graphic Design

FA100 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 9-12

Prerequisite:

• ​None

After completing this introductory course, students will successfully demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of graphic design. Students will know and understand how to use the elements and principles of graphic design to create unique design solutions to a variety of design challenges. Students will use the Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign, and Photoshop Software to make their art, and will also learn the importance of file management. Topics covered may include, but are not limited to: sketchbook cover design, logo design, business card design, advertisement design, magazine cover design, poster design, and photo montage design.

Digital Photography I

FA101 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 9-12

Prerequisite:

• ​None

After completing this introductory Digital Photography course, students will successfully demonstrate an understanding of the basic functions of a digital SLR camera. Students will understand how to use the Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority shooting modes, and will also begin to shoot in Manual mode towards the end of the semester. Students will know how to take photographs with successful composition, exposure, and interesting subject matter. Students will edit and enhance their photographs using the Adobe Creative Cloud Software. Additional topics include, but are not limited to: HDR photography, portraiture, research of professional photographers, and file management. Students wishing to further their photography experience and skills may enroll in Digital Photography II upon successful completion of this course.

Digital Photography II

FA200 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 10-12

Prerequisite:

• C+ or better in Digital Photography I

This advanced course will help students strengthen their skills as photographers as they build upon what was learned in Digital Photography. Topics covered in Digital Photography II may include, but are not limited to: photo weaving, digital pinhole photography, photo collage, photographing painted objects, infrared photography, macro photography, and wide-angle photography. At the end of this course, students will be able to use a DSLR camera on the manual setting, and will be able to speak and write clearly about their own photography and the photography of others. Students wishing to further their photography experience are encouraged to consider enrolling in AP 2D Art & Design (Photography) during their senior year.