Studio in Art
1 credit
Prerequisite: None
This foundation art course combines studio experiences in the visual arts with art history and art criticism. It is designed to help students better express their ideas and feelings in visual form by expanding their understanding of the elements and principles of design and developing their skills with a variety of art media techniques (drawing, painting, graphics, ceramics and collage). Studio Art focuses on the basics and prepares students to take level 2 classes. Sketchbook assignments are required.
Evaluation: Departmental Examination/Project
Exploration of Art
1 credit
Prerequisite: None
Exploration of Art is an introduction to the fundamentals of two-and three-dimensional design in various materials. Students will actively participate in the creation of projects using a variety of materials ranging from paper and fabric to linoleum, clay and mixed media. Techniques include assemblage, modeling, carving, printmaking and painting. Students will respond to and analyze works of art as well as develop an understanding of the cultural dimensions and contributions of the arts.
Evaluation: Departmental Examination/Project
Studio in Drawing and Painting
1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Studio Art
This full-year course is divided roughly in half with the first half-year devoted to intensive studio exploration of various drawing techniques aimed at developing solid drawing skills. The second half-year focuses on painting techniques in connection with a variety of media such as watercolors, pastels, and acrylics with emphasis on an understanding of basic color theories and composition. Sketchbook assignments are required.
Evaluation: Departmental Examination/Project
Ceramics
1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Studio Art
A studio course designed to acquaint the student with hand-building clay techniques, wheel throwing and various decorating/glazing techniques. Students develop discipline and appreciation of craftsmanship through their own process of creating pieces, as well as analyzing and critiquing other works of art. Functional ware and sculptural pieces will be constructed along with developing an understanding of the multi-cultural aspects of working with clay.
Evaluation: Departmental Examination/Project
Photography 1 (F)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Studio Art
Instruction to familiarize the student with the technical aspects of camera handling, exposure developing black and white film, making contact prints, darkroom procedures, enlarging and mounting prints.
Evaluation: Departmental Examination/Project
Photography 2 (S)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Studio Art and Photography 1
This course is designed as a follow up course to Basic Photography. Additional instruction in black and white film camera and darkroom techniques are covered, but the emphasis will gradually switch students into computer and digital photo techniques. This is a rapidly growing area of photography and an important part of the graphics industry. We will supply the equipment needed to scan and process existing printed images, as well as the creation of new color images with our digital cameras. A variety of software titles will be used to manipulate, enhance and print your new images. You will create a variety of web pages to show off your work, and explore many other ways to use the images you make. This course will present the latest technology and course content will change as our ability to offer the latest technology improves.
Evaluation: Departmental Examination/Project
Advanced Art (alternating years)
1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Studio Art
Students pursue in greater depth some of the skill areas to which they have been introduced. There is some opportunity for independent study for self-directed students. One short research paper is required. Students will prepare portfolios, which may be used for application to college art programs. Homework drawings are required.
Evaluation: Departmental Examination/Project
Advertising (F) (S) (alternating years)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Studio Art
This course covers the various media advertisers use, the historical background, advertising planning and production, lettering used in advertising and color reproduction. Links to artist and art movements will be incorporated into each unit of study. Connections to the New York State Art Standards will be the backbone of our work. Students will work in both two-dimensional and three dimensional mediums. Emphasis will be placed on current trends in the advertising community. Sketchbook assignments are required.
Evaluation: Departmental Examination/Project
Printmaking (S)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Studio Art
Printmaking provides students with experience in a variety of traditional printmaking media, techniques, and processes. This course emphasizes elements of art and principles of design and introduces the critique process. Advanced courses may encourage students to refine their creative processes and develop their own artistic styles.
Watercolor (F)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Studio Art
Watercolor is a Painting course that provides a foundation in painting using a variety of techniques and multimedia, emphasizing observation and interpretation of the visual environment, life drawing, and imaginative painting. This course typically includes applying the elements of art and principles of design, along with a study of art and artists from a worldwide perspective, and instruction in the critique process. Advanced courses may encourage students to refine their creative processes and develop their own artistic styles.
Sculpture
½ credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Studio Art
Explore sculpture through different cultures and artistic movements. This course will explore the use of clay, wire, paper mache, cardboard, found objects and plaster to create small to medium scale sculptures. In this course you will learn to use a variety of tools and methods to create a range of sculptures. Relief Sculpture and Sculpture in the round will be taught as basic and advanced 3D concepts will be explored both abstractly and realistically.
Advanced Ceramics (F) (S)
½ credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Ceramics
Advanced Ceramics gives students an opportunity to use their prior knowledge and experience of Ceramics for deeper and broader understanding of clay. Students will continue to develop technical skills and will be challenged as artists creatively. Students will learn more advanced techniques in throwing on the potter’s wheel, hand building, glazing and firing.