Visual Arts

Category: Visual ArtsDescription: Our mission is to educate students in creative thinking and production and the artistic process. We work to develop students’ understanding and appreciation of the artistic achievements of people from different times, places, and cultures. Our goal is to develop and teach a rich and rigorous curriculum while encouraging a culture of artistic thinking and learning, the creative production of student work, and the achievement of excellence. The Visual Arts Department curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks and National Core Arts Standards for Visual Arts.

Course Number: C699 / Category: Visual Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course is for students who have some experience in computer-based art. This full-year class allows students to create sophisticated digital artwork in three major areas: graphic design (layouts, logos, typography) illustration (digital painting and collage) and animation (character design and movement). Students will use the artistic process to plan, execute, critique and refine their work for best quality. Students with less computer experience should take Introduction to Digital Art before this course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Digital Art or Desktop Publishing and Graphic Design.

Course Number: C695B /Category: Visual Arts, Elective /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: Advanced Digital Photography is a semester-long course that focuses further on using the digital camera as an art making tool. Students will become familiar with photographic equipment, lighting and methods as well as practice the artistic skills of composition, principles of design and visual communication. They will learn how to edit and manipulate photographs using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom programs. Prerequisite: Digital Photography.

Course Number: C683 / Category: Visual Arts, Elective / Credits: 2 / Recommended Grades: 11,12 / Level: AP / Length: Full Year / Description: Students interested in AP Studio Art should register for the Art Portfolio course. Once students are a part of the Art Portfolio course they will be given the option to register for Advanced Placement credit in October.

Course Number: C685 / Category: Visual Arts, Elective / Credits: 2 / Recommended Grades: 11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Full Year / Description: This course is designed for students who are most serious about art and who want to pursue art after graduation. The goal of the course is to help students develop a well-rounded portfolio of artwork which might be used to for college admission. Instruction will focus on independence and developing a personal voice in artmaking as well as college and career guidance. Interested students may opt to receive Advanced Placement credit for the course through additional course work and AP registration in October. Prior to taking this course, students are highly recommended to take Drawing and Painting for Realism. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio Art 1.

Course Number: C691 / Category: Visual Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course is focused making artwork in clay. Students will learn the process of hand-building, decorating and firing clay to make functional pieces (like teacups) as well as tiles and ceramic sculptures. They will investigate the history of ceramics and look at contemporary ceramic artists for inspiration. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio Art 1: Foundations or Crafts and Culture

Course Number: C684 / Category: Visual Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9,10 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: Crafts and Culture is a hands-on course in which students will develop skills in a variety of craft techniques. Students will investigate the history and culture surrounding each craft and its relevance in today?s society. Possible areas of study include origami, weaving, printmaking, book-making, jewelry, stained glass, mask-making or calligraphy. The course is great for students who enjoy making things with their hands regardless of skill level or previous experience. Prerequisite: None.

Course Number: C695 /Category: Visual Arts, Elective /Credits: 1 /Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 /Level: College Prep /Length: Semester /Description: Digital Photography is a semester-long course that focuses on using the digital camera as an art making tool. Students will become familiar with photographic equipment, lighting and methods as well as practice the artistic skills of composition, principles of design and visual communication. They will learn how to edit and manipulate photographs using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom programs.

Course Number: C690 / Category: Visual Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9,10 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: In this course, students will use the computer as an artistic tool. They will learn the basics of programs like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to make digital art, photography and design projects regardless of their drawing ability. They will learn to talk about their art though critique and discussion and will study contemporary digital-media artists as inspiration. Students with more experience in computer-based art should take the Advanced Digital Art course instead of this one. Prerequisite: None.

Course Number: C680 / Category: Visual Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course is for students especially interested in learning to draw and paint realistically. Students explore a variety of painting and drawing media including pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, oil pastel, watercolor and acrylic paint. Additional topics include learning to observe, study of art history and stretching a canvas. This course is designed to provide the skills necessary for working independently or creating a high-quality portfolio. Students are recommended to register for this course if they would like to take Art Portfolio in the future. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio Art 1: Foundations.

Course Number: C675 / Category: Visual Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 9,10 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course introduces students to the basics of making, understanding, and discussing art. Students explore media and techniques related to drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. They will be introduced to various artists and art styles by surveying art history. All students are welcome, regardless of skill level or previous experience. Prerequisite: none.

Course Number: C677 / Category: Visual Arts, Elective / Credits: 1 / Recommended Grades: 10,11,12 / Level: College Prep / Length: Semester / Description: This course builds on the skills and experience developed in Studio Art 1. Students explore similar themes and media, but materials and techniques are designed for a more sophisticated and advanced skill set. Students explore drawing, painting, visual storytelling, design, linear perspective, printmaking, and sculpture. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio Art 1: Foundations.