Visual Arts

Visual Arts Courses:

AP 3-D Art and Design

PREREQUISITE:    Ceramics and/or 3-D Design

The AP 3-D Art and Design course framework presents an inquiry-based approach to learning about and making forms and structures in art and design. Students are expected to conduct an in-depth, sustained investigation of materials, processes, concepts, and ideas in three dimensions. The framework focuses on concepts and skills emphasized within college art and design 3-D foundation courses with the same intent: to help students become inquisitive, thoughtful artists and designers able to create, explore, and develop works as well as to articulate information about their work. AP 3-D Art and Design students develop and apply skills of inquiry and investigation, practice, experimentation, exploration, revision, communication, and reflection. 

 

AP Studio Art: 2-D Design

PREREQUISITE: Art II

AP 2-D Art and Design is an introductory college-level two-dimensional design course. Students refine, develop, and apply 2-D skills to ideas they develop throughout the course through materials and processes such as graphic design, photography, collage, printmaking, fashion illustration, collage, and others. Students will create artwork that reflects their own ideas and skills and what has been learned. To review specific AP course credit, visit www.collegeboard.org; see counselor for information.

 

AP Studio Art: Drawing

PREREQUISITE: Art II

This course is designed for advanced art students who continue to study numerous techniques in the media of choice, art history topics in depth, and prepare portfolio presentations. The course also enables a sustained investigation and development of three sections of the AP Portfolio: the development of an artistic breadth of experience, the student's focus and development of a visual idea defined as a concentration, and the continual process of creating works of great quality & craftsmanship. To review specific AP course credit, visit www.collegeboard.org; see counselor for information.

 

Art I

Students learn the basics of art, develop drawing skills, learn to work with many kinds of art materials, learn how to mix and use color, gain a working vocabulary of art terms, and use the elements and principles of design to create original artworks. Art history is introduced. Students work in drawing, painting, collage, and printmaking. Art I is the prerequisite for all advanced two-dimensional courses.

 

Animation

PREREQUISITE: Art I or above

This course for grades 10-12 immerses students in the dynamic field of animation, focusing on the elements of art and their application in creating 2D and 30 animation images. Students will learn to animate using color, texture, and lighting, culminating in a complete project that includes storyboarding, character creation, and final filming with sound and editing. The curriculum covers the history of animation, industry practices, and essential skills aligned with California Arts Standards, preparing students for future careers in animation and digital media production. The instruction and projects will focus on essential exercises, and projects that meet the skills and knowledge aligned with the California Arts Standards for Visual Arts. n this course, students will delve into the fundamentals of animation, covering its history, design conventions, and rendering techniques. The curriculum emphasizes self-reflection, peer critiques, and script analysis for animation concepts, while also focusing on character design and essential digital skills. Through hands-on projects, students will gain a thorough understanding of the animation process from initial concept to final production.

 

Digital Art

Digital Media and Design is a hands-on project-based course where students will explore many facets of digital art created with technology. This course provides entry-level training in art-making through technology. Students will create a variety of digital artworks including Image Manipulation, Digital Drawing, and Digital Painting using their creativity and skills. They will also learn how to integrate multiple images and media into a single product. Students will learn and use a range of computer applications and hardware, through gained knowledge and skills acquired in this class. These abilities will empower students to be more successful in today's technology-driven society.  

 

Art II

PREREQUISITE:    Art I

This course is designed for students who wish to explore a variety of media such as printmaking, fibers and fabrics, clay, pastels, and paints, while emphasizing drawing skills.

 

Ceramics I

PREREQUISITE:    Art I

This course focuses on basic techniques for making creative ceramic pieces. Students learn basic formation techniques: pinch, coiling, slab and wheel throwing, decoration, glazing, and firing procedures. Slip pouring into molds is not part of the ceramics course. Instruction in wheel throwing and more complex techniques is given individually. Students study historic works and make original pieces based on research.

 

Ceramics II

PREREQUISITE: Ceramics I

This course is designed for the study of advanced techniques in the formation and glazing of hand-built and wheel-thrown projects. Students analyze aesthetic qualities of their own and other's work in written and oral form. Students research historical and cultural influences and apply attributes to their own work.

 

Photo II

PREREQUISITE: Digital Photography I

This course is designed for students to exhibit proficiency in the use of natural and artificial light in photography compositions. Color photography is introduced. Students research and apply historical and cultural attributes in their work. Students create presentations and portfolio of their photographic work.

 

3 - Dimensional Design

PREREQUISITE:   Art I

This course provides an introduction to a wide variety of experiences in creating three-dimensional design. Students apply the elements of art and principles of design in their three-dimensional designs using a variety of materials such as clay, wood, metal, paper-mache, and plaster. Students learn correct and safe use of special tools and equipment. Historical and contemporary three-dimensional arts are introduced. Three-Dimensional Design I is the prerequisite for all advanced three-dimensional courses.

 

Yearbook I & II

Yearbook is designed to provide students with the skills necessary for the production and marketing of the school yearbook. Students develop skills in layout design, copywriting, editing, proofreading, advertising, marketing, sales, and business management.