This 12 week course is a study in the foundations of visual art. This class will introduce the elements of art history, art criticism and design, with a focus on the basic skills of drawing, painting and sculpture. The study in drawing will emphasize contour line and shading techniques with pencil.
Students will learn the symbolic, expressive and descriptive qualities of the elements of art: line, shape, form, color, texture, space and value and use them in a wide variety of projects. They will build an art vocabulary and will work on both verbal and written descriptions of art. These concepts will be reinforced through a variety of media. Art history and art appreciation will be discussed in class.
Studio Art 1 provides instruction and practice in the basic art techniques of drawing and painting. The course begins with observational drawing of natural forms, objects in perspective and the human figure. Drawing will be done in a variety of materials and media. Students will finish the semester with a sketchbook filled with drawing, notes about drawing/art, and writing. They will also have a portfolio of loose drawings in various sizes and media.
The second semester continues with basic instruction in wet media including watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media work. Students will learn about color theory, painting techniques, and the role of painting in the history of art. Students will paint patterns, still life, landscape, figure and portraits from life, and create non-objective work. In all work students will consider the elements of art and principles of design. Students will learn art vocabulary and about art careers. Students will discuss both their own work and that of others in class critiques.
Studio Art 2 gives students the opportunity to begin the artistic cognitive process through critical judgment and hands-on experience in several mediums. Students will create works individually and collaboratively. They will be exposed to contemporary and historical art, learning to critically deconstruct the work through the application of critical analysis frameworks. There will be at least one writing/research assignment involving the study of an artist or period of art. Guest artists will be invited to share their work and experiences with students.
AP Studio Art will give students the opportunity to build a portfolio for continuing study or work in art. Students will submit a portfolio consisting of 24 to 30 excellent works of art. There are 3 types of portfolios to submit; Drawing, 2-D Design and 3-D Design. These portfolios will have a concentration that is based on a concept of the student’s choice. Adobe Creative Suite is available for the AP students in the art room and computer lab. Students may work and are encouraged to work with various media. Students will take field trips to Art Museums and to visit local artists.