Visual Arts

The Grandview Visual Arts Department invites all Grandview students to make the visual arts a part of their high school experience. We offer a variety of courses in traditional two dimensional, three dimensional, photographic, and digital media areas. Our courses are aimed at providing a solid foundation in technical, compositional, and expressive skills. Whether you are interested in pursuing visual art as a career, or merely as means of expanding your cultural horizons, we offer the finest instruction, facilities, and materials for your visual art experience.

Ceramics

Ceramics 1

Prerequisites: None

Grade level: 9-12

Credit: 0.5

Fee: $25 for materials

Students taking Ceramics 1 will learn the basic skills and techniques fundamental to producing three- dimensional work. Students will apply the elements of art and principles of design. Pinch, coil, and slab construction will be introduced as well as various methods of decoration, glazing and firing. Sculptural concepts and throwing on the potter's wheel will be introduced. Students analyze and critique artwork, evaluate, and write about their work. Student maintains a digital portfolio.

Ceramics 2

Prerequisites: Ceramics 1

Grade level: 9-12

Credit: 0.5

Fee: $30 for materials

This is an intermediate level course designed as an opportunity to further develop and refine the skills and techniques practiced in Ceramics 1. Emphasis will be placed on developing projects requiring greater complexity using hand-building techniques and throwing on the potter's wheel. Project exploration will include planning, sketching and reflection. Students analyze and critique artwork, evaluate, and write about their work. Student maintains a digital portfolio.

Ceramics 3

Prerequisites: Ceramics 2 and teacher recommendation

Grade level: 10-12

Credit: 0.5

Fee: $30 for materials

This course is for highly focused and advanced students wanting in-depth exploration in 3D media to develop a personal style by pursuing individual interests, as well as, developing a portfolio. Emphasis will be placed on originality, a high level of critical analysis, production, and craftsmanship. Project development will include planning, sketching, and reflection. This course includes integration of research, reflection, and writing. Student maintains a digital portfolio and creates a presentation.

Drawing/Painting

Drawing/Painting 1

Prerequisites: None

Grade level: 9-12

Credit: 0.5

Fee: $25 for materials

This foundational course focuses on creative thinking and successful design solutions while practicing foundational fine art techniques. Students identify and apply the elements of art and principles of design. This class introduces and explores a variety of two- dimensional media used in the visual arts and teaches skillful application of media. Students are also introduced to the variety of programs and occupations in the arts, audio/video technology, and communications systems. Within this context, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in this cluster and the knowledge, skills, and educational requirements for those opportunities.

Drawing/Painting 2

Prerequisites: Drawing and Painting 1

Grade level: 9-12

Credit: 0.5

Fee: $30 for materials

This course is an advanced exploration of art techniques and materials using two-dimensional concepts. Students will solve more complex visual problems. Students will begin to develop a personal style and build a portfolio of work. Students will also continue to analyze and critique artwork, make judgments, and write about their findings while observing art throughout history.

Drawing/Painting 3

Prerequisites: Drawing and Painting 2 and teacher recommendation

Grade level: 10-12

Credit: 0.5

Fee: $40 for materials

This course is for serious advanced students needing studio time in which to refine style and media use. The emphasis is on the development of the student's individual portfolio and a more advanced approach to art-making. Course work requires research and planning. Students will analyze and critique artwork, make judgments, and write about their findings in their own work and other artist's work. This course may be repeated for credit.

Graphic Design

Graphic Design 1

Prerequisites: None

Grade level: 9-12

Credit: 0.5

Fee: $30 for materials

This entry level course is for training in the visual communication portion of all media businesses. Students learn about a career in the many kinds of media and graphic design and illustration jobs. Digital photography and working towards the intermediate level use of image editing and drawing programs are strongly focused upon in this class. This is helpful for any future photographer, videographer, animator or advertiser. Students will begin developing a high quality portfolio for college or design school.

Graphic Design 2

Prerequisites: None

Grade level: 9-12

Credit: 0.5

Fee: $35 for materials

Introduces the basic components of multimedia: text, graphics, animation, sound, and video. Students gain an introductory knowledge of various multimedia and design software programs. Students gain hands-on, technical, conceptual and aesthetic experience pertaining to the creation of multi-dimensional design and time-based media via an array of projects and demonstrations. Students will be introduced to career opportunities within multimedia fields.

Graphic Design 3

Photography

Photography 1

Prerequisites: None

Grade level: 9-12

Credit: 0.5

Fee: $50 for materials

Students will develop skills necessary that will lay the foundation for camera operations of both 35mm SLR film and digital cameras, while using cell phone technology to make images. Additionally, photography in the context of historical Darkroom processes will be introduced (Pinhole cameras) This photography course focuses on studio-based photography. Students will learn basic DSLR camera operations, framing and the art of styling and lighting for professional photo shoots. Projects will include various print advertisements and studio work. Students will learn about careers related to commercial photography and the postsecondary programs and requirements within Colorado. Some examples of jobs in this area are photographer, graphic designer and stylist. Students will complete a number of projects and design pieces to be added to personal portfolios.

Photography 2

Prerequisites: Photography 1

Grade level: 10-12

Credit: 0.5

Fee: $50 for materials

This photography course focuses on commercial photography, and alternate photography processes. Students will increase their proficiency in DSLR camera operations, framing, and the art of styling and lighting for professional photo shoots. In addition, students will learn advanced photoshop techniques to help with both creative and commercial projects. Projects will include various print advertisements and studio work. Second semester, students will learn basic darkroom techniques to better understand the photographic process, as well as other traditional methods. Students will learn about careers related to commercial photography and the postsecondary programs and requirements within Colorado. Some examples of jobs in this area are photographer, graphic designer and stylist. Students will complete a number of projects and design pieces to be added to personal portfolios.

Photography 3

Prerequisites: Photography 1 and Photograph 2 and teacher recommendation

Grade level: 11-12

Credit: 0.5

Fee: $40 for materials

This course provides the advanced skills necessary for SLR digital camera photography, including the use of creative Photoshop editing skills at an advanced level. Students develop a body of work that is related to their personal vision. Course emphasizes the needs of commercial photographers with regard to technical expertise, creativity, and professional equipment. Technical aspects include film to digital transfer, lighting, digital image manipulation, alternative processes, large format camera work and stock photography. Creative exploration of subject matter, lighting, color theory and other psychological characteristics in the development of images are studied. A variety of photographic equipment is utilized for the studio and on location. Students are expected to create a portfolio of work for both print and electronic formats.

AP Art Studio: 2D Design, 3D Design, and Drawing

2D Art Design, 3D Art Design, and Drawing

2D Art Design, 3D Art Design, and Drawing

Prerequisites: Any level 2 Art with Teacher Recommendation or any level 3 Art

Grade level: 11-12

Credit: 1

Fee: $80 for materials; See AP section for exam information

This course provides students the opportunity to hone a specific idea/concept/set of skills that build a body of work. This course allows for advanced work in the Design & Multimedia Arts Program of Study. This advanced work can be individualized to the specific program of study to allow for specialized study for the student. It may include project based learning or preparation for the end of program industry certification. Specific content and course design will be determined by the instructor in collaboration with the individual student.

Visual Arts Flowchart

Flowchart