Drawing and Painting I

The course is the prerequisite for further study in visual art at Taunton High School.  In addition to drawing and painting, the student will develop skills used in designing two-dimensional artwork.  There will be an early focus in the elements of design along with the drawing exercises.  The drawing exercises and assignments will be followed by a study of the properties and applications of color and some movements in Modern Art.  Students will develop technical skills in a variety of coloring media including colored pencil, oil pastel, dry pastel, tempera paint, acrylic paint, and watercolor paint.

Crafts I

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from Drawing and Painting I

This course is an introduction into many different crafts.  An overview of the history of those crafts will be presented.  Many types of weaving and fibers will be covered as well as copper enameling and stained glass.

Ceramics and Three Dimensional Design I

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from Drawing and Painting I 

The basic methods of clay construction will be explored.  Slab, pinch, coil, wheel throwing and drape mold methods will be explored.  Emphasis will be on original designs.  The techniques of texturing, glazing, and firing will be experienced.  Also wire, wood, plaster and paper mache will be presented.

Photography

Prerequisite:  Senior recommended from Drawing and Painting I and has a final grade of C or higher. 

This course allows the student to explore the basics of black and white photographic film processing.  The students will learn the fundamentals of photographing the art elements along with basic composition and visual interpretation through the use of the camera.  The students will scan 35mm black and white negatives and learn techniques of digital photography using Adobe Photoshop on Apple Macintosh computer.

Drawing and Painting II

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from Drawing and Painting I and final average of C or higher 

This is a continuation of Drawing and Painting I at a more advanced level.  Students will continue drawing from observations, figure drawing, and painting and study the basics of design and media. Students will keep a portfolio. Printmaking will be introduced.

Drawing and Painting III

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from Drawing and Painting II and final average of C or higher 

 More emphasis will be placed on drawing, painting, and printmaking.  Historical painters will be introduced.  Students will be required to complete projects on an advanced level.  Individual student styles should be recognized.

Drawing and Painting IV

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from Drawing and Painting III 

This is a course for the most proficient students.  Much time will be spent on developing a portfolio of art work suitable for acceptance into an art school.  Students will learn about art schools and colleges through college representatives, videos and catalogues.

Ceramics and Three Dimensional Design II & III

Prerequisite:  Recommendation from Ceramics I 

An in-depth study into the techniques covered in Ceramics and Three Dimensional Design I.  More emphasis and experience will be placed on the potter's wheel.  Armature sculptures as well as wire, wood and plaster sculptures will be presented on a more advanced level.  Students will perfect their own techniques in the various methods of ceramics and sculpture.

Basic Video Productions