Visual Arts (2023-24)

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