Thornton Academy Program of Studies 2-24- 25 | Page 37

VISUAL ARTS

Visual Arts I

1 Credit • Grades 9 , 10 , 11 & 12

Students will learn the elements and principles of design , and develop skills and perception through drawing , painting , collage , and other media . Learning about a variety of artists and their work will be embedded in the curriculum . This class stresses creative problem solving as an important part of an artist ’ s work . Reading , research , written work , and sketchbook homework will be assigned on a regular basis . Students will develop a portfolio of work , which will be considered part of their final grade .

Visual Arts II

1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Visual Arts I

Students will expand on the skills they have learned in VAI while exploring complex concepts , meaning , and big ideas in their own artworks in a wide range of mediums . Media may include but is not limited to : drawing , painting , mixed media , printmaking , photography , sculpture , and ceramics . Historical and contemporary influences will inspire all art-making . Research , project planning , homework completion , the development of a digital portfolio , and additional time in the studio is essential for student success .

Ceramics

1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Visual Arts I

( Formerly Pottery ) This is a hands-on studio course that focuses on various handbuilding and wheel throwing construction methods . Students will learn about the technical aspects of working with clay and glazes to create both functional and sculptural , well-designed pottery . Clay bodies , the stages of clay , tools , glazes , and the history of pottery are important topics that will be covered . Research , project planning , homework completion , the development of a digital portfolio , and additional time in the studio is essential for student success .

Sculpture

1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Visual Arts I

This sculpture class is designed for students that have a desire to work within the 3-dimensional format . 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 , plaster , or found objects . Research , project planning , homework completion , the development of a digital portfolio , and additional time in the studio is essential for student success .

Drawing Honors

1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Visual Arts I

Students will be introduced to the methods , materials , and aesthetics of drawing and working with media such as graphite , conté , charcoal , pastels , and ink . Subject matter and content in this class will include but is not limited to still life , landscape , animal study , architecture , the human form , and portraiture . Art history , research , project planning , weekly sketchbook completion , the development of a digital portfolio , and additional time in the studio is essential for student success .

Painting Honors

1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Visual Arts I

Students will explore the beginning techniques , processes , and aesthetic aspects of working in tempera , watercolor , acrylic , ink , and other paint-based media . Students will learn how to see and use color , understand and apply the science of color , and learn how to use painting tools properly and creatively . Students will study a wide range of subject matter , including but not limited to still life , landscape , portraiture , abstract , and non-objective themes . Art history , art criticism , and aesthetics are an integral part of coursework . Research , project planning , homework completion , the development of a digital portfolio , and additional time in the studio is essential for student success .

AP Art & Design

1 Credit • Grade 12

Prerequisite : Visual Arts I , two studio electives , and teacher recommendation

AP Art and Design consists of three different AP Portfolio Exam options — AP 2-D Art and Design ( includes Photography ), AP 3-D Art and Design , and AP Drawing . Students create a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry through art and design and development of materials , processes , and ideas over the course of a year . Portfolios include works of art and design , process documentation , and written information about the work presented . In May , students submit portfolios for evaluation based on specific criteria , which include skillful synthesis of materials , processes , and ideas and sustained investigation through practice , experimentation , and revision , guided by questions .

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