Visual Art Course Descriptions

Foundations of Art

(Half Year)

2.5 Credits

Grades:  10-12

Pre-requisite:  None


An entry-level course designed for ALL students to help increase their creative abilities through artistic expression.  The students will concentrate on various elements of art and the many different forms art can take, while developing an appreciation for artworks and the masters who created them.  Students are required to do exercises, drawings, collages and paintings while simultaneously being exposed to several types of media such as, paint, pencil, charcoal, pastel, and pen and ink and how they relate to the elements of art and the principles of design.  Throughout the semester, the many careers and countless job opportunities that art can offer are presented and discussed.

 

Art Level I

(Full Year)

5 Credits

(Half Year Drawing or Painting)

2.5 Credits

Grades:  10-12

Prerequisite:  Foundations of Art or Teacher Recommendation

 

Introductory art courses (Introductory Drawing / Basic Painting) chosen by those students who have developed an interest in the arts.  The intent of this course is to develop an appreciation of drawing and to introduce or enhance drawing skills, as well as, learn the basics of using paint as a coloring medium.  This course will demonstrate various drawing techniques including perspective and portraiture.  Students will become familiar with the proper use of tempera, watercolor and acrylic paints while working in the different painting styles such as Impressionism.  In addition to the use of paint, students will also be required to create artworks that include printmaking. An intense concentration on color theory is applied to the required assignments of this course of study.  The course's activities will teach basic concepts:  design elements and principles, composition, media and perception. Students will also gain a background in art history while study numerous artists and styles.

 

Art II

(Full Year)

5 Credits

Grades:  11-12

Prerequisite:  Art Level I

 

An advanced art course chosen by those students who have developed an above average interest in the arts and have completed both of the introductory courses (Introductory Drawing / Basic Painting).  Students build upon the skills learned from those courses and are also introduced to and instructed in more complex and advanced media techniques.  At this level, students work with varied 2D and 3D media such as, acrylic paint, clay, paper mache’ and collage.  Students are asked to keep a sketchbook throughout the year.  They will discuss poster design and enter various design contests during the course.  There is a greater emphasis on creativity, skill development and a broader appreciation of the arts.  Students will further study the many careers in art and the various job opportunities available in the art field.

 

Art III

(Full Year)

5 Credits

Grades:  11-12

Prerequisite:  Art II

 

An advanced art course geared to the serious art student who has completed Art II.  Students are given the opportunity to develop independent approaches in style, development, and artistic problem solving.  Emphasis is on refinement of previously learned techniques, skills, values and theories.  Students will do oil paintings, mixed media, mosaics, mask making and sculptures, as well as a focus on advertising.  Professionalism and sophistication are encouraged in project approach and development.  Students will maintain a sketchbook throughout the course.  There will be a concentration on developing a portfolio which should encompass the many artworks from their years in Garfield High School.

 

Art IV

(Full Year)

5 Credits

Grade:  12

Prerequisite:  Art III

 

An advanced course for students who have completed Art III, this course is offered to students as an independent study.  The opportunity is provided to students who were able to complete prerequisites throughout their years at Garfield High School.  Students must approach this course with professionalism as it is intended to advance skills and prepare students for careers in the Visual Arts.  Sketchbooks and advanced portfolio development are essential components.


Intro to Digital Photography and Computer Art

(Half Year)

2.5 Credits          

Grades:  10-12

Prerequisite: Foundations of Art

 

This is an introductory-level course for the use of digital cameras and the programs associated with them.  Students will learn how to shoot pictures and utilize the software programs, Adobe Photoshop™ and the now popular general image manipulation program (GIMP™). Enhancement of the knowledge of composition, the elements of art, and principles of design is an integral part of the course. There will be exploration of careers in Media Art such as, portraiture, photojournalism, sports photography, newspaper photography, freelance photography, as well as, fine art photography, etc.  Exploration of the entire career choices associated with the field of digital photography will occur.  The creation of a digital portfolio is required.  Students work cooperatively in a studio and field setting in order to produce visual art that is displayed within the school and shown on MSG Varsity. Participation in some after school projects is a required part of this course.


Advanced Digital Photography and Computer Art

(Half Year)

2.5 Credits          

Grades:  10-12

Prerequisite: Intro to Digital Photography and Computer Art

 

In this course students will have the opportunity to further enhance their knowledge of digital cameras and photographic equipment. In addition, students will learn one of the top professional software programs, Adobe Photoshop™ and the now popular general image manipulation program (GIMP™). They will complete projects creating real-life examples.  Students will practice and improve skills in their career choice of Media Art such as, portraiture, photojournalism, sports photography, newspaper photography, freelance photography, as well as, fine art photography, etc.  The attributes of proper conduct of a professional photographer will be taught and expected. Students will focus on a career in photography and complete a web portfolio that will prepare them for acceptance into an institute of advanced learning. Cooperative work in studio and field settings is a vital component of the course resulting in the production of visual art that is displayed in school and shown on MSG Varsity.  Participation in some after school projects is a required part of this course.

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