Visual Arts

Freshman Visual Arts is an introductory course offered to all incoming freshmen. No previous art experience is required. This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of art appreciation and history, and 2D and 3D art fundamentals. Students will explore various art media, artistic techniques, and approaches to art to create individual art expressions. (1 credit)

In this college prep course, students will learn the basics of drawing as they create projects focused on the seven elements of art: line, shape, form, color, texture, value, and space. Through use of traditional techniques, students will develop observational skills and build skills in proportion, shading, and line work. Subjects will include the human figure, perspective, still life, landscapes, etc. Project materials will include but are not limited to pencil, charcoal, micron, and colored pencil. Art History is also incorporated into this course. There will be a strong emphasis on personal freedom to promote creativity. (2.5 credits)

This course builds upon the elements and principles of drawing taught in the Basics of Drawing class. There will be a deeper exploration of concepts of perspective, color theory and compositional approaches, with an expanded use of various media.  Projects will be student driven, applying concepts taught while expressing their own ideas and focusing on themes of interest.  All students engage in critiques on a‬ regular basis, expanding their skills of critical thinking and communication.‬ (2.5 credits)

In this course, students explore the foundational skills of acrylic painting. The curriculum covers a variety of subjects, including the‬ human figure, still life, and landscapes. Perspective, composition and design, and color theory are also emphasized. Students will participate in classwide art critiques at the completion of each project to encourage meaningful reflection on their artwork and the work of their peers. Art history is also incorporated into this course. 

(2.5 credits)

This college prep course is an introduction to photography through digital imaging. In this course, students emphasize developing composition and critical analysis in their photographs. Camera fundamentals and other technical information will be covered. Students will complete a series of photo assignments on and off campus. There will be a strong emphasis on personal freedom to promote creativity. (2.5 credits)

(052S) Advanced Photography

Advanced photography will build upon the techniques taught in the basic photography class. More emphasis will be placed on practical photographic assignments around CBA. Also, more advanced editing techniques will be explored. Some of the subjects to be discussed will include public relations photography, sports, photojournalism, advertising, portraiture and architectural photography. There will be a more advanced approach to Photoshop and Lightroom.This will be a class which should prepare the student for a possible future career in photography with more hands-on experience.  (2.5 credits)

This college prep course is one of the advanced options in the visual arts sequence. Prerequisites for this course are taking Advanced Painting concurrently or a department recommendation for students who completed Intro to Painting. This course serves as a prep course for the AP 2D Art and Design portfolio; it further develops drawing and painting skills while also challenging students to push their creative thinking. Through prompts, planning, and teacher guidance, students focus on continuing to expand their skill sets by working on more complex art pieces. The creative process is explored from intention and development of ideas through creation and completion of the work. Students will participate in class-wide art critiques at the completion of each project to encourage meaningful reflection on their artwork and the work of their peers This course specifically addresses those students who are seeking a career in art and wish to apply to a college-level art program, or who value visual arts as a self-defining skill. Students in this course will have the opportunity to target those areas that need strengthening in their own artistic development, empowering them to create a strong and cohesive body of work. (5 Credits)