Prep School - Art
THE ARTS (Grades 7 and 8) In grades Seven and Eight, the students will have the opportunity to participate in four out of seven of the following art classes: Ceramics, Sculpture, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Film/Video, Digital Art, and Drama.
CERAMICS
The students will learn the age-old techniques of hand building and glazing, and then will be introduced to the potter’s wheel as they explore design and decoration.
SCULPTURE
The students will use sculptural tools and materials, as well as basic tools (saws, drills and hammers), as they develop imagination and skill to create three-dimensional projects.
PAINTING AND DRAWING
The students will participate in activities that will allow them to experiment with a wide range of subjects and media, such as figure drawing, portraiture, still life, landscape drawing, collage, painting, and printmaking. Various materials will be introduced, including watercolors, charcoal, graphite, pastels, inks, and cray-pas.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The students will learn how to handle a 35mm single lens reflex camera. In the darkroom, students will develop their own film, make contact sheets, and then make 5x7 and 8x10 prints from their own negatives. Composition and good darkroom techniques will be stressed.
FILM and VIDEO
This course provides students with an introduction to film theory and basic video production techniques. Initially, students will study and analyze the structure of film. Working in small groups, students will have the opportunity to write, storyboard, and produce short videos.
DIGITAL ART
The Seventh and Eighth grade digital art curriculum surveys various art movements and styles, including collage, abstract art and pop art. These styles are used as launching points for individual self-expression, creativity, and artistic and technical proficiency. Students create digital art images and use Adobe Photoshop, the scanner, digital cameras and the computer as part of the creative process.
INTRODUCTION TO ART (Ninth grade required course)
This semester-long course introduces students to the basic concepts, materials, and vocabulary of the artist. In addition, some basic elements of art history will be incorporated into the curriculum. Each student will have the opportunity to participate in one of the following areas: Ceramics, Jewelry and Metalsmithing, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Digital Photography, and Film and Video.
Elective courses for Students in Grades 9-12
CERAMICS AND SCULPTURE
Development of skills and self-expression in pottery making and sculpture are emphasized. The skills covered will include throwing on the potter’s wheel, slab and coil techniques in hand built sculpture, pottery and relief techniques, and clay and glaze preparation. Elements of expression and form are discussed in relation to students’ works and goals. Students will be encouraged to experiment in their work after the acquisition of basic skills.
METALSMITHING AND JEWELRY
An intensive course in direct metalwork using sterling silver, copper, brass sheet and wire. Emphasis is placed on the development of various skills, including sawing, soldering, chasing and stone setting. Elements of design and function are stressed. Each student is encouraged to experiment within the given framework after acquiring the necessary skills.
SCULPTURE
This course will introduce students to traditional and non-traditional methods of making sculpture. You will learn to create 3-D forms using stone, fabric, plaster, metal and whatever material you need to complete your idea. If you have wanted to learn to carve, sew, and cast both realistic and abstract sculpture, this is the class for you.
PAINTING AND DRAWING I
This course will focus on the elements of drawing, with a strong emphasis on composition, ways of seeing and expressive qualities of line. Using the foundation of linear and atmospheric perspective, students will learn ways to depict the geometry and atmosphere of the urban interior and landscape. Materials will include pencil, ink, watercolor, charcoal, pastel, colored pencils and various collage materials.
PAINTING AND DRAWING II
Prerequisite: Painting and Drawing 1. This course will focus largely on figure drawing and portraiture, with a strong emphasis on observational drawing, design, pattern and color interaction. Materials used may include charcoal, pastels, inks, craypas, watercolor, acrylic and oil paint.
PAINTING AND DRAWING III
Prerequisite: Painting and Drawing I and II
In this course, students will explore a range of painting and printmaking methods and materials and will further develop an understanding of the aesthetic principles of composition, design and color theory. Mediums may include watercolor, gouache, tempera, ink, acrylic and oil paint, monoprinting, block printing and etching.
ADVANCED PAINTING AND DRAWING: PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT Prerequisite: Painting and Drawing I, II, and III. This advanced level course is designed for highly motivated students who are interested in developing a portfolio for submission to colleges and universities. There will be a strong emphasis on observational drawing and painting. Subjects will include the figure, portraiture landscape, cityscape, interior perspective drawing, and still life. Students will also be encouraged to explore themes of personal interest, and the communication of ideas will be stressed.
ADVANCED PROJECTS IN PAINTING AND DRAWING
Prerequisite: Painting and Drawing I and II and III. This course is designed for students who would like to pursue independent painting and drawing projects. Interested students should enjoy working in a series and will be expected to work well independently. Additionally, students will be asked to create project proposals and preliminary sketches before beginning each piece. Permission from the instructor is required.
PRINTMAKING
Prerequisite: 9th Grade Drawing and Painting, or Painting and Drawing I.
Students will explore and experiment with a variety of printmaking methods. Among the techniques used will be block printing, etching and mono-printing.
PHOTOGRAPHY
In this course students will learn how to operate a 35 mm single-lens reflex camera. They will learn to develop their own black and white film, make contact sheets, and create 8”x10” prints from their negatives. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring proficient darkroom techniques. Elements of composition will be discussed.
INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHY
Prerequisite: At least one semester of Photography at CGPS.
Students will use the technical skills they learned in photography, but will work more independently and at a faster pace. They will use the process of film development, darkroom skills, and filters to control and manipulate their final prints. The purpose of this course is for the student to begin to develop his or her own individual photographic vision.
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY Students will use the technical skills they learned in photography, but will work more independently and at a faster pace. They will use the darkroom, filters and will create hand-painted finish photographs.
ALTERNATIVE VISIONS: THE NON-TRADITIONAL CAMERA
Prerequisite: Intro to Photography. During this course students will produce images using pinhole cameras, as well as plastic Holga cameras. These cameras can produce imperfect, yet aesthetically pleasing images. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to experiment and remain open-minded towards image making possibilities. We will work in both the darkroom and on the computer to create a series of photographs from various assignments.
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 1
This class covers the basics of digital photography. Students will learn how to take digital photographs and manipulate them with Adobe PhotoShop. We will discuss camera functions, image resolution, printing, and theoretical concerns. Emphasis will be placed on composition, image quality and color editing techniques. We will have group critiques and will also review the history of digital photography. Projects will be introduced by examining the works of famous digital photographers and artists.
INTERMEDIATE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
In this semester course we will continue to explore different techniques available in digital photography. Building on skills learned in Digital Photography 1, students will develop a unique body of work and explore new possibilities for expressing themselves. Group critiques, in-class exercises and projects will offer a platform for discussion of theoretical and aesthetic concerns. The effect of technology on the visual arts will be examined from contemporary and historical perspectives.
ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Prerequisite: Digital Photography 1 and Intermediate Digital Photography.
Advanced Digital Photography is a continuation of Intermediate Digital Photography. In addition to learning advanced technical skills, all projects will be based on a conceptual approach, with close attention paid to individual and personal aesthetics. Students in this course should have already developed an awareness of composition and basic technical skills. Each project will culminate with project presentations and group critiques.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL IMAGERY
In this class, students will investigate the history of the two-dimensional image and its socio, economic, and political impact on western culture. We will review thematic imagery that will act as the launching points for class projects and assignments. Using contemporary imaging tools, (i.e. the digital camera, scanner and printer) we will construct images that raise and/or address individual concerns and concepts.
THE ART OF FILM and VIDEO I
In this studio art course, students will investigate and discuss film history, theory, and technique through the analysis of film clips. Students will then have the opportunity to develop, produce, and edit original video projects using the digital 8 format and the iMovie editing system. Students will work individually and in groups.
THE ART OF FILM and VIDEO II
The students will explore more advanced techniques of film and video production, including lighting, sound, performance and advanced editing techniques. Working in groups and individually, students will develop and produce video projects. Additionally, we will continue to study and analyze various films in order to learn more about the process and art of filmmaking. Class size limited to 8 students.
THE ART OF FILM and VIDEO III
Prerequisite: Art of Film and Video I and II
In this advanced course, students will have the opportunity to experiment with more abstract styles of cinematography, editing and sound production. Working independently, students will create a series of more abstract, non-narrative short videos based on movement. Then, students will develop and produce a 4-6 minute self–portrait. This project is to be shot outside of school and can be in any style of filmmaking you choose, including linear, documentary style, thematic montage and/or abstract. As always, we will continue to analyze clips from films in order to learn more about the process and the art of the moving image.
ADVANCED PROJECTS IN FILM AND VIDEO
Prerequisite: Art of Film and Video I and II and III. Students in this one-semester course will have the opportunity to produce one independent video project. Each student will be expected to carefully plan this project by creating a detailed storyboard, a shot list, and a production and post-production schedule. Finished projects should be 5 to 8 minutes in length.
STOP-MOTION ANIMATION
In this course, students will have the opportunity to produce stop-motion animated videos using a variety of materials including clay, wire, drawings, cut-out collages, and handmade puppets. Students will create storyboards, shot lists and small sets, in addition to learning basic cinematography, lighting, directing and editing techniques.
MOSAIC WORKSHOP
The decorative art form of mosaics dates back to ancient times. In recent years, this art form has been updated and reinvented by artists and artisans on New York City subway station walls. In this one-semester course, students will explore the medium by designing and executing mosaic designs with a focus on composition and color.
ART THROUGH COLLAGE
This introductory class is an exploration into the visual language of image making. Through collage, students will focus on how artistic images are created. Initially, students will study the basic principles of design, composition and color. Then, using the scanner, digital camera and found images, students will create unique self-expressive artwork. (No prerequisites required.)
ART HISTORY (fall semester)
A semester survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture that shaped western civilization from the Renaissance to Impressionism. The class examines the social, political and cultural climates of the periods to better understand the power of art and its influence on visits to analyze and develop personal responses to the work. (Juniors and Seniors only)
ART HISTORY (spring semester)
A semester survey of painting, sculpture and architecture that defined the modern world. The class will view works from Impressionism through the 20th Century. The course examines the social, political and cultural climate of the periods to better understand the power of art and its influence and reflection on society. The format of the class includes slide presentation, class discussions, and museum visits. (Juniors and Seniors only)
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE
The class introduces the students to the history, theory and practices of architecture. It is a combination of lecture and studio classes that investigates Greco-Roman; Renaissance/Baroque and their influences on modern-post modern architecture. Methods may include relief, stone, carving, and model making.
