Visual Arts
Students interested in specializing in visual arts courses culminating in Advanced Placement Studio Art or Advanced Art in their senior year should notify their counselors and strive to take two art courses in both their sophomore and junior years, in addition to the ninth grade Visual Arts course.
Students who want an emphasis in two-dimensional art should take this sequence of courses:
Grade 9: Visual Arts
Grade 10: Drawing, Painting
Grade 11: Drawing and Painting 2, Advanced Art
Grade 12: AP Studio Art
Students who want an emphasis in three-dimensional art should take this sequence of courses:
Grade 9: Visual Arts
Grade 10: Sculpture and Clay, Ceramics
Grade 11: Sculpture and Clay 2, Advanced Art
Grade 12: AP Studio Art
822. Visual Arts
Full Year, 10 units
In the Visual Arts course students draw, paint, and construct three dimensional form as they learn elements and principles of art. They are encouraged to develop a visual language and a personal expression. In addition to constructing art, students study art theory, art history, and art criticism with a focus on the development of a personal aesthetic. Students study art from many cultures and historical periods to acquire a global perspective and an artistic perception.
807. Drawing
Semester, 5 units, Grades 10-12
Drawing skills are fundamental to all areas of art. This class will teach students the use of drawing for the development of ideas, as well as for finished art works. Several drawing systems and methods will be taught, including drawing from observation, and the grid system for enlarging. Drawings will be done in pencil, charcoal, colored pencil, watercolor, and ink.
809. Sculpture and Clay
Semester, 5 units, Grades 10-12
In this class students learn to make three dimensional art works. Clay and other sculptural materials will be used. The class emphasizes three dimensional form and design, and the use of basic art elements to create sculpture is studied. Ceramic techniques and a variety of building techniques and surface treatments for clay pieces are studied. Sculptures and ceramics from ancient to modern encompassing many cultures and time periods are studied and discussed.
810. Ceramics
Semester, 5 units, Grades 10-12
This course focuses on the use of clay to create art forms and sculpture. From the beginning of time, people have made objects from clay as a means of expression as well as for practical purposes. As students study ceramic traditions in various cultures and historical periods, they will create their own unique artwork. This course will give students a hands-on appreciation for ceramics.
811/ 818. Visual Arts Teaching Assistant
Semester, 5 units, Pass/Fail, Grades 11-12
This class is for the student who has taken art classes and is interested in demonstrating knowledge of the assignments and assisting the teacher. This course will give students an introduction to the profession of teaching.
812. Sculpture and Clay 2
Semester, 5 units, Grades 10-12
This class is for the student who has taken one semester of sculpture and clay and wants to delve more into exploring sculpture in different mediums. The class will continue to teach aesthetics, techniques, and methods of working in a three-dimensional manner to create artwork. This class explores ways of thought, ways of approaching subject matter and ways of working with materials. Using a multitude of techniques, the class will construct contemporary works of art.
813 / 816. Advanced Art
Semester, 5 units, Grades 10-12
This course is offered for experienced, skilled students who have an individualized interest and want to pursue their art work and/or for students who need more time to prepare for Advanced Placement Studio Art. The course consists of individualized, self-directed study. The selection of projects will be agreed upon by the student and instructor. Students must be self-directed and self- motivated.
817. Painting
Semester, 5 units, Grades 10-12
This class will teach the fundamentals of painting through a variety of projects, some to emphasize the importance of technique, others to emphasize the students’ ability to form a conceptual basis for the creation of a painting. Acrylic paints will be used on canvas and paper, and several important 20th century painting styles will be examined
819. Drawing and Painting 2
Semester, 5 units, Grades 10-12
This course develops and deepens students’ skills in handling materials and their knowledge of art philosophy and art appreciation. Through hands-on art production students learn and apply art design principles and design elements. Through writing and discussion students develop and deepen their aesthetic, historical, cultural and philosophical knowledge of drawing and painting. This course is recommended for those students wishing to take AP or Advanced Art.
820. Advanced Placement Studio Art
Full year, 10 units, Grades 11-12
This course is designed for advanced art students who wish to submit a portfolio for advanced art placement college credit and/or to create a portfolio to be considered for scholarship competition. Students follow the guidelines set down in the advanced art placement curriculum. Independence, diligence, willingness to experiment and stretch are a necessary part of the course. Emphasis is placed on students’ completion of set objectives and visible evidence of growth in their artwork. Students enrolled in this course must take the Advanced Placement test in Studio Art.