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Art Department
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GENERAL ART (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
This is a studio course for students with an interest in art and who have a basic knowledge of processes, materials, and techniques. Subject matter includes drawing of objects and figures, painting, printmaking, and three-dimensional work. Media used include pencil, pen, and ink, water color, tempera, and papier mache.
MAJOR ART I (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
Student’s who expect to prepare for an art career, or have special ability and are highly motivated, may elect this course. Development of skills and techniques are emphasized as the student works on units of drawing, painting, printmaking, and three-dimensional projects.
PREREQUISITE: Approval of art teacher
Students in Major Art II will expand their exploration of fundamental visual art principles and concepts. Coursework emphasizes a strong drawing foundation and includes concentrations in acrylic and oil painting, sculpting on varied materials (wood, foam, plaster, etc.), and two and three dimensional design. Additional media used in the course includes inks, watercolor, gouache, mylar, dyes, and much more. Students in Major Art II will develop advanced mat cutting skills, create exhibits of student works, and maintain a working portfolio.
PREREQUISITE: Major Art I, recommendation of teacher
MAJOR ART III (HONORS) 11-12 A.P. STUDIO ART (11-12)
Major Art III and A.P. Studio Art students develop a portfolio in one of three areas: Drawing/Painting, 2-D Design (including Photography and Computer Art), or 3-D Design (including Sculpture and Ceramics). The portfolio requirements are designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art.
*Major Art III and A.P. Studio Art meet at the same time during a double period, although A.P. Studio Art students submit a portfolio to The College Board for assessment in May.
The instructional goals for Major Art III and A.P. Studio Art program are as follows:
CRAFTS (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
In Crafts, the art that is created is both useful and decorative. Methods and materials may include weaving, beadwork, fiber art, metal tooling, leather, batik, tie-dye, jewelry, and wood working. An appreciation of world cultures is developed by exploring the art and history of others. All students can be successful in crafts and work at their own ability.
CERAMICS FUNDAMENTALS (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
Ceramics is an exciting form of self-expression that has the added benefit of creating functional ware that can be used every day. This course will cover the basic techniques of hand-building that are the foundation for all forms made of clay. Using coil, pinch, and slab, students will be challenged to create expressive, well crafted work that serve to communicate ideas and individual creativity. Students will foster self-confidence through working independently in a studio environment and developing their critical thinking skills. Students will have the opportunity to program and fire our computerized electric kiln, apply glazes, slips and washes and be introduced to historical and contemporary ceramic design. Students may keep the work they produce in class and take pride in knowing that with proper care, their artwork can be treasured for generations.
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED CERAMICS (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
This course introduces additional ceramic concepts and techniques beyond the beginning levels. Students will get an opportunity to create highly crafted functional and decorative pieces such as mugs, cups, platters, vases and sculptural work, as well as an introduction to the potter’s wheel. Students will have a chance to produce work in a series, learn about alternative kiln firing processes and production ceramics on the professional studio level. The chemistry of glazes and clay bodies will be introduced and students will have the opportunity to experiment with these mediums in order to further enhance their creative potential. Students may keep the work they produce and take pride in knowing that with proper care their artwork can be treasured for generations.
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Ceramics I or approval of art teacher
SCULPTURE I (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
This course emphasizes the additive method of creating three-dimensional forms using clay, papier mache, and new materials. The subtractive method (carving) using wood, plaster, styrofoam, and other materials will be explored.
SCULPTURE II (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
This course explores more varied and complex sculpture materials and techniques. Students may then elect to do advanced work in one or two materials. PREREQUISITE: Completion of Sculpture I or approval of art teacher
COMPUTER/DIGITAL ARTS I (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
Students will use various programs and technologies in order to create images and illustrations. Student art will use photo-manipulation, as well as working “from scratch.” Lessons will be inspired by the work of established artists from history. Students will be taught and expected to use a traditional creation process as it translates within the digital environment. They also will learn about and implement the elements and principles of design. Note: This course may be used for computer literacy credit.
COMPUTER/DIGITAL ARTS I I(COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
A continuation of the description above at a more advanced level. Note: This course may be used for computer literacy credit.
ANIMATION I (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
Students will create animated shorts starting with stop motion, moving into traditional 2-D animation, as well as, computer generated 2-D animation. The class will build up to 3-D computer generated animation. Students will go through a real life process to create their animations. They will plan and pitch ideas to the group. Individual and group projects will be created. The students will be expected write treatments, storyboards, screenplays and scripts.
ANIMATION II (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
A continuation of the description above at a more advanced level.
CARTOONING (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
All styles of cartooning are welcome in this course (superhero, funny animal, comic strip, anime, etc.). Emphasis will be placed on the development of original cartoon characters and the universes they inhabit. The fundamentals of general art techniques and contemporary cartooning are featured in this course, including: narrative art techniques (comic book style), comic strips, penciling, inking, lettering, gag panels, storyboards, caricature, claymation, coloring, cell animation, animation model-making, and stop-motion animation techniques. Students will have the opportunity to make short stop-motion animated films, illustrate original comic sequences, and contribute to Danbury High School’s comic magazine The Spirit.
DRAWING SKILLS I (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
Drawing is a learnable skill and this course is designed for students who may never have taken an art elective but would like to learn how to draw. This class is especially useful for all students who might use drawing to illustrate school and community projects. Drawing media will include pencil, charcoal, pen, and ink.
DRAWING SKILLS II (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
Drawing Skills II confirms and deepens the fundamentals that students have gained in Drawing Skills I. Units of study will include; observational drawing, the figure and portraiture, the use of ink, color and mixed media in drawing, experimentation of drawing styles, advanced perspective, shading and form, biological illustration, rendering, plus art history and vocabulary as it relates to drawing. Students will also experience an opportunity to develop their own personal drawing style by conceiving and developing a series of major drawings based on contemporary and/or historical issues of their choice.
PAINTING SKILLS (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
Painting Skills is a course for people who want to explore the various kinds of painting techniques introduced in General or Major Art. Students will work with tempera, watercolors, and acrylics.
FILM PRODUCTION I (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
Film Production seeks to take a student’s love of the movies and put it into action. Students will study the technical and creative aspects of movie making to produce a series of short films. Group activity is emphasized as classmates learn the importance of collaboration during the process of planning, filming, and editing their projects. A selection of great works from throughout the history of film will be viewed and discussed.
FILM PRODUCTION II (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
Film Production II builds on the skills and experiences students will have in Film Production I. The idea is not just to read about or watch films, but to get out of your seats and make them. During this second part of the course, students will further explore the creative aspects and technical challenges involved in filmmaking. Collaborative work remains essential as groups focus on putting together several short films. In addition, students will research post-high school opportunities such as higher education and jobs in the film industry. PREREQUISITE: Film Production I and approval of teacher
ADVANCED FILM & VIDEO PRODUCTIONS (HONORS) 10-12
Students can make use of the emerging skills explored while taking Film Production and/or Video Production at DHS. Students will discover the potential for higher education and/or careers in the media while they create documentary videos of events taking place throughout the district. In addition, students will be responsible for several original firm productions which they will complete in the role of writer/director. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of either Film Production I & II, Video Production I & II and/or approval of teacher.
WEB DESIGN (HONORS) 9-12
This course presents the Internet as a Design/Art medium and provides an in-depth introduction to graphics and interface design for the Web. Students will be exposed to the procedures, methods, techniques, and software used by professional website designers. Through a combination of demonstration, research, and hands-on projects, students will learn how to create and integrate digital images, artwork, animation, sound, and video into a working website. This course will also introduce students to the basics of information design. Working both independently and as part of a creative design team, students will learn to target a specific audience and create a website experience that is entertaining, motivating, and informative. An introduction to HTML for designers and artists will be part of this class. Students will also learn how to control and update websites.
Note: This course may be used for computer literacy credit.
GAMING GRAPHICS (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
This course will provide students with real life understanding and application of the process used to program and animate a functioning video game. Courses will be structured like a working video game design team. Students will be exposed to and work in the many different roles within the game creation process. These two courses will run simultaneously, bringing the roles together to create a finished game. THIS IS A DOUBLE PERIOD CLASS.
FASHION PHOTOGRAPY (COLLEGE PREP) 9-12
Fashion Photography explores both editorial (magazine spread) and commercial (advertising) fashion photography in the classroom studio and on-location around the school. Students will learn to model, direct, conceptualize, and take beautiful fashion photographs. Different themes each week include Formalwear, Retro, Old Hollywood, Cover Girl, Shoes & Accessories, Natural Light, Portraits, and more. Students will have the opportunity to create new fashions with their wardrobes from home. The course explores camera techniques, lighting, styling, hair, make-up, & digital beauty retouching and will simulate professional on-set experiences. Historical and contemporary fashion and photographers will be discussed. Students may keep all hi-resolution photographs taken in the course.
