Visual Arts Classes
Visual Arts
Our classes are designed to provide a comprehensive program in Visual Arts. Our courses fulfill the one-year graduation requirement of the district and are approved for entrance to the State and UC systems. Art courses also fulfill elective requirements. All courses are two semesters in length and expose students to a broad spectrum of skills, techniques, concepts and cultural contexts important to literacy in the Arts, including the elements and principals of design. We provide classes in beginning, advanced and AP for students interested in the arts.
Visual Arts Courses
ART
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credit Year / 10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “f” - VAPA.
This course is the foundation for art. It is a basic foundation course focusing on the elements and principles of design, aesthetic awareness, problem solving and developing observation and technical skills in drawing and painting. The course offers study of the basic design fundamentals necessary for any further experience in art, with a major emphasis on observational drawing.
ART ADVANCED
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credit Year / 10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “f” - VAPA.
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in Art 1 and/or permission of the teacher.
This one-year course builds upon the concepts and techniques learned in beginning level art classes. The class includes a series of drawing, painting and collage projects that would be suitable for art school portfolios. Students will write an artist statement, do a research project based on careers in art and an art history research project. May be repeated for credit.
AP STUDIO ART – DRAWING
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credit Year / 10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “f” - VAPA. Prerequisite: One full year of any visual arts course and teacher approval based on portfolio review.
Advanced Art, Advanced Drawing or Advanced Art 3-D is highly recommended. This is a portfolio development class. Students may select one of the following focuses: 2-D Design portfolio, drawing portfolio or 3-D design portfolio. Student portfolios are evaluated by the College Board at the end of the year; students are strongly encouraged to submit the College Board AP-related portfolio. Summer assignment is required.
ANIMATION
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credit Year / 10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes “F” – VAPA
Students explore concept art careers in character design, storyboarding and visual development with visiting artists and Pixar-adapted projects. Students use inspiration from favorite films, games and comics to invent their own characters, storyboards and sequential artworks. Animation character design methods are combined with fine art techniques in creating proportional and expressive faces, figures, story and action. All materials are provided. Previous art experience helpful but not required.
DIGITAL PHOTO
Grade: 10-12 Duration/Credit Year / 10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “f” - VAPA. In this one year course, students learn the basics of photography using their own cameras.
They will apply the elements of art and principles of design to photographic compositions. Digital studio experiences will give the students opportunity to develop technical abilities in Photoshop, creative expression, visual perception and career explorations as well as art historical appreciation. It is strongly recommended that students supply their own cameras; a few loaners are available.
AP Studio Art – 2D (AP Digital Photo)
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credit Year / 10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “f” - VAPA.
Prerequisite: Teacher Permission
This one year course is an advanced approach to digital photography. There is a focus on visual problem solving and the development of more conceptual images. Students will need to develop more advanced composition and technical skills and develop a body of work that is suitable for art school portfolios, display and exhibition. Students will write an artist statement, do a research project based on careers and art history.
AUDIO PRODUCTION
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credit Year / 10 Credits
UC/CSU: NONE
Students will learn the ins and outs of the audio world. Not only will they be able to recognize and use all equipment found in a typical recording studio, they will be producing their own music and sound effect creations in the Mac lab. The students will have a hands-on experience which can be utilized in real world experiences, in sound development, live recording, and live audio. Requirements: Basic knowledge of a Mac computer, must be interviewed by instructor. Earns CTE credit.
CERAMICS
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credit Year / 10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “f” - VAPA.
Students will make 7-8 projects per semester, learning basics of clay hand-building and pottery wheel (Spring). Techniques covered are pinch, coil, slab, and hollow-building around newspaper. There will be opportunity to make extra projects after assignments are completed. We get messy, so bring a smock or wear old clothes. This is a college level course and grades will appear on students’ permanent college transcript. Students are required to be concurrently enrolled through the College of San Mateo.
CERAMICS ADVANCED
Grade: 9-12 Duration/Credit Year / 10 Credits
UC/CSU: Yes; “f” - VAPA.
Prerequisite: Ceramics
Students will work independently on projects created using techniques learned in Ceramics. Create between 6-7 projects per semester that demonstrate advanced concepts in 3-D design. This is a good class to focus on developing a technique that you particularly enjoyed in Ceramics and wish to develop further. $40 materials fee for clay and glazes. This is a college level course and grades will appear on students’ permanent college transcript. Students are required to be concurrently enrolled through the College of San Mateo.