Visual Arts

List of 9 items.

• Art I

  This foundation-level course explores the fundamentals of visual expression in a studio setting. Surveying the disciplines of drawing, design and painting the student begins to learn how to communicate thoughts and ideas visually. A dynamic interplay between theory, practice and critique provides a unique learning experience. A portfolio will be developed as evidence of this growth. There is a studio fee for this course. 
  
  

  Prerequisites/Comments - Open to all students 9-12. Depending on enrollment and availability,  grade11-12 students may be divided into a separate section. There is a  
  studio fee for this course. (UC “f” VPA) 

• Sculpture I

  Sculpture I is designed for students to learn how to create three-dimensional works of art using contemporary sensibilities. Utilizing basic drawing techniques, students will inform their exploration in form and space through woodworking and ceramics. Technical skills using adhesives and joinery will be emphasized while creating meaning through construction,  composition, and field research.  
  

   

  Prerequisites/Comments - Completion of Art I or Photo I with a B or higher or department approval. There is a studio fee for this course. (UC “f” VPA) 

• Art II

  This intermediate level course builds upon principles and techniques acquired in Art I. With an emphasis on Graphic Design and Illustration, the student learns how to articulate ideas through the relationship between image and text. Looking at existing fonts, symbols, and logos the student deconstructs design elements in order to garner a deeper understanding of spatial relationships, on a two-dimensional page. The iPad is used as a creative tool to further develop possibilities and solutions. Original album covers, movie posters, and skateboard designs will diversify the portfolio. There is a studio fee for this course. 

   

  Prerequisites/Comments - Completion of Art I or teachers’ approval. There is a studio fee for this course. (UC “f” VPA) 

• Art III: Painting

  This is an advanced course designed for the student who wishes to explore the medium of painting and its various contemporary approaches. Watercolors, acrylics and oils on canvas/paper/objects are used to depict various source materials from the analog and digital worlds. The iPad is used as a creative tool to further develop possibilities and solutions. Modern and Post-Modern movements provide historical context for the class. 
  
  

  Prerequisites/Comments - Students who have completed Art I and Art II. New students are required to have a portfolio review. There is a studio fee for this course. (UC “f” VPA) 

• AP Studio Art: Drawing

  This is an advanced course that follows the guidelines of the AP course description for Studio Art, Drawing. This course deconstructs traditional drawing techniques, to further realize and expand contemporary notions of mark-making. The student is challenged, by developing one’s own creative voice with a sense of quality and breadth. The iPad is used as a creative tool to further develop possibilities and solutions. A portfolio is developed to send to the AP review panel; work completed in past courses can be included. 
  
  

  Prerequisites/Comments - Students who have completed Art I and Art II. New students are required to have a portfolio review. There is a studio fee for this course. Department chair permission/signature required. (UC “f” VPA) 

• Intro to Graphic Design

  The class will focus on the relationship of text and image while gathering in-depth knowledge of color, shape, and composition as  ways of communicating visual content to the world. Students will explore how to graphically express their thoughts/concepts through the use of various modes of communication such as posters, flyers, and various cultural ephemera. Examining modes of graphic design will also entail readings, visual problem solving, and critical aesthetic analysis. The material produced in this class  will contribute to and diversify the student’s overall portfolio. 

  
  

  Prerequisites/Comments - Completion of Art I or Photo I with a B or higher or department approval.  There is a studio fee for this course. (UC “f” VPA pending) 

• Photography I

  This course emphasizes basic photographic practices, visual interpretive skills through the use of a traditional darkroom, digital photography using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop software. Students will complete the course with a strong foundation in traditional and contemporary photographic skills. 

  
  Prerequisites/Comments - Students are required to have a digital camera with a manual setting, DSLR camera is preferred. There is a studio fee for the class.  (UC “f” VPA) 

• Photography II

  This course is an advanced study of photography emphasizing complex creative solutions to assignments, emphasis on personal expression and experimentation, and the development of a portfolio. Students will use both digital and traditional photography at an intermediate/advanced level. The course will include traditional printing processes, Adobe Photoshop, high-resolution digital processes and an introduction to a range of photo equipment and techniques. Students will also increase critical analysis skills, gain an understanding of how visual communication affects culture and study artists.
   
  Prerequisites/Comments - Completion of Photography I with a grade of B or higher and instructor approval. Students are required to have a digital camera with manual settings. (DSLR is the preferred camera.) There is a studio fee for this course. (UC “f” VPA) 

• AP Studio Art: 2D Design

  This course is a yearlong college-level exploration of the principles of design as expressed through photography. Students will focus on theoretical and practical applications of design principles. Students will also develop strong skills in photography, photo editing, and manipulations. They will demonstrate these skills through a portfolio of photographs that shows the quality and breadth of their individual work as well as a planned investigation of an idea of personal interest to them. Students will submit their portfolio to the College Board for AP credit in May. 

   

  Prerequisites/Comments - Completion of Photography I and Photography II with a grade of A- or higher, and instructor approval. Seniors who have taken Photography I may request this course. Students are required to have a digital camera with manual settings. (DSLR is the preferred camera.) There is a studio fee for this course. (UC “f” VPA - UC AP/Honors)