Drawing is the most foundational skill for any artist and is a completely teachable skill. Throughout the semester, you will learn, practice and create unique artworks in varying traditional drawing media such as pencils, charcoal, chalk pastels, oil pastels, markers and pens. With more innovative pieces, we will consider a carving tool or a paintbrush as our drawing utensil in order to create ceramic pieces or mixed media works with painting or printmaking. Drawing topics vary and may include observational drawing, realism, portraiture, abstract designs, surrealism, imagination as well as student driven passion ideas. Color theory, composition, elements of art, principles of design, critique, portfolio building and basic Photoshop will be woven throughout the artistic process. 

This course is a year-long artistic dream designed for 11th and 12th grade students who want to continue their artmaking beyond a specialized semester class or 10th grade students as preparation for IB Visual Arts. Students will explore and create imaginative, interesting and evocative artwork through a wide array of materials, techniques and design opportunities all focused around the elements of art, principles of design, color theory and composition. Materials vary and include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and mixed media. Themes vary and are open to independence and creative interpretations. In a fun studio atmosphere, you will develop artworks of various sizes, study art history, discover contemporary artists and practice technical skills all while building confidence, perseverance, creative thinking and problem solving abilities.

This is the first course in the two-year IB Diploma Program in Visual Arts. During the year, students begin to develop a portfolio of Artwork experimenting in an extensive range of artforms. They are also introduced to the three components of the IB VA Exam: the Process Portfolio, Comparative Study, and Exhibition. Students begin articulating and documenting their artistic journey in both a digital format and a traditional Art Journal. In addition, students learn how to analyze a work of art through formal analysis, and to conduct research into the cultural significance and meaning/purpose of an artwork. Moreover, students prepare a mock exhibition with exhibition texts and a curatorial rationale. Students must be highly motivated and autonomous artistically.

Whether you love to paint, or are not quite sure, this hands-on course offers the opportunity to develop artistic and technical skills in painting with watercolor, tempera, and acrylics. Exploring Color Theory, Art History, and Art Elements and Principles of Design are also integral components of this class. It is the perfect opportunity for all students interested in painting, regardless of prior experience, to deepen their skill-set, develop a personal style and gain a greater understanding of this timeless medium.

Mixed Media is an innovative studio art course designed specifically for art students who want to experiment and explore a large variety of materials and techniques. We will gain inspiration from contemporary artists and imaginative art prompts. Each project will be created using a mixture of two or more 2D art materials including watercolors, acrylic paints, collage, colored pencils, markers, pastels, printmaking and paper. Some pieces may even incorporate 3D materials and techniques such as modeling paste, paper mache, plaster, wire, thread, weaving or clay. Color theory, composition, elements of art, principles of design, critique and portfolio building will all be woven throughout the artistic process.

   This course offers a unique approach to studying art that focuses on one overarching theme, while exploring multiple artistic techniques. The current theme is Street Art, one of the most prominent and sometimes controversial art movements of our time. Students will discuss the legitimacy and social impact of Street Art, explore its history, and gain knowledge about the works of major and local artists. Hands-on creation of original pieces is an important aspect of this course, as students explore both traditional and digital mediums commonly used in creating Street Art. Projects include: stenciling, printmaking, mosaic and sticker-making. Students will also benefit from exploring Street Art on a field trip into Paris and/or working with an artist in residence to create a school-wide Street Art inspired piece, such as a mural.

Sculpture is a dynamic, hands-on introduction to 3D art and design. You will explore and learn various sculpture techniques through a variety of materials and creative prompts, all focusing on the elements of art (line, shape, color, value, texture, form, space) and the principles of design (rhythm, balance, unity, contrast, emphasis, pattern, movement). Through problem-solving art projects, you will practice creativity, experimentation, perseverance, confidence and innovation. Materials vary each semester and may include paper, cardboard, plaster, clay, wire, found objects, collage or a mixture of many. Sculpture themes also vary and may include abstract, figurative, faces, architecture, contemporary or passion explorations. Color theory, composition, photographing 3D artwork, portfolio building and critique will be woven throughout the artistic process.

In this course students learn the basic procedures working and creating with clay. Students will make mainly functional pieces using basic techniques such as pinching, coil–building, and slab building. They will also learn a variety of approaches for decorating and glazing their pieces. In addition to building specific skills working with clay, students are also expected to explore, experiment and problem solve, to express their creativity. In addition to hands-on skills, students will also learn about different technical and historical aspects of ceramics.

In today’s world of mass-produced image exposure; visual literacy & comprehension is crucial to an individual’s education. This course explores digital photography through the critical eye of the artist, developing a sense of visual communication and creative expression via digital imagery. Practice and prowess of the human eye in connection with the lens of the camera will be taught and developed. The basic fields of study will include compositional rules, depth of field, shutter-speed, light management, and photojournalism. Students will be introduced to the historical aspects of photography as well as to the study of famous photographers. This is a fast paced course and students are required to take photos outside of school.