photos of student artwork

Visual Arts Department

Graph of Art, 3D Design, and Digital Filmmaking options

Visual graph of the digital photo program courses.

Course Descriptions

Art 1 - Drawing & Painting

This is a drawing and painting class that explores the basic elements and principles of design, color theory, art history, and cross-cultural art studies. Emphasis is placed on creative expression, craftsmanship, art vocabulary, and critiques. A materials donation may be requested.

Grade Level: 9-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts, General Elective

CSU/UC: Visual & Perf Arts(f), Electives(g)

Art 2 - Drawing & Painting

This course continues the study and practice of drawing and painting and further applies the principles of design. Some new mediums are introduced. Projects require greater scope and depth than those in Art 1. Students are engaged in art discussions and critiques, artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, aesthetic valuing, connecting and applying information, and career exploration. A materials donation may be requested.

Prerequisite: Art 1 - Drawing and Painting

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts, General Elective

CSU/UC: Visual & Perf Arts(f), Electives(g)

Art 3 - Drawing & Painting

This course extends the study, application and utilization of the elements and principles of art. Students incorporate advanced color theory, various modes of design, and comprehensive art critiques. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a working portfolio, and developing artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, aesthetic valuing, connecting and applying information, and career exploration. Participating in community art events and investigating careers is also included. A materials donation may be requested.

Prerequisite: Art 2 - Drawing and Painting

Grade Level: 11-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts

CSU/UC: Visual & Perf Arts(f), Electives(g)

Art 4 - Drawing & Painting

In this course, students focus on an in-depth exploration of a number of mediums. Students work individually in a studio atmosphere, with frequent student/teacher consultation, critiques, and demonstrations and portfolio preparation. Emphasis is placed on creating artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, aesthetic valuing, connecting and applying information, and career exploration. A materials donation may be requested.

Prerequisite: Art 3 - Drawing and Painting

Grade Level: 12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts, General Elective

CSU/UC: Visual & Perf Arts(f), Electives(g)

AP Studio Art - 2D Design & Drawing

The AP Studio Art portfolios are designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. AP Studio Art is not based on a written examination; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. Most AP Studio Art candidates prepare their portfolios through organized AP instruction. The portfolios share a basic, three-section structure, which requires the student to show a fundamental competence and range of understanding in visual concerns (and methods). Each of the portfolios asks the student to demonstrate a depth of investigation and process of discovery through the Concentration section (Section II). In the Breadth section (Section III), the student is asked to demonstrate a serious grounding in visual principles and material techniques. The Quality section (Section I) permits the student to select the works that best exhibit a synthesis of form, technique, and content. A materials donation may be requested.

Prerequisite: Recommended instructor approval upon portfolio review.

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts

CSU/UC: Visual & Perf Arts(f), Electives(g)

3D Design 1 - Ceramics & Sculpture

This course explores ceramics, sculpture, and other contemporary media. The students will build a portfolio of artwork, learn appropriate art vocabulary, learn historical/cultural information, make critical assessments, and connect art to their own life. A materials donation may be requested.

Grade Level: 9-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts, General Elective

CSU/UC: Visual & Perf Arts(f), Electives(g)

3D Design 2 - Ceramics & Sculpture

This course continues design techniques and the use of media learned in Three Dimensional Design 1. New media are introduced at this level, and a higher level of creativity and skill is expected. The students build a portfolio of artwork, learn appropriate art vocabulary, learn historical/cultural information, make critical assessments, and connect art to life. A materials donation may be requested.

Prerequisite: 3D Design 1

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts, General Elective

CSU/UC: Visual & Perf Arts(f), Electives(g)

3D Design 3 - Ceramics & Sculpture

This course continues design techniques and the use of media learned in Three Dimensional Design 2. A higher level of creativity and skill is expected in the various media. The students build a portfolio of artwork, learn appropriate art vocabulary, learn historical/cultural information, make critical assessments, and connect art to life. A materials donation may be requested.

Prerequisite: 3D Design 2

Grade Level: 11-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts, General Elective

CSU/UC: Visual & Perf Arts(f), Electives(g)

Digital Filmmaking 1

This course provides a project-based video media program, which guides students to achieve the standards in the Arts, Media and Entertainment Pathway of career technical training by providing students with the technical instruction and practical experiences for aspiring video and filmmakers in the production of film, video and new media projects. Students experience both the creative and technical aspects of film making in conjunction with learning about historical and contemporary traditions and conventions. Students are instructed on the three stages of project creation.

Grade Level: 9-12

Graduation Credit: Visual & Perf Arts

CSU/UC: Visual & Perf Arts(f)

Digital Filmmaking 2

This course provides a progressive, project-based video media program that builds on the skills learned in Digital Filmmaking 1. Students work individually and as group members in the production of video and new media projects. Students experience the creative and technical elements of filmmaking in the three stages of project creation: pre- production, production, and post-production. An emphasis will be given to project management, oversight and new methods of distribution.

Prerequisite: Digital Filmmaking 1 or Instructor approval

Grade Level: 10-12

Graduation Credit: CTE, Applied ArtsCSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f)

CTE Pathway: Visual, Design & Media

CTE Course Level: Capstone

Digital Photography 1

The beginning digital photography course covers the concepts of traditional photography and how it translates to digital technologies. Students learn how to use computer hardware and photo-editing programs as tools in creating digital photographic art. The course includes camera settings and exposure, lighting, composition, art history, art criticism, and photo editing.

A materials donation may be requested.

Grade Level: 11-12

Graduation Credit: CTE, Visual &

Performing Arts, General Elective

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f),

College-Prep Elective (g)

Digital Photography 2

This advanced digital photography class will continue the skills learned from Digital Photography 1. Students learn studio lighting and more advanced editing and camera techniques. Students work with real clients to build a professional digital portfolio.

A materials donation may be requested.

Prerequisite: Digital Photography 1

Grade Level: 12

Graduation Credit: CTE, Visual & Performing Arts, General Elective

CSU/UC: Visual & Performing Arts(f), Electives (g) pending approval

2D Art Flyer

3D Art Flyer