Workshop in Art will provide students with an overview of the Visual Arts. Students will be introduced to a wide variety of genres, media and techniques. The emphasis will be on creativity, craftsmanship and effort. This is a basic art course that presents core knowledge essential to all other classes. No previous art experience is necessary for this course.
Foundations of Art, is an in-depth study of the elements of art (line, shape, color, value, form) and the principles of design (balance, contrast, repetition, unity). Students will explore creative solutions to artistic problems in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and other media to build technical skills and to help them understand the visual language of art. Past and present art movements and artists will be used as references. Students will be required to complete weekly sketchbook assignments. This is a basic art course that presents a core of knowledge essential to all other art classes.
Drawing and Painting 1 will introduce students to a variety of techniques that will strengthen their observation skills and develop their ability to illustrate what they see. Students will gain experience using drawing media such as pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, pastels, and painting media including watercolor, tempera, and acrylic. Subject matter will include still life, figure, landscape, and perspective. Students will be required to keep a sketchbook.
Drawing and Painting 2 is for motivated students who have successfully completed Drawing and Painting I and wish to further develop their technical skills and expressive abilities in a variety of media. Instruction will focus on conceptually based assignments and in-class discussions and critique. Students will refine their personal style while investigating historic and contemporary artists and their works. Students will be required to keep a sketchbook as well as complete monthly writing assignments. Students will be given the opportunity to develop a portfolio where needed for admission requirements in liberal arts colleges and art schools.
Advanced Art Studio provides students the opportunity to continue their study of art and design while also developing their own personal style. The culminating project in this course is the creation of an individual body of work; a series of artwork that is designed and developed entirely by each student. Focus on personal style and design intent also guides the development of students’ sketchbooks. In-depth study of art materials and techniques provides students the foundation on which to create their art. Students are given the opportunity to develop a portfolio of their work if needed for admissions into a post high school program.
Usable Art : Have you ever wanted to create art you could use? Jewelry, books, baskets and fabric design are just some of the topics that we will focus on in Usable Art. Art making traditions from around the world will be used to inform and inspire students in this survey of the art of craft.
Art Journaling will introduce students to art journaling and sketchbook design with a focus on personal expression and media exploration. 20th century art, contemporary art, as well as various writing samples including short stories, poetry, song lyrics, and original written pieces will fuel the creative process. Art techniques explored include drawing, painting, collage, and printmaking. This course will challenge students to investigate themselves, the world around them, and contemporary issues through the use of art journaling and sketchbooking. The course requirements will encourage work in and out of the classroom while communicate ideas in a thoughtful and logical manner.
Sculpture will explore the theories and concepts of three-dimensional art forms through in-depth studio problems and the study of sculpture throughout history. Work will be carried out in relief and in full round through modeling, carving and construction. Students will gain experience using media such as paper, plaster, wire, clay and wood. Students will be required to keep a sketchbook as well as complete at least one research-based project.
Asian Art (Confucius Classroom) will introduce the student to many aspects of Chinese art and its connection to Asian culture and history. Focus will be placed on art-making techniques as well as art history. Students will complete tasks based on the following techniques: wood block and linoleum printmaking, brush painting, calligraphy, paper cuts, origami, ceramic hand-building, fashion design, and landscape garden design.
Illustration is a course that will explore a variety of 2-D art making techniques to best develop visual storytelling. Students will explore comics, clothing design, book illustration, poster design, nature illustration, advertising, and typography all while communicating a personal theme.
Graphic design is the art of visual communication. Students will learn the basics of art and design while developing solutions to specific problems ranging from newsletters and business cards to digital art and typography. Students will work with both traditional art materials as well as Adobe Creative Cloud programs (Illustrator and PhotoShop).
Ceramics 1 is a course that enables motivated students to explore the possibilities of the ceramic medium. A wide range of techniques will be introduced. Beginning with hand-building, pinching, coiling, and slabs, the class will create a variety or forms, learning about glazing and surface treatment. The history of ceramics will be used for research and inspiration.
Ceramics 2 is a course that will explore advanced issues relating to the ceramic medium, focusing on individual development. Throwing on the potter’s wheel will be a primary challenge. Students will also learn mold-making and slip-casting techniques. Research into personal inspiration will strengthen students’ knowledge or ceramics history.