dept

Visual Arts Upper School Curriculum

Art 1

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The Art 1 curriculum is designed to be a foundational development of art skills and knowledge. Students focus on the basic principle of design, drawing foundations, and color theory. The curriculum is necessary for the student to further any study of art either here at WA or later in life. Therefore, Art 1 serves as a prerequisite for Art II, III and AP.

Art 2

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The Art II curriculum is designed to further enhance the student's knowledge of art by introducing them to new mediums, techniques, and ideas. Acrylic painting, block printing, pen and ink illustration and mixed media techniques are introduced. The skills built upon in Art I are a necessity for success at the Art II level, and while new techniques are taught, the foundations which were learned in Art I are included in every exercise and project.

Art 3

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The Art III Honors curriculum is designed for those students who have excelled at the Art I and II levels and have a desire to continue the study of art at the honors level. The emphasis of Art III is on individual creativity through art and preparation for further studies. Students are encouraged to use a variety of mediums for projects and to think "outside of the box". Ceramics is included as a 9-week unit at the Art III level as well.

AP Studio Art

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The AP Studio Art course is designed for students who have excelled in previous art courses and are interested in pursuing a career in the art field. The emphasis of the AP course is on development of the AP Studio Art Portfolio. The first semester will focus on the breadth section of the portfolio, which emphasizes a broad range of art skills and concepts. The second semester focuses on the Concentration section of the portfolio, in which the students are expected to develop a body of work that is an investigation of a theme or an idea. To complete the AP Studio Art course and submit a portfolio to the AP Board, 24 college level art works will be complete by the end of the school year.

Digital Media I

 

This course introduces you to computer-based graphic design, illustration, image manipulation, and video. It will emphasize both the creative and software skills required to create ads, brochures, posters, digital illustrations, videos, and other materials that are intended to inform, entertain, or persuade. The basics of design such as color theory, layout, and digital art techniques are developed by classroom exercises. We will apply these skills in various computer lab assignments will create a portfolio featuring representations of key projects.