The primary goal of the visual arts curriculum at Totino-Grace is to guide students through a dynamic, hands-on experience where creative problem-solving, critical thinking and quality visual expression is encouraged and nurtured in a variety of course offerings. Students participate in weekly critiques and learn about art in historic and contemporary contexts to inform their individual expression.
For students seeking to further their art study, portfolio development, college art program selection and art scholarship guidance is available.
ART FUNDAMENTALS
This introductory course explores many ways of making two and three-dimensional works using the art elements of line, shape, color, value, texture and the principles of design; balance, harmony, and rhythm. Projects focus on drawing, painting, printmaking, scratchboard work and 3D clay emphasizing basic tool use, process and concepts. Students participate in weekly critiques. This course builds a foundation for other art courses as well as an appreciation for art.
Fulfills Fine Arts Requirement
All Student Elective
1 semester - 1 credit
DIGITAL Imaging and PHOTOGRAPHY
Digital imaging and photography are big parts of our everyday lives. This course introduces students to Adobe Photoshop with its many features as they learn file formats, resolution quality, cropping, noise reduction, color and digital manipulation. Students will learn to make digital files, morph images, enhance digital photos and repair damaged photos. Students will learn about fonts, layouts and visual cues in print and media advertising. They will be informed about the ever changing technology of cameras, scanners and printers. Learning Photoshop will equip students with necessary skills for college work, business application and creative studies.
No prerequisite
Fulfills Fine Arts Requirement
All Student Elective
1 semester - 1 credit
DRAWING/PAINTING 1
This course explores drawing techniques with both wet and dry media when doing still life, non-objective and hyper realistic works. Students learn contour, gesture, contrast, line quality and surface manipulation that will transition toward an understanding of painting. Painting basics from set up, paint application, brush stroke and glazing techniques to building and stretching a canvas are covered. Creative problem solving is encouraged as students learn to evaluate and understand what makes a powerful painting. Students participate in weekly critiques.
Prerequisite: 'B' in 2D or 3D Art plus Signature of instructor
Sophomore/Junior/Senior Elective
1 semester - 1 credit
DRAWING/PAINTING 2
This advanced course allows students to develop their paintings skills and learn new techniques through planning, research, and execution. Student and teacher mutually design a course of study in the form of cooperatively planned projects. Students select subject matter and media choices as they focus on concept refinement. Students will learn painting vocabulary, look at modern and traditional paintings and learn how to evaluate works in weekly critiques. Portfolio development is available to interested students.
Prerequisite: 'B' in Drawing and Painting
Signature of Instructor
Junior/Senior Elective
1 semester - 1 credit
LIFE DRAWING
This course centers on drawing the human form with an emphasis on portraiture. Students will learn various techniques for showing character of the sitter, getting resemblance and basic anatomical structure for facial features. Cartooning and caricature will be explored. By drawing each other and exploring techniques of wet and dry media and lighting students will discover the creative possibilities and expressive power of drawing people. Students will take turns posing and they will participate in weekly critiques. Life drawing is essential for portfolios development.
Prerequisite: 'B' in 2D Art, 3D Art or Art Fundamentals
Signature of Instructor
Sophomore/Junior/Senior Elective
1 semester - 1 credit
CERAMICS 1
This course is designed to give students experiences with stoneware clay. They will learn how to wedge and recycle clay. Using shape, texture and contrast, students will create pots employing traditional hand-building methods. Special emphasis is given to wheel thrown techniques. Students will learn how to use various tools, and how to load and unload kilns for both bisque and glaze firings.
Prerequisite: 'B' in Fundamentals of 2-D or 3-D Art or Art Fundamentals
Signature of Instructor
Sophomore/Junior/Senior Elective
1 semester - 1 credit
CERAMICS 2
Ceramics 2 will allow students to further their knowledge and experience with clay. While developing more advanced projects, students will learn how to use new tools and supplies, as well as how to load and unload a kiln properly. Advanced projects will allow students to create larger pieces, matching sets of pieces such as plates or teapots, and experience new forms of glazing and firing. The course will also include a research component, requiring students to write a 2-3 page paper about their final project.
Prerequisite: 'B' in Ceramics 1 or Pottery
Signature of Instructor
Sophomore/Junior/Senior Elective
1 semester - 1 credit
intensive studio arts 1
intensive studio arts 2
Intensive Studio Arts is for advanced, self-motivated students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the study of art and who want an in-depth opportunity to develop a wider range of creative responses in their work. Student and teacher mutually design a course of study in the form of cooperatively planned projects. Students can specialize in their area(s) of interest such as drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, computer graphics and digital photography. Emphasis on portfolio development, college art program information and art scholarship overview is available to students who want to pursue art/design study in college. Weekly critiques allow students to learn about the interplay of different media, styles, forms, techniques, and processes in the creation of their work.
Signature of Instructor
Junior/Senior Elective 1 semester - 1 credit
Qualified students may enroll in both Intensive Studio Arts 1 and 2 in the same academic year (different semesters) or in two different academic years.