Studio Art & Design

TOPICS BY GRADE:

• Kindergarten:  Learn to identify types of lines, recognize shapes, mix secondary colors from primary colors, basic use and care of art mediums; practice multiple art techniques to include print-making, texture and color mixing through painted paper, drawing with oil pastels, cutting paper, horizon line, pastel resist, collage, clay, tempera paint and watercolor; study traditional and contemporary artists and recreate artwork based on each artist’s style and artwork. 

• Grade 1: Learn to draw with lines and shapes, create a collage, paint with warm and cool colors; recognize differences between geometric and organic shapes; practice multiple art techniques to include print-making, basic weaving, painted paper, draw and color with oil pastels, cut small shapes from paper, use a horizon line, mix watercolor paints, build a clay pinch pot; study traditional and contemporary artists and recreate artwork based on each artist’s style and artwork.

• Grade 2: Learn to draw from observation, mix tints and shades, identify geometric and organic shapes, paint with warm and cool colors, basic use and care of art mediums; practice multiple art techniques to include print-making, weaving, drawing and coloring with oil pastels, chalk pastels, cut organic and geometric shapes from paper, use a horizon line, add textures to paintings, mix watercolor paint colors, build an object from a clay slab, use symmetry in art; study traditional and contemporary artists and recreate artwork based on each artist’s style and artwork; study the elements and principles of art. 

• Grade 3: Learn to draw from observation, mix tints and shades, create detailed collages, paint with warm and cool colors, basic here, near and far perspective, create a 3D project from clay, paper or paper mache, learn how to draw a building, create a drawing with contrast, identify 3D forms; basic use and care of art mediums; identify tertiary colors and complementary colors; study traditional and contemporary artists and recreate artwork based on each artist’s style and artwork; expanded study of the elements and principles of art. 

• Grade 4: Learn to create a coil pot, mix tints and shades, expand on watercolor techniques, draw realistic shading, 1 point perspective, create a 3D project from clay, paper, or paper mache, paint a still-life, use monochromatic colors, add contrast with cross-hatching; basic use and care of art mediums; study traditional and contemporary artists and recreate artwork based on each artist’s style and artwork; expanded study of the elements and principles of art. 

Grade 5: This class is designed to introduce students to many different artistic styles and materials. Students will explore the artistic process, plan, create, reflect, and present. Our goal is to discuss ways to begin a project, explore materials and techniques, and learn how to reflect on our own work. 

Grade 6/ Beginning Studio Arts:  In Beginning Studio Arts, students are challenged to sharpen their visual perception, encourage personal expression, and refine problem-solving skills. This class is designed to introduce students to many different artistic styles and materials.   Our goal is to help students to love art, grow comfortable expressing themselves, think more independently, and ultimately glorify the Lord with the creative mind He has given all of us.

In this introductory course, students improve drawing skills.  Based upon the concepts of the book by Betty Edwards, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, students learn to use “right brain mode” thinking, concentrate on lines, and compare spatial relationships. 

Students experience a variety of media including drawing pencils, charcoal pencils, watercolor pencils, chalk pastels, colored pencils, and oil pastels. They also continue to develop an understanding of the elements of art and principles of design to build their confidence. 

Through this course, the instructor charges students to explore God’s creation as they examine the nature of what is beautiful in relationship to visual arts.

Strongly encouraged if interested in HS Studio I option in Grade 8.

This semester course builds on the concepts of Junior High Art I and introduces students to painting concepts and techniques at the Junior High level.  This class is open to students in Grades 7 or 8 who have completed Junior High Art I: Drawing. 

This course increases students’ confidence to prepare them for the high school’s art courses.  This course emphasizes the use of various types of paint, further develops students’ understanding of the elements of art and principles of design, examines color theory, and explores famous artists and styles of painting. 

Through this course, we will observe God’s beautiful creation and design.

Strongly encouraged if interested in HS Studio I option in Grade 8.

This course is a year-long survey of studio art. Students explore the fundamentals of art including the principles of design, the elements of art, and basic technical skills in both 2D and 3D design. The instructor exposes students to wet, dry, mixed and sculptural mediums. Students explore the entire creative process including concept, critique, competition, and display. The instructor also uses art history and contemporary artists as an extension of learning the various media and techniques. Students expand their knowledge of composition, artistic expression, and aesthetics congruent with Biblical worldview.

This is an advanced level course. Students entering this course should have a proficiency in the language of art and basic drawing and painting techniques. It is an in-depth continuation of the methods, mediums, and skills in Studio Art I. Students will expand their skills in artistic communication and further develop technical skill in the mediums of pencil, pastel, charcoal, India ink, acrylic and oil paint, and sculpture. Advanced projects allow attention to individual preferences in class, with an increased production pace and an emerging emphasis on mixed media. Students explore God as creator and develop aesthetics congruent with Biblical worldview through Harkness discussion and written reflection. Studio Art II requires students to participate in art competitions.

This class is an advanced-level course divided into four parts: realistic rendering, expression of feeling, thematic content, and compositional skills. Students should have proficient drawing and painting skills, emerging mastery of various media, and comfort mixing multiple media. Students expand drawing skills to include full figure drawings from live models. Students research contemporary artists, how their work connects to art history, and the innovative ways they produce art as a means of exploring printmaking, sculpture, painting, and mixed media. Studio III allows students more personal freedom of artistic development emphasizing the creative process and thematic development of a series of works. Students work in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design independently and collaboratively. Studio Art III requires students to participate in art competitions and prepare work for gallery submission.

This is an introductory level drawing course designed for the beginning student dedicated to developing observation skills and the discovery of form both from life and photographs. Students explore various drawing mediums and techniques to help the student practice skills in perceiving edges, spaces, relationships, and lights and shadows. The course covers a study of design principles, and allows for personal expression and style. Students study the beauty of God as Creator through landscape, still life, and the ordered nature of the world.

This is an advanced level drawing course designed for students dedicated to continuing to develop skills in perception and rendering. Students will continue to master a variety of dry drawing media, as well as beginning to explore the possibilities of mixed media. Emphasis will be given to developing a personal style, with attention to student-led critique and evaluation. Students will study the potential for communication in the visual medium as an act of worship.

This course is an introduction to the painting medium. Students entering this course should have a proficiency in the language of art and basic drawing techniques. Students explore a variety of painting media and techniques expanding the skills of composition, value, and color theory. Students will work primarily in acrylic with some exploration of watercolors. Students study color theory and learn to view subject matter accurately as they work from observation and photographs to create abstract, landscapes, and still life scenes. Students explore abstract composition and the emotional connection to art as worship.

This course is an introduction to sculpture designed for students dedicated to all types of sculptural design. Students develop technical and media skills in a variety of sculptural media focusing on developing craftsmanship in construction. Students work in additive, transformative, and subtractive media. Students explore the design principles unique to sculpture in realistic, expressive, and abstract styles.

This class is an advanced study in the art form of the student’s choice focusing on a single thematic concentration. Students work primarily in an independent setting requiring a high level of motivation and responsibility. Students create a portfolio of 20 pieces preparing students for college application, scholarship application, and pursuing art beyond high school. Students use class time in diverse ways and rigorously develop their highest potential. The students supply some various multimedia items, but the course provides the majority of materials.  Senior Portfolio requires students to participate in art competitions, panel review, and culminates in a final gallery display and artist talk at the end of the year. Additionally, students who have previously taken AP Studio Arts 2D, 3D, or Drawing should submit to the AP Board.

AP 2D Design develops students’ ability to creatively solve two-dimensional design issues, critiques and evaluates work, and creates a successful portfolio. Students choose an essential question, research and explore this question, and respond artistically to chosen essential question demonstrating their depth of understanding of two-dimensional design. The course examines two areas: quality and sustained investigation. Students entering this course should be familiar with the principles of design and elements of art, have experience with multiple mediums and techniques for two-dimensional artmaking, and should be dedicated to diligent creative work. Students have the freedom to choose style, method, and medium of all work. Students must submit a portfolio to the AP Board.

AP 3D Design develops students' ability to creatively solve three-dimensional design issues, critiques and evaluates work, and creates a successful portfolio. Students choose an essential question, research and explore this question, and respond artistically to chosen essential question demonstrating their depth of understanding of three-dimensional design. This course examines two main areas of development: quality and sustained investigation.  Students entering this course should be familiar with the principles of design and elements of art as they relate to sculpture, students should have experience with multiple methods of sculpture-making and should be dedicated to diligent creative work. Students have the freedom to choose style, method, and material of all work. Students must submit a portfolio to the AP Board.

AP Drawing develops students’ technical and expressive abilities in drawing, critiques and evaluates work, and creates a successful portfolio. Students choose an essential question, research and explore this question, and respond artistically to chosen essential question demonstrating their depth of understanding of drawing techniques and mastery of media. The course examines two areas: quality and sustained investigation. Students entering this course should be familiar with the principles of design and elements of art, have experience with multiple drawing mediums and techniques, and should be dedicated to diligent creative work. Students have the freedom to choose style, method, and medium of all work. Students must submit a portfolio to the AP Board.