This series of courses is designed to offer students at W.H.S. a wide variety of art experiences.  It is set up to include everyone from beginning students with no experience to the student that is bound for a college level program in the fine arts.  For safety reasons and for students' individual needs, class size may be limited. Photo class size is dictated by equipment and darkroom size, and therefore limited to a maximum of 12 students per class.

        This course is designed to cover dual aspects of 2-dimensional art.  Students will be lead through various drawing techniques, beginning with the exploration of right brain function, to create drawings to more complex painting techniques.  We will explore various painting mediums and styles.  Final presentation, always important, will be covered through methods in matting, framing and display.

       This course requires a student to have successfully completed drawing/painting.  Further studies in pencil, conte, oil pastel, pen and ink, and charcoal will be explored, based on a firm historical perspective.  Painting techniques and materials, such as oil, egg emulsion, guache, watercolor and tempera resist will be pursued.

CERAMICS                                                                Course # 1002

       This course will present an overview of the history, techniques, and aesthetics involved in the study of ceramics.  Demonstrations will be given in the basics of working with clay.  The skills and processes of hand building and whel working will be the focus.  Students will be required to complete 12 projects using specific methods of creation.  Students will also be required to draw and write each semester as part of the syllabus requirements.

                                                                One Quarter - 1/2 credit

        This course is designed to further the general knowledge of the beginning clay artist.  The goal will be to build upon skills learned in Ceramics.  Students will attain a further understanding of the chemistry involved in glaze-making, witness the effects of different firing techniques, acquire a deeper understanding of form and physics in sculptural and functional clay work, as well as further develop a personal style.  There will be a requirement of 16 pieces each quarter.  Writing and drawing will also be required of each student.     

Prerequisite:  Ceramics

(A grade of B or better is advised)

        This course is an overview of the history and techniques used over time to create magnificent works of art in clay.  This course will be open to beginning and advanced students interested in the study of ceramic history.  Students will have a chance to create sculptural and functional works as they study the rich and varied aspects of the ceramic world.  This course will give each student an appreciation of a wonderful and timeless art form.

SCULPTURE                                                               Course # 1005

       An exploratory course designed to show students the uses of the third dimension in expressing ideas.  The history and aesthetics of sculpture will be used for illumination.  Students will work in a variety of media (clay, wood, plaster, soapstone, etc.) through a range of assignments to fully explore three dimensional design.

       This course is designed for students who have already taken one or more art classes.  Serious students are encouraged to explore their own ideas and directions, particularly within the medium they have experienced.  Students will work under a contract to develop a self disciplined approach, portfolio presentation, and quality production.  Students interested in meeting the requirements for the AP Studio Art Portfolio in 2-d design, photo, drawing or sculpture should take this course for that purpose as well.

       This course covers the many techniques of printmaking, including drypoint intaglio, wood cuts, silkscreening, and monoprinting.  We will explore color, inking materials, diverse printing surfaces and the possibilities involved in making multiples of an image.

        Art from the Impressionist movement to Contemporary works will be the basis for this course, which will explore the trends and philosophies of art from 1840 to present.  Students will create works of art and study the artists pivotal to the recent revolutionary movements in art.  Multiple media will be used, including paint, clay, pastels, charcoal and markers.

        This course is set up to introduce students to the basic black and white 35mm photographic process.  Students will become familiar with camera function, film processing and final printing procedures.  Photographic history and criticism will be included in the form of several short papers and one larger project.

        This course is designed to further master the craft of black and white photography.  Students will learn to fully control the aspects of printing including burning, dodging, filters and final presentation.  Students will also begin to utilize camera functions to capture low light, motion and multiple exposures.  Through this control of the camera and the darkroom processes, the students will then be expected to explore their own vision in composition, subject matter and the meaning inherent in their artwork.

                        Prerequisite:  Photo I

        This course is designed to explore alternative techniques of the photographic process.  Photo montage, pinhole photography, and strobe photography  are a few of the processes that will be covered.  Students will also work with toning prints (sepia), hand coloring, and non-silver printing processes such as cyanotypes and van-dyke brown prints.  This is a course for the motivated student.  Projects in the class will be designed by the student with the guidance of the teacher.

                        Prerequisites:  Photo I & Photo II

DIGITAL IMAGING                                         Course # 1012

        Enter the realm of the digital image through digital cameras, scanning and the alterations possible within Adobe Photoshop Element 2. Learn how to manipulate multiple images to create your own realities on the screen, how to adjust for color, texture, brightness, contrast and so much more.  Learn to analyze digital images for composition and for content, for persuasive intent and documentary value.  No prior art experience necessary.