Drawing courses require both in-class and independent work time outside of the classroom. Specific course offerings include descriptive drawing, studio drawing and perspective drawing. These classes focus on composition, spatial illusion, accurate scale/proportion and drawing from direct observation of the human figure and still life subject matter. Students enrolled in these drawing courses will be given time to learn about and experiment with the mediums of pencil, charcoal, colored pencil and ink.
Painting is a studio art subject in which students are instructed in the skills of oil painting and watercolor. In addition to this hands-on instruction, classes also explore the historical significance of painting in art history. Art history teaches students how to understand and analyze paintings from an educated standpoint. Upon completion of painting classes, students should have a solid understanding of color and composition, color mixing using limited palettes and the principles of color theory.
Sculpture and ceramics classes train students in the methodology of carving techniques and creating third-dimensional artistic projects with materials such as wood, stone, clay, bronze and aluminum. Visits to museums and art galleries, along with textbook study, also help students identify form, texture and composition in historical pieces of sculpture. These classes also have a focus on anatomy and the human form. With the completion of sculpture-focused study, students will have an increased understanding of how mass, space, time and light apply to creating three-dimensional forms.
In art appreciation class, students discuss historical and current works of art using background readings. This class teaches how to recognize periods of art based on styles, techniques and materials used by artists. Visits to art galleries and museums are usually an activity incorporated into art appreciation. Art appreciation goes beyond the historical study that takes place in individual art classes, as it focuses on all mediums of art. Students learn about major artists from the past and present and the various periods, styles and movements that art has undergone.