5th Grade Art

Continuing to build upon the basics of elements and principles of design, students will explore these concepts through various media and techniques, including both two and three dimensional works.  An emphasis will be placed on artistic process, studio responsibility and resolution of ideas.  Art history and criticism will be brought into the class through project discussion and planning. Meets once, weekly.

6th Grade Art

With more complex projects requiring higher level thinking in planning and execution, students will apply their knowledge of the elements and principles of design to express their own artistic visions as guided by the instructor and thematic influence (i.e. nature, geometry, masterworks, etc.).  Students will develop a finer handling of two and three dimensional projects, delving further into design concepts that will push their ideas to the "next level."  Emphasis will continue to be placed on artistic process, studio responsibility and resolution of ideas, in addition to expectations of ownership of ideas and classroom duties (i.e. clean-up, care of materials, etc.). Meets once, weekly.

School of Logic Visual Art (7th-8th)

Students will build technical and interpretive skills in art through different media. With consideration to the elements and principles of art, students begin to concentrate on technique in four central mediums: drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Emphasis will be placed on composition skills, artistic process, and studio stewardship. Students have many opportunities to have their artwork displayed.  Selected students can compete in the Regional Scholastic Art Competition and enter the “on-site drawing” event with PSIA.

School of Rhetoric Foundations of Art (9th-12th)

Visual Art  I  introduces  high  school  students  to  traditional  techniques  and  media  with  a  focus  on developing  skill  in  line  and  tone  that  enable  them  to  draw  accurately  in  a  monochromatic scheme.  Daily  class  work  includes  direct  instruction  and  demonstration  as  well  as  hands-on participation, sketchbook  assignments,  and projects. Through these  activities, students develop their skill  in  using  contour,  quality,  and  cross  contour  line  work  to  create  compositions  that convey their message in graphite, charcoal, pen, ink, oil and etching. The course also presents the opportunity for students to participate in art competitions. 

Visual Art  II  teaches  traditional  techniques  and  media  building  on  the  skills  acquired  in  Visual Art  I, continuing to use a combination of direct instruction and demonstration and student projects and sketchbook  assignments.  The monochromatic scheme previously emphasized is expanded to include color, which students explore through a series of exercises that culminate in a full color painting.  There  is  an  additional  emphasis  on  form,  which  students  practice  by  creating  a sculpture in the round. Students again have the opportunity to participate in art competitions.

School of Rhetoric Art II 2D/3D (9th-12th)

Design I introduces students to formal two-dimensional design concepts and the visual language of the elements and principles of design. Direct instruction is reinforced by in class practice, projects, and sketchbook assignments. Students learn and practice a four step process: thinking, planning, creating, and critique. Through this process, students explore how to combine the elements of art to produce effective design that conveys a clear message. The course supports and previous student artistic skill sets and increases student analytical and composition skills. 

Design II reviews formal two-dimensional design concepts from Design I and further explores the design process to create strong content and style.  Projects, exercises, sketchbook assignments,  combine  with  direct  instruction  and  demonstration  to  hone  artistic  skills  with particular  emphasis  on  analytical  and  composition  skills.  The course also expands student horizons by introducing three-dimensional art and sculpture in the round.

School of Rhetoric Art II Drawing & Painting (9th-12th)

Advanced Studio Art is an upper level art class that meets two days a week.  It is an upper level art class that is fed into by one of two tracks.  Track 1: Visual Art I and Visual Art II Track 2: Design I and Design II.  Students in Advanced Studio Art will deepen their technique and composition skills as they explore mediums on a semi-independent and more advanced level.  Students will attend one field trip a year and will be given opportunities to compete in art fairs.

School of Rhetoric Honors Art (9th-12th)

Honors art students are expected to work independently as they continue to hone their artistic skill. Students select projects and media with teacher guidance in accordance with their own interests and strengths. Each project or exercise is designed to deepen student understanding of beauty, technique, and composition, toward building a polished portfolio of work that displays their skill and vision.