Visual Arts

Credit: 1
Grade: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Note: Materials fee $31.00

This course is an introductory level art class that will place emphasis on drawing and painting techniques and media, while also introducing students to the elements and principles of art and design. However, students will also be exposed to and experiment with some 3D art techniques and media so as to provide a solid foundation in a wide variety of studio art experiences. Students will learn about and experience the creative process primarily through the media of drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media, with some limited exposure and experience with ceramics and sculpture. Students will develop and maintain a sketchbook which will house students’ preliminary sketches, media experimentation and art historical inspiration. In addition, students will explore art history as it pertains to our projects and learn critical analysis methods for evaluating their own and others work. Want to learn more? Visit http://whsart.weebly.com

Credit: 1
Grade: 9-12
Prerequisite: Basic computer skills

This course is an introduction to basic art processes and principles using the computer as the main source of medium. Students will learn about the creative process through the production of art created directly on the computer through manipulation of the student’s original drawings or ideas. Students will be instructed in the use of professional drawing programs like Adobe Photoshop, Animate and Character Animator. Emphasis is placed on individual conceptualization. Elements and principles of art will be studied as required by the TEKS for Art I, and practical manipulation of these principles will be expanded using various software. This course combines a rigorous and relevant experiential study of modern, post-modern, and contemporary visual art and animation with student learning in media literacy and technology applications. Creation and analysis of student artwork will be balanced with exploration of contemporary practices across the digital and animation arts fields. Students will learn how to bridge traditional hand skills with current technology applications to create new media such as animations, digital images, multimedia presentations, motion graphics. Student work will culminate in a project that investigates relevant issues of the individual student that uses art, design, animation and visual communication to address the issue.

Credit: 1
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Art I-Foundations of Studio Art
Note: Materials fee $50.00

This course is an introduction to the basic history, practice, and techniques of working in ceramics. Students will continue their study of the elements and principles of art, art history and appreciation. Students will also continue to study and develop their own creative process through the production of 3-dimensional art, producing functional and nonfunctional art. Students will learn both hand-building and wheel-thrown techniques. Major projects are designed to be conceptual/open-ended in nature, encouraging students to make decisions and take risks. The emphasis is on art elements and principles as well as on creative visual thinking and problem-solving. Strong importance is placed on individual conceptualization in students’ projects, as well as on classroom participation, and students working within a community to contribute to and maintain a large studio lab. Precaution:  Students will occasionally be using heat guns, needle tools, x-acto knives, chisels, and broken glass; safety precautions will be taught and are of utmost importance.

Credit: 1
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Art and Media Communications I

This course is designed for students who are interested in developing 2D and 3D graphics to be used in advertising and desktop publishing. Students will be instructed in the use of professional drawing programs like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects, as well 3D applications such as Lightwave 3D and ZBrush.

Digital Art and Media I builds upon the foundation skills taught in the Art and Media Communications I survey course, and provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge of contemporary visual art and design practices with greater depth and complexity. Hands-on, experiential learning in visual art is interwoven with technology applications, media literacy, and 21st century skills as students explore participatory media and the practice of transmedia storytelling. Students learn how new media such as digital imagery, multimedia presentations, special video effects, game design, and animations intersect with contemporary art—specifically sculpture—in the use of ZBrush. By creating transmedia stories about their work, students expand both personal and collective narratives, deepen creative research skills, gain insight into messaging platforms, and build communities of interest. Students will document their work in a professional-level digital portfolio that demonstrates their progress through all phases of the creative process.

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Credit: 1
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Art I—Foundations of Studio Art
Note: Materials fee $50.00

This course will teach students how to think and design three-dimensionally and present a finished product. It will reinforce the sculptural concepts learned in Art 1, while allowing students to experiment with new materials and a variety of three-dimensional problems. Students will be given the opportunity to imagine, plan, sketch, design, and create such things as figurative and abstract sculptures, as well as less conventional projects such as innovative furniture, “extreme” houses, or vehicles of the future. Major projects are designed to be conceptual/open-ended in nature, encouraging students to make decisions and take risks. The emphasis is on art elements and principles as well as on creative visual thinking and problem-solving. Strong importance is placed on individual conceptualization in students’ projects, as well as on classroom participation, and students working within a community to contribute to and maintain a large studio lab. We will be using such materials as plaster, plaster gauze, papier mache, clay, foam-board, wood, found objects, fabric, mat-board, etc. Sketchbooks will be an integral part of the class for planning work, recording material experimentation results, and designing. Collaboration with peers and faculty, communication between students, student and teacher will be expected, and personal growth through creativity will be fostered.

Precaution:  Students will occasionally be using hot glue guns, heat guns, x-acto knives, utility knives, drills, saws, chisels, files, rasps, and other tools; safety precautions will be taught and are of utmost importance.

Credit: 1
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Art I: Foundations of Art with Emphasis on Painting and Drawing
Note: Materials fee $31.00

This course is designed for the motivated art student who has successfully completed both semesters of Art I. It builds upon the basic skills and techniques taught and mastered in this beginning course. Students will be encouraged to work from observation and will be introduced to advanced colored pencil, painting, printmaking and mixed media techniques. The creative process will be stressed through the use of a developmental sketchbook which will house students’ preliminary sketches, media experimentation, art historical inspiration, etc. Major projects are designed to be conceptual/open-ended in nature, encouraging students to make decisions and take risks. The emphasis is on art elements and principles as well as on creative visual thinking and problem-solving. This course offers not only hands-on production but the study of art history and the process of critical analysis in reference to viewing professional and student artwork. Students will be expected to develop work for exhibition and/or competition.

Credit: 1
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Art I
Note: Materials fee $35.00

This course is designed for students who are interested in developing their craft of photography. Students will learn and expand on camera usage, both 35mm film and DSLRs, use Adobe photo editing software and hone darkroom skills. The elements and principles of fine art, student knowledge and practical manipulation of the principles of art will be expanded. This is a project-based course designed to take the student through all phases of the creative process, from beginning to end. Art history and art appreciation will be taught on more traditional art topics and current trends.

Credit: 1
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Digital Art and Media I

This course is designed for students who have completed Digital Art and Media I and want to continue their study of 3D computer graphics. Digital Art and Media II builds upon the foundation skills taught in the Digital Art and Media I course, and provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge of contemporary visual are and design practices with greater depth and complexity. Students will be instructed in the use of professional drawing programs like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop After Effects, LightWave, and ZBrush with much greater emphasis on individual conceptualization and development of the medium. Students must have previously demonstrated self-motivation and commitment to the field of computer graphics and be willing to put extra time and effort into developing good graphic techniques. Students will explore individual direction in the design and creation of original images for exhibitions, publications and personal portfolios. Students’ knowledge and practical manipulation of the principles of art will be expanded. Work produced on the computer can be included in the student’s AP Studio Art 2D Portfolio.

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Credit: 1
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Art II: Ceramics
Note: Materials fee $50.00

This course is a continuation of the basic art processes and techniques learned in Art II—Ceramics, as students learn to combine and refine their technical approaches with increased emphasis on individual conceptualization within project design. Projects may include a variety of media within the work, as well as art history and art appreciation. This course requires increased independence and self-motivation as projects grow in complexity, and will likely require time outside of class to be completed. Students are expected to continue to develop skills and begin to combine methods with growing precision, working within a community to contribute to and maintain a large studio lab. Precaution:  Students will occasionally be using heat guns, needle tools, x-acto knives, chisels, and broken glass; safety precautions will be taught and are of utmost importance.

Credit: 1
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Art I Foundations and Art II: Sculpture 
Note: Materials fee $50.00

This three-dimensional design and sculpture course is designed for the motivated student-artist who is interested in furthering investigations into product, furniture, vehicle, architectural design, as well as more traditional sculpture studies. At this level, the student will respond to a series of teacher-generated prompts, while having a chance to work on areas of personal interest to produce a finished product. Students will be working with a variety of media and techniques. They will have more independence (than in Art Level 1 and 2 classes) in the choice of subject, medium, and materials to be used. A sketchbook will be an important tool used in this class for sketching, rendering designs, writing critiques, and investigations into art history. Collaboration with peers and faculty, communication between students, student and teacher will be expected, and personal growth through creativity will be fostered. . Precaution:  Students will occasionally be using hot glue guns, heat guns, x-acto knives, utility knives, drills, saws, chisels, files, rasps, and other tools; safety precautions will be taught and are of utmost importance.

Credit: 1
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Art II: Studio Painting & Drawing
Note: Materials fee $31.00

This course is designed for the advanced and highly motivated art student who wants to specialize in drawing using a variety of drawing mediums such as pen and ink, colored pencil, graphite, conte crayon, oil pastels, charcoal, etc. Students will be encouraged to work from observation while exploring individual directions in the design, development and creation of original drawings for exhibitions/competitions, publications and personal/AP portfolios. Their knowledge of the elements and principles of art, along with art vocabulary, technique and research into past and post-contemporary art will continue to be expanded.

Credit: 1
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Art II: Studio Painting & Drawing
Note: Material fee $31.00

This class is designed for the advanced and highly motivated art student who wants to specialize in painting. All mediums such as watercolor, acrylic, oils and mixed media will be utilized. Students will be encouraged to work from observation while exploring individual directions in the design, development and creation of original paintings for exhibitions/competitions, publications and personal/AP portfolios. Their knowledge of the elements and principles of art, along with art vocabulary, technique and research into past and post-contemporary art will continue to be expanded.

Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Art III—Drawing II or Painting II and Instructor Approval
Note: Material fee $31.00

This course is designed for the highly motivated, creative and skilled art student who can work independently and self-manage time frames for meeting project deadlines. A student taking this course may not be interested in the intense workload of creating and developing the required portfolio of work the Advanced Placement Art courses require, but may instead be interested in developing a portfolio for college preparation. Students will be required to complete a minimum of six major artworks in this course. Requirements include preliminary work/sketches for projects, experimentation with media, art history research, visits to art galleries and museums, and class and individual instructor critiques. Mastery of working from observation, composition and technique, and developing work for exhibition and competition is expected.

Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Art III: Ceramics and Instructor Approval
Note: Materials fee $50.00

This class is designed for the advanced art student who wants to specialize in ceramics. The student will have the opportunity to explore, in depth, more challenging and sophisticated construction and decoration techniques. All ceramic methods will be used, but with greater emphasis on combining methods and the development of surfaces. Students will develop a deeper understanding of an artist’s conceptualization. Students will be expected to develop a creative, quality, and cohesive body of work for submission in a college portfolio. The students must have previously demonstrated to the teacher self-motivation and commitment and must continue to develop all ceramic methods skills. As projects grow in complexity, pieces will likely require time outside of class in order to be completed. Students will work within a community to contribute to and maintain a large studio lab. Precaution:  Students will occasionally be using heat guns, needle tools, x-acto knives, chisels, and broken glass; safety precautions will be taught and are of utmost importance.

Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Art 1: Foundations and Art III: Sculpture
Note: Materials fee $50.00

This advanced three-dimensional design and sculpture course is designed for the highly motivated student-artist who is interested in developing skills and furthering studies into various forms of product, furniture, vehicle, architectural design, and more traditional forms of sculpture. Students will be expected to develop a creative, quality, and cohesive body of work for submission in a college portfolio. Along with the development of the portfolio, a detailed sketchbook will be maintained for completing art historical investigations, sketching and rendering ideas, and writing critiques. Choices in subject, media, and technique will be given. Regular meetings with individual students will help guide the students to pursue a thematic sculptural strand. Collaboration with peers and faculty, communication between students, student and teacher will be expected, and personal growth through creativity will be fostered.

Precaution:  Students will occasionally be using hot glue guns, heat guns, x-acto knives, utility knives, drills, saws, chisels, files, rasps, and other tools; safety precautions will be taught and are of utmost importance.

Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Art III—Digital Art and Media II
Note: Instructor approval required

This course is designed for independent-minded students who have completed Art III—Digital Art and Media II, and who want to continue their study of 3D computer graphics. Digital Art and Media III builds upon the foundation skills taught in the Digital Art and Media II course and provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge of contemporary visual art and design practices with greater depth and complexity. Students will continue their study of professional drawing programs like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop After Effects, Light-Wave, and ZBrush with a much greater emphasis on individual conceptualization and development of the medium. Students must have previously demonstrated self-motivation and commitment to the field of computer graphics and be willing to put extra time and effort into developing good graphic techniques. Students will explore individual direction in the design and creation of original images for exhibitions, publications and personal portfolios. Work produced on the computer can be included in the students AP Art 2D portfolio.

Credit: 1
Grade:12
Prerequisite: Art III or Digital Art & Media III
Note: Instructor approval required
Materials fee: $31.00 & AP exam fee for portfolio submission

The focus of this course is the creation, development, and ultimately, submission of a unique, quality portfolio to the College Board after an in-depth exploration of media and completion of drawings which may include paintings, print-making, digital media, collage, and mixed media works. This class is designed for the art student who is seriously interested in immersing him or herself in a practical experience of art, creating a college art portfolio, and possibly considering advanced study of art at the college level. Advanced Placement Studio Art is not based on a written examination; instead students submit portfolios for evaluation in May. The portfolio is structured around a sustained investigation and a group of selected works. The 2D portfolio will include works in a wide and diversified range of areas including drawing, color design and computer graphic work. Students will be required to put additional time in projects outside of the classroom. In conjunction with the portfolio work students will develop works for exhibition and competition on regional, state and national levels. Grading will be based on participation and performance skills in addition to projects, assignments and final portfolio review. For more information on AP Studio Art course requirements, go to the College Board website:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/descriptions/index.html

Credit: 1
Grade:12
Prerequisite: Art Foundations I, Art III— Sculpture II and III, and a submission of a portfolio to the Visual Arts teacher prior to the year taking the course.
Note: Instructor approval required
Materials fee: $50.00 & AP exam fee for portfolio submission

This class is designed for the art student who is seriously interested in the practical experience of art. AP 3D Art & Design is not based on a written examination; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. The focus of this course is the creation, development, and ultimately, submission of a portfolio to the College Board after an in-depth exploration and completion of two series of 3D artworks. The portfolio is structured around a sustained investigation and a group of selected works. This course is for highly motivated students who have proven that they can work independently in the studio classroom setting. The student must also be prepared to spend an additional number of hours outside of class time on the creation and production of original 3D artwork. Grading will be based on participation and performance skills in addition to projects, assignments, quizzes and final portfolio review. In conjunction with the portfolio development, students will develop artworks for exhibition and competition on regional, state, and national levels. Precaution:  Students will occasionally be using hot glue guns, heat guns, x-acto knives, utility knives, drills, saws, chisels, files, rasps, broken glass, and other tools; safety precautions will be taught and are of utmost importance. For more information on AP Studio Art course requirements, go to the College Board website:http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/descriptions/index.html

Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Art III-Ceramics II and a submission of a portfolio to the Visual Arts teacher prior to the year taking the course.
Note: Instructor approval required
Materials fee: $72.00 & AP exam fee for portfolio submission

The focus of this course is the creation, development, and ultimately, submission of a portfolio to the College Board after an in-depth exploration and completion of two series of sculptures. The portfolio is organized using a three section structure, with contents demonstrating concentration, breadth, and quality. The portfolio is structured around a sustained investigation and a group of selected works. In conjunction with the portfolio work students will develop works for exhibition and competition on regional, state and national levels. Grading will be based on participation and performance skills in addition to projects, assignments, quizzes and final portfolio review. The student must also be prepared to spend an additional number of hours outside of class time on the creation and production of original work. For more information on AP Studio Art course requirements, go to the College Board website:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/descriptions/index.html

Credit: 1
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Art III or Digital Art & Media III
Note: Instructor approval required
Materials fee: $31.00 & AP exam fee for portfolio submission

The focus of this course is the creation, development, and ultimately, submission of a unique, quality portfolio to the College Board after an in-depth exploration of media and completion of drawings which may include paintings, print-making, digital media, collage, and mixed media works. This class is designed for the art student who is seriously interested in immersing him or herself in a practical experience of art, creating a college art portfolio, and possibly considering advanced study of art at the college level. Advanced Placement Studio Art is not based on a written examination; instead students submit portfolios for evaluation in May. The portfolio is structured around a sustained investigation and a group of selected works. The 2D portfolio will include works in a wide and diversified range of areas including drawing, color design and computer graphic work. Students will be required to put additional time in projects outside of the classroom. In conjunction with the portfolio work students will develop works for exhibition and competition on regional, state and national levels. Grading will be based on participation and performance skills in addition to projects, assignments and final portfolio review. For more information on AP Studio Art course requirements, go to the College Board website:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/descriptions/index.html

Credit: 1
Grade: 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Fee: $10.00

The AP Art History course is equivalent to a two-semester introductory college course that explores topics such as the nature of art, art making, and responses to art. By investigating a specific image set of 250 works of art characterized by diverse artistic traditions from prehistory to the present, the course fosters in-depth, holistic understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. Students become active participants in the global art world, engaging with its forms and content, as they experience, research, discuss, read, and write about art, artists, art making, and responses to and interpretations of art. Students with an interest in world history, literature, and/or fine arts are encouraged to take this course.
For more information on AP Art History course requirements, go to the College Board website:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/descriptions/index.html

Credit: 1
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: AP Art History

Fee: $10.00

This course provides an advanced introduction to the methodologies used by art historians. By focusing on several outstanding historical and critical readings, as well as discussions and project-based learning, the student will be introduced to some of the major methodologies that have shaped the field: formalism, biographical analysis, connoisseurship, museum curation, brain-based learning, color theory, iconographical analysis, psychoanalytic theory, Marxist theory and the social history of art, gender theory, forgery and authentication, and art direction. Each student may choose art works of particular interest through which to apply these critical lenses. This course receives the same weight as an AP course.

Credit: 1
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Completion of AP Art History, Art Historical methods AND teacher approval required.  

Fee: $10.00

This course provides an opportunity for students to choose an area of art to study in greater depth. Students may opt to focus on an art movement, a theme or issue, a comparative perspective, a particular artist, or even one particular work of art. Students will work independently with as much support as they desire, having access to UT Library resources as well as the option to conduct research at the Library of Congress and Smithsonian Museum Libraries in Washington, D.C. Students ultimately will prepare a thesis-level study consisting of four chapters. This course receives the same weight as an AP course.