Visual Arts Course Offerings

Visual Arts 1
The first semester focuses on drawing skills using pencil and charcoal. Students learn to draw, or improve skills in drawing realistically. The second semester focuses on 2D design skills and the use of color pencils, chalk and oil pastels, tempera and acrylic paint, collage, photography, mixed media, and at the end of the year students learn hand-building with ceramics.

Visual Arts 2
The emphasis is on drawing, painting and 2D design skills with a more intensive focus on completing longer-term projects and artistic experimentation. At the end of the year students learn how to throw clay on the wheel. Art 2 may be repeated. Visual Arts 2 prepares a student to take either one of two AP Studio Art courses where he/she prepares portfolios to be evaluated by the AP College Board.

AP Studio Art
Students prepare portfolios to be evaluated by the AP College Board. The portfolios consist of 24-32 pieces showing the breadth of ability, the quality of work and a concentration of work focusing on solving a visual problem. AP Studio Art: Drawing focuses on mark-making and includes any drawing or painting media. AP Studio Art: 2D Design also includes the use of any drawing or painting media but focuses on design principles and may include photography and digital graphics.

Yearbook/Computer Graphics
The primary focus is constructing the yearbook using design, layout, photography, and journalism skills. Students also learn Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and create graphics and posters for drama productions, the Spring Festival, and other activities.