Art

Course Descriptions

AP Studio Art

The AP Studio Art class is intended for highly motivated students who are seriously  interested in the study of art or design. This AP course operates at a college level and it  encourages and expects both the creative and systematic study of conceptual and formal  issues relating to drawing and painting. AP course requirements are significantly more  rigorous and students should demonstrate commitment and accomplishment when  enrolled. Students are expected to develop a true understanding of the artistic creation as  an ongoing process. During the year the students will work in and out of class to produce  a portfolio to meet the standards set up by the College Board. 

Students will have the opportunity to concentrate in a particular medium, art style, and/or  subject matter. Students are expected to complete approximately one major project each  week, and they will be required to prepare portfolios of their best work for the College  Board’s AP portfolio exam. Students in AP Studio Art should be committed to success,  and they must be willing to put in the time and effort necessary to produce the high  quality work expected of a serious, focused investigation into a discipline in which they  are interested.

Intro to Drawing

Drawing Fundamentals is an introductory studio-drawing course, with emphasis on learning to see and developing basic drawing skills using various media by employing fundamental design and composition concepts. In addition to technical skills, exploration of creative thinking, and problem solving, critical analysis will be studied. During the semester, students will explore different drawing techniques and media. Students will be encouraged to develop an expression of individual style. Lectures, demonstrations, critiques, museums visits and supervision of work in progress, will expose students to a visual language. 

A sketchbook and/or portfolio of work done in and out of class are required.

Intro to Painting - Acrylics

Students will successfully learn to mix paint to create colors necessary for a work of art. Subjects vary according to student selection with only original work produced. This allows for the study of composition, lighting, and subject matter. Projects included self portraits, still life subjects and abstraction. Students will primarily use water based paints. Painting course will work on canvas board. Additionally, students will study through critical analysis, and the aesthetic merit of paintings

Art History

“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward  significance.”  - Aristotle 

This course presents a general global view of Art History. It is designed to develop students' understanding and knowledge of the diverse historical and cultural contexts of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other media. Through lectures, slide shows,  museum trips and discussions, this course will enable students to examine and critically  analyze major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present from a variety  of cultures.  

It selectively surveys the visual arts from Prehistoric to Modern, covering concurrent historical periods in Europe, Asia (India, China, Japan), Africa, and the Americas.

Prerequisites 

There are no specific prerequisites for this class. It is recommended that students have successfully completed World History and United States History.