Course Descriptions


Art I

Using the elements and principles of design and creative problem solving skills, students explore the technical processes of drawing, painting, graphics, and 3-D art forms. Art projects are kept in portfolios with students reflections on their working process and final products.

This course is a prerequisite for Art II, III, and AP (Advance Placement) art

Art II 
This course builds on the concepts and techniques learned in Art I. Students learn advanced techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Students continue to research and relate works of major artists to their own work. This is a full year, one credit course.
Prerequisite: Art I or permission of visual arts instructor
Art III 
This course is intended for highly motivated students committed to serious study of studio art. The students may choose to complete requirements for either a general portfolio (may include painting, graphics, sculpture, photography) or a drawing portfolio (focus on 2-D graphic media.) Emphasis is placed on quality work, concentration in a particular artistic concept, and breadth of expression. The portfolio, along with AP Studio Art portfolio (completed the following year), is submitted for AP credit. This a full year, one credit course.
Prerequisite: Art II or permission of visual arts instructor
AP Studio Art
Students plan a series of works that explore a specific visual problem related to style, subject matter, technique or media. Students research works of major artists that relate to the visual problem selected. The combined portfolio of works produced in Art III and AP Studio Art is submitted for AP credit. This a full year, one credit course plus 1.0 extra GPA point.
Prerequisite: Art III and/or recommendation of visual
arts instructor

Painting & Drawing
The student learns basic approaches to drawing and painting a variety of subject matter, including still-life, landscape, figure, and fantasy. Problems presented stress perception and stylistic organization of line, space, value, texture, and color. A variety of media is used. Works of major artists' working in related media are studied.
Prerequisite: None This is a one semester course


Art History
Students will view and understand art works from prehistoric times to the present. Art reproductions, videos, movies, slides, visits to Washington Art galleries and artists' studios provide students exposure to a variety of well known art works and artists'. Additionally, students will produce a variety of introductory projects in drawing, painting, and sculpture.
Perequisite: None

Photo I
Students learn to use a single lens reflex camera and produce prints using darkroom equipment. Topics covered include history of photography, elements and principles of design, lighting and film camera function display.
Prerequisite: None

Photo II
In this advanced course, emphasis is placed on artistic and expressive solutions to a variety of photography problems that expand the basic concepts and techniques learned in Photography I. Works of major photographic artists' are studied as they relate to photographic problems explored.
Prerequisite: Photography I or permission of photography instructor

Photo III
This is an advanced photography course for the serious photo student. Students will spend a year building their professional photography portfolio and advancing the learned in Photography I and II.
Prerequisite: Photography I - II
Photo IV
This is a continuation of Photo III. The students are required to exhibit their work in a solo photo show.
Prerequisite: Photography I - III

Computer Graphics 
Students apply creative problem solving skills to commercial design problems that may include product image, logo design, product display, story illustration, page and publication layout. Students may use computer generated graphics or other commercial art techniques to produce completed designs. Photoshop is used exclusively on all projects.
Prerequisite: Permission of visual arts instructor

Sculpture I
This class is designed for beginning students interested in different aspects of three-dimensional sculpture and craftsmanship. To develop a sense of principles of sculptural processes, fundamental knowledge of materials, tools and safety procedures, students will create several sculptures. Special attention is given to clay forming, firing, and decorating techniques. Prerequisite: None
Prerequisite: None
Sculpture II 
This course is designed for students interested in exploring their ability to create self expressive sculptural objects. Students continue to explore a variety of materials and techniques. Subject matter is approached through realistic, abstract, and nonobjective interpretation.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Sculpture I/Crafts I/Art I or permission of the visual arts instructor


Ceramics I
This course will address 3D clay forms in both functional and decorative forms. Students will use various techniques of hand-building, and wheel throwing. This course will allow students to experience clay for the first time or enable more advanced students to develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to experiement with different glazes and finishing techniques.
Prerequisite: None
Ceramics II
This course will continue to address 3D clay forms in both functional and decorative forms. This course will allow students to hone their skill in hand-building and wheel throwing. It will allow the student to further investigate the boundless possibilities that clay has to offer the 3D artist. Students will learn other glazing, finishing, and firing techniques. Included will be the study of clay artists and their works.
Prerequisite: Ceramics I or permission of the ceramics instructor

 
Crafts I
Students create pottery, weaving, jewelry, masks, etc., from a variety of cultural perspectives and styles which may include Native American, Guatemalan, Mexican, Asian, and Colonial American. This is a one semester, one-half credit course.
Prerequisite: None 

Crafts II
In this year-long course, students will deal with the rich cultural heritage of crafts which combine function with artistic one-of-a-kind design. Multicultural craft works will serve to inspire responses to assignments involving clay, fiber, wood, etc. Knowledge necessary to work intelligently, skillfully, and creatively with craft media will be developed. Elements and principles of design and aesthetics, written and/or oral critiques, and the historical heritage of the crafts produced will be stressed.
Prerequisite:
Crafts I or permission of the crafts instructor