Visual Art

This course is for students interested in using digital cameras to create photographic art. It provides an introduction to the use of the digital camera as an artistic tool. Students will develop an understanding of effective photographic composition and the use of Photoshop as a "digital dark room".   Access to a digital camera is required for this course. This course is only open to students who have yet to successfully complete a full year of art classes.

This course is designed as a foundation for high school visual art, and so it is a semester-long introductory class.  It is weighted for process over product to give students a greater understanding of the visual. Using two-dimensional media, the emphasis is on creating success for all levels of ability through applying design principles.

This course is an introduction to fine art in three dimensions. Students learn a broad history of sculpture and experience each of the basic techniques for creating sculpture: relief, additive, reductive, and found object processes. Students will use a variety of media for their compositions. Emphasis is given to the Elements & Principles of Design and successful composition.

Art History is a course designed to give students basic knowledge of, and develop ability to critically view, artwork. The focus of the class will be on the art critique method and cover works from around the world. The curriculum is designed around genres, not timelines. This course is recommended prior to the taking of AP Art History.

Graphic Design seeks to use visual elements to communicate a specific message to a targeted audience.  This course is an introduction to Graphic Design with an emphasis on using digital photographs and illustrations for commercial uses, such as logos, advertisements, packaging, and posters.  Programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign will be used along with scanners and digital cameras.  Access to a digital camera is required for this course.

This class builds upon the commercial design skills developed in Graphic Design I, and seeks to emphasize Graphic Design as a tool for communication, influence, and self-expression.  Students will also be introduced to Typography, the study of letterforms and fonts in a design context.  Students will study work by the pioneers of Graphic Design in order to develop their own style.  Programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Flash will be used.

A computer science course focused around gaming and computational strategy theory. This course will look at gaming, game types, strategy, choice theory, and strategy of game genre. Class will look at the modern gaming world and its implications in modern society. 

A course that will teach students how to actualize their designs in printing, pad printing, screen printing, type printing, vinyl cutting and decals, and print block making. This course allows students to explore digital design and application to products, including t-shirts, cups, mugs, and appliques.  

This class explores the use of traditional photography as an art form.  Students will learn photographic composition, photographic exposure control, and the use of the black and white darkroom.  Students will learn to develop and articulate an individual artistic voice. This class utilizes a 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera, which also acts as a strong foundation for the use of modern Digital SLR cameras.

This course continues on with the fundamentals taught in Photography I.  Students will continue to develop their photographic portfolio.  Additionally students will learn experimental and alternate processes, flash photography, the color darkroom, and digital photographic techniques.

This course is designed so that, with emphasis on composition and design, there is experimentation and exploration in a variety of methods and techniques in various types of drawing and painting. The students will investigate a range of approaches to the two-dimensional surface. Students study the nature of art, artists, periods and schools of art. The course strives to expand the students' sensitivity to professional and personal visual expression through individual and group critiques.

This course is designed as the next sequence of the painting and drawing strand, expanding the framework established in Painting and Drawing I by working with more of the many technical aspects of the materials and media (i.e., use of acrylic paint versus oil painting). Students will be able to use methods and techniques introduced in the first year with greater facility and cultivate the ability to understand the processes inherent in developing personal expression. Emphasis will be on designing creative solutions to new ideas and problems using the language of visual expression with a concentration on traditional exploration.

This course is designed to elaborate on the knowledge acquired in Painting and Drawing I and II by discovering bold solutions and expressive executions in a sophisticated visual language. This class will extend the student skill set beyond technical instruction as well as broaden use of traditional techniques. Students will strive to develop a personal style and be introduced to more contemporary methods of art making, incorporating printmaking, three-dimensional construction and collage. Emphasis is placed on developing the unique characteristics of the media employed and in gaining a deeper understanding of the creative problem-solving process. Students requiring a portfolio will find this class a valuable precursor to the Advanced Art course and AP Studio Art course.

This course is designed as a portfolio preparation class and is the culminating class for art studies allowing concentrations in any of the disciplines in the visual arts. A professional attitude is established that incorporates daily critiques of students' work and frequent discussions of professional artists' work. The students will investigate their current level of achievement and work to strengthen their personal abilities and their portfolios. Careers and colleges will be researched.

The Advanced Placement Studio Art Program sets a national standard for visual arts performance and seeks to provide motivated high school students with art experiences at the college level. Students enrolled will be expected to produce a portfolio of work in a variety of techniques, subject matter and media (included but not limited to drawing, painting, photography and sculpture). They will investigate conceptual issues, develop critical thinking skills and be familiar with formal aspects of the visual arts. Fulfillment and submission of the portfolio including original artwork and written commentary constitutes the exam. Successful completion of the portfolio requirements will earn credit and/or advanced placement at the college level.

This course is an academic elective and strongly suggested for students looking to pursue a college degree in the visual arts.  Students will analyze major forms of artistic expression from the ancient world to the presents.  Students will learn to analyze and interpret works of art within their historical context.  As seeing original artwork is paramount to the appreciation and understanding of art, trips to museums will be an important element of this course.  Students are encouraged to sit for the Advanced Placement Exam.