Upper School Art

Art Appreciation
Art Appreciation is an introductory course highlighting drawing, painting, 3-d art, illustration, and mixed media projects. Students will survey art history as well as investigate contemporary artists. Students will learn visual arts language so they may participate and contribute in regular art critiques. This foundation class is intended to give students a wide sample of the artistic spectrum, and lay the groundwork for future exploration.

Painting
Painting is an intermediate course which will explore color theory and different painting techniques using watercolor and acrylic paint. Innovative compositions and the development of personal imagery will be stressed. Students will have the opportunity to study historical and modern painters and create both representational and abstract paintings.

Drawing
Drawing is an intermediate course which will explore a variety of approaches in mark making. Students will learn the fundamentals of drawing using contour line, value, gesture, shape and volume, positive and negative space, and perspective. Different drawing media will be sampled, such as pen and ink, charcoal, pastels and graphite to invite students to experiment with materials. Students will keep a sketchbook and use this to develop their ideas and record drawings outside of the classroom. During this course students will learn how to draw from observation as well as from their imaginations.

Illustration and Creative Writing
Illustration and Creative Writing is an advanced course which will expose students to the craft of creative writing and illustration. Students will learn how to use their imaginations to create rich stories, and then translate those words through visual story telling. We will study both historical and contemporary author/illustrators for inspiration. Students will develop a distinct illustrative look that is consistent and cohesive. At the end of this course students will have a polished and illustrated novella for their portfolios.

Middle School Art

Art I
Visual Arts I is a 9-week course for students in grades 4-6 and emphasizes the joys of artistic production and interdisciplinary.  Students explore the structure of art, including line, texture, color, value, and space; learn basic drawing techniques; work in two and three-dimensional forms; and experiment with diverse media, including pastel, acrylic, pen and ink, and papier maché.

Art II
Visual Arts II is a 9-week course for students in grades 7-8 which introduces students to a wide range of materials and techniques, including pencil, pen and ink, tempera, and two-dimensional design.  In both short and long-term assignments focusing on imaginative applications of drawing and design fundamentals, students explore diverse subjects and concepts, including letterforms, symmetry, human proportions, color theory, and relief sculpture.