Visual Arts

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit

This course introduces foundational concepts, methods, and techniques of perceptual drawing and painting.  Students use line, value, and color in varying combinations, learning to represent rhythm and balance as essential features of pictorial structure.  Subject matter includes still life, landscape, architecture, copies of works from old and modern masters, historic plaster casts, and the live model.  Through various studies and exercises using pencil, charcoal, watercolor, and acrylic paint, students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for increasingly challenging assignments and subsequent courses in drawing and painting. The lives and works of major artists and significant historical developments in the visual arts complement this study.  Students will be responsible for purchasing their own supplies.

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit

Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting I

This course explores the representation and anatomical structure of the human head and figure, providing students with the opportunity to draw from the work of old and modern masters, historic plaster casts, and the live model.  Using various drawing materials such as pencil, charcoal, and Conté crayon, students develop their understanding of skeletal and muscular anatomy, learn techniques and methods for representing the head and figure, and deepen their experience of drawing as a means of visual communication.  The lives and works of major artists and significant historical developments in the visual arts complement this study. Student will be responsible for purchasing their own supplies. 

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit

For students seeking skills and knowledge beyond the entry level for college/university admissions, this course focuses on the techniques, methods, and concepts that characterize the drawings of past and present masters.  With the guidance of the instructor, students in this course will select one or more areas of particular drawing interest to study in depth (for example, portraiture, anatomy, figure drawing techniques of the early Renaissance era, and the like), and they will expand and refine their technical approach to the materials they prefer (pencil, charcoal, conte crayon, etc.).  This high level of study will inevitably transform each student’s abilities, which under optimal circumstances advance through a blend of persistence, courage, and the pleasure of drawing.

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit

Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting I

This course explores the application of linseed oil as an historic medium, providing students with longer, more challenging painting assignments.  Applying the all-at-once and layered method of oil painting, students work from still life, landscape, historic plaster casts, and the live model as they attempt to represent the visual world through line, shape, and color.  Topics for this course include major aspects of pictorial structure as well as technical matters such as preparing canvases and mixing dry pigments with linseed oil to make paint of superior quality.  The lives and works of major artists and significant historical developments in the visual arts complement this study. Student will be responsible for purchasing their own supplies. 

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit

For students seeking skills and knowledge beyond the entry level for college/university admissions, this course focuses on the techniques, methods, and concepts that characterize the oil paintings of past and present masters from France, Italy, and beyond.  With the guidance of the instructor, students in this course will select one or more areas of particular oil painting interest to study in depth, and they will expand and refine their approach to the oil painting techniques and methods they prefer (such as the Venetian approach with layers of underpainting, scumbles, and glazes).  This high level of study will inevitably transform each student’s abilities, which under optimal circumstances advance through a blend of persistence, courage, and the pleasure of painting.

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit

Students in Introduction to Ceramics will learn about the properties of clay and construction methods to create both functional and sculptural works of art. The focus will be on pinch, coil, slab, and basic wheel throwing techniques. Various glaze and surface decoration techniques for finishing work will be introduced and explored along with kiln firing methods. Participation in critiques, regular use of sketchbook planning and preparation, as well as a study of traditional and contemporary ceramics will complement this course.

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit                

Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Students in Ceramics II: Hand Built Forms will be engaged in advanced hand building techniques and challenges. Students will use, develop, and enhance skills learned in Introduction to Ceramics, while exploring new construction techniques, firing methods, and surface decoration applications to create both functional and sculptural clay forms. Emphasis will be placed on the student creating a body of work that demonstrates independent thinking, problem solving, and craftsmanship. Participation in critiques, regular use of sketchbook planning and preparation, as well as a study of traditional and contemporary ceramics will complement this course. 

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit                  

Prerequisite: Ceramics I

Students in Ceramics II: Wheel Thrown Forms will be engaged in various wheel thrown techniques and challenges. Skills will be developed in the creation of both functional and sculptural clay pieces such as mugs, bowls, plates and combined forms. Students will use, develop, and enhance skills learned in Introduction to Ceramics, while exploring new construction techniques, firing methods, and surface decoration applications. Emphasis will be placed on the student creating a body of work that demonstrates independent thinking, problem solving, and craftsmanship. Participation in critiques, regular use of sketchbook planning and preparation, as well as a study of traditional and contemporary ceramics will complement this course.  

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit              

Prerequisite: Ceramics I and II

Students in Ceramics III will deepen their understanding of ceramic techniques, materials, and artistic expression. Students will explore advanced hand-building, wheel-throwing, glazing, and firing techniques while developing a personal style and conceptual approach to their work. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking and problem-solving as they work on creating functional and sculptural pieces. Regular critiques will allow students to participate in the iterative process by articulating their artistic vision and receiving constructive feedback. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their growth as a ceramic artist, as well as an understanding of the technical and conceptual foundations necessary for pursuing ceramics beyond high school.

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit

This course follows the European figurative tradition, offering students the opportunity to experience portrait and figure sculpture using oil-based clay.  Working from historic plaster casts and the live figure, students develop drawing skills that promote sound sculptural practice, construct a wire armature, and model the figure through the balance and rhythm of masses. Concurrent studies of the skeletal and muscular structures of the human figure promote success by revealing to the student the essential bony landmarks and fleshy masses that define the surface of the human form.  The lives and works of major artists and significant historical developments in the visual arts complement this study.

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit

For students seeking skills and knowledge beyond the entry level for college/university admissions, this course focuses on the techniques, methods, and concepts that characterize the sculpture of past and present masters.  With the guidance of the instructor, students in this course will select one or more areas of particular sculpting interest to study in depth (for example, the link between anatomy and surface planes), and they will expand and refine their use of modeling tools that promote technical achievement.  This high level of study will inevitably transform each student’s abilities, which under optimal circumstances advance through a blend of persistence, courage, and the pleasure of sculpting.

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit

Working from live horses and from an actual equine skeleton, students in this course develop drawing skills that promote sound sculptural practice, construct a wire armature, and model the equine form through the balance and rhythm of masses.  Concurrent studies of the skeletal and muscular structures of the horse promote success by revealing to the student the essential bony landmarks and fleshy masses that define the surface of the horse.  The objective is to complete an equine sculpture in correct proportion and lively gesture through anatomical study and direct observation, thereby emulating masters of art and science such as Leonardo da Vinci.  The lives and works of major artists and significant historical developments in the visual arts complement this study. 

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit

For students seeking skills and knowledge beyond levels achieved in Equine Sculpture, this course focuses on the techniques, methods, and concepts that characterize equestrian monuments from ancient Rome to the 20^th century.  Working from photographs, art historical references, plaster casts, and live horses and riders from the Culver stables, students will design and model a ¼ scale equestrian sculpture using oil-based clay.  Topics of study will include comparative anatomy, proportion, and rhythm to activate the planar forms of horse and human and their relational movements in space.

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit

Students in Introduction to Photography will learn the fundamental skills required to record light as an image. This course introduces students to both film and digital photography. The course will begin with traditional, chemistry-based materials, then will move on to digital processes. Topics of study include the camera, film and print development, exposure, composition, lighting, digital imaging, digital image management, and digital printing. Students will be expected to actively take photographs and make prints, as well as participate in critiques, discussions and class activities.  

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit                

Prerequisite: Photography I

Students in Photography II: Analog will study advanced techniques in chemistry-based photography. This course builds on the concepts and skills learned in Introduction to Photography. Students will be introduced to a wide range of equipment and techniques. Topics of study include small, medium and large format photography, large-format printing, special printing techniques, and advanced lighting techniques. Students will be expected to generate and execute original ideas for photographs. Students will also be expected to actively participate in critiques, discussions, and class activities. 

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit                 

Prerequisite: Photography I

Students in Photography II: Digital will study advanced techniques in digital photography. This course builds on the concepts and skills learned in Introduction to Photography.  Topics of study include advanced image editing and compositing in Adobe Photoshop, as well as advanced lighting and studio photography techniques. Students will be expected to generate and execute original ideas for photographs, with the goal of creating a cohesive body of work. Students will also be expected to actively participate in critiques, discussions, and class activities.  

2 terms, non-solid 2 days/week (Mon & Thurs or Tues & Fri), 1 credit 

Students in Graphic Design will learn to create print media utilizing typography, illustration, and image creation with digital tools and computer technology. The initial focus of this course is gaining fundamental skills working with Adobe CC programs (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) to become proficient in tools, layout, and design principles.  Students will reflect upon and refine their work, as well as the work of others, in the form of critiques and sketchbook entries. Performance based assessments in this course can include: magazine advertisements, post cards, posters, infographics, and illustrations to name a few.   

4 terms, solid, 3 credits of Fine Arts & 1 credit of Writing Workshop

Admission to AP Art History requires a requires a minimum PSAT Evidence Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) score of 520 plus a 3-term cumulative GPA of 3.40 or higher.

The AP Art History course explores such topics as the nature of art, its uses, its meanings, art making, and responses to art. Through investigation of diverse artistic traditions of cultures from prehistory to the present, the course fosters in-depth and holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students learn and apply skills of visual, contextual, and comparative analysis to engage with a variety of art forms, constructing understanding of individual works and interconnections of art-making processes and products throughout history. 

4 terms, non-solid 2 days/week, 2 credits

Prerequisites: Students will be required to fill out the Honors in Visual Art application. Students will complete four sequential studio courses prior to their senior year with a final grade of B+ or above. Students will need to submit a portfolio with 8 works of art (2 from each of the four courses they took). 

Honors in Visual Arts is designed for those select students who desire a more comprehensive, more focused, and more sustained study of a specific visual arts discipline. Students will select either ceramics, photography, painting, or sculpture as their specialization. An application process will occur during the spring of their junior year and requires a portfolio of eight works, two works from each of the four prerequisite courses taken. During the first semester of their senior year, students accepted into the Honors in Visual Art Seminar will produce works based on selected themes and subject matter with a focus on skill/technique acquisition and mastery. The students will be required to keep a sketchbook to experiment with ideas, explore media, and research art historical topics. A review will occur in December that will determine a student’s eligibility to continue in the Honors in Visual Art program. During the second semester, students will produce a portfolio of works that demonstrate the student’s commitment to the thoughtful investigation of a specific visual idea. These works will be featured in the final honors exhibition in May. Students should expect to spend a minimum of 2 additional hours outside of class per week in the studio for this course.