Course Descriptions:
Art I
1st Semester:
A preparatory course for those students wanting to take any art courses, this course is based in the elements and principles of design with an emphasis on art as a means of personal expression and visual communication. The class will also examine the importance of the “creative process” as a fundamental part of art production. Multiple art processes and techniques will be explored along with skill development in art criticism and art history.
2nd Semester:
This is a semester course applying basic drawing and painting skills in a practical matter. Students will learning how to observe the subject matter, draw and paint from the “real world”, critique, and be critiqued by peers. This course will include the development and history of drawing and painting and the importance of drawing and painting as a form of visual communication. Various historical styles and techniques will be explored, examples of which might be Pointillism, Expressionism, Pop, Op, Super-Realism, still life, portraiture, landscape and abstraction.
Prerequisite: None
Art II
1st Semester:
This is a semester course dealing with clay hand-building techniques. Some art history and development of ceramics will be studied. The functional and aesthetic qualities of ceramics will be explored, and experimentation in design and glazing encouraged. Review of design principles as applied to three-dimensional form will be a continuous part of the ceramic process. Emphasis will be placed upon good design, sound craftsmanship, and creative application of ceramic concepts.
2nd Semester:
A semester of study dealing with different mediums of sculpture; such as: clay, plaster, metal, wood, plastic, glass, and combination of mediums (mixed media). As well as exploring different mediums, the course will have a very strong foundation in elements and principles of design with discussions/critiques of what makes a great design and what is aesthetically pleasing. There will be study of art history, especially those who have work in three-dimensions.
Prerequisite: Art I
Art III
1st Semester:
Exploring advanced drawing techniques and painting techniques: pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, pastels, water color pencils, markers, inks, acrylic, watercolor, oils, enamels, and mixed medium. Extensive amount of the course will be spent critiquing and talking about projects. Art history and research will be done on artist’s who have worked in the same manner.
2nd Semester:
A semester of advanced sculpture techniques focused on a few mediums. Some projects that could be explored are: ceramic water fountain, ceramic wall relief, glass slumping, and non-traditional materials to make sculptures. Extensive amount of the course will be spent critiquing and talking about projects. Art history and research will be done on artist’s who have worked in the same manner.
Prerequisite: Art III
Experimental Arts
1st Semester:
A beginning level course based on using the computer as an art medium. This course will explore basic art concepts (elements and principles of design) using the computer as a drawing tool, which will allow students to create original art. Adobe Photoshop will be the software used to create images. Some sample projects are: CD cover, automotive flyer, business flyer, cereal box, logo design, and rock star integration.
With the basics learned, now it’s time to take the next step and create original art work using students’ own designs and apply them to products and other projects. Students will also explore advanced techniques within Adobe Photoshop to manipulate an image to really bring original art work alive. Software wise, the course might expand into Google Sketch-Up and Adobe Illustrator as needed.
2nd Semester:
This course is focused around designing and creating metal sculptures. Students will learn the basics of MIG welding, fabrication, and most importantly safety. The majority of the course (85%) will be consumed with art production; there will be some critiquing (5%), art history (5%), and discussion of aesthetics (5%).
Prerequisite: Sophomore status… Art I highly recommended, but not required.