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New Utrecht High School

Academy of Art & Design

Visual Arts Commencement Examination to certify their mastery as an artist.

Academy of Art & Design Program

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New Utrecht High School offers a challenging visual arts curriculum with an emphasis on creating partnerships among students, teachers and parents as well as collaborating with industry professionals. We are dedicated to supporting the growth of young adults, as they become successful artists and leaders in their community who display integrity, confidence, creativity and commitment.

This sequential pre-professional art program is enriched by our dedication to provide individualized attention and focus on project based assignments, which prepare students for top visual arts. During their high school career, students will have the opportunity to participate in exhibitions, juried are contests and internships.

All students who choose to participate in A.A.D. agree to remain in good academic standing (80 average and above) and maintain a high level of attendance. All art majors will complete their tenure with us by taking the Visual Arts Commencement Examination to certify their mastery as an artist.

Year 1

Studio Art

Studio Art
In this course students will learn about the elements and principles of art through hands on activities and art making. Students will develop the ability to compare, contrast, describe, and discern the processes used to create art. Throughout the course students are exposed to 20th century art pieces and artists to inspire their own work. Through looking at art and distinguishing characteristics students will identify the factors that influence and inspire art, artists, and movements. Students will develop an understanding of the cultural dimensions that influence art. In this course students create works of art reflecting styles of the past and the present to begin to develop their own personal style and artistic voice. This course will be the foundation for all advanced classes in art.

Drawing

Drawing Class
This course will emphasize creating visually interesting and exciting compositions through the use and experimentation of drawing mediums. We will explore blending, shading, detailing as well as creating strong compositions. Students will begin an in-depth concentration in the study and rules of graphite pencil, charcoal, and pastel. Still lifes, Interiors and Portrait projects will challenge the student’s proficiency of these techniques. All students are required to keep a drawing journal, which will be used to facilitate the creative process. Each student will compile a body of work that expresses his/her own interests and inner voice.


Year 2

Painting

Painging
This course will emphasize creating visually interesting and exciting compositions through the use and experimentation of paint mediums. We will explore brush control, color mixing and creating strong compositions. Students will begin an in-depth concentration in the study and rules of color application and techniques of watercolor, tempera, acrylic and inks. Landscapes, Interiors and Portrait projects will challenge the student’s proficiency of these techniques. All students are required to keep a drawing journal, which will be use to facilitate the creative process. Each student will compile a body of work that expresses his/her own interests and inner voice.

Sculpture

In this course the emphasis will be on the creative and expressive application of three-dimensional forms in a variety of media such as wood, clay, wire, papier-mache, plaster and found objects. This course will provide fundamental experiences creating three dimensional designs through a study of the elements of art as they apply to this medium. Students will focus on the development of sculpture as seen in the philosophies, attitudes, and work of artists, both past and present. Students will interpret their thoughts, ideas, and feelings in the solution of aesthetic problems.

Year 3

Portfolio 1: Drawing 2

Drawing 1 is the prerequisite to this course. As we continue to explore self-expression using this medium, you will be challenged to create a thematic portfolio showcasing your mastery and continued explorations with graphite pencil, charcoal, india ink, colored ink, and expanding into mixed media techniques.

Portfolio 2: Painting 2

Painting 1 is the prerequisite to this course. As we continue to explore self-expression using this medium, you will be challenged to create a thematic portfolio showcasing your mastery and continued explorations with paint expanding into mixed media techniques.

Year 4

Portfolio 3:Photography, Video & Related Media

Portfolio 3 will continue to develop student understanding of Adobe Photoshop while introducing their camera as an archival device. There is a focus on book design and video. This course will focus on the use of Photoshop to enhance their portfolios as students prepare for portfolio submission to top art colleges. Individually, students will choose a theme to continue working in the medium of their choice to strengthen their personal style resulting in 5 new works of art. Students will perfect a body of work that has a strong grounding in the elements and principles of art.

Portfolio 4: Mixed Media

This course will offer self-generated in-depth exploration of techniques and new ways to see, use, and interpret found objects. Students will create multi-directional compositions with a variety of materials, paint, images, found objects, and ink painting. Techniques may include collage, monotype printing, drawing, painting, mixing, assemblage, cutting and pasting, etc. Students will gain a wide variety of self-directed art making experiences allowing them to continue to explore various visual art forms and techniques through the elements and principles of art and design.