Visual Arts

This is an introductory course in Art which satisfies the NYS Standards for the Arts requirement as well as meeting the department’s required prerequisite for most classes. This course is designed to give students an opportunity to experience 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional projects using a variety of media that may include clay, painting, drawing, printmaking and photography. This class is an introduction to the visual art world structured according to the elements and principles of design and drawing upon the work of a wide variety of differing artists, time periods and cultures. A sketchbook and basic materials are required, see instructor materials list. Studio in Art is the foundation course which will serve as a prerequisite for art electives as well as a foundational building block for further art experiences.

This course is a full year of foundation and exploration in the visual art. Students will focus on the use of line, form, color, texture and space, using the media of pencil, pen, pastel, colored pencil and charcoal in the first semester. Wet media of watercolor, acrylic paints, and oil paints will be presented in the second half of the year. Themes of traditional nature such as still life, landscape and portrait subject matter will be addressed. Students will refine basic skills and challenge their talents in pursuit of a personal style. Art history will be incorporated into coursework and an in-depth sketchbook of material exploration and concept development will be created. This course results in artwork that is the core of traditional portfolio requirement for college admission to Art, Architecture, and Design programs. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Studio in Art.

This advanced elective course will focus on a refinement of observational drawing skills and investigative painting techniques. Students will utilize diverse media while exploring different approaches to drawing and painting throughout history. An introduction to processes and techniques to the art of drawing and painting will be covered at the onset of the course. A sketchbook, Itoya art portfolio and advanced materials are required for the class. Art history will serve as an opening for all units and will pertain to topics and time period being introduced. This is a rigorous course, requiring student generated research, preparation and outside work is required for all units. Development of work for a portfolio will be completed and assessed. Please note this course requires student materials list and cost incurred.

Prerequisite: Studio in Art plus Drawing and Painting.

A basic introductory course, which deals with the methods of working with clay, utilizing the techniques of hand built and functional-oriented methods, such as pinch, slab and coil. The student will be introduced to the numerous possibilities of using clay, as well as the techniques of glazing and firing. Students will be required to have a command of the ceramic vocabulary, and processes for greater success. Maintaining a ceramic lab as well as working together to keep the lab in order will be necessary. A sketchbook is a required component for the class as well as documentation of wares constructed and outside work is mandatory.

Advanced Ceramics is a more serious look into the art of ceramics. Hand building as well as thrown techniques will be emphasized. Experimental alternative glazing techniques will be explored. Contemporary movements in clay research will be expected from each student. Students will move away from functional pottery and do extensive exploration in ceramic sculpture both abstracted and realistic. Extended research on ceramic artists will be required, with supporting documentation. A sketchbook of three-dimensional work is required as part of the creation and documentation of wares constructed.

Prerequisite: Ceramics

This one semester course will cover both digital and analogue film assignments. Learning to compose images like a professional, create stories with your images, and amplify your photographic skills through learning the single lens reflex camera. We have banks of digital and film cameras for loan, but always welcome students using their personal cameras as well. Students will learn the basics of digital photographic production in Adobe Photoshop and darkroom printing with analogue negatives. Film and photographic paper may or may not be purchased in bulk during the course rather than by the individual for better pricing. 44 Somers High School Course Selection Guide 202

This one semester course is designed to further explore photography. Alternative processing and printing (sun prints, painted emulsions, hand coloring, and color photography) are covered along with creating photography series. The class is split half film and half digital. Students are encouraged to have the use of their own camera. Some cameras are available for loan from the department. Film and paper purchase is required. Each student is required to have a sketchbook. Students are required to purchase or rent individual supplies. Please see supply list or contact instructor.

Prerequesite: Successful completion of Photography I.

This is a beginner’s introduction to the art and technology of computer-generated animations and graphics. Macromedia’s Flash and Curious Lab’s Poser are used to create interactive informational graphics. Combining art and technology, students will sketch and assemble an electronic portfolio of finished graphics. Each student is required to have a sketchbook. No prerequisite.

Utilizing industry standard design software, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, students will create effective designs that reflect real world studio projects. Assignments include logo development, brand identity and package design, which will develop problem solving skills through visual communication. Students will create effective designs that reflect real world studio projects. Assignments may include CD covers, magazine designs, and logos, which utilize problem solving skills and address elements of design as applied to graphics. No prerequisite. Sketchbook is required.

This course will be an in-depth exploration in communicating a message through effective design. Conceptual problem solving skills will be further developed for real world studio projects such as: music posters, advertising, magazines, and promotional packaging. Further investigation of computer software, such as: In Design, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator will be utilized.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Graphic Design I

In this course students will examine the role Art and Design play in the development of Culture. Through visual analysis of artifacts throughout history the class will establish an understanding of terminology, use of subject matters, symbolisms, and the evolution of the creative world as a mirror of time. Students will explore the development of culture, visual analysis, and creative problem solving through image-based lectures, discussions, virtual museum visits, films, creative projects, and presentation critiques. By investigating art objects and design concepts through multiple locations and timelines that touch upon the areas of mathematics, science, social studies, art and literature, students will see parallels between the past and present and across cultures. The historical and global knowledge, visual research, and collaboration skills acquired during this course serve as a foundation for future course work in any field.

A sketchbook, 9x12” Itoya art portfolio and supplemental print materials are required. No Prerequisite.

Video I is a semester long course designed to facilitate the learning of digital camera technology (video and still), basic video editing and post production techniques. Key concepts that are specifically considered are basic video editing, audio incorporation/balancing, video file formatting/preparation and basic editing skills in the Apple iMovie software. Students will also learn to incorporate media material; photographic images, Adobe Illustrator graphics, text and etc. Students will be guided through projects designed to build a general understanding of the digitally manipulated motion video in varying contexts. Inspiration for subject matter will take into consideration student, school and community interests. Students will be required to shoot video outside of the classroom environment and beyond the regularly scheduled class time.

Video II is a semester long course designed to continue the knowledge learned in Video I expanding on the iMovie Sofware and leading into Final Cut Pro. Students will learn the power of creating storyboards and writing scripts within the video making process. Video projects created will span varying genres; short films, commercials, journalistic video reports, multi-camera productions and/or more. As college is on the horizon, AVP instruction allows students to engage in the project theme creation process (while also allowing finished projects to cater to college portfolio entrance requirements). AVP students will work with peers, utilizing each person’s unique strength in a collaborative manner that parallels the professional process found in the real world. Theory, technical instruction and practical application to develop students’ visual literacy as effective storytellers is paramount. Each student is required to have sketchbook.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Video I.

The IB Visual Arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media.

IB Visual Arts runs daily for a full year with an additional B,D,F studio lab period. The course is designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts. IB visual Arts can be used as an SL towards achieving the IB Diploma.

The IB SL film class is a one-year course designed to help serious film students interpret and create works of film. Students will study and analyze various genres of film for their cultural, historical, artistic, global, and technical aspects. They will research the history of film, learn to write and edit screenplays, and they will also gain skills in film production as they experiment with different technology and software to practice the skills and techniques required for this course. Members of the class will work together as a film production team in order to create their own films as screenwriters, actors, directors, and editors. This student work will be submitted to the IB Organization for scoring. This course will be co-taught by a member of the SHS Art and English departments, and will meet for one period every day, with an additional lab period every other day to accommodate the 150-hour SL requirement, and it is open to juniors or seniors. It may be taken to fulfill the IB Diploma elective requirement for Group 6, or as a certificate course. Summer work will be required.

Prerequisite: Video I or teacher permission

AP Art and Design is a college-level advanced art course. Credit will be awarded at the college’s discretion based on the results of the Advanced Placement Portfolio review score. AP Studio Art can be approached in three different ways with a concentration in either 2D Design, 3D Design or Drawing. Each student will choose an area of concentration and work the full year to complete 20-25 pieces for the portfolio requirements. This is an intensive advanced class designed for those students who want to pursue art as a major or who are serious about their work. A body of existing work in a portfolio is mandatory for successful completion of required work. Student will be expected participate in the AP Portfolio Review Examination from College Board.

PREREQUISITE FOR ALL FASHION COURSES- OFFERED FALL AND SPRING SEMESTER This course is an introduction to the world of fashion, basic construction techniques, and design principles. Through several hands-on sewing projects, students will have the opportunity to analyze their own personal style, while developing an understanding of color and the elements and principles of design. Students will be introduced to fashion illustration as well as the history of fashion and its effects on our lives. Course requires student materials list and cost incurred.

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in, or prior completion of Studio Art, or instructor approval.

Students will be introduced to industry practices of trend research, presentation boards, and design development. Development of a unique style of fashion illustration as well as presentation of rendered designs will be stressed. Specific assignments will be given to broaden students’ knowledge of fashion and art history, enhance design research skills, and further develop one’s critical thinking. Several projects will result in constructed garments, which will be included in the fashion exhibition. The culmination of this class will be a portfolio of fashion designs. Course requires student materials list and cost incurred.

Prerequisite: Fashion Fundamentals

Students will continue to employ the knowledge and skills introduced in FM I, bringing more designs to creation. During the first semester, students will focus on further developing and refining their portfolio for entrance into a college design program. The second semester will encourage students to take risks, use advanced problem solving and design beyond their comfort zone. Participants will help organize and implement a fashion exhibition of student work.

Prerequisite: Fashion Fundamentals and Fashion Marketplace I. Course requires student materials list and cost incurred.