Visual Arts

An introductory course that covers why we make art. Students will learn art history, the Elements and Principles of design, the creative process, and 2D and 3D mediums.

No Prerequisite

For incoming Freshman with talent, experience, or passion for developing as an artist. Teaches the same content as Exploratory art, but at a faster pace and more in-depth study, also, with more focus on drawing and painting.

Challenge Test Required

This course teaches how to draw and paint using different mediums and techniques. It focuses on observational drawing with weekly sketchbook assignments to help enhance and define drawing skills.

Prerequisite: Exploratory Art or Honors Exploratory Art

This course is designed to further students experience in 2D technical skills, observational drawing, visual communication, creative thinking, problem-solving, medium exploration, color theory, and understanding art history.  The body of work created in this course will begin to develop a college portfolio, AP portfolio, and contend for various gallery exhibitions.

Prerequisite: Challenge Test or Drawing and Painting

Artists learn the history of art and photography, study their camera as a tool and learn how to shoot in manual mode, understand the exposure triangle and how to use it to create meaningful work. We study famous photographers and explore portraiture, lighting, and conceptual imagery by communicating a story visually.

Prerequisite: DSLR or Mirrorless Camera, Offered to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

In Honors Photo II, students will learn many new technical skills about their camera, go more in-depth with understanding natural light, studio lighting, lenses, and learn Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. In addition to growing technology, students will also learn the Elements and Principles of design, and develop their ability to communicate conceptual ideas.

Prerequisite: Photography I

This course is an introduction to the skill of graphic design by using Adobe's creative cloud. Students will study design in art history, keep a visual sketchbook, and create their own works of art. This course will cover design, layout, and typography, not digital painting techniques (that will be in Graphic Design II).

Prerequisite: Exploratory Art or Honors Exploratory Art

This course is an introduction to 3-D Design as it pertains to ceramics and sculpture. They will leave this class with a strong idea of experimenting with a variety of materials and a better understanding of the elements and principles of design through 3D design.

Prerequisite: Exploratory Art or Honors Exploratory Art

Artists continue to develop mastery in approach, ideation and use of materials to communicate ideas in 3D form. Students will also continue to develop their skills in ceramics and sculpture, as well as learn more about art history and the creative approach.

Prerequisite: Sculpture I

This is the highest level art class you can take in high school, as it is a college level class. In this course you create your own body of work, 12 pieces, that are about an idea or concept of your choice. You choose the size, medium, composition and execute the creation every two weeks.

Prerequisite: Advanced Art, Photography II, Sculpture II or Graphic Design II