Art Is Good

Course Descriptions

Beginning Drawing

Students are not expected to have any prior art experience. If you have a passion for drawing or want to learn how to draw—this is a good course for you. This course will develop a foundational under-standing of the elements and principles of design with a strong focus on developing basic drawing skills. Students will participate in art history research, as well as use a variety of media and techniques to communicate creatively through a broad range of studio projects.

Beginning Art

 Students are not expected to have any prior art experience. This course will introduce students to basic artistic skills. It will develop a foundational understanding of the elements and principles of design. Students will participate in art history research and criticism, as well as a broad range of studio projects including (but not limited to) drawing and painting to develop their ability to communicate creatively. Emphasis is placed on exploration.

Intermediate Photography

 Students will learn techniques for digitally altering imagery. Stu-dents will learn how the elements and principles of art can be ap-plied to create successful compositions. Topics include (but are not limited to), operating a digital camera, how to upload and download images, how to use the scanner, photo-restoration, graphic design, ethics in photography, historical photographers, and combining digital and traditional media.

 A digital camera is strongly recommended but not required. Students will be required to bring in 10-15 images per week (usually these images are photographs, but may be drawings or painted works scanned into digital format).

Intermediate Art

 Students will build on the knowledge gained in Art I. Students will learn advanced drawing techniques including portraiture. Students will further their understanding of the elements and principles. Students will become more familiar with artists’ styles and symbol-ism in art. Students will participate in art history research, as well as a broad range of studio projects including (but not limited to) drawing, and painting. Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship.

Admission to this level is through instructor approval

Proficient Art (Honors)

 Students will apply knowledge of elements and principles of design in studio projects. Students will learn advanced art techniques and processes. Students will participate in art history research, as well as art criticism, and Service Learning art projects. Students will create an art portfolio. Emphasis is placed on artistic independence. Quality craftsmanship is expected.

Admission to this level is through instructor approval

Proficient Photography

 This course will focus on the relationship between traditional studio techniques and digital image manipulation. Students will explore the styles of significant historical artists and create a variety of projects combining digital and traditional media. Students may also create and edit movies or create simple web pages.

Advanced Art (Honors)

 An intense studio experience. Independent research and experimentation are required. Emphasis is placed on individual style and making informed decisions. A previous knowledge of basic drawing skills and the elements and principles of design is expected. Students will be required to complete an exit portfolio.

Admission to this level is through instructor approval.

AP Art

 This rigorous course is designed to help students develop a 3 part  AP portfolio: breadth, concentration and quality. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating an understanding of the elements and principles of design.

 ** Please refer to the student CHS Course Guide for official course descriptions for all courses.