VISUAL ARTS

Studio Art I*
Studio Art I is an introductory level class devoted to the development of skills and knowledge of visual perception necessary to create original art. Through a series of exercises, students develop their ability to “see” as they learn color theory and the principles and elements of design that enable them to draw and paint. As a culminating project, students engage in an in-depth study of a still life from which they create a charcoal drawing and a painting based on the charcoal drawing. The curriculum is designed to ensure that all students learn to draw what they see – no innate artistic talent is necessary. Studio I and Studio II are pre-requisites for all art department electives. The class meets every day for one semester.

Prerequisite: None

Studio Art II*
Studio Art II is an introductory level class devoted to the study of printmaking, clay, and sculpture. Students apply the principles and elements of design with knowledge of these media to create original works of art. Studio II is a pre-requisite for all art department electives. The class meets every day for one semester.

Prerequisite: Studio Art I

Intermediate Drawing & Painting
Intermediate Drawing & Painting is a half-year course devoted to the development of drawing and painting skills as well as personal artistic expression. Students incorporate their personal perception into their art work as they master drawing and painting techniques. Media include charcoal, ink wash, ink, watercolor and acrylic.

Prerequisite: Studio Art I & II

Advanced Drawing & Painting
Advanced Drawing & Painting is a half-year course in which students develop the concepts and skills they explored in Intermediate Drawing & Painting. Students engage in figurative drawing. Painting experiences include tempera, watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media on canvas.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Drawing & Painting

Ceramics
Ceramics is a half-year course in which students create hand built clay pottery and sculpture. Glazing and finishing techniques are also studied.

Prerequisite: Studio Art I & II

Sculpture
Sculpture focuses on the creation of 3-dimensional forms. In this half-year course, students use a variety of materials including plaster, wood, clay and mixed media. Students work on long term projects that involve carving, casting and fabrication

Prerequisite: Studio Art I & II

Photo I – Beginner Black and White Photography
Using black and white film and a manual, 35 mm camera, this half-year course introduces students to the basics of darkroom photography.  Students develop their own photographic vision while learning all aspects of shooting, processing and printing from black white film.
One-Half Credit 
Prerequisite: Studio Art I and II

Photo II – Intermediate Black and White Photography
Building on the skills introduced in Photo I, students further their knowledge of the medium through more advanced methods of producing film-based, photographic images.  Topics include: studio portraits, double negatives, toning and hand coloring.
One-Half Credit 
Prerequisite: Photo I

Photo III – Advanced Level I - Black and White Photography
Building on the skills introduced in Photo II, students are further challenged to grow in their manipulation of this medium. They build on studio lighting techniques including strobe photography and use more challenging film including Infrared and high speed.  Students are introduced to scanning negatives and using Photoshop as a “digital darkroom”.  Additional topics may include non-silver printing and liquid emulsion.
One-Half Credit 
Prerequisite: Photo II

Photo IV – Advanced Level II – Black and White Photography
Using all the skills and techniques learned in Photo I, II and III students work in an advanced photo-studio atmosphere to create their highest-quality, personally driven images. Medium format cameras and film are used.  Additional topics may include printing with fiber-based paper and Solar Plate printing.       
One-Half Credit 
Prerequisite: Photo III

Studio Art Project (May fulfill the Senior Experience requirement)
Students work a minimum of 160 hours during the school year to complete a self-developed visual art assignment. Weekly meetings are held with a mentor to evaluate efforts and progress. This is a self-guided experience in which the student works to create visual solutions using skills mastered in prior courses, or learns skills in classes outside of school during the summer prior to senior year or immediately upon the beginning of senior year. This experience culminates in a solo exhibition including all aspects of exhibition such as signage, developing an artist’s statement and delivering an oral presentation of the work. Open to 12th Grade students only, this year-long course earns one credit.

Prerequisite: 3 visual art credits or recommendation of the Visual Art faculty