Art classes offered at Lee Middle + High School
Foundations of Art half year course
In Foundations of Art it is imperative that students understand the
elements and principles of design while understanding a general overview of the
visual arts. In this course, students will explore a variety of techniques and
materials used to produce drawings, paintings, printing and three-dimensional
works of art.
Students will compose original works demonstrating design and drawing theories. Students will analyze their performance and evaluate the merits of selected art works and art styles. Students will learn and use art vocabulary when describing their own work and when critiquing other works of art. Students will investigate the significance of art related careers.
Each unit will include an exploration of the different functions art serves. Art can be used to record or document events, tell a story, express emotion, communicate ideas and opinions and for formal reasons. Different cultures have also used art and materials in different ways. Each unit will teach skills and concepts relevant to the media as well as introduce students to different approaches to art making.
All potential students must be aware that they will be responsible for purchasing and maintaining a sketchbook for classwork.
Students will compose original works demonstrating design and drawing theories. Students will analyze their performance and evaluate the merits of selected art works and art styles. Students will learn and use art vocabulary when describing their own work and when critiquing other works of art. Students will investigate the significance of art related careers.
Each unit will include an exploration of the different functions art serves. Art can be used to record or document events, tell a story, express emotion, communicate ideas and opinions and for formal reasons. Different cultures have also used art and materials in different ways. Each unit will teach skills and concepts relevant to the media as well as introduce students to different approaches to art making.
All potential students must be aware that they will be responsible for purchasing and maintaining a sketchbook for classwork.
Drawing + Painting half year courses
Drawing + Painting Level I
This studio class is planned so that students will learn additional techniques and further develop the creative thought process as well as learn additional applications to build on the skills and concepts learned in Foundations Level 1 . Various drawing and painting media and techniques. Emphasis is placed on representation of still life, landscapes, animals and human form. Art history is incorporated into the curriculum. Media includes but is not limited to pencil, pen, ink, charcoal, pastel, oil pastel, watercolor, acrylic and tempera paint. Topics to be covered (but not limited to): Contour Lines Drawing basics Self Portraiture Greyscale Acrylic Painting Watercolor Painting Colored Pencil Two Point Perspective |
Drawing + Painting Level II
This studio class is planned so that students will learn additional techniques and further develop the creative thought process as well as learn additional applications to build on the skills and concepts learned in Drawing & Painting Level I. All Students will master the Elements of Art and Principals of Design through academic study, analysis and hands on experience. Topics to be covered (but not limited to): Art History Color Schemes Drawing Techniques Painting Techniques Three Point Perspective Composition Scratchboard Stipple/Ink Drawing Calligraphy & Illuminated Lettering Still Life Drawings – Charcoal Shading Landscapes Distortion Extreme foreshortening/interior environment Mixed Media Portraits and Paintings Famous Artist Inspired Paintings |
All potential students must be aware that they will be responsible for purchasing and maintaining a sketchbook for classwork.
Ceramics half year courses
Ceramics Level I:
Hand-building + Surface Decoration Experience building with clay! Students will explore a broad range of techniques and approaches to clay art work. Emphasis will be placed on the design elements; line, shape, texture, and color. Focus will be on the hand building techniques; pinch, coil and slabs. Functional (dinnerware such as plates) as well as sculptural (abstract or realistic) applications will be explored. Introduction to traditional and historical ceramic arts will be incorporated into the lab experiences. Various glaze and decoration techniques for finishing work will be introduced. Students will learn to approach ceramic artwork as both functional and decorative sculptural objects. Development of technical skills and artistic vocabulary will include scoring, slipping, welding, smoothing, hand building (slab, coil, and pinch techniques), bisque firing, painting, and glazing, plus the endless alternative possibilities involved with clay. Students are also required to keep a personal glaze log to record how each piece was glazed – which glaze was used, how many layers were applied etc. |
Ceramics Level II:
Sculptural + Functional Art Expand your experience of building with clay from Ceramics I! Students are required to have taken Ceramics Level I, be familiar with design elements (line, shape, texture, and color), have experience with hand building techniques; pinch, coil and slabs. Functional (dinnerware) as well as sculptural (abstract or realistic) applications will be enhanced and elaborated upon from what was covered in Ceramics Level I – this is a challenging course where you will need to engage your imagination, push creativity and employ innovative problem solving. The student will pursue personal excellence in technical knowledge, craftsmanship, and the use of the elements of art and the principles of design to create original art work. Artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural concepts, and aesthetic valuing will be emphasized as main themes. Students will learn how to take profession-looking photos of their work and will be expected to keep a portfolio in the form of a binder with photos of completed work along with detailed glazing information. Students will learn how to load and unload the kiln properly. |
3D + Sculptural Design half year course
This studio class is
planned so that students will learn additional techniques and further develop
the creative thought process as well as learn additional applications to build
on the skills and concepts learned in Foundations of Art. This course is an
overview to various types of sculpture and three dimensional works of art and
serves as an intermediate course for students who enjoy working with clay,
plaster, wood, Styrofoam, cardboard, wire, fabric, recycled materials – mixed
media, etc. The course concentrates on developing technical skills, creative
problem solving, and artistic appreciation of successful three dimensional
works. Taking creative ideas off the paper and canvas and featuring them in
three dimensional forms.
All potential students must be aware that they will be responsible for purchasing and maintaining a sketchbook for classwork.
Visual Arts - Intern full or half year course
Interns assist
the teacher with students in Middle School art classes or any High School art class they have taken and earned an 80% average or higher. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Project
set up
- Create
project examples
- Navigation
of art room
- Use
of supplies
- Project
execution
- Displaying
art work
- Art
room clean-up and organization
- During
down time you may work on artwork of your own!
Portfolio + Independent Art full year course
This studio class is
planned so that students will learn additional techniques and further develop the
creative thought process as well as learn additional applications to build on
the skills and concepts learned in Foundations
of Art, Three Dimensional Art
Construction, Ceramics, and Painting & Drawing. This course is designed to develop and inspire
the artistic ability and interest students have gained in earlier art classes.
This class is planned to encourage individual exploration of a variety of concepts
and media. Students will learn to develop their personal style and form an
individual plan of study; produce visual artworks; analyze, interpret and
evaluate works of art; gain an understanding of creative expression and other
periods and cultures.
Option to develop a portfolio (or series) with well-developed themes – students who intend to study art beyond high school or apply to a job will develop and photograph a portfolio suitable for college or job application after high school. It is a chance for the visually gifted to excel and receive recognition on a larger scale if the student wishes to submit a portfolio to AP testing in the spring or various local and national art competitions.
Students are required to submit completed work to art competitions throughout the year.
All potential students must be aware that they will be responsible for purchasing and maintaining a sketchbook for classwork
Option to develop a portfolio (or series) with well-developed themes – students who intend to study art beyond high school or apply to a job will develop and photograph a portfolio suitable for college or job application after high school. It is a chance for the visually gifted to excel and receive recognition on a larger scale if the student wishes to submit a portfolio to AP testing in the spring or various local and national art competitions.
Students are required to submit completed work to art competitions throughout the year.
All potential students must be aware that they will be responsible for purchasing and maintaining a sketchbook for classwork