Foundations of Art

The goal of the Westfield High School visual arts curriculum is to develop an awareness and appreciation of the visual arts in every learner for grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. Students improve and enhance creative and critical thinking abilities and are provided with a continuation of artistic skills developed in their intermediate schools. Art is an integral component in the educational experience of each student in the Westfield Public School System. Through visual and creative connections all curricula are enriched and each child has an opportunity to learn in a fulfilling and engaging manner. Foundations of Art is a full year, introductory, visual arts course that develops a basic foundation for the visual arts.

This course is a prerequisite for both Drawing and Computer Graphic Design. Students develop an appreciation of the production of a variety of art through media exploration. While developing their own production pieces, students are introduced to aesthetics, art criticism and art history. Students learn to identify and utilize the basic elements of art in historical works, contemporary pieces and in their own work. They begin to develop a personal understanding of organizing space through the introduction of the principles of design. The goal of Foundations of Art is to develop an artistically informed student capable of developing, analyzing, appreciating and creating visual works of art. This is the first course for students who are interested in pursuing a sequential art education in Westfield High School.