Course Descriptions
Visual Course Offerings
Design (2D/3D Design)Design is a foundation level course that emphasizes the elements of art and the principles of design through hands-on projects in both 2D and 3D media. This course explores the history of design from many world cultures as well as contemporary design. Design is preparatory for Sculpture, Painting and the AP Studio Art 2D or 3D Design courses.
Sculpture 1
A foundation level course in which students learn the three ceramic hand-building methods, the basics of the throwing wheel, and glazing. Students are introduced to the principles of 3D Design and sculpture, along with art criticism, history, cultural context, and the aesthetics that accompany the tradition of ceramics and sculpture.
Sculpture 2
An intermediate course that builds upon the concepts and skills learned in Sculpture 1. Students explore in-depth hand building techniques, such as working with colored slip techniques and carving plaster. This course prepares students for AP Studio Art 3D Design, and includes an ongoing study of the history of sculpture and the cultural and contemporary uses of sculpture.
Principles of Drawing
A foundation course that develops skills of observational drawing focusing on the human form, the environment, perspective, and light. This class prepares students for Life Drawing or Painting 1. Students create artworks with a variety of media, techniques and concepts from classical art history to contemporary art.
Life Drawing
An intermediate course that continues to develop skills of observational drawing focusing on the human form, the environment, perspective, and light. This class prepares students for AP Studio Art-Drawing. Students create artworks with a variety of themes and concepts from classical art history to contemporary.
Painting 1
A beginning level course to develop skills and artistic expression using a variety of water-based media. Students create observational, abstract and non-objective artworks through responses to a variety of prompts: still-life, landscape, portraits, photographic, and conceptual. Students are introduced to historical themes and contemporary ideas in painting. This class prepares students for Painting 2, AP Studio Art- Drawing and AP Studio Art- 2D Design courses with portfolio building projects.
Painting 2
An intermediate level course to expand students' technical and conceptual painting skills from observation, research and imagination with increasing complexity of concept/content. Students learn to critique their own work and that of their peers. This class supports the AP Studio Art-Drawing and AP Studio Art- 2D Design courses with portfolio building projects. Painting 2 projects focus on developing skills employed in modern and contemporary art combined with study of the themes and paintings of our times.
Photo 1
An intermediate level course in digital photography emphasizing both creative and technical skills. Emphasis is placed on the elements and principles of design (composition, perspective, depth of field), camera operation, and image manipulation in Adobe Photoshop. Students study works by significant historic and contemporary photographers.
Photo 2
An advanced level course focusing on the creative and technical understanding of both film-based and digital photography. Students learn digital and traditional darkroom editing and printing processes. Students experiment with the relationship between audio and image in a number of short multimedia projects. Students study works by significant historic and contemporary photographers. This class provides students with an opportunity to create works for AP 2D Design.
Photo 3
An advanced-level year-long course focusing on experimental photography. Photographic techniques explored may include flash photography, macro/microscopic, cyanotype, screen printing, underwater, double exposure, alternative processing, color film processing, and photogrammetry with iPad. Students will continue to hone their Adobe Photoshop skills and develop more sophisticated bodies of work.
Principles of Drawing
A beginning level course that develops fundamental drawing and composition skills. Students use a variety of media to create observational, abstract and non-objective artworks through interpretive responses to still-life, landscape, portraits, photographic resource and conceptual project prompts. Student sketchbooks supplement classroom instruction with independent drawing assignments.
The following courses require teacher recommendation:
Art Production: Exhibitions
A college-level course for students who have an interest in learning the art of creating and mounting a gallery show. Students learn how to work in collaboration to organize, design, and install exhibitions and create websites for exhibition. Students also work with peer artists, teachers, administrators and media consultants to prepare for gallery receptions and openings.
Art Production: Portfolio Preparation
A college-level course in which students develop a portfolio of work for college and scholarship applications. Students work independently in this class, guided by supervising teacher feedback and support. This course is often used to support the creation of the AP Studio Art Portfolios.
AP Studio Art 2D
A college credit design class using a variety of 2D media: photography, digital arts, illustration/drawing, and abstract or decorative painting. Students develop a portfolio of 15 images investigate a strong underlying visual theme called a Sustained Investigation. Students submit their portfolio to the College Board in the spring.
AP Studio Art 3D
A college-level course in which students develop a digital portfolio demonstrating understanding of sculptural issues and 3D design principles related to the integration of depth and space, volume, and surface. Students develop a portfolio of 15 images investigate a strong underlying visual theme called a Sustained Investigation. Students submit their portfolio to the College Board in the spring.
AP Studio Art Drawing
A college-level course focusing on the development of a unique creative approach in various wet and dry drawing media, which may include observational and figurative painting. Students develop a portfolio of 15 images investigate a strong underlying visual theme called a Sustained Investigation. Students submit their portfolio to the College Board in the spring.Enter your text here...
A beginning level course that develops fundamental drawing and composition skills. Students use a variety of media to create observational, abstract and non-objective artworks through interpretive responses to still-life, landscape, portraits, photographic resource and conceptual project prompts. Student sketchbooks supplement classroom instruction with independent drawing assignments.
The following courses require teacher recommendation:
Art Production: Exhibitions
A college-level course for students who have an interest in learning the art of creating and mounting a gallery show. Students learn how to work in collaboration to organize, design, and install exhibitions and create websites for exhibition. Students also work with peer artists, teachers, administrators and media consultants to prepare for gallery receptions and openings.
Art Production: Portfolio Preparation
A college-level course in which students develop a portfolio of work for college and scholarship applications. Students work independently in this class, guided by supervising teacher feedback and support. This course is often used to support the creation of the AP Studio Art Portfolios.
AP Studio Art 2D
A college credit design class using a variety of 2D media: photography, digital arts, illustration/drawing, and abstract or decorative painting. Students develop a portfolio of 15 images investigate a strong underlying visual theme called a Sustained Investigation. Students submit their portfolio to the College Board in the spring.
AP Studio Art 3D
A college-level course in which students develop a digital portfolio demonstrating understanding of sculptural issues and 3D design principles related to the integration of depth and space, volume, and surface. Students develop a portfolio of 15 images investigate a strong underlying visual theme called a Sustained Investigation. Students submit their portfolio to the College Board in the spring.
AP Studio Art Drawing
A college-level course focusing on the development of a unique creative approach in various wet and dry drawing media, which may include observational and figurative painting. Students develop a portfolio of 15 images investigate a strong underlying visual theme called a Sustained Investigation. Students submit their portfolio to the College Board in the spring.Enter your text here...