Visual Art

This class is an introduction to art making, design and color theory. Students will learn the elements of design as well as the basic skills needed to create original art with a variety of materials and tools. Historical and cultural concepts will be presented with instructional examples and media. Students will produce a variety of art projects emphasizing the art elements. We will view and discuss the work of artists that relate to the lessons and projects we are working on. This is an introductory course; no prior art talent or experience is required.

This course will chronologically cover the entire historical span of the Western Civilization'`s endeavor to create visual art, from cave paintings to the gallery walls. Students will learn about individual artists, important specific masterworks, art movements, and the time periods in which they were created. Students will produce work in a varied fashion. Traditional tests and research papers will be combined with art projects, presentations, and group challenges.

Students will develop their observation and accuracy skills as they progress through a variety of

classroom assignments such as still life drawing, perspective drawing, portraiture, and abstract

compositions. A wide range of drawing and painting media will be used. Artists both contemporary and historical will be studied as students discover how they are relevant in art history and to the individual student’s work. Students will talk and write about their work in a thoughtful, self-evaluative manner.

In this advanced section students will explore the creative process through drawing and painting. Less structured assignments leading to personal stylistic development and concept refinement are the focus. Assignments will be structured around historical and contemporary issues in the fine arts with a focus on highlighting career paths in the creative industries.

Advanced Studio Art explores advanced techniques in drawing, watercolor, acrylic painting, mixed

media art, and introduces students to oil painting. Color theory is reviewed and emphasized in all aspects of this course so that students continue to reflect upon how various colors are made and how they relate to one another in a visual composition. Subjects of the paintings may include landscapes, portraits, abstractions, still life paintings and also social commentaries. By using knowledge of color theory, compositional development and desire to develop a personal style, students’ works will vary on a personal level from abstraction to realistic works. Historical and contemporary painters work will be explored to examine individual development, style, technique and problem solving approaches. Students will use a sketchbook in this class to develop their ideas and to refine their skills. This course may be repeated for credit.

This course is for students interested in completing the AP Drawing and Painting Portfolio Exam.

Therefore all content meets the requirements as stated. Through direct teacher instruction, emphasis will be placed on the production of a volume of quality pieces of artwork. Students will address all three

sections of the portfolio: Breadth, Concentration and Quality. Students will be challenged to develop their own personal work, mastery of concept, composition, and execution of their personal ideas an themes. Students will also understand that art making is an ongoing process that uses informed and critical decision making to determine outcomes to problems. Students will be expected to develop a comprehensive portfolio that addresses each of these issues in a personal way. Formulaic solutions to problems are discouraged. This is a full year course and will be offered for the 2024-2025 school year. This course will be offered every other year.

Multimedia 3D design will introduce students to aesthetic concepts related to form and space. They will explore special tools, techniques and methods of 3D processes and examine the potential an limitations of the media used. Students will learn about various types of 3D design concepts related to fine art sculpture, casting with tape and plaster, puppet building and assemblage, stained glass fabrication, basket design and figurative wire sculpture.

Students will use the tools and methods of commercial artists from hand drawings to computer imaging. Students will design logos, posters and other visual designs. Some assignments will be done on a job basis, requiring students to meet some deadlines. Some projects will require the use of a computer. Computer programs will include Photoshop and Illustrator. Students may be asked to keep a sketchbook. Computer knowledge is a must.

This class has a strong emphasis on computer literacy, and it is highly encouraged that students have a

basic understanding of computer technology. In the Digital Photography course, students will learn

creative photographic skills and processes. Students will be given specific shooting assignments that

will reinforce the information they learn in class. The concept of design as a manner of visual

communication is carried throughout. We will also cover photographic imaging and image-making with

digital technology. Students will use Adobe Photoshop software.

This class is an extension of the disciplines learned in Digital Photography. Students will undertake

more intricate and personal assignments targeted at direct application to real-world careers in

photography. Students will add to their knowledge of compositional rules, as well as digital image manipulation. There will be a strong emphasis on the history of photography as well as evaluating the work of currently working photographers. Students will also work on building a portfolio of their work. Photo manipulation and compositing will be emphasized. Students will use Adobe Photoshop software. This course may be repeated for credit