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Course Description Guide 2023-24

Visual Arts (2023-24)

Visual art curriculum includes photography, painting, drawing, ceramics, mixed media, and much more and is designed to meet the needs of all students from those who want to explore possibilities of self-expression to those who intend to pursue a more advanced, in-depth study in the arts.  The visual arts program is structured in a holistic manner, blending history, culture, current events, technique, and more into the works students create while curating the essence and application of creativity and introducing students to peer critiques, artist statements, and risk-taking.

For all IB Visual Arts course offerings, the prerequisites are Design Fundamentals, completion of level 1 and 2 in one medium, application, and teacher recommendations.

One year-long or two-semester courses are required. Scroll down for the course sequence.

Visual Arts

List of 11 items.

  • Design Fundamentals - Grades 8-10

    Grades 8-10
    0.5 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 the 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 processes. 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
  • Drawing & Painting 1 - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 Credit
    Required Tools:  Sketchbook

    This drawing and painting class is a semester-long studio course designed to introduce students to the basics of two-dimensional art. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of drawing and painting, beginning with drawing exercises and then progressing to painting projects using acrylics and watercolors. The class will also cover a range of subject matter including still life, landscape, and portraits. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to develop their own unique style and explore their own creativity. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in the skills and techniques needed for drawing and painting and the ability to express themselves visually in a meaningful way.

    Units of Study
    The Elements Art: Define and Adopt into Art-Making Practices
    Graphite Pencil: Drawing, Shading, Highlight, Value, Linear Perspective
    Colored Pencil: Drawing, Blending, Value, Implied Texture
    Pen & Ink: Drawing, Pattern, Value
    Tempera Paint: Color Theory, Mixing, Value, Tints, Tone, Shades
    Acrylic Paint: Composition, Value, Toning, Blocking In
    Watercolor Paint: Color Making, Transparent, Opaque
    Printmaking: Lino-Cuts, Lino Prints
    Art Presentation: Exhibition, Critiques, Artist Statements
  • Drawing & Painting 2 - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 Credit

    Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting 1 and teacher recommendation

    Required Tools:  Sketchbook

    This intermediate drawing and painting class builds upon the foundations and skills learned in Drawing & Painting 1. The semester-long studio course will focus on expanding students' technical abilities, introducing them to additional mediums, and exposing them to contemporary and historical artists to have a deeper appreciation of two-dimensional art. Through a combination of hands-on projects, critiques, and discussions, students will grow and hone their artistic abilities. By the end of the course, students will have a body of work using advanced techniques and their own artistic voice.

    Units of Study
    The Principles of Design: Define and Adopt into Art-Making Practices
    Pen & Ink: Reference Drawing, Value, Implied Texture
    Watercolor: Composition, Illustration
    Charcoal: Portraits
    Acrylic: Observational Drawing, Still Life
    Pastel: Landscape
    Art Presentation: Exhibition, Critiques, Artist Statements
  • Studio Workshop: Drawing and Painting - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 Credit

    Prerequisites:   Drawing and Painting 1, Drawing 2 or Painting 2, and teacher recommendation

    Required Tools:  Sketchbook

    This advanced studio course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to continue to develop their skills and refine their craft in drawing and painting. Open to both IB and non-IB students, the course emphasizes choice and freedom in the student's work, allowing them to explore and experiment with various mediums and techniques. Students will have the opportunity to work on projects that challenge and engage them while receiving guidance and feedback from the teacher. The course will provide a supportive environment where students can take ownership of their creative process and start to develop a personal style. Students will be able to work on projects of their choice, in the media and/or subject matter that interests them. By the end of the course, students will have gained a deeper understanding of their craft, honed their technical skills, and developed a strong sense of personal expression.

    This course may be repeated for credit with the permission of the teacher.

    Units of Study
    Further Practice with Various Media - Review of Techniques
    Making Individual Choices in Art Making with Guidance
    Independent Exploration of Techniques of Interest in Depth
    Independent Studio Practice with Guidance and Assignments
    Exhibition
  • Ceramics 1 - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 Credit
    Required Tools: Sketchbook

    This semester course provides an overview and introduction to the fundamental processes, techniques, and practices of creating with clay. The students will learn 3 hand-building techniques: pinch pots, coils, and slabs and 3 wheel thrown techniques: cylinders, bowls, and plates as well as how to trim their pots and glazing. Emphasis is placed on skill development, studio practices, quality craftsmanship, experimentation, creative problem solving, and self-expression. 

    Units of Study
    Handbuilding Techniques:  Pinch Pot, Coil Building, Slabs
    Wheel Thrown Techniques: Cylinders, Bowls, Plates
    Exhibition
  • Ceramics 2 - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 Credit

    Prerequisites: Ceramics 1 and teacher recommendation
    Required Tools: Sketchbook

    This course follows Ceramics 1 and is designed particularly for students who have a strong interest in ceramics. New techniques will be built upon the skills learned in Ceramics 1, such as handles, lids, combination pieces, shaping clay, throwing larger, alternative firing techniques, exploring surface design, and creating sets. Emphasis is placed on skill development, studio practices, quality craftsmanship, experimentation, creative problem-solving, and self-expression. Students are expected to make critical judgments of their work and challenge their creative process. Following this class, students can decide to pursue IB art or the Studio Workshop level.

    Units of Study
    Mugs 3 ways: An exploration of Surface Design while warming back up to creating with clay
    VMFA project: Creating a unique piece inspired by our field trip to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
    Lidded Pedestal Forms: A focus on combining pieces together while also learning to create a lid.
    Discover Your Path: Students work to build a body of work for the end-of-semester Art Show
  • Studio Workshop: Ceramics - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 Credit

    Prerequisites: Ceramics 1 and 2 or Sculpture 1 and 2 and teacher recommendation

    Required Tools:  Sketchbook

    This class follows Ceramics 2 or Sculpture 2 and is designed particularly for students who have a high interest in developing their sculptural and ceramics skills and artistic voice but who do not want to pursue the IB path. New techniques will be built upon the skills learned in Ceramics 2 and Sculpture 2, such as altering pieces, alternative firing techniques, experimenting with scale, sculpting, and surface design.  This course will ultimately be guided by independent student interest. Emphasis is placed on skill development, studio practices, quality craftsmanship, experimentation, creative problem solving, self-expression, and pushing boundaries. Students are expected to make critical judgments of their work and challenge their creative process.

    This course may be repeated for credit with the permission of the teacher.

    Units of Study
    Cereal Bowl: Warming back up to the wheel while focusing on surface design.
    VMFA project:Creating a unique piece inspired by our field trip to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
    Teapot Challenge: Students will tackle the most complex form, learning how to shape forms, fit a lid, attach a spout, and pull a handle.
    Discover Your Path: Students work to build a body of work for the end-of-semester Art Show
  • Photography 1 - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 Credit

    Required Tools:  Students must supply their own 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 the photography teacher for additional information.

    This studio course provides an overview and introduction into the fundamentals of photography as fine art, balancing technical proficiency with the development of individual artistic voice expression. A digital photography platform is utilized in this introductory-level class, no prior experience is necessary. Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on Lightroom Classic and Photoshop, is provided to students for use on their school laptops throughout the semester and the photography lab comes equipped with individual second monitors. Following this class, students who wish to continue to the next level should enroll in Photography 2.

    Units of Study
    Digital File Management
    Manual Camera Operation
    Visual Journaling as Part of the Creative Practice
    Photo Editing and Image Manipulation
    Exploration of Various Photographic Subject Matter
    Compositional Techniques
    Natural and Artificial Lighting Techniques
    Skill-based and Personal Projects
    Large Format Print Production
    Exhibiting Artwork and Photo Finishing
    Artist Presentations


  • Photography 2 - Grades 8-12

    Grades 8-12
    0.5 Credit

    Prerequisite: Photography 1 and teacher recommendation

    This course builds on skills learned in Photography 1 while applying them to a traditional black-and-white darkroom. In addition to furthering proficiency with the camera, lighting techniques, and photographic aesthetics, students will learn to develop 35mm film and create darkroom enlargements by hand. Working to further refine their personal style and explore photography as a creative medium, students begin to develop a body of work based on their personal interests and artistic vision. Following this class, students can decide to pursue IB Art or the Studio Workshop level. The camera and materials are provided for this course. 

    Units of Study
    Refinement of Manual Camera Skills
    Developing 35mm Film 
    Darkroom Operation and Creating Enlargements 
    Long Term Project Development
    Journaling as Part of the Creative Practice
    Critiques
    Exhibiting Artwork
    Alternative Processes
    Artist Presentations
    Artist Websites
  • Studio Workshop: Photography - Grades 9-12

    Grades 9-12
    0.5 Credit

    Prerequisites:   Photography 1, Photography 2, and teacher recommendation

    Required Tools:  In addition to using their digital cameras from Photography 1, students have the option of purchasing a 35mm camera if they wish to continue utilizing the darkroom. 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 the photography teacher. 

    This studio course is the third level on the photography path and will continue to allow students to grow and develop their skills and hone their craft. It is open to both pre-IB Art students and individuals 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. Both analog and digital platforms will be utilized for refinement in technique and individual expression, and opportunities will be provided throughout the semester to experiment with alternative and non-traditional processes. Students are expected to make critical judgments of their own and others’ work, 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 and Digital Camera Reintroduction
    Darkroom Processes and 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

    Grades 11-12
    0.5 Credit
    Prerequisite:  3 semesters of Visual Arts courses:  1, 2, Studio Workshop; Application 

    This class is designed for students who want 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 two 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
    Best Practices in Studio Management

IB Visual Arts

List of 7 items.

  • IB Visual Arts - Grade 11

    2D, 3D, or Photography

    Grade 11
    1 Credit

    Prerequisites:  IB Visual Arts is open to juniors who have fulfilled all required pre-IB art electives, who have demonstrated maturity, commitment, and dedication to visual arts, who have written an essay of intent, and who have the permission of the teacher. Pre-IB art electives include: Design Fundamentals and levels 1 and 2 in one medium

    Required Tools:  Sketchbook

    Additional Fee:  IB assessment fees will be incurred in the second year of the course.

    This IB Visual Arts course is the first year of a two-year program for diploma or course candidates. Students accepted into the IB Visual Arts Program will spend 3 quarters rotating between each of the visual arts discipline areas, spending 1 quarter with each of the IB Visual Arts teachers of 2D, 3D, and Photography to create a well-rounded Process Portfolio (1 part of the IB Assessment). The 4th quarter will be spent with the medium and teacher that the student chooses to pursue their medium (2D, 3D, or Photography.)   Additionally, the final quarter provides an introduction to the Comparative Study portion of the IB Assessment.

    Units of Study
    2D Processes
    Photo Processes
    3D Processes
    Introduction to the Comparative Study


  • IB Visual Arts SL 2D - Grade 12

    Grade 12
    1 Credit

    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB Visual Arts 

    Required Tools:  Sketchbook

    Additional Fee:  Students in this course are expected to complete the IB Assessment. A fee applies to all students taking this course.
     
    This IB Visual Arts course is the second year of a two-year program for diploma or course candidates. This course is designed for the visual arts student with creative and imaginative abilities who may pursue the visual arts at a university or college. Senior Year in IB Visual Arts will entail refinement and completion of the Process Portfolio and Comparative Study. Seniors will also be required to complete a cohesive body of work for the Exhibition portion of the IB Assessment and an accompanying Curatorial Rationale.

    Units of Study
    Comparative Study
    Exhibition:  Planning and Creating
    Curatorial Rationale


  • IB Visual Arts HL 2D - Grade 12

    Grade 12
    1 Credit

    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB Visual Arts 

    Required Tools:  Sketchbook

    Additional Fee:  Students in this course are expected to complete the IB Assessment. A fee applies to all students taking this course.
     
    This IB Visual Arts course is the second year of a two-year program for diploma or course candidates. This course is designed for the visual arts student with creative and imaginative abilities who may pursue the visual arts at a university or college. Senior Year in IB Visual Arts will entail refinement and completion of the Process Portfolio and Comparative Study. Seniors will also be required to complete a cohesive body of work for the Exhibition portion of the IB Assessment and an accompanying Curatorial Rationale.

    Units of Study
    Comparative Study
    Exhibition:  Planning and Creating
    Curatorial Rationale
  • IB Visual Arts SL 3D - Grade 12

    Grade 12
    1 Credit
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB Visual Arts 
    Required Tools:  Sketchbook
    Additional Fee:  Students in this course are expected to complete the IB Assessment. A fee applies to all students taking this course.
     
    This IB Visual Arts course is the second year of a two-year program for diploma or course candidates. This course is designed for the visual arts student with creative and imaginative abilities who may pursue the visual arts at a university or college. Senior Year in IB Visual Arts will entail refinement and completion of the Process Portfolio and Comparative Study. Seniors will also be required to complete a cohesive body of work for the Exhibition portion of the IB Assessment and an accompanying Curatorial Rationale.

    Units of Study
    Comparative Study
    Exhibition:  Planning and Creating
    Curatorial Rationale
  • IB Visual Arts HL 3D - Grade 12

    Grade 12
    1 Credit
    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB Visual Arts 
    Required Tools:  Sketchbook
    Additional Fee:  Students in this course are expected to complete the IB Assessment. A fee applies to all students taking this course.
     
    This IB Visual Arts course is the second year of a two-year program for diploma or course candidates. This course is designed for the visual arts student with creative and imaginative abilities who may pursue the visual arts at a university or college. Senior Year in IB Visual Arts will entail refinement and completion of the Process Portfolio and Comparative Study. Seniors will also be required to complete a cohesive body of work for the Exhibition portion of the IB Assessment and an accompanying Curatorial Rationale.

    Units of Study
    Comparative Study
    Exhibition:  Planning and Creating
    Curatorial Rationale
  • IB Visual Arts SL Photography - Grade 12

    Grade 12
    1 Credit

    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB Visual Arts 

    Required Tools:  Sketchbook

    Additional Fee:  Students in this course are expected to complete the IB Assessment. A fee applies to all students taking this course.
     
    This IB Visual Arts course is the second year of a two-year program for diploma or course candidates. This course is designed for the visual arts student with creative and imaginative abilities who may pursue the visual arts at a university or college. Senior Year in IB Visual Arts will entail refinement and completion of the Process Portfolio and Comparative Study. Seniors will also be required to complete a cohesive body of work for the Exhibition portion of the IB Assessment and an accompanying Curatorial Rationale.

    Units of Study
    Comparative Study
    Exhibition:  Planning and Creating
    Curatorial Rationale
  • IB Visual Arts HL Photography - Grade 12

    Grade 12
    1 Credit

    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB Visual Arts 

    Required Tools:  Sketchbook

    Additional Fee:  Students in this course are expected to complete the IB Assessment. A fee applies to all students taking this course.
     
    This IB Visual Arts course is the second year of a two-year program for diploma or course candidates. This course is designed for the visual arts student with creative and imaginative abilities who may pursue the visual arts at a university or college. Senior Year in IB Visual Arts will entail refinement and completion of the Process Portfolio and Comparative Study. Seniors will also be required to complete a cohesive body of work for the Exhibition portion of the IB Assessment and an accompanying Curatorial Rationale.

    Units of Study
    Comparative Study
    Exhibition:  Planning and Creating
    Curatorial Rationale

Course Sequence

Visual Arts

IB PATH  Grades 8-9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Drawing & Painting 1
Ceramics 1
Photo 1
Drawing 2
Painting 2
Ceramics 2
Photo 2
IB Visual Arts IB Visual Arts HL: 
2D
3D
Photography
Design Fundamentals
MEDIUM FOCUS Grades 8-12 Grades 8-12 Grades 9-12  Grades 11-12
Drawing and Painting 1
Ceramics 1
Photo 1


Drawing 2
Painting 2
Ceramics 2
Photo 2



Studio Workshop:  Drawing and Painting,
Ceramics,
Photo

These can be repeated for credit with permission.

Visual Arts Intern