Visual Arts

Students in Lower School Art classes students begin to develop stronger understandings of the elements and principles of art. Recognizing and using line, shape, color and texture effectively and expressively are focused upon as well as developing art appreciation and history through artist studies. A variety of media is explored.

Sixth Grade Fine Arts Rotation:

This trimester course focuses on observing and appreciating art, learning the elements and principles of design, practicing learned skills and applying them so that students may create their own art expressions.  Visual images through projected artwork, book illustrations, photographs, art prints and virtual museum images and tours will be presented for discussion, analysis, appreciation and imitation of styles.  The art room is a place to practice, improve skills, analyze and explore.  Students will be equipped to work in a variety of wet and dry media.  They will participate in individual and group critiques in order to encourage personal progress and growth.
 

Seventh and Eighth Grade Art:

This year long course focuses on the teaching and further development of specific fundamental art skills which will enable students to create art in a variety of media, such as graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, chalk and oil pastels, watercolor, and acrylic paints. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of artists and art movements throughout the history of art as they participate in weekly art analysis of the great works. Engaging in lively discussions around the aesthetics of art will enable students to become more at ease in the visual art world that surrounds us.

Art II-IV:

These year long courses are offered to give the more experienced and serious art students the opportunity to work independently on individual projects, and to build a studio art portfolio with teacher supervision and assistance. Students are encouraged to follow their passion as they become independent and creative thinkers who will contribute inventively and critically to their culture through the making of art. Students should demonstrate understanding of the principles of design, and actively engage with these concepts while thoughtfully composing their art. The work should show evidence of conceptual, perceptual, expressive, and technical range. A sketchbook will be maintained, and individual critiques and portfolio reviews will be held throughout the course.

History of Art:

In this year-long elective course, students master how to approach a work of art, the vocabulary and analytical methods with which to discuss it, and the knowledge of how it fits into the general flow of art historical periods and styles. Both European-based and non-Western art will be given “voice” as we aim to develop as broad as possible a perspective about and appreciation for each tradition. An “art lab” is included where students will choose a theme (such as women in art, fashion, architecture, the human form, landscapes, families, love, war) and create an altered book filled with their own interpretation and expression of this theme.