Visual Arts

In this course, students study ceramic hand-building techniques, construction, and glazing. Students practice building functional and sculptural ceramic works. Emphasis in this course is placed on craftsmanship and sensitivity to aesthetics.

In this course, students build on the techniques developed in Ceramics 1 and refine their skills with both hand-built and wheel thrown forms. Emphasis is placed on design, research, and glazing.

In this course, students will complete projects that expand their conceptual and functional ceramic building practice. Students will research contemporary and historical ceramics practices and work to explore their functional and fine art design process in depth. Students will complete a final body of work based on a consistent them.

In this course, students will develop fundamental drawing skills using a variety of media. Contour and value will be emphasized as students learn to draw from observation. Students will develop strategies for drawing with confidence while working with graphite, charcoal, ink, and colored pencils. Students will keep a sketchbook and complete weekly assignments in class.

Drawing 2 is an intermediate course that focuses on more complex compositions and subjects of the students’ choice. Using a variety of drawing media, students will develop their technical skills in contour, gesture, cross contour, foreshortening, and tonal value drawing projects. Students will study the medium of drawing in both historical and contemporary contexts.

In this introductory level course, students will learn basic color theory and painting techniques. Using watercolor, gouache, and acrylics, students will complete a variety of daily activities and large projects to build confidence and competence in the medium. The history of painting, from the Renaissance through contemporary art, will inform the study of technique and subject matter.

This intermediate level course builds on the skills learned in Painting 1 and emphasizes experimentation in the medium. Inspired by artists working in both historical and contemporary contexts, projects will vary from realistic to abstract. This course is recommended for students interested in taking AP® Studio Art.

This intermediate course provides a foundation in the fundamentals of printmaking. Through in-class projects, students explore the elements and principles of art using a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional media and methods. Projects include, but are not limited to, printmaking, mixed media, book making, and collage. Students will also explore the rich crafting traditions of different cultures to build an understanding of the arts in a global context. This course is designed to open a window to self-expression and awareness that will support further study and portfolio development for the student. A foundation in drawing is recommended.

This course explores the foundations of photographic seeing, camera operation, and digital editing using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Students will engage in an in-depth study of historic photographic processes and contemporary photography, which will serve as a foundation for their creative projects. Assignments will cover a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, portraiture, studio lighting, landscapes, and photo narratives. Students will use DSLR cameras (provided by SMA) and cellphone cameras to develop their skills.

This is a dual credit course offered in collaboration with PCC. Students will earn 4 college credits for Art 141: Introduction to Photography in addition to their high school credits at no extra cost.

AP® Studio Art is an academically rigorous course that allows experienced and serious artists to investigate specific areas of art in depth. Over the course of the year, students prepare a portfolio of artwork. This portfolio is submitted to the AP® College Board for grading in May. During first quarter, students will experiment with a variety of media and start investigating individual concepts and ideas. For the remainder of the year, students work on their individual Sustained Investigation, consisting of at least 15 pieces around a topic of their choice. Readings, process writing, and sketchbook activities are assigned with each project, and students are required to work consistently and independently. Students who elect to take this course should be self-motivated and self-directed, as well as cooperative, responsible art students.

AP® Studio Art is an academically rigorous course that allows experienced and serious artists to investigate specific areas of art in depth. Over the course of the year, students prepare a portfolio of artwork. This portfolio is submitted to the AP® College Board for grading in May. During first quarter, students will experiment with a variety of media and start investigating individual concepts and ideas. For the remainder of the year, students work on their individual Sustained Investigation, consisting of at least 15 pieces around a topic of their choice. Readings, process writing, and sketchbook activities are assigned with each project, and students are required to work consistently and independently. Students who elect to take this course should be self-motivated and self-directed, as well as cooperative, responsible art students.

AP® Studio Art is an academically rigorous course that allows experienced and serious artists to investigate specific areas of art in depth. Over the course of the year, students prepare a portfolio of artwork. This portfolio is submitted to the AP® College Board for grading in May. During first quarter, students will experiment with a variety of media and start investigating individual concepts and ideas. For the remainder of the year, students work on their individual Sustained Investigation, consisting of at least 15 pieces around a topic of their choice. Readings, process writing, and sketchbook activities are assigned with each project, and students are required to work consistently and independently. Students who elect to take this course should be self-motivated and self-directed, as well as cooperative, responsible art students.