Visual Arts

Exploratory:
In exploratory art class, students use a variety of tools and techniques to create two and three dimensional works of art. Topics of study include drawing, design, painting and sculpture. Students study the historical background of art and its impact on ancient and modern civilizations. Art criticism, aesthetic judgment, and art careers are emphasized.

Mixed Media:
Mixed Media is a three-dimensional art course that will explore various combinations of media, such as found object assemblage, jewelry, fibers, printmaking, bookmaking, and ceramics. Students will explore a variety of techniques to communicate themes and ideas in their work. Students will study historical and contemporary artists who work in mixed media.

Drawing and Painting 7 is a two-dimensional art course that will explore a variety of dry and wet media, including graphite, colored pencils, pastels, charcoal, markers, watercolors, tempera, and acrylic paints. Students will develop their drawing skills by working from both flat imagery and real life objects. Students will study the historical background of drawing and painting; they will compare and contrast styles and genres of various artists. The scientific aspects of color theory and chemical composition of pigments, binders, and solvents will be explored.

Ceramics and Sculpture is a three-dimensional art course that will explore media such as clay, plaster, wire, metal, and wood. Ceramic projects will involve modeling clay with pinching, coiling, and slab construction techniques. Surface decoration, glazing, and firing techniques will be explored in this course. Students will study historical and contemporary examples of sculptures from various cultures. The compositions of clay and glaze compounds and the chemical reaction during the firing process will be investigated.

Mixed Media is a three-dimensional art course that will explore various combinations of media, such as found object assemblage, jewelry, fibers, printmaking, bookmaking, and ceramics. Students will explore a variety of techniques to communicate themes and ideas in their work. Students will study historical and contemporary artists who work in mixed media.

Drawing and Painting 8 is a two-dimensional art course that emphasizes modern and contemporary art styles and themes. This course will explore a variety of dry and wet media, including graphite, colored pencils, pastels, charcoal, markers, watercolors, tempera, and acrylic paints. Students will develop their drawing skills by working from both flat imagery and real life objects. Students will study the historical background of drawing and painting; they will compare and contrast styles and genres of various artists. The scientific aspects of color theory and chemical composition of pigments, binders, and solvents will be explored.