Studio Art
Intro to Drawing
Drawing is fundamental for all other areas of art. This course examines the art elements and principles of composition as they specifically relate to drawing. Basic drawing skills are taught, including perspective, rendering three-dimensional forms of a still life, pen and ink techniques, and portraiture. Strong observation skills are emphasized. Semester 1/2 Credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Intro to Paint and Design
This course continues the examination of the art elements and principles as they specifically relate to painting. Basic color mixing is taught, including the color wheel and color harmonies. Experiences in selected color media are applied to abstract designs, still life, landscape, and figure. Req: Introduction to Drawing; Semester 1/2 Credit Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Intermediate Paint and Design
Whether it is for pleasure or continued progression through the art curriculum, students will build upon the basic skills learned in the first two semesters of Art. Advanced subject matter, drawing, and painting media will facilitate the development of the individual student-artist. Drawing and painting skills will be reinforced and expanded. Printmaking and sculpture will be introduced. Req: Introduction to Painting and Design. This course is typically offered 2nd Semester only; 1/2 Credit Grades 10, 11, 12
Advanced Paint & Design
The goal of this course is to develop the art student’s individual style and interests. Only the more serious art students should choose this course. Students will begin a portfolio of work in preparation for the Art IV course. Higher-level drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture projects will increase the student’s artistic development. Oil painting will be introduced. Advanced subject matter will be chosen to heighten observation and interpretation abilities. Students will be guided to develop strengths and work on weaknesses. An independent project will be required. Req: Intermediate Painting & Design This course is typically offered 1st Semester only; 1/2 Credit Grades 11, 12
Graphic Design
Graphic design is the creative planning and execution of visual communication. Students combine symbols, words, and images in order to reproduce them in a flat medium (paper, cardboard, cloth, plastic, video, computer, or projection screen, on poster , billboard, or other signage) or in a three-dimensional form in order to convey information to a targeted audience. All graphic design has a purpose or function. Usually its purpose is to sell or explain something—to express, inform, and influence the thoughts and actions of its audience. Req: Introduction to Drawing or instructor permission; Semester 1/2 Credit Grades 11, 12.
This course introduces students to art intended to communicate information and advertising. The focus is on studying and using layout and design concepts used in the graphic design field. Students will employ both analog media (drawing with pencil and paper, etc.) and digital media—software—for drawing, painting, layout, typography, scanning and photography.
Art IV
This course completes the art program and the student’s portfolio. The continued development of individual style and interpretation is emphasized. Unique and challenging media, subject matter, and techniques will be experienced through drawing, painting, silk screening and sculpture. Related artists and trends will be studied. A quarterly independent project will be required. Req: A total of at least 2 ½ credits in Art and permission of instructor. Art Awareness is strongly recommended; Year, 1 Credit Grade 12
Advanced Placement/Studio Art: 2-D Design
This is a rigorous art course designed for the serious art student only. This is a highly individualized course designed to fulfill the portfolio requirements of the Advanced Placement program in either two-dimensional Design or Drawing. Twenty-four works are submitted digitally to the College Board in May, and evaluated for college credit. Portfolio work should reflect a theme as well as represent the total abilities of the individual. Enrollment in private lessons and courses at local art institutions is strongly recommended to facilitate the production of the portfolio.
Req: A total of at least 2 ½ credits in art. Art Awareness is strongly recommended. Full Year 1 Credit Grade 12
Digital Media
An introduction to image making and storytelling with media, featuring digital media tools, techniques and professional photo editing software. In addition, students will be introduced to animation and video editing. A quality digital camera with an optical zoom lens, although not mandatory, would be extremely beneficial. Semester 1/2 Credit Grades 11, 12
Advanced Digital Media
This course will build on concepts introduced in Digital Media involving digital video production by providing design theory and hands-on camera technique and editing. Students will practice the production process from live shoot to final edit and learn how scripts, storyboards, and short animation sequences are developed. The Digital Media course that precedes this is a mandatory requirement.
Yearbook (also an English elective)
The goal of this course is to expose students to elements of journalism, page layout, and graphic design as well as the technological process involved in the publishing world. Hands-on experience with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator will be an integral part of the course. All students in Yearbook will be responsible for story and caption writing, photography, ad sales, proofreading, and overall production of a quality yearbook. Students are expected to arrange no less than one hour a week that they are regularly able to work in the yearbook room. This can be during Yearbook Room hours before and after school or during study halls. Req: Instructor permission based on application; Full Year 1/4 Credit Grades 10, 11, 12
Horizon Literary Magazine (also an English elective)
This course teaches students basic principles of magazine production. Students act as editors and assistants for the literary magazine, Horizon, learning the fundamentals of editorial selection, copy editing, proofreading, design, illustration, production and distribution. Weekly meetings are required with a majority of the work being completed during study halls and before and after school. Req: Instructor permission based on application. Full Year 1/4 Credit Grades 10, 11, 12
