Fine Arts Curriculum

Drawing

Students develop the ability to represent three-dimensional spatial relationships accurately on a two-dimensional plane. These early drawings are a vital tool for training the eye to see correctly. Each step of the drawing process is demonstrated and reinforced through repetition. Students use both charcoal and pencil and start by drawing geometric shapes and still life. They also use plaster casts to develop a sense for the shapes of the human figure.

Painting

Students are exposed to oil painting in addition to other painting mediums such as watercolors, acrylics, color pencils, and pastels. Various techniques of paint application are discussed and demonstrated. The students learn from still-life painting, compositional theories, color theory, texture, and the illusion of three-dimensional form. Students work on an individual creative project as a way to learn about the complete painting process—including selecting the frame and canvas, attaching and priming the canvas, sketching a draft, mixing pigments, applying paint and protective varnish, and building a frame for the completed work. At a more advanced level, the students learn the fundamentals of painting from a live model.

Sculpture

Students are taught to understand historical and contemporary examples of sculpture and how to integrate that knowledge into studio practice. Informed by proficiency in still-life drawing, knowledge of anatomical structure, and an understanding of three-dimensional composition, students demonstrate their ability to articulate forms in the round and in relief and produce robust and convincing sculptures in such modes as the figure and the portrait. Students also develop competency in the use of sculptural materials and casting methods.

Appreciation of Western Art

This course is an introduction to the Western visual arts emphasizing the understanding and appreciation of art. The course reviews two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional art forms, methods, and media, and examines the visual elements and principles of design. It briefly surveys the styles, aesthetics, characteristics, and sociopolitical background of art from the prehistoric to the 20th century. Students develop the critical abilities to appreciate art, its production, function/purpose, and aesthetic value. They master the critical skills to effectively articulate the issues of art and demonstrate knowledge of an art-related vocabulary. Students will gain an appreciation for the aesthetics of the visual arts and learn how to develop an informed personal reaction to the arts based upon critical analysis of various art forms. Students will be given the opportunity to apply classroom methodologies to artistic environments such as galleries and museums.

Art History

This course engages students at the same level as an introductory college art history survey course and prepares students for the AP Art History exam. Students examine major forms of artistic expression from the ancient world to the present and from a variety of cultures. Special emphasis is placed on the Renaissance in Europe through the 19th Century in the West and China’s Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Students examine essential questions such as the origin of artistic creativity, the role of arts and artists in culture and civilization, and the interrelation of art and thought. Students are encouraged to develop inferential skills with which to interpret art works and cultures.  Students learn how to experience great art in a meaningful way by working on a course-long art project chosen from selected topics.

Appreciation of Chinese Visual Art

The purpose of the course is to help students develop an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the various visual art forms that arose from traditional Chinese culture. Students are introduced to masterpieces in calligraphy, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and architecture. Lectures and tutorials help students become aware of the relationship between art and culture as well as the significance of art in society. They learn how morality and humanity influence judgment in art and aesthetics.

Chinese Calligraphy

This course focuses primarily on the proper brush and ink techniques for the two major styles of scripts: Kai Shu (Standard Script) and Li Shu (Clerical Script). This course is particularly useful for those who are interested in learning more about Chinese characters and the Chinese language. Historically, the practice of Chinese calligraphy has been seen as a way to improve man’s moral character and is considered a necessary habit for a learned person to acquire. Students are also introduced to the role of calligraphy in Chinese painting and in Chinese culture as a whole.