Visual Arts Courses

AR25: Visual Art Foundations I

This course emphasizes fundamental drawing skills, and the elements and the principles of design and composition. Students will explore a variety of 2D tools and media, including graphite, charcoal, ink, pastel, watercolor, and mixed media. Instruction is aimed at developing a critical eye and heightened accuracy of form through direct observational study. While drawing will remain our primary focus, students will be introduced to a variety of art forms throughout the year, to extend their art understanding.  In addition, they will have the opportunity to explore independent work in their preferred medium, as time permits. Through steady effort and focus, students will gain confidence in their drawing ability, and in their capacity for creative problem solving as well. Students should expect to do a modest amount of outside work to meet the demands of this course.

AR50: Visual Art Foundations II

Prerequisite: Visual Art Foundations I, or the equivalent This studio course emphasizes the development of drawing, painting and compositional skills. Students will be introduced to a variety of art concepts including linear and areal perspective, the effects of light and shadow on from, basic color theory, and the Canon for drawing the human head. Instruction will focus on a range of 2D media, including charcoal, conte crayon, colored pencil, watercolor, ink brush painting, and mixed media. The course provides the possibility for accelerated students to set artistic goals and work independently in a preferred medium. Students should expect to do a modest amount of outside work to meet the demands of this course.

AR80: Advanced Art Seminar

This studio course is for highly motivated students who have had prior training in art. Instruction is focused on observational study, the refinement of technique, and the formal elements of art and composition. Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of media including graphite, charcoal, conte crayon, ink, watercolors, acrylics, and clay. They will be encouraged to utilize the Art Studio outside of class time, to advance their work and develop a portfolio.

AR80B: Independent Study in 2D Design

Students will work on a selective group of 2D projects designed to build and/or round out their art portfolios. Learner-centered projects will reflect student-driven content and media. Selected portfolio works must demonstrate a clear understanding of 2D design concepts, careful planning, strong composition, and thoughtful execution. 2D design issues may include, but are not limited to: Unity, Variety, Rhythm, Proportion, Scale, Balance, Emphasis, Contrast, Repetition, and Figure Ground Relationships.