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)

This introductory cinema course covers the basics of storytelling, filmmaking, technology, and techniques. Students participate in workshops, analyze excellent scenes, and create original short film projects, such as documentaries, commercials and narrative short films. Working in teams, they craft videos using Canon R50 cameras and edit on iMacs with Adobe Premiere Pro, developing their filmmaking and teamwork skills.

(Semester) For 7th & 8th grade students only. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Film.

This advanced cinema course delves deeper into the narrative storytelling involved in creating short films. Students examine exemplary comedic, dramatic, and suspenseful scenes from television and film. In teams, they brainstorm ideas, write, pitch, act, direct, film, and edit original short films that feature character arcs and stories with a moral/spiritual theme. They shoot using Canon R50 cameras and edit on iMacs with Adobe Premiere Pro, enhancing their filmmaking and teamwork skills.

(Semester)

This is an exploratory course introduces students to the world of photography. Students acquire a basic understanding of the technology and techniques used behind photography as a visual expression medium. They explore how photography can achieve desired effects on an audience. Upon course completion, students demonstrate a variety of photography and editing skills and express their unique voice through their work. Cameras are provided for students.

(Semester) For 7th & 8th grade students only. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Photography. This is an advanced course for students who want to further explore the world of photography.

Students build on their basic understanding of the technology and techniques used behind photography as a visual expression medium. They continue to explore how photography can achieve desired effects on an audience. Upon completion, students have a cohesive body of work and a printed portfolio, including detailed descriptions of their process, inspiration, and unique voice as it relates to photography. Cameras are provided for students.

For 7th & 8th grade students only. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Photography. Due to the demands of this course, an application with teacher recommendations is required, and administration gives final approval of student course request.

Students experience all the different stages of designing a publication. They learn the elements of graphic design, how to submit pages, work with deadlines, take engaging photos, edit photos according to ethical standards of journalism, and create a final piece for publication. This is a student generated yearbook, so the final product reflects the teamwork of the entire class.

(Semester)

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

(Semester) For 7th & 8th grade students only. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of 3D Art & Ceramics.

This course continues to build on the skills from Fundamentals of 3D Art and Ceramics. Students explore a variety of methods of construction and glazing techniques which reflect a greater level of craftsmanship and ability. In addition, students are challenged to deepen their knowledge of both technique and concept while becoming more fully involved in all aspects of the ceramics process.

(Semester)

In this course, students explore various mediums including pencil, watercolor, acrylic, collage, pastel, and ink. Key concepts covered include contour drawing, shading, radial symmetry, grid drawing, and color theory. This class builds technical skills while encouraging students to express their unique creative voices. By the end of the course, students have a solid foundation in artistic techniques and the confidence to continue their exploration of the visual arts.

(Semester) For 7th & 8th grade students only. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting. This course is designed for students looking to deepen their artistic skills and explore their unique styles.

Building on techniques from the Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting, students master advanced painting methods using various media. In a collaborative environment, they explore traditional and contemporary art, focusing on color theory, compositional harmony, and conceptual design. Through hands-on projects, critiques, and creative problem-solving, students refine their artistic voice and navigate the creative process with confidence.

(Spring semester) For 7th & 8th grade students only. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting and Exploration of Drawing and Painting (or placement based on teacher approval of artistic work).

Students synthesize the principles of art and design with the latest techniques of digital art using Adobe Fresco. 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. Students explore the young history of digital art and the latest implementations of this process, both culturally and industry-wide. Student work captures 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 create their own two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects using a wide range of materials and artistic techniques. Students gain an appreciation for various cultures and learn the connection between culture and art.

This course provides a foundational overview of digital art and design. Students explore key tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Fresco, along with the basics of film and photography, while also learning essential digital organizational practices. This course is ideal for both aspiring artists and students without a prior background in art who wish to build a strong foundation for their academic careers or any field of study they choose to pursue. Students develop a solid understanding of digital art techniques and design principles, gaining skills in image editing, graphic design, and visual storytelling that will serve them well in any future endeavor.

This course teaches the basics of graphic design using art and technology to help students use design as a creative communication process. Students also explore various methods used to create and combine words, symbols, and images to create a visual representation of ideas and messages. Students learn to identify and use the basic elements and principles of art and design. They explore and utilize industry-standard software programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

Prerequisite: Graphic Design I.

This course builds on the foundational knowledge and skills learned in Graphic Design I. Students take a deeper dive into layout and composition skills, and practice more advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign. New skills introduced in this second level include motion graphics and photography. With some experience now behind them, students will explore their own design passions and choose their own projects based on their favorite design styles and applications. Finally, students are challenged to apply their skills to help others, while guided by the teacher, in the Client Project unit.

Prerequisite: two years of Graphic Design or Photography (or advanced knowledge of digital media and instructor’s approval).

This is a unique course that allows students to develop a body of work that reflects their interests and personal style. Students consider digital mediums they want to explore further, or focus on a topic they are eager to investigate. The key to success in this course is self-discipline mixed with creativity. Students develop their concepts and set their goals and timelines. They will diligently create a body of work that shows their development as an artist or designer. Students may also opt to submit to the College Board for AP credit.

This digital video course provides students with a basic understanding of the technology and techniques used in film and explores ways in which it is created to achieve its desired effect on an audience. Learning the foundational principles of the production process, students go from script to screen on a variety of short films. Upon completion, students will 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 an encompassing art form, combining elements of theatre, photography and videography, music, and literature. Students are introduced to some of the greatest examples of each as part of the course. Students build on the knowledge acquired in film I while learning to self-advocate and market themselves. Partnering with local non-profit organizations, they experience the real-world challenges of working for clients. They 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.

Prerequisite: Film II (offered alternating years with Documentary for Social Change).

In this hands-on course, students embark on the exhilarating journey of creating a feature-length film, culminating in a premiere at the annual spring film festival. Participants take on diverse production roles—ranging from director, producer, and director of photography, editor, sound mixer, and behind-the-scenes documentary director—through a competitive audition process. Throughout the year, students collaborate to write an original script, cast actors, and manage all aspects of production, including cinematography, sound design, and post-production. This course equips students with essential filmmaking skills and fosters teamwork, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling.

Prerequisite: Film II (offered alternating years with Film III).

In this dynamic year-long course, students embark on an immersive journey into the world of documentary filmmaking, exploring its diverse styles, techniques, and the profound impact it can have on society. Through a blend of theoretical study and hands-on practice, students analyze influential documentaries, understand the ethics of storytelling, and develop their unique voices as filmmakers. The course covers narrative structure, cinematography, sound design, and editing, while also delving into the history of documentary film and its role in social justice movements. Students engage in critical discussions about representation, bias, and the responsibility of a documentary filmmaker to their subjects and audience. Students brainstorm, research, and develop a 20-30 minute documentary to spark meaningful change in their community or the world. This project culminates in a screening event where students present their films, along with a discussion of the issues they addressed and the impact they hope to achieve. By the end of the course, students will have gained technical filmmaking skills and a deep understanding of how to harness the power of storytelling to inspire action and foster a better future.

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

Students who take this course join a team of hard-working storytellers who are tasked with the responsibility of producing the high school yearbook—the premier student-produced publication. The book requires writers and photographers who bring basic knowledge and an eagerness to improve their craft. Through visual imagery and writing, students learn to interview, gather information through research, and compile beautiful spreads. Staff members speak into the decisions made about coverage and content, including the book’s theme. Yearbook teaches life skills of collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and meeting real-world deadlines.

In this course, students learn to see the world in a whole new way through the lens of a camera. They study the basics of universal camera functions as well as learn to apply and speak intelligently about what makes a quality photograph.

Prerequisite: Photography I.

In this course, students learn about the different types of professional photography such as advertising, adventure, travel, surf, nature, landscape, photojournalism, portrait, wedding, and humanitarian photography. They choose a specialty and develop their skills in both digital and film photography. They follow professional photographers that specialize in their area of interest. From on location photography to studio lighting, students learn advanced professional techniques. The course includes a trip to the central California coast to shoot on location. Each student develops 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

Prerequisite: Photography II.

Throughout this course students engage in real-world projects, collaborating with nonprofits to affect positive change. Students focus on developing skills for storytelling with photographs. Students learn how to tell meaningful stories with individual images and with series of images set to original scripts and soundtracks. Students study some of the most impactful images in history and dissect how they told their stories. Each student applies the structure of storytelling to create projects that can have a positive impact on our school, the community, and the world.

Grades 10-12 only; priority give to Institute of Art and Innovation students.

This course investigates how to develop a successful story. Whether it is scriptwriting for film or theatre, visual storytelling through still story, animation or graphic novels, or writing for documentary or fiction, students 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.

Ceramics is a foundational course for students interested in working with clay to create hand-built and wheelthrown pieces. Students 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 are covered. 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. Assemblage, clay, and wood sculpture are emphasized. Innovative sculptures are made from a variety of materials. For ceramics, this course can accommodate a range of skill levels. Students are 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.

Prerequisite: Ceramics.

This course is for students who want to develop mastery of three-dimensional artwork and design skills to prepare a portfolio for college applications or to produce work for other real world applications. Using the elements of arts and the principles of design, students develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution of 3-D design elements. They use a variety of concepts and approaches to demonstrate their ideas and abilities, creating a body of work that reflects personal style and interests while showing artistic growth and development. The body of work shows versatility of techniques as they develop ideation and solutions to problems. Students submit their portfolios to a college of their choice. They will also have the opportunity to submit their portfolios to the College Board for AP credit.

This course is designed to combine skills and art expression with art history, theory and criticism. Students develop observatonal skills and technique, and learn to connect art with its role in culture, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Students explore techniques using a range of materials including graphite, charcoal, pastel, ink, watercolor, acrylic paint, collage, and mixed media through hands-on projects. The course explores digital drawing and editing images on iPads. Students grow in their observational skills and 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 discuss art thoughtfully as well as make personally meaningful pieces.

Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting.

This course builds on the fundamentals learned in Drawing and Painting. Students focus on improving observational skills and developing technical abilities including creativity and two-dimensional composition. Students 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 exercise liberty in choosing mediums and 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 respond to work by a variety of artists and consider how art can connect us to God and others. They explore how art communicates mood, message, and narrative. Students are personally challenged to look at themselves and consider God’s will for them as an artist, and what He may be asking them they to communicate with their creative gifts.

Portfolio is a unique course that allows students to develop a body of work that reflects their interests and personal style. Students consider any drawing and painting mediums they want to explore further and focus on a topic they are eager to investigate. The key to success in this course is self-discipline mixed with creativity and curiosity. Students develop their concepts, set goals and timelines with the focus on demonstrating growth. Then, they diligently create a body of work that shows their development as an artist and prepare for admission into a college art program. Students may also opt to submit their portfolio to the College Board for AP credit.

Prerequisite: one year of Drawing and 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 develop storyboards and design characters and worlds that come to life. The course covers animation basics of storytelling, movement, timing, key frames, walk cycles and developing personality. Students begin with traditional animation techniques, then move to stop motion, rotoscaping, and digital animation. Students consider how moving images have the power to transport the viewer to imaginary worlds and transform culture.

Throughout this course, students explore the process of bringing inanimate objects to life using everyday materials from life. Students grasp fundamental techniques and principles of stop motion, enabling them to craft their own animated shorts. Topics include diverse stop motion genres, including claymation, found object animation, sand animation, pixilation (using humans as puppets), cut-out animation (cutting magazines, papers), as well as character design and paper puppet animation. In addition, students explore critical elements such as storyboarding, background design, sound incorporation, composition, and the art of storytelling. The culmination of this course is to produce a short stop motion animation complete with an original narrative.

The journey of our favorite films began with scriptwriting. This course immerses students in crafting compelling screenplays for both short and feature-length films. It explores diverse narratives, delving into the human condition and enduring spiritual truths, with a particular emphasis on celebrating divine moments in mainstream cinema. The course analyzes storytelling’s impact on culture, studies powerful cinematic moments, and covers story structure, character arcs, concise dialogue, and writing techniques across drama and comedy genres. Students participate in screening scenes, reading scripts, generating ideas, pitching, writing, table reads, and submitting scripts for potential production in in the Institute of Arts and Innovation film courses. The first semester focuses on short films, while the second centers on writing a feature-length screenplay.