Visual Arts

Pathways

Visual Arts

Individuals who specialize in Visual Arts tap into their creativity to make products and services come alive. Careers in advertising, forensic investigation, cinema, 3D modeling, game design, and other disciplines are prospective paths for trained animators. Building a foundation in

For students interested in pursuing a career in Visual Arts, we recommend the following core courses in conjunction with Laurel Springs School graduation requirements: AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature & Composition, Shakespearean Literature, Drama Literature, World Cultures or AP Human Geography, AP European History, Psychology, AP Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy & Ethics, and African American Studies.

Animation

Do you have an eye for drawing, technology, and timing? 2D animation creates movement in a two-dimensional artistic space and will give you the tools to conceptualize and bring your animation dreams to life! Design, define and complete a variety of digital design projects including creating your website.

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Art History 1

Interpreting the origins of art gives students a unique perspective on their work. In Art History I, students will analyze various art forms including painting, sculpture, and architecture over the changing periods. Beginning with the study of the earliest cave paintings, students will create art to immerse themselves in the content and study various movements.

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Art History 2

Appreciating the cultural context of art in the modern era relies on analyzing artistic principles, abstract symbolism, and design techniques. Students in Art History II will explore trends from Post-Impressionism to street art and understand the formal and conceptual issues that foster changes in art throughout history.

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Arts Explorations

Arts Explorations encourages students to experience each of the modern art disciplines including Visual Arts, Theatre, Music, Media Arts, and Dance. Students will also be able to identify areas of special interest where they would like continued study and ways that the arts can be a part of their career paths.

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Digital Photography I: Creating Images with Impact

Digital Photography I focuses on the basics of photography including aperture, shutter speed, lighting, and composition. Students are introduced to the history of photography and basic camera functions. Students use the basic techniques of composition and camera functions to build a portfolio of images with various subjects including people, landscapes, close-up photos, and action shots.

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Digital Photography II: Discovering Your Creative Potential

In this course, we will examine various aspects of professional photography, including the ethics of the profession, and examine some of the areas that professional photographers may choose to specialize in, such as wedding photography and product photography. We will also learn more about some of the most respected professional photographers in history and we will learn how to critique photographs to better understand what creates eye-catching photography.

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Explorations in Arts Careers

For every Broadway dancer, every television star, and every pop singer, there are countless people behind the scenes helping to make it happen. Explorations in Arts Careers introduces students to the skills that are part of many fascinating careers in the arts. Studying the arts creates independent and innovative thinkers and many doors are open to an artist with the proper training.

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Explorations in Media Arts

From television to video games, media is everywhere. In Explorations in Media Arts, students will study the art behind the media, how it is created, the history of media, and the legal and ethical issues that arise while creating media arts. Students will apply critical thinking skills to creating web, video, animation, and graphic media projects.

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Explorations in Studio Arts

Drawing and painting are two of the most basic forms of self-expression. In Explorations in Studio Arts, students will elevate those skills and develop an understanding of colors, shapes, composition, and design. By studying renowned artists and their styles, students will investigate their forms of expression and build a vocabulary of tools and materials to enhance their creativity.

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Introduction to Digital Photography

Understanding the tools available opens up the possibilities to create images with impact. In Introduction to Digital Photography, students will study the history of photography as well as the basic operation of a digital camera. As they are introduced to different styles of photography and photographers, students will begin to develop artistic skills as well as their voice through their photographs.

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Photo Manipulation

By using accessible software tools and applications including Photoshop, students in Photo Manipulation will learn strategies for creating complex imagery. Students will incorporate the principles of design while creating unique new concepts in their art.

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Studio Arts I: Techniques and Tool

With the right foundation, creativity can flourish. In Studio Arts I, students build the groundwork for their art by practicing unique exercises to develop drawing, painting and mixed media skills. Incorporating their understanding of composition, design, colors, and forms, students will use the appropriate materials and tools to work from realism to abstract.

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Studio Arts II: Concepts and Expressions

Developing a unique personal style and creating complex imagery is possible for any artist. Students in Studio Arts II will engage in techniques that take their work to a more sophisticated level. Analyzing other artists and their works will help students find deeper meaning and new interpretations.

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