Arts

Introduction to Drawing is a studio course that introduces students to the comprehensive visual language of drawing. Various projects and presentations expose students to numerous drawing approaches, including ways of structuring the picture plane, creating believable space with linear perspective, and modelling form with shading. Students apply these skills to idea generation, form development, experimental variations on a design, investigative studies of creative problem-solving, and expressions of movement and spatial illusion.

Using a variety of media, students draw from observation and are introduced to the processes involved in planning, researching, and actualizing a major drawing project. Critiques and lectures help students develop an understanding of the critical issues of drawing and of its context within the history of art. PowerPoint presentations, the Internet, and field trips to museums and galleries further students’ understanding of historic and contemporary art. Each student submits a final portfolio of work developed throughout the semester to fulfil the course requirements.

Suggested readings include The Language of Drawing by Edward Hill, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and Color by Betty Edwards, The Natural Way to Draw by Kimon Nicolaides, and The Art of Drawing by Bernard Chaet.

 Illustration teaches students that an illustrator’s job is to provide a narrative through visual imagery and to convey the meaning or emotion of a text or concept. Some examples of illustration include children’s books, advertisements, and video game concepts. In this course you will learn how to effectively tell a story in a single image. Through strong design, the use of color, and captivating compositions, you will create art that demands attention. (Basic drawing and painting skills encouraged).

In this project-based course, students learn the basics of sewing, garment construction, and inspiration–based design. Units include learning both machine and hand sewing; an introduction to pattern-making and garment creation; and designing a mini collection from which students will select one design to make for an end-of-term fashion show. Second semester, students create a garment from reclaimed materials, utilizing the skills they learned first semester, and then develop a second garment based on a theme chosen by the class. Integrated in the garment curriculum, students learn about fashion history, including notable designers of the past.

This course is an introduction to creating comics. Students learn effective visual storytelling techniques, how to compose a comic page, and how to create a visually entertaining story. Traditional materials such as pencil and ink are used to develop comic illustrations. Students work from assigned scripts, as well as write and draw their own five-page comic. Creative writing, composition, anatomy, and fine art drawing skills are developed as students explore the art of creating comics.

The purpose of the course is for students to explore, experiment, and become familiar with the medium of paint, to build skills of observation and to learn to create form and materiality of simple and complex objects through paint. Students build an understanding of the properties of color, composition, and perspective and develop an understanding of basic design terminology used to express visual ideas and concepts.  

Students are introduced to examples of historic and contemporary painting through PowerPoint, reproductions in books, the Internet, and visits to art museums and galleries. Midterm and final portfolios of work produced throughout the semester are required of all students to successfully fulfil course requirements. The portfolio is evaluated on the effort and the quality of the work completed.  

Suggested readings include The Language of Drawing by Edward Hill, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and Color by Betty Edwards, The Natural Way to Draw by Kimon Nicolaides, and The Art of Drawing by Bernard Chaet. 

In this Printmaking elective, students learn a variety of print methods, including monotype, collagraph, relief, screen-printing, and photo-etching. From painterly prints to linocuts to original designs on tee shirts, students gain a well-rounded understanding of some of the most popular methods of making prints. Through these studio processes, they learn how to combine techniques, use studio equipment, and develop new, original creative content. Independent final projects demonstrate these skills, with which students will create a suite of prints suitable for inclusion in college application portfolios. 

 Introduction to Sculpture is a studio course that introduces students to the comprehensive visual language of the sculptural form. Various projects and presentations expose students to numerous sculptural approaches, including ways of structuring space, choosing and working with a variety of materials, and handling tools. Students apply these skills to idea generation, form development, experimental variations on a design, investigative studies of creative problem-solving, and expressions of movement and spatial relationships.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to elements of graphic design. Students utilize computer programs from the Adobe Creative Cloud such as Photoshop and Illustrator. Class projects include poster design, photo manipulation, logo design, and creating a business identity. Students learn valuable skills in color, composition, and typography and the importance these have on creating eye-catching design.