Introduction to Visual Art (Elective)
Introduction to Visual Art is available to all students, whether they have a general interest in art or have a keen interest in pursuing art. The course will offer a broad overview of significant art movements in history. Emphasis will be placed on mastery of visual literacy; the understanding and use of the visual elements and design principles. Students will gain an understanding and application of the artistic process and creative modes of thinking, such as imagination and symbolic thinking. Studio experiences will give students the opportunity to apply their visual literacy abilities, as well as gain exposure to various techniques, materials, and processes in both two and three dimensions. This course is a prerequisite for additional courses in the visual art sequence.
Proficiency: Students may submit a portfolio of 10 – 15 works of art for review. Students whose portfolios exhibit mastery of concepts, skills, and techniques will be allowed to by-pass Introduction to Visual Art.
Fundamentals of Studio Art: 2-D (Elective)
This course provides an in-depth study of the elements and principles of design as applied to the creation of two-dimensional art. Students will master fundamental skills and techniques in drawing, painting, collage, and printmaking. This course will also include content regarding the creative process, aesthetic perception, art criticism and art careers. This course is a prerequisite for Fundamentals of Studio Art: 3-D, Developing Visual Concepts, as well as any art electives.
Fundamentals of Studio Art: 3-D (Elective)
Creating art in the third dimension is the focus of this course. Students will be challenged to broaden their fluency and comprehension of visual literacy concepts, as they master materials, techniques, and processes for making three-dimensional art. Relief, free-standing, and assemblage sculpture will be explored in various media, such as clay, wood, wire, and found objects. Students will learn to express personal creativity, problem solve, and properly critique art. Introduction to Visual Art and Fundamentals of Studio Art: 2-D are prerequisites for this course. Fundamentals of Studio Art: 3-D is a prerequisite for the Sculpture elective.
Developing Visual Concepts (Elective)
This course challenges art students to understand and produce art as a mode of communication. Emphasis will be placed on artistic problems that stimulate intellectual growth, visual thinking, creativity, and meta-cognition or reflective intelligence. Interrelationships between art and other fields of knowledge will also be explored. Studio experiences form the structure for the learning environment, and art students will make decisions about appropriate art skills, techniques, and materials based upon the problems posed and the student’s determined avenue of self-expression. Introduction to Visual Art and Fundamentals of Studio Art: 2-D are prerequisites for this course.
