Choosing the right high school art classes can be a pivotal decision for aspiring artists. High schools offer a diverse range of art classes, catering to different interests and skill levels. This guide explores the common types of art classes you might find, along with what you can expect to learn in each.
Core Art Classes: Foundations and Exploration
These foundational classes usually serve as prerequisites for more specialized courses. They provide a broad overview of artistic principles and techniques.
1. Drawing I & II:
These classes focus on the fundamental skills of drawing, including:
- Basic techniques: Line, shape, form, value, texture, perspective.
- Mediums: Pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, pastel.
- Observation skills: Developing the ability to accurately represent the three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional surface.
- Composition and design principles: Learning to arrange elements effectively within a picture plane.
Drawing II typically builds upon the skills learned in Drawing I, introducing more complex subjects and advanced techniques.
2. Painting I & II:
Painting classes introduce students to the world of color, texture, and expressive mark-making. Expect to explore various techniques and mediums, including:
- Watercolor: A transparent medium emphasizing washes and blending.
- Acrylic: A versatile, fast-drying medium suitable for a variety of techniques.
- Oil: A slow-drying medium known for its rich colors and blending capabilities (often introduced in Painting II).
- Color theory: Understanding color mixing, harmonies, and the impact of color on mood and emotion.
Similar to drawing, Painting II typically builds upon the foundations established in Painting I, introducing more advanced techniques and concepts.
3. Sculpture I & II:
These classes explore three-dimensional art forms, using a variety of materials and techniques:
- Additive sculpture: Building up forms using materials like clay, wax, or found objects.
- Subtractive sculpture: Carving or removing material from a larger block to create a form.
- Modeling and casting: Techniques for creating three-dimensional forms from molds.
- Installation art: Creating art that interacts with the surrounding space. (Often introduced in Sculpture II)
4. 2D Design/Graphic Design:
These classes focus on the principles of design within a two-dimensional context, often using digital tools:
- Typography: Understanding and manipulating fonts and letterforms.
- Layout and composition: Arranging visual elements for effective communication.
- Color theory and application: Using color effectively to convey messages and create visual impact.
- Digital design software: Proficiency in programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.
Specialized Art Classes: Advanced Studies and Niche Interests
Once you've established a foundation in the core art classes, you might have the opportunity to explore more specialized areas:
5. Ceramics:
This class focuses on working with clay, exploring techniques such as:
- Hand-building: Pinch pots, coil pots, slab construction.
- Wheel throwing: Using a pottery wheel to create symmetrical forms.
- Glazing and firing: Applying glazes to create color and texture, and firing the pieces in a kiln.
6. Photography:
Photography classes provide instruction in various photographic techniques, including:
- Composition and lighting: Understanding how to arrange elements within the frame and use light effectively.
- Digital photography: Using digital cameras and editing software.
- Darkroom techniques: (Less common now but still offered in some schools) Developing and printing photographs in a darkroom.
- Photographic history and theory: Exploring the history and artistic significance of photography.
7. Printmaking:
Printmaking classes explore various methods of creating multiple impressions of an image:
- Relief printing: Techniques like woodcuts and linocuts.
- Intaglio printing: Techniques like etching and engraving.
- Screen printing: Using stencils and screens to create prints.
8. Advanced Placement (AP) Art:
AP Art classes are designed to prepare students for the AP Art and Design exam. These classes typically involve in-depth study of art history, theory, and studio practice, culminating in a portfolio for college application. They often incorporate elements from several art disciplines.
9. Art History:
While not strictly a studio art class, art history provides crucial context and understanding for any aspiring artist. This class explores significant periods, movements, and artists throughout history, fostering critical analysis and appreciation of diverse artistic styles.
This list is not exhaustive, but it covers many of the common types of art classes found in high schools. The specific offerings will vary depending on the school and its resources. Remember to check with your high school's course catalog for the most up-to-date information on available art classes.
