Illustration( 0.5 credit)
( alternate years, offered‘ 18-’ 19) Grades 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I and Drawing
This class teaches students visual narration. Students with strong drawing skills will complete a wide variety of projects, push their knowledge of media, and work with structured, true-to-life deadlines. Heavy emphasis will be on working sketches, creative ideas, color, finish work and personal style. This class will require homework including extra time at home and in the studio to meet deadlines, research, and fully develop ideas. Frequent critiques offer each artist the opportunity to improve their portfolio.
Printmaking( 0.5 credit)
( alternate years, offered‘ 19-’ 20) Grades 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I
This studio course introduces basic printmaking processes and equipment with equal emphasis on concept and technique. Students are introduced to a variety of printmaking media and methods, such as monotype, relief and intaglio. Research and planning are important components in this studio class and homework will be assigned regularly. Students will participate in frequent written and oral critiques to aid in developing their personal portfolios.
Photography( 1 credit)
Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I
The objective of this course is to provide a format for students to learn the visual and technical skills within the context of fine art photography. Coursework emphasizes conceptual, technical, and historical approaches to photography. Camera operation and a variety of printing processes and techniques will be explored, along with a variety of subject matter. Regular homework is assigned in this class.
Sculpture( 0.5 credit)
( alternate years, offered‘ 19-’ 20) Grades 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I
Sculpture students will design and create a variety of 3-dimensional sculptural forms, exploring the use of space in various media, such as paper, clay, wood, or found objects. Research, creative construction of ideas, and planning are components in this studio class; homework will be assigned regularly and additional time spent in the studio will be required.
Honors Drawing( 1 credit) Grades 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I
Students will be introduced to the methods, materials and aesthetics of drawing, working with such media as graphite, conté, charcoal, pastels and ink. Emphasis is on direct observation and learning to see in graphic terms. The subject matter and content will include still life, landscape, animals, architecture and the human form( including self-portraiture). Through class lectures and demonstrations students will study the history of drawing and will develop their ability to read the finer aesthetic qualities found within works of art. Weekly sketchbook drawing is a necessary part of successfully completing this course. Written and oral critiques make up the remaining requirements. Success in this class is dependent upon the completion of all studio assignments including the sketchbook.
Honors Painting( 1 credit) Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I
Students will explore the beginning techniques, processes, and aesthetic issues of working in tempera, watercolor, acrylic and other paint-based media. Goals for this class include learning how to see and use color with sensitivity and sophistication, understanding and applying the science of color, and how to use painting tools effectively. Students will study a wide range of subject matter including still life, landscape, portraiture, abstract and nonobjective themes. Art history, art criticism and aesthetics will be an integral part of coursework. Homework will include collecting visual materials, researching for projects, working in personal sketchbooks and painting outside of class time.
Honors Pottery( 1 credit) Grades 10, 11 and 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Visual Arts I
This is a hands-on course that concentrates on various handbuilding and wheel throwing construction methods. Students will learn about the technical aspects of working with clay and glazes to create functional and well-designed pottery. Clay bodies, the stages of clay, tools and glazes are important topics that will be covered. Advanced handbuilding techniques will be employed and students will be introduced to the art of throwing clay forms on the wheel. Research, creative problem solving, and group critiques are all integral components for projects. Regular homework is assigned in this class, which includes spending additional time developing projects in the clay studio.
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