Visual Arts Curriculum

Through exploring California's history, students will create artwork that reflects many of the historical and cultural elements related to the state. These include paintings of the various natural regions, artwork from the missions, and drawings related to the California State symbols.  

GENERAL ART
Students will be given the opportunity to express ideas through a visually creative form. Students will learn about the elements and principles of design by creating projects that demonstrate this knowledge. Students will explore the creative process through various media, such as pencils, pastels, colored pencils, watercolor, tempera paint, and clay. 

ART HISTORY INTEGRATION
Integrated within the core study of history, the students’ study of America is enriched through their introduction to artifacts and then recreating similar projects of their own. Hands-on projects are designed to support history curriculum objectives and give students a deeper understanding of the time period they are studying. 

(Semester)

Come explore a variety of art media, applications, and techniques to create 3D art. Some of the projects will include clay, wood, wire, collage, paper mache, and mixed media. Through studying the different 3D assignments, students will learn how to create sculptures in any medium. Assignments will be geared toward both aesthetically pleasing projects and functional pottery. Students are encouraged to give specific attention to craftsmanship and self-expression.

Prerequisite: 7th and 8th grade only. Fundamentals of 3D Art/Ceramics.

(Semester)

This course will continue to build on the skills from the beginning level ceramics class. Students will explore a variety of methods of construction and glazing techniques which reflect a greater level of craftsmanship and ability. In addition, students will be challenged to deepen their knowledge of both technique and concept while becoming more fully involved in all aspects of the ceramics process. 

(Semester)

Students will discover the joys of seeing the world around them and gain the ability to portray that vision through pencil, pastels, watercolor, tempera, and acrylic paint. Projects will explore a variety of techniques which accommodate students of any ability or level. This class will encourage students to discover their personal style.

Prerequisite: 7th and 8th grade only. Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting.

(Semester)

Students will build on skills learned in the Drawing and Painting course and will focus on mastering painting techniques. Using 20th century artists as a guide, students will explore the various techniques and methods used to create paintings and utilize these skills in their own artwork. 

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting and Exploration of Drawing & Painting (or placement based on teacher approval of artistic work).

(Spring semester)

Students will synthesize the principles of art and design with the latest techniques of digital art. Understanding the technical nature of digital painting, students must first be adept in the fundamental aspects of art. This course provides hands on training using popular digital painting software. They will explore the young history of digital art and the latest implementations of this process both culturally and industry wide. The students' work will capture an understanding of color theory, balance, and composition through landscapes, portraits, architectural studies, character creations, narrative illustrations, and more.

(Semester)

This course acquaints students with various art forms from cultures around the world. Combined with art appreciation lessons for each country, students will create their own two-dimensional and three dimensional projects using a wide range of materials and artistic techniques. Students will gain an appreciation for various cultures and learn the connection between culture and art.

(Semester)

Our photography class is a great way to get to know the basics of photography. We learn how the camera takes a picture and how to make that picture a piece of art. Students can explore their areas of interest in photography and with extra time and effort can expand their talent in photography, no matter what their experience has been. Students will learn how to take photos in fully manual mode, learn workflow utilizing Adobe Photoshop and Bridge software (what to do with their photos after they take them), and photo editing. The school has a limited number of cameras if a student does not have access to their own camera. This is a semester class and is a great prep class for high school photography classes. DSLR camera recommended.

Prerequisite: 7th and 8th grade only. Fundamentals of Digital Photography. Photography can be a powerful vehicle for creating stories.

(Semester)

Through guided assignments, students will further build on the techniques learned in Fundamentals of Digital Photography to create bodies of work that tell stories. This will involve shooting projects and assignments outside the classroom. Our class time will be more focused on critiquing work, editing images created outside of class, and finally laying out a book of the work from the semester. Students must have a DSLR or mirrorless camera to take this course. 

(Semester)

This digital video course will provide students with a basic understanding of the technology and techniques used in film and explore ways in which film is created to achieve its desired effect on an audience. The emphasis of this course is creation. In groups, students will create their own commercials, music videos, stop motion projects, and simulated interviews. The projects will be critiqued as a class in order to generate new ideas and to introduce different film techniques to strengthen storytelling. Students will also learn how to edit their movies in iMovie.

Prerequisite: 7th and 8th grade only. Fundamentals of Film Production.

(Semester)

This class will spend the semester telling the story of being a student at OCMS by creating a variety show. Students will interview faculty, their classmates, and admin to create an engaging show that will air to the school. Students will learn techniques in lighting, recording sound, and writing a script.

Prerequisite: 7th and 8th grade only. Fundamentals of Digital Photography.

(Year-long commitment)

This course creates individualized artwork and produces a corporate class project through the yearbook. Students will take pictures, develop layouts, and design the cover. Students will also learn to prepare pages for submission, to work within deadlines, and to complete the expectations required for the yearbook. The final product is the pictorial representation of student life in the middle school. Due to the demands of this course, this course is for 7th and 8th grade students only; application required, and administration gives final approval of student course request.

Fulfilling the Academic Tech requirement, this course will help students with understanding how to use technology across multiple platforms; phones, computers, cameras, and online search engines and storage. This course is for students particularly interested in the visual arts. We will explore how to use technology for varying design mediums including film, print design, and photography. Students will be exposed to industry standard software programs in the Adobe CC including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro. Students will gain a basic understanding of visual composition, utilizing art elements and principles, and how to appropriately and effectively showcase their work in an online portfolio. Projects assigned will be used to help reinforce understanding. These projects may include producing a video with music and imagery, designing photo art and collages, and designing a logo.

Ceramics is a foundational course for students interested in working with clay to create hand-built and wheel-thrown pieces. Students will focus on ceramic forms and surface enrichment including glaze application and kiln firing techniques. Structure, function, form, and decorative elements as well as the historical and cultural applications of ceramics will be learned throughout the year. Group critiques and individual analysis will be used for grading purposes. Creative problem-solving is encouraged as students learn to work with this challenging but rewarding media.

Prerequisite: Ceramics

This course is designed to develop concepts and techniques necessary to create sculptural forms and ceramics. For sculpture, it offers the advanced art student a chance to work in many materials available to sculptors today. Stone, clay, and wood sculpture will be emphasized. Innovative sculptures will be made from a variety of materials. For ceramics, this course can accommodate a range of skill levels. Students will be challenged to deepen their knowledge of both technique and concept while becoming more fully involved in all aspects of the sculptural process. At this level, students are expected to give specific attention to craftsmanship and self-expression. We will also view 3-dimensional art in relationship to the cultural context in which it was created.

Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting

Digital Illustration is a course for all students who wish to pursue illustration, animation, fashion illustration, story board design, and character design. With a foundation of drawing & painting skills, students will learn how to illustrate ideas and stories through a digital medium. Students will use iPads and ProCreate tools for most the course, however, a sketchbook for developing ideas will still be crucial. The goal is for students to use digital tools to develop illustrations, and stories and to understand that artistic choices influence the lens through which the viewer interprets the visual art.

Students enrolled in Art Portfolio will already understand that art plays an important role in society and that it is a viable pursuit as a career. All students enrolled in this class plan to pursue art as either a major or minor in college. The foundation of the course will be producing a portfolio for admittance into an art program at the college level. The goal is to create a body of work that reflects personal style and interests while showing artistic growth and development. The students will also participate in regular critiques of their own work as well as the work of their peers. In addition, the students will meet with college representatives and practicing artists and visit art museums and galleries.

Photography I:

This class focuses on the basics of camera function, photographic techniques, and artistic principles such as composition and color. Students will master the controls of their camera and be able to create artistic photos that will be able to tell stories and have an emotional impact on their audience. Each student will learn the five pillars of photography, which are light, composition, color, depth of field, and movement. In addition to learning how to analyze a photo, students will explore the history of photography and learn the basics of digital editing. Students will also learn how to shoot and develop 35mm film in our traditional photography darkroom. Each student is required to have their own digital camera with has manual controls and two SD cards.

Photography II:

Prerequisite: Photography I

In this class, students will learn about the different types of professional photography such as advertising, adventure, travel, surf, nature, landscape, photojournalism, portrait, wedding, and humanitarian photography. They will then choose a specialty and develop their skills in both digital and film photography. They will also follow professional photographers that specialize in their area of interest. From on location photography to studio lighting, students will learn advanced techniques used professionally in the real world. We will take a trip to the central California coast to shoot on location where we will photograph God’s amazing creation. Each student will develop both a print and digital portfolio to showcase their work. This class is designed to help students find and develop their passion and purpose in photography.

Photography III – Visual Storytelling:

Prerequisite: Photography II

This class will focus on developing skills for storytelling with photographs. Students will learn how to tell meaningful stories with individual images, with series of images, and with series of images set to original scripts and soundtracks. Students will study some of the most impactful images in history and dissect how they told their stories. Each student will learn to apply the structure of storytelling to create projects that can have a positive impact on our school, the community, and the world.

Prerequisite: Photo II

(Semester)

This semester class focuses on 35mm black and white film photography, processing, and printing. Students will learn advanced techniques for film processing and creating better prints. Burning and dodging as well as color toning of images will be explored. While the school can provide film cameras, it is highly recommended for students to bring their own. Once students complete this course, they will be eligible to sign up for darkroom lab times to work on independent projects. (Offering is dependent on staff availability.)

Graphic Design I:

Graphic design is all around us. From the logo on your shoes to the street signs that help get you to where you’re going, digital design is about visual communication using images, photos, colors, and type. Students will not only learn computer skills, and gain a basic understanding of design software applications, such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, but also how to effectively communicate ideas and messages through visual means. Students will learn art elements and principles, color theory, and typography through many fun and interesting projects including logo design, business cards, movie posters, CD covers, postcards, and much more!

Graphic Design II:

Prerequisite: Graphic Design I

This course will offer a continuation of the skills and knowledge learned in Graphic Design I. Students will step into more advanced projects that will reinforce and challenge their design skills. A focus on design problem solving and creative approaches will be emphasized. Students will also be introduced to basic fundamentals of photography, as well as motion graphics using Adobe After Effects, a standard software program in the animation and motion graphics design industry. Students will also be required to fulfill a client-driven project where they will find someone in the community to assist with a design project. Not only will this provide an opportunity of serving others with our skills, but it will also allow a valuable experience of being able to take feedback and learn to communicate design choices to a real-world client. This can range from developing a logo to creating printed marketing materials.

Drawing and Painting:

This course is designed to help further students’ sense of design and technique, as well as to help the students realize how two-dimensional arts play a role in society and in emotional and spiritual expression. It combines the skills and expression of art making with art history, theory, and criticism. Students will explore techniques using a range of materials including graphite, charcoal, pastel, ink, watercolor, acrylic paint, collage, and mixed media through hands on projects. We will also explore digital drawing and editing images on iPads. The course also helps students grow in their observational skills and will learn to create meaning through the manipulation of the art elements and principles such as line, color, value, shape, texture, space, balance, and rhythm. Students will learn to discuss art thoughtfully as well as make personally meaningful pieces.

Advanced Drawing and Painting:

Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting This is an advanced level class that builds upon the fundamentals learned in Drawing & Painting.

Students will focus on improving observational skills and developing technical abilities including creativity and two-dimensional composition. Students will concentrate on honing their artistic skills to capture light and shadow, texture, perspective, shape, and color by working from life. The goal of stronger technique is greater freedom. Students will exercise liberty in choosing mediums and will expand their preconceived ideas about media through mixed-media projects. Materials may include graphite, charcoal, ink, oil pastel, chalk pastel, watercolor, acrylic paint, oil paint, collage, and mixed media. Students will respond to work by a variety of artists and consider how art can connect us to God and others. They will also explore how art communicates mood, message, and narrative. Students will be challenged to take a personal look at themselves as an artist and to consider what God’s will is for them as an artist and what they may be called to communicate.

Prerequisite: 2 years of any combo of 2D Visual Art (Graphic Design, Photography, Drawing & Painting).

(Semester)

This course bridges the gap between classic fine art and digital art. Students use Adobe platforms such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Fresco, as well as implement traditional drawing, painting, and mixed media. Digital tools are taught within the space of using them for a specific art piece. This class would be geared towards students with previous digital or traditional art experience. Projects could include double exposure photography, mixed media self-portraits, cyanotypes, photographing papercutting and collage, and a passion project of each student’s choice.

Prerequisite: 2 years of Graphic Design or Photography (or Advanced knowledge of Digital Media and instructor’s approval).

This course is for students who want to develop mastery of digital art and design skills in preparation for one of the following options: AP 2D Art and Design submission, to prepare a portfolio for college applications, or to produce work for other real-world applications. Students will work with the instructor to develop their course objectives and spend the year showing development of their ideas and abilities. Students must have completed a minimum of two years of a digital visual art course, such as graphic design or photography and utilize these medium skills to take a deep dive into an area of their choice. The goal is to create a body of work that reflects personal style and interests while showing artistic and creative development.

Prerequisite: 2 years of Sculpture/Ceramics (or Advanced knowledge of 3D design with instructor’s approval).

Using the elements of arts and the principles of design, students will develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution of 3-D design elements. As students approach the requirements for this course, they will be expected to use a variety of concepts and approaches to demonstrate their ideas and abilities. Artists create a body of work that reflects personal style and interests while showing artistic growth and development. The body of work will show versatility of techniques as they develop ideation and solutions to problems. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to submit this body of work as a portfolio to a college of their choice. They will also have the opportunity to submit their portfolios to the AP Program through the AP Digital Portfolio.

This course will expose the students to the workings of a news broadcast. Students will have the opportunity and the responsibility to fulfill each of the positions, including anchor, reporter, camera operator, editor, and producer. A weekly news broadcast centered on student life on and off campus will be produced by the class.

Prerequisite: The Art of the Story

This is an introductory course in screenwriting where students will expand their craft as a visual storytellers and will learn how to develop compelling characters and write stories for the screen. The objective of this course will be learning how to begin with a concept or idea, then storyboard and develop the idea into a script. Students will develop good writing habits while discovering their creative voice. Regular reading assignments and critiques will inform student content and creations and will help them to understand the fundamentals of screenwriting. Film s will be studied in class and will be catalysts for discussions on story lines, plots, character development and other techniques of effective screenwriting. Toward the end of the class, students will apply their writing skills by creating story outlines and screenplays for short films.

This digital video course will provide students with a basic understanding of the technology and techniques used in film and explore ways in which it is created to achieve its desired effect on an audience. Learning the foundational principles of the production process, students will go from script to screen on a variety of short films. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate production skills and techniques, both in front of and behind the camera. Areas covered include script writing and storytelling, composition and movement, audio, lighting, and more.

Prerequisite: Film I

Film is the ultimate art form, combining elements of theater, photography and videography, music, and literature. Students will be introduced to some of the greatest examples of each as part of a crash course in film appreciation. Students will build on the knowledge acquired in Film I while learning to self-advocate and market themselves. Partnering with local non-profit organizations, they’ll experience the real-world challenges of working for clients. They’ll produce music videos, work with green screen, and continue to develop filming and editing skills, as well as work habits necessary for real-world employment.

Featured Film (offered alternating years):

Prerequisite: Film II 

This course is designed to provide each student with an extensive knowledge of film production and all its details. This includes directing actors, camera placement/movement, casting, and an in-depth examination of each crew position. The members of this class will make a full-length feature film written by OCS students. Each student will serve as a member of the crew. It will be the responsibility of each crew member to fulfill the pre-production and production demands of their position.

Documentary for Social Change (offered during 24-25):

Prerequisite: Film II

This documentary video production course emphasizes nonfiction field production. The course combines theory, history, and practice. Hands-on demonstrations, screenings, readings, lectures, and discussion prepare students to produce a documentary video. Students gain production experience working individually and in groups. Classes include an emphasis on research, pre-planning, and writing skills as integral components of video production.

(Semester)

This course will investigate how to develop a successful story. Whether it is scriptwriting for film or theater, visual storytelling through still story, animation or graphic novels, or writing for documentary or fiction, students will learn how to move an audience through story. Students will develop characters, set the scene, and craft each part of a storytelling journey with the ultimate goal of communicating a meaningful message. (Grades 10-12 only; IAI priority).

This course will investigate how to develop a successful story. Whether it is scriptwriting for film or theater, visual storytelling through still story, animation or graphic novels, or writing for documentary or fiction, students will learn how to move an audience through story. Students will develop characters, set the scene, and craft each part of a storytelling journey with the ultimate goal of communicating a meaningful message. (Grades 10-12 only; IAI priority).

IAI animation track requirement

Prerequisite: 1 year of Drawing & Painting (or equivalent portfolio with instructor’s approval).

This course is for students who want to develop skills in animation. Using the foundations of drawing, students will develop storyboards and design characters and worlds that come to life. Students will cover animation basics of storytelling, movement, timing, key frames, walk cycles and developing personality. Students will begin with stop motion animation and rotoscoping and move into Adobe Premier for the bulk of the course. Students will consider how moving images have the power to transport the viewer to imaginary worlds and transform culture.

Throughout this course, we'll explore the process of bringing inanimate objects to life using found materials in real life. Students will grasp fundamental techniques and principles of stop motion, enabling them to craft their own animated shorts. In the first half of the semester, we'll start on a journey through diverse stop motion genres, including claymation, found object animation, sand animation, pixilation (using humans as puppets), cut-out animation (cutting magazine papers), as well as character design and paper puppet animation. In addition, students will explore critical elements such as storyboarding, background design, sound incorporation, composition, and the art of storytelling. The culmination of this course will be to produce a short stop motion animation complete with an original narrative.

The process of creating an annual published book is a unique and rewarding experience! Students who step into this important role will join a team of hard-working storytellers who are tasked with the responsibility of producing the most coveted publication at OCS, the Yearbook. The book requires writers and photographers who bring basic knowledge and an eagerness to improve their craft. Through visual imagery and writing, students will learn to interview, gather information through research, and compile beautiful spreads using industry standard publishing software programs Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign. Staff members will have the opportunity to speak into the decisions made about coverage and content, including the book’s theme. Yearbook is one of the best classes to teach life skills including collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and meeting real-world deadlines. Student will be eligible for leadership roles and for membership into the Oaks Christian Quill & Scroll International Honor Society charter. There is also opportunity to travel to a prestigious national journalism convention in New York.

The effects and functions of art on human consciousness are the focus of the AP Art History course. We will delve into the voice of culture and collective human thought. Students consider weighty subject matter like patronage, politics, class, belief, gender, and ethnicity in their analysis of art forms. By studying the art, we study the people behind the art and engage in a conversation with those who came long before us. This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale, as all honors and advanced courses are, and it prepares students to take the AP Art History exam. (Grades 10-12 only).