Visual Arts (2020-21)

List of 12 items.

• Design Fundamentals - Grades 8-10

  .5 Credit

  This course is a requirement for IB Visual Arts.

  
  

  This academic art class explores the fundamentals of two and three-dimensional works of art. Classes consist of lectures, cooperative learning experiences, and reflection and responses to art, both historical and contemporary. Students will understand different mediums and techniques used to explore composition, expressive qualities, and intent of the artist. Formal critique writing skills evolve throughout the semester. The overall goal is for students to develop a visual vocabulary, theories, and concepts that can be applied to their own creative process. Throughout the class, students develop their own criteria for successful art. Design Fundamentals is a prerequisite for all IB Visual Arts classes.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Art in Our World

  The Elements of Art

  The Principles of Art

  Art History

• Elements of Drawing and Painting - Grades 8-12

  .5 Credit

  Required Tools:  Sketchbook

  
  

  This introductory semester course explores various art making techniques in the disciplines of drawing, painting, printmaking and cut paper/collage. Students start with foundational drawing skills in pencil and build upon those skills in various media such as colored pencils, tempera and acrylic paint, printmaking and x-acto knife techniques. We will cover a variety of topics including color theory, composition, highlights and shadows and creating dimension and space. Incorporating art history and critique, Students will learn about the elements of art and principles of design and how to appropriately discuss art as well as building on their abilities to create purposeful works of art.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Introduction to the Elements of Art & Principles of Design

  Drawing in Pencil: Drawing/Shading/Highlight/Value/Contours/Dimension/Still Life

  Colored Pencil Techniques: Blending Color and Shading/Values/Highlights

  Painting Technique: Color Theory/Making and Mixing Colors/Highlights/Shadows/Tints/Shades/Acrylic Painting

  Printmaking: Linoleum Cuts & Prints

  Group Critique: Using the Elements of Art as a Language.

  Sketchbook: Warm Ups and Studies/Notes/Practice

  Mounting a Show: Prepping Finished Work.

  Executing a Show: Creating Artist’s Statements, Labels, and Hanging Work

  Collaborative Display- Setting up, Arranging and Taking Down Work in a Large Group/Public Setting

• Advanced Drawing and Painting - Grades 8-12

  .5 Credit

  Prerequisite: Elements of Drawing or teacher permission for transfer students

  Required Tools:  Sketchbook

  
  

  This semester course will expand upon the media of drawing, painting and printmaking from the Elements of Drawing and Painting class. Students will continue to build upon their skills by adding a more in-depth approach to drawing in pencil and adding charcoal and chalk pastel into their repertoire. We will also explore pen & ink, colored pencil and painting- working in techniques they have learned and are interested in pursuing. Students will continue to work in the printmaking medium, now exploring wood cuts and other printing techniques. Continuing to build their vocabulary and ability to “read” art, as well as create it, students in this class will learn some art history and critique. This course is required before the end of sophomore year in order to take IB Visual Arts HL.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Review of the Elements of Art & Principles of Design

  Review of Drawing Techniques in Pencil

  Review Colored Pencil Techniques: Blending

  Pen & Ink Techniques

  Charcoal Techniques

  Chalk Pastel Techniques

  Painting Technique: Acrylic Painting and other Wet Media 

  Printmaking: Wood Cuts & Prints and other Printing Media

  Group Critique

  Sketchbook: Warm ups and Studies/Notes/Practice

  Mounting a Show: Prepping Finished Work.

  Executing a Show: Creating Artist’s Statements, Labels, and Hanging Work

  Collaborative Display- Setting up, Arranging and Taking Down Work in a Large Group/Public Setting

• Drawing & Painting Studio Workshop - Grades 10-12

  .5 Credit

  Prerequisites:   Elements of Drawing & Painting & Advanced Drawing & Painting and teacher recommendation

  Required Tools:  Sketchbook

  
  

  This course follows Elements of Drawing and Painting and Advanced Drawing and Painting and is designed particularly for students who have an interest in 2D art, but are not pursuing the IB 2D path. New techniques will be built upon and honed in a more in depth, yet more independent path. Students will be able to explore and research techniques that they are interested in learning, and pursue these new techniques, with teacher help, by practicing and creating art in that media. Each student will show their work at the end of semester art show. This class will require that students are prepared to push their skills to the next level and show a strong independent work ethic. Students are expected to make critical judgements of their work and challenge their creative process. Students must have a current (within the school year) recommendation to take the course. This course may be repeated for credit with the instructor’s permission.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Independent Research and Completion of a Dry Media Project

  Independent Research and Completion of a Wet Media Project 

  Mixed Media Project 

  Discover Your Path to the Art Show

• Elements of Ceramics - Grades 8-12

  .5 Credit

  Required Tools: 9x12 bound, blank page sketchbook

  
  

  This semester course provides an overview and introduction into the process and practice of ceramics. Students will explore ceramic techniques and processes while applying three-dimensional design concepts and terminology. The students will learn hand building and wheel thrown techniques as well as how to trim their pots. Students will also learn and experiment with a variety of surface treatments, glazes, and firing techniques. Emphasis is placed on skill development, studio practices, quality craftsmanship, experimentation, creative problem solving, and self-expression. At the end of the semester, students will participate in a show through which work will be featured on a website they will build and design themselves. These websites will include a gallery of student photographs of their work, videos of their journey, style or technique, sketchbook pages and an artist statement.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Handbuilding Techniques:Pinch Pot, Coil Building, Slabs

  Wheel Thrown Techniques: Cylinders, Bowls, Plates

  Discover Your Path to the Art Show

• Advanced Ceramics - Grade 10

  .5 Credit

  Prerequisites: Design Fundamentals, Elements of Ceramics and teacher permission

  
  

  This course will address the three major areas of ceramics: understanding ceramic materials, hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery and surface resolution techniques. Approximately 75 percent of the students’ class time will be spent on the potter’s wheel. Emphasis is placed on developing independent skills,

  knowledge of process and materials and mastering the craft. Advanced Ceramics is for students committed to gaining independence,skill and knowledge in the field. Self-discipline and a willingness to seek new challenges are expected. Students continue to make critical judgements about their own art and the art of others. They are exposed to the historical and contemporary role of pottery from various cultures throughout

  the world.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Review of Basic Forms

  Hans Coper, Architectural Sculpture

  Lidded Forms

  Surface Treatment

  Alternative Firing Processes

• Advanced Sculpture - Grade 10

  .5 Credit

  Prerequisite: Design Fundamentals, Elements of Ceramics and teacher permission

  
  

  This course covers the fundamental skills, knowledge, attitudes and technology necessary to begin to understand sculpture. Various sculptural processes are explored and students work with a variety of materials and tools. Students learn to make critical judgements about their own art and the art of others and are exposed to the historical and contemporary role of sculpture throughout the world. Students explore various materials such as clay, plaster, paper, wood, cardboard, wire and metal. Basic three-dimensional design will be considered with an emphasis on the elements and principles of design.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Carving Process

  Plaster

  Cultural Mask

  Found Objects

  Post Secret

• Ceramic Studio Workshop - Grades 9-12

  .5 Credit

  Prerequisites: Elements of Ceramics and teacher recommendation

  Required Tools: 9 x12 bound, blank page sketchbook

  
  

  This course follows Elements of Ceramics and is designed particularly for students who have an interest in ceramics but are not pursuing the IB path. New techniques will be built upon the skills learned in Elements of Ceramics, such as: handles, lids, combination pieces, shaping clay, throwing larger as well as alternate firing and glazing methods. Students will participate in an end of the semester art show and will showcase this show and their semester of growth on a website including photographs, a video and an artist statement. This class will require that students are prepared to push their skills to the next level and show a strong independent work ethic. Students are expected to make critical judgements of their work and challenge their creative process. Students must have a current (within the school year) recommendation to take the course. This course may be repeated for credit with the instructor’s permission.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Independent Handbuilding Project

  Independent Wheel Thrown project 

  Teapot Project

  Discover Your Path to the Art Show

• Elements of Photography - Grades 8-12

  .5 Credit

  
  

  This studio course provides an overview and introduction into the fundamentals of photography as a fine art. Through demonstrations and practice, students learn the technical aspects of manual camera operation for proper exposures and the traditional black and white processes for developing film and printing in the darkroom. While exploring the expressive potential of the medium, students will engage with a variety of subject matter and learn compositional techniques to achieve engaging photographs. This course emphasizes technical proficiency and individual artistic expression. No prior experience is necessary to take this introductory level course. The camera and materials are provided for this course. 

  
  

  Units of Study

  Camera Operation

  Developing 35mm Film

  Darkroom Operation and Creating Enlargements

  Projects

  Critiques

  Art Show

  Alternative Processes

  Artist Presentations

  Artist Websites

• Advanced Digital Photography - Grade 9-12

  .5 Credit

  Prerequisite: Elements of Photography

  Required Tools:  Digital Camera with manual capabilities.  Both DSLRs and non DSLRs are acceptable. If the camera requirement presents an obstacle for enrolling in the class, accommodations may be available. Contact Mrs. Minehart for additional information.

  
  

  This course builds on skills learned in Elements of Photography while applying them to the digital photography platform. In addition to continuing camera skills proficiency, students will learn lighting techniques, color management, effective digital workflow in Adobe Bridge, and manipulation techniques utilizing Adobe Photoshop. Working to further refine their personal style and explore photography as a creative medium, students begin to develop a body of work based around their personal interests and artistic vision. This class is for students interested in continuing to pursue photography after Elements as well as students who want to learn digital image manipulation, a critical skill in a wide range of professions.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Digital Camera Operation and Digital File Management

  Lighting Workshop

  Adobe Photoshop

  Individual Semester Project

  Art Show

  Artist Presentations

  Artist Websites

• Photography Studio Workshop - Grades 10-12

  .5 Credit

  Prerequisites:   Elements of Photography and teacher permission

  Required Tools:  In addition to using their cameras from Advanced Digital Photography, students will need a 35mm film camera. The cost to purchase one of these cameras is around $100. Options for film cameras will be discussed at the start of the class. If either of these camera requirements presents an obstacle for enrolling in the class, accommodations may be available. For additional information, speak to Mrs. Minehart.

  
  

  This course is designed particularly for students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade who have an interest in photography, but are not pursuing the IB path. This class will be highly independent with individualized instruction. There will be a thorough introduction to contemporary photographers via field trips, lectures and visiting artists. Students will incorporate both the analog and digital platforms as they continue to refine their technique and develop their ability to utilize photography as an expressive art medium. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with alternative processes throughout the semester. Students are expected to make critical judgements of their work, and others work, to challenge their own creative process and continue to strengthen their work ethic.  This course may be repeated for credit with the instructor’s permission.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Film Reintroduction

  Photoshop Reintroduction

  Mixed Media Experiments

  Concept Research

  Creative Planning

  Test Images

  Independent Project Work

  Working Critique

  Independent Project Completion

  Art Show Preparation

  Final Critiques

  Advanced Lighting and Lens Introduction

• Visual Arts Intern - Grades 11-12

  .5 Credit

  Prerequisite:  3 semesters of Visual Arts courses:  Elements, Advanced, Studio Workshop; Application 

  
  

  This class is designed for the student who wants to enrich their knowledge of the management and running of an art studio. Students will be responsible for studio organization, maintenance of equipment and tools, and other medium specific tasks. Students will gain insight and understanding of the working studio, and will be prepared for studio assistant work on the college level. 

  
  

  For each semester, there will be 2 interns for the Ceramic Studio, and 1 each in Drawing and Painting and Photography.  Students will be chosen through an application process directed by the Visual Arts Department.

  
  

  Units of Study

  Systems of Organization for Studio Equipment & Tools

  Maintaining the Studio Space & Utensils

  Best Practices in Studio Management