Visual Arts

Course 1—Pre-Requisite

Visual Arts/Comprehensive I

Introduces art history, art criticism, aesthetic judgment and studio production. Emphasizes the ability to understand and use elements and principles of design through a variety of media, processes and visual resources. Explores master artworks for historical and cultural significance. Virtual Arts I is the required introductory course for all other visual art courses.

Continued Study Courses— Any Level I, II, or III and AP Art & Design (Advanced Placement Portfolio)

Drawing and Painting I

Explores a variety of drawing techniques and media; emphasizes developing basic drawing skills and critical analysis skills for responding to master drawings. Examines solutions to drawing problems through student drawings and those of other artists. Covers Western and non-Western cultures.

Prerequisite: Visual Arts I

Drawing II

Enhances level-one skills in technique and provides further exploration of drawing media. Reinforces basic drawing skills and critical analysis skills for responding to master drawings of different historical styles and periods. Examines solutions to drawing problems through student drawings and those of other artists. Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting I

Painting II

Enhances level-one painting skills and offers opportunities to apply painting techniques in a variety of media from traditional to mixed media. Emphasizes critical analysis skills for responding to master paintings of different styles and historical periods. Emphasizes the concept and development of personal style. Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting I

Ceramics I, II, & III

Ceramics I - Introduces the characteristics of clay and design in clay using various techniques of construction and decoration. Emphasizes hand building and introduces other forming techniques, surface decoration and glaze applications. Covers styles of Photography ceramic works from Western and non-Western cultures.

Prerequisite: Visual Arts I

Ceramics II-III - Enhances level-1 skills and provides opportunities to apply design techniques in clay through hand building and/or wheel throwing techniques while continuing to develop personal artistic voice. Emphasizes more complex form and surface treatments using tools, glazes, resists, and multiple clay bodies. Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Photography I, II, & III

Photography I - Introduces photography as an art form. Covers the historical development of photography. Emphasizes the basics of exposing and processing photographs in traditional and digital photography. Emphasizes appropriate darkroom techniques and digital photography editing using a 35mm/digital camera/smartphone/ and pinhole cameras. Prerequisite: Visual Arts I

Photography II to III - Continues concepts of level I and explores alternative/and digital processes. Stresses personal expression of ideas and depth of exploration in selected photo techniques. Continues to explore photography and photographers for historical and critical appraisal.

Prerequisite: Photography I

AP ART & DESIGN: ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO

AP 2D Design, AP 3D Design, or AP Drawing

Conforms to College Board topics for the Advanced Placement Studio: Art and Design Portfolio Examination. Requires submission of original works and digital images to be evaluated on quality and sustained investigation of individualized concepts. Provides experiences using a wide variety of media and approaches; designed for students interested in expiration, skill mastery, production of a body of works, rigor, and personal growth. A portfolio of 25 finalized works are the result of this yearlong intensive. Portfolios may focus on: Photography, Paint, Ceramics/Sculpture, Drawing, Design Application (Digital, Graphic, Fashion) or Mixed Media.

Teacher Recommendation and Portfolio Review