Art and Photography

Today’s world of work is becoming increasingly visual and requires creative problem solving skills. Studio Art courses in two-dimensional and three-dimensional art and photography provide these important visual communication skills. Art courses also offer a crucial balance to a heavy academic schedule, encouraging personal growth and development of lifelong learning skills.

Art courses can be an essential element of a Regents Diploma. At this time, the one-credit art/music graduation requirement can be met by taking Studio in Art: Foundations or Studio in Art: Art and Culture in combination with an introductory music course or another art course.

An art course lays the foundation for a well-rounded education. An art sequence can enhance academic skills and provide a strong portfolio of work, which is especially valuable in professions such as engineering, medicine, architecture and design, and fine art fields. Five units of art can be substituted for the three-year World Languages requirement for the Advanced Regents Diploma.

0400 STUDIO IN ART: Foundations

40 Weeks, 1 credit, Grades 9-12

Art Foundations is a year-long introduction to the visual arts. It is taught in  a studio atmosphere with emphasis on visual perception and experiences in a variety of art media. It is broadly based on the elements and principles of art, their use in our environment and their historical significance. This course is a prerequisite for an art sequence. This course is recommended to meet the art/music graduation requirement, and for students pursuing a college preparation program of study where a portfolio can enhance the academic record.

0401 PAINTING & DRAWING

40 Weeks,  1 credit, Grades 9-12, Prerequisite: 0400 or 0441

Painting & Drawing is a second-year art course that builds on the studio art experience. It expands knowledge and technique in the elements and principles of art. Drawing and painting, as well as graphics and other art forms, are explored. Working from the figure, still life, and landscape are integral to this process.

0441 STUDIO IN MEDIA ARTS

20 Weeks, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12

This is a dynamic 20-week course offering students a foundational exploration of diverse artistic media in studio arts. This 1/2 credit course provides hands-on experience in various media formats, including explorative drawing and painting, experimental process art, animation, or digital design. Students will delve into the creative process, from conceptualization to execution, gaining proficiency in industry-standard tools and techniques. With a focus on fostering interdisciplinary connections, technical skills, and artistic expression, this course encourages students to push the boundaries of traditional media arts, fostering innovation and creative problem-solving. Throughout the semester, participants will engage in collaborative projects, cultivating a versatile skill set that prepares them for the multifaceted landscape of contemporary art creation.
This course, and another 1/2 unit art or photography course, may be used to meet the Art/Music requirement.

0404 ADVANCED ART I

40 Weeks, 1 credit, Grades 10-12, Prerequisite: 0401

This is a course designed for art students who have completed 0401 PAINTING AND DRAWING and are interested in developing a deeper understanding and use of art media and technique. Students evaluate their basic strengths and weaknesses. They develop projects to strengthen their skills in order to develop a well-rounded portfolio and identify the role of art skills in expanding career fields.

0409 ADVANCED ART II

40 Weeks, 1 credit, Grades 11-12, Prerequisite: 0404

This course is designed for art majors who have completed ADVANCED ART I or have the recommendation of their 0401 teacher. It continues the development of student strengths in all art media and addresses any weak areas in the developing portfolio. Students at this level develop additional skills in art criticism, identify contemporary trends in art history, and begin work on a concentration in preparation for the AP Art course.

0406 ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART

40 Weeks, 1 credit, Grade 12, Prerequisite: 404, 409 and/or AP Art teacher approval

This course is part of a national program by The College Board and is recognized by most colleges and art schools. It offers students the opportunity to earn AP credit in either the Drawing Portfolio or the Art and Design Portfolio. The AP score is based on the evaluation of the portfolio work sent to The College Board in May. AP Art is organized on a seminar basis, allowing motivated students the experience of college-level work through completing a sustained investigation of the students’ choosing.

Suggested Ceramics 3D Design Cluster

  • 0408 Studio in Ceramic 3D Design
    • 1 credit/40 weeks
  • 0416 Studio in Advanced Ceramics 3D Design I
    • 1/2 credit/20 weeks
  • 0417 Studio in Advanced Ceramics 3D Design II
    • 1/2 credit/20 weeks
  • 0420 AP Art 3D Design Portfolio
    • 1 credit/40 weeks

Suggested 3D Design and Sculpture Cluster

  • 0408 Studio in Ceramic 3D Design
    • 1 credit/40 weeks
  • 0418 Studio in 3D Design and Sculpture I
    • 1/2 credit/20 weeks
  • 0419 Studio in 3D Design and Sculpture II
    • 1/2 credit/20 weeks
  • 0420 AP Art 3D Design Portfolio
    • 1 credit/40 weeks

0408 STUDIO IN CERAMIC 3D DESIGN

40 Weeks, 1 credit, Grades 9-12, Prerequisite: 0400 or 0441

Studio Art in Ceramic 3D Design introduces students to ancient as well as contemporary hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Ceramic students create a wide variety of objects from utilitarian pottery to unique sculptures using the elements of art and principles of design. Artwork produced in this course may be selected for inclusion in a AP Art 3D Design Portfolio for college credit.

0416 STUDIO IN ADVANCED CERAMIC 3D DESIGN I

20 Weeks, 1/2 credit, Grades 10-12, Prerequisite: 0408 or permission from the ceramics teacher

Students will implement skills and knowledge gained in Studio in Ceramics to further explore their own perceptions and ideas in clay. Wheel throwing and hand building of vessels and sculptures will be done primarily in a series of related pieces showing development of skills, forms and themes employing the elements of art and principles of design. Selected work made in this course may be included in the 3D Design AP Art Portfolio for college credit.

0417 STUDIO IN ADVANCED CERAMIC 3D DESIGN II

20 Weeks, 1/2 credit, Grades 10-12, Prerequisite: 0408 or permission from the ceramics teacher

Students will implement skills and knowledge gained in Studio in Ceramics to further explore their own perceptions and ideas in clay. Wheel throwing and hand building of vessels and sculptures will be done primarily in a series of related pieces showing development of skills, forms and themes employing the elements of art and principles of design. Selected work made in this course may be included in the AP Art 3D Design Portfolio for college credit.

0418 STUDIO IN 3D DESIGN AND SCULPTURE I

20 Weeks, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12, Prerequisite: 0400 or 0441

This course provides students with an introduction to basic sculptural processes, materials and equipment. Focus is placed on the development of three-dimensional design (form, space, object, composition), strengthening observational skills and safety. Students will create figures, portraits, abstractions, assemblages and other types of sculptures using a variety of materials and form-making processes, including additive (modeling, constructive) and subtractive (carving). Student will work with materials such as plaster, paper, cardboard, clay, stone, wire, etc. Open elective and Art majors. Artwork produced in this course may be selected for inclusion in a AP Art 3D Design Portfolio for college credit.

0419 STUDIO IN 3D DESIGN AND SCULPTURE II

20 Weeks, 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12, Prerequisite: 0400 or 0441

Students will continue to develop skills and knowledge gained in Studio in 3D Design and Sculpture I. Focus is placed on the development of three-dimensional design (form, space, object, composition), strengthening observational skills and safety.

0420 ADVANCED PLACEMENT ART 3D DESIGN PORTFOLIO

40 Weeks, 1 credit, Grades 12, Prerequisite: 0416 or 0417 and/or AP Art Teacher approval

This course is part of a national program by the College Board and is recognized by most colleges and art schools. It offers students the opportunity to earn AP credit for a 3-dimensional design portfolio. The AP score is based in the evaluation of the portfolio work sent to the College Board in May. Advanced Placement Art 3D Design is organized on a seminar basis, allowing motivated student the experience of college-level work through completing a sustained investigation of the students’ choosing.

0431 STUDIO ART/PHOTOGRAPHY 1

20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grades 9-12

Photography I is a beginning photography course designed to introduce students to the digital single lens reflex camera, as well as digital imaging. This course includes an introduction to the camera body and lens  operation, shooting modes, white balance, memory cards, file formats, and editing techniques. Heavy emphasis is placed on lighting, composition, and creativity. Previous photography knowledge is not necessary. ACCESS TO  A DSLR IS RECOMMENDED. ACCESS TO A DIGITAL CAMERA IS REQUIRED.

0433  STUDIO ART/PHOTOGRAPHY 2

20 Weeks,  1/2 Credit,  Grades 9-12, Prerequisite: 0431 

This program allows students to expand their camera and digital imaging skills acquired during Photography I. Advanced instruction will include areas of artificial lighting, composition, and advanced post-processing techniques. Study topics will include the business of photography and its possible vocation aspects. ACCESS TO A DSLR IS REQUIRED.

0435 ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY 3

20 Weeks, 1/2 Credit, Grades 10-12, Prerequisite: 0433

This course is designed for students who are interested in developing a deeper understanding of digital photographic media and techniques. The students will be required to develop projects that are aimed to strengthen their design skills as well as develop their portfolio. Course emphasis will be on the refinement of basic technical skills and the development of a personal direction in photography for the student. ACCESS TO A DSLR IS REQUIRED.

0439 ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY 4

20 Weeks, 1/2 credit, Grades 10-12, Prerequisite: 0435 and/or teacher approval

Advanced Photography 4 is an intensive 20-week course tailored for students seeking to elevate their photographic skills to an advanced level. This 1/2 credit course delves into specialized aspects of photography, honing both technical expertise and creative finesse. Through a curated curriculum, students will explore advanced techniques in composition, lighting, and post-processing, fostering a nuanced understanding of visual storytelling. Emphasis is placed on hands-on projects, encouraging students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Whether capturing moments in the studio or exploring the dynamic interplay of light and shadow outdoors, participants will emerge from this course with a refined portfolio and a heightened ability to convey their artistic vision through the lens. ACCESS TO A DSLR IS REQUIRED.

0440 AP 2-D Art and Design

40 weeks, 1 credit, Grades 11-12, Prerequisite: 0439 and/or teacher approval

AP 2-D Art and Design is a comprehensive 40-week course designed for aspiring artists who wish to delve into the world of 2-dimensional design through photography at an advanced level. Aligned with the College Board’s National program, this course offers a deep exploration of the principles and techniques of visual storytelling through the lens. Over the duration of the program, students will engage in a sustained investigation, crafting a unique and cohesive body of work as part of the AP 2-D Design Portfolio. Emphasizing both technical proficiency and conceptual depth, this 1-credit course aims to nurture students’ creative vision while preparing them for the challenges of artistic expression in the realm of photography. ACCESS TO A DSLR IS REQUIRED.