This quarter-long course provides an introduction to the three visual art disciplines available at Prep; Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, and Photography. Students learn how to see as an artist through playful activities that challenge the imagination while introducing a wide range of materials, media and techniques. They develop a character in clay and transform it into a large-scale value drawing after examining it when photographed. Later students make three-color prints that explore hues, tints and shades to create depth within a dynamic composition.

In this semester-long course students begin to explore the different disciplines of design with an emphasis on self-expression and personal vision. Students create a collaborative mural, monster prints based on their greatest fear and a thematic toy design. As a graphic design introduction, they draft an isometric future city inspired by video game design, and shoot a stop-motion animation using black paper cutouts and translucent materials. The emphasis is on making design choices that support one’s concepts.

This course emphasizes foundation drawing skills including observational drawing and drafting techniques. The beginning of the course is focused on contour, organizational lines, perspective, proportion and value. Students also explore stencilry by creating a site-specific stencil design intended to transform the meaning of a campus location. In addition, students study the proportions of the face and body, and use those skills to create a “selfie” that expresses their inner and outer selves through the use of color.

Intermediate students engage a broader exploration of drawing and painting with an emphasis on new materials and how they can be applied to support more sophisticated concepts and aesthetic choices. Projects include a collaborative interactive coloring book, collage abstractions, Album re-designs and explorations of traditional modes of art making such as acrylic and oil paint.

This advanced course encourages students to develop and work with self-assigned concepts while exploring a range of tools and media. Experimental drawing and painting techniques are enhanced by the introduction of non-traditional mediums such as embroidery, dyes and found material. The class emphasizes self-direction, meaningful expression and individual portfolio development. Students experience the work of both contemporary and historical artists through slide presentations, visiting artist lectures, and field trips to galleries and museums.

This course guides students through AP Drawing, a year-long immersive experience for motivated seniors interested in developing a body of work for submission to the College Board. It is structured to support and expand on the AP assessment guidelines, including competence in design skills, technique and the development of a thematic body of work. Class meetings offer opportunities for students to explore historic and contemporary artists and experiment with sophisticated art-making techniques. In addition, frequent discussions hone critical skills and help students practice synthesizing input to improve their work. The AP experience gives passionate art students a better understanding of the visual arts as a means of personal expression.