Visual Arts

 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
The Visual Arts curriculum at Kinder HSPVA parallels the challenges of a college level Fine Arts program. It
is designed to give each student a firm foundation to build on and a dynamic variety of experiences that
will open ideas, inspire talent and prepare them to meet challenges.
The following Course Descriptions are a general guide presented to help parents and students gain some
insight into what students do in art and why.
This is NOT a definitive listing. We are constantly in the process of evaluating and updating our program
to better serve our students and each of us, as professional artists bring unique experiences and opportunities
to our classes.

9th Grade Visual Arts
The 9th grade visual arts experience includes a component (Art Awareness) that was designed to help each
student make a successful transition from middle school to this challenging and demanding program. It also
provides a beginning experience in Drawing and Foundations, both of which are critical to their future
understanding and expression. Individual and group critiques, as well as semester portfolio reviews provide
feedback and evaluate student growth.
Art Awareness
This class includes a variety of experiences that are designed to help the Visual Arts students develop the
skills necessary for success at Kinder HSPVA. It provides a format to address specific survival skills for all
first year art students (i.e., departmental expectations for journals, Support Skills, Portfolios, Portfolio
Reviews, museum/gallery etiquette etc.). It is discussion, demonstration, lecture and listening. Students are
introduced to historical, cultural and professional perspectives through guest artists and lecturers and/or
through visits to galleries and museums. Extensive journal work is aimed at enhancing the development of
their personal artistic discipline and problem-solving processes as well as exercising technical skills.
Digital Literacy
Students taking this class explore Photoshop and Illustrator as a tool for artists by progressing through a
series of tutorials and then developing their skill and vision in a variety of projects. Students will be able to
integrate scanned and digitally rendered imagery. Students will also be introduced to the basics of digital
photography, as they will incorporate their own imagery into their digital constructions and learn to document
their own work for historical and professional presentations. The skills developed in this class will be basic
to many other experiences in Visual Arts.
Drawing
Students in this class pursue an investigation of drawing techniques, media and attitudes that challenge them
to think critically about drawing and to master the application of traditional drawing techniques. It is 2
semesters.
Elements & Principles of Design (Applied): 2D & 3D
During this two-part course, students to develop a familiarity with visual literacy, art vocabulary and the
application of the elements and principles of design in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional formats.
It includes a special focus on the study of color. The application of problem solving skills, idea development
and critical analysis are integral to this introductory experience.
Elements & Principles of Design (Vocabulary)
This first semester course introduces the vocabulary of art that is necessary for communicating and
discussing art on a daily basis. This lecture style class presents terms that students will incorporate into
critiques, their own reflection of work, and when describing and viewing other’s art.

10th Grade Visual Arts
The 10th grade visual arts experience includes an introductory investigation of a variety of techniques in a
variety of media. It can include Art Appreciation, Art Criticism, Ceramic Sculpture, Design, Digital
Photography, Drawing, Video, Mixed Media, Painting, Printmaking and Tool Time (Shop Skills).
Art Criticism
Art Criticism utilizes a variety of skills important to artists. This class develops students’ abilities to describe
artwork articulately, to look at art analytically and to pass critical and considered judgment. Students are
challenged to develop a variety of skills including higher-level thinking, discussion, writing and presentation.
They will examine works of art from a critical perspective and develop appreciation for a diversity of artistic
expressions.
Ceramic Sculpture
This is a media specific course investigating the variety of techniques in clay work, including coil and slab
building, casting, and modeling. Students develop their technical expertise through problem solving
assignments.
Design
This class allows students to apply the basic principles of design, (learned in the 9th grade) to the practical
application of design in our daily lives, such as product design, architecture, environmental design, graphic
design, etc.
Digital Photography
This is an introduction to the technical and mechanical aspects of digital photography. Students will explore
black and white as well as color photography. Conceptual skills will be encouraged by a final flexible
assignment leading to an individualized solution. Students will become familiar with the printing process of
digital photography. The students will learn how to document their work with a digital single lens reflex
camera. Students will create a digital art portfolio that will serve to archive their photography and artwork.
Unfortunately, we do not offer chemical photography.
Drawing
This class involves a sophisticated exploration of drawing through a variety of media and an in depth
investigation of the elements of art. This includes the development of personal subject matter and content.
Experimental drawing techniques are encouraged and explored in this class.
Graphic Design
This class is designed to explore the application of ideas and techniques that are used in graphic design and
advertising. Students will attempt to create designs that meet specific needs and criteria of “clients”,
employing the elements and principals of design. Projects might include logos, information illustration,
expressive illustration, and page layout for ads, posters and brochures.
Introduction to Documenting
This intensive workshop offers students an introduction to the world of documenting their work digitally. This
important skill will give them the ability to create a visual history of their own growth and to prepare for
presentation of their work for exhibitions, scholarship competitions and college admission.
Introduction to Video
The process of creating films gives students experience using the equipment (both shooting and editing) and
practice working in groups on team projects. This is the introductory class for video.
Mixed Media
This class provides the opportunity to process ideas and concepts through the examination of a variety of
materials (mostly three-dimensional) that work together to form a cohesive aesthetic statement. This enhances
a student’s ability to “see” by using non-traditional materials as potential art resources.
Painting
This is an introduction to painting techniques, media and attitudes that challenges students to master the
application of traditional painting techniques while applying the elements of art, design and color. Students
will improve their skills through various observation exercises that include still life and figure painting.
Printmaking
An introductory course, printmaking will explore various aspects of multiple processes. Students will gain
understanding and practice in the processes of linocut, collograph, gel transfers, embossing and
monoprinting.
Shop Skills (“Tool Time”)
This is an introduction to the safe and efficient use of woodworking techniques and tools, both power and
hand. The students will create and construct projects that will combine the technical use of these tools with
concept development.
Sophomore Concerns
This class prepares sophomores for idea development, creating original thoughts and how to incorporate
these thoughts into work. This class uses the journal as a starting point. There is personal investigation and
class investigation to help each student find connections among their body of work. This class prepares
sophomores to enter into the junior year and starts them off on the right path for their summer
investigation.

11th Grade Visual Arts
Coursework for this year is driven by the opportunity to begin to develop, implement and document an
independent body of artwork. Students work toward an ultimate independent course of study that deals
specifically with the student’s own ideas and chosen medium(s) in Independent Studio Art. In addition, students
are required to take Elective Courses enriching their technical skills while working on their body of work.
They also look at Art History (Survey and Ancestry) and Drawing. Emphasis is placed on the development
of the student’s ability to professionally present themselves and their work in situations that may include
gallery exhibitions and presentations, applying to colleges of art and design, scholarship and employment
opportunities, etc. This is accomplished through students learning to create documentation of their artwork,
presentation of their artwork and is clarified through the composition of an artist statement and a resume.
Art History: Ancestry
Students identify their own personal “art historical roots” by relating analysis of reoccurring images, symbols
and archetypes in their own work to contemporary and historical art, art issues and art movements as well
as music, literature, theatre, film, cultural milieu, etc. This is accomplished by personal investigation and
teacher directed looking, reading, researching and discussing. Guest artists are an integral part of this
process.
Independent Studio Art (& Introduction to Independent Studio Art)
This course is designed to permit advanced art students the opportunity to develop, implement and document
an independent body of artwork. They also must write an Artist Statement and Resume. All projects are
executed around the student’s personal issues and concepts. The body of work is developed over an
extended period of time and this focused process gives students the opportunity to experience in-depth
investigation and problem-solving at a high level. Students work under supervision, but are allowed to select
their own media and content. All department labs and equipment are accessible to the students in their
individualized pursuits. Quality and growth are measured and affected through numerous critiques, both
individual and group.
Drawing, Experimental
Students explore alternative and non-traditional methods, materials and objectives in experimental drawing.
Discussions concern mark-making, emotional content and expression and compositional intentionality among
other topics.
Drawing, Figure
This is a course devoted to the issues of figure drawing. Students will be exposed to the long history of life
drawing and through images, books and discussions. They will strengthen their drawing skills, observational
and expressive, with the use of professional models, creating full-page compositions that will be needed for
their portfolios.
Junior Concerns
Juniors continue to develop their ideas, work on resumes, artist statement, business cards etc. They also
continue their journal skills and their life drawing skills.

12th Grade Visual Arts
The 12th grade Conceptual Concerns/Independent Studio experience builds on the independence developed
in the 11th grade and is a continuation of their endeavor to create an independent body of artwork. In
addition, students are again required to take Elective Courses (as described below). They take Senior
Concerns and Art History-Contemporary Issues, and participate in guest artist workshops. Students continue
to work on their ability to present themselves and their work in a professional manner.
Art History: Contemporary Issues
Through this class senior art students are introduced to a variety of contemporary artists and art issues and
the cultural climates that have shaped the past and brought art to its current status. To accomplish this,
students investigate and discuss films, videos and art publications and participate in guest artist’s lectures
and workshops.
Independent Studio
This course is a continuation of the students’ development of an independent body of artwork begun in the
junior Conceptual Concerns class.
Senior Issues Workshop
This course is designed to expose advanced art students to all aspects of being a professional artist such as
maintaining a studio, marketing their products, finding professional representation, record keeping, legal
aspects of businesses, copyright issues, tax law, finding grant and residency opportunities, commissions, etc.
The class also addresses community involvement and the health hazards involved with doing art on a
continuing basis. Students visit artist studios and are exposed to a variety of contemporary art.
ADVANCED MEDIA COURSES: Visual Arts Electives
Advertising / Graphic Design
This class explores the application of ideas and techniques of graphic design and advertising. It is project
based and uses real world problems that are submitted by real clients. Time is invested in learning the
basics of Adobe Illustrator in order to do page layout, manipulation of type and illustration using an object
or vector basis, which is an important complement to the bitmap or paint basis of Photoshop. Some of the
projects may include event posters, information illustration, expressive illustration, logos and page layout for
ads and brochures.
Architecture
This class explores the application of ideas and techniques of architecture. It is project based and uses real
world prompts and problem-solving provocations. Some of the projects may include competitive opportunities
in association with the AIA.
Assemblage / Collage
This class provides the opportunity to process ideas and concepts through the examination of a variety of
materials that work together to form a cohesive aesthetic statement. This enhances a student’s ability to
“see” by using non-traditional materials as potential art resources.
Computer Imaging
This advanced class in the use of technology allows students to explore their individualized concepts with
greater sophistication of media, as they build on their knowledge of the programs and tools available. It
incorporates Photoshop, Illustrator, and the use of equipment in the Digital Lab including tablets, digital
cameras and scanners to create two-dimensional, printed works.
Design
This course allows students to pursue and in-depth exploration and application of design principles that were
begun in the basic design class.
Digital Imaging: Animation
Advanced techniques and more in-depth practice allow students in this level of animation to create longer
and more complex narratives.
Digital Imaging: Graphics
In this class students learn the basics of Illustrator through tutorials and projects that are both graphic and
problem solving in nature. Some of the projects will include logos, information illustration, expressive
illustration, and page layout for ads, posters and brochures.
Digital Imaging: Photoshop
Students taking this class explore Photoshop as a tool for artists by developing their skill and vision in a
variety of projects. Conceptual skills will be encouraged by flexible assignments leading to individualized
solutions.
Drawing
This class involves a sophisticated exploration of drawing through a variety of media and an in depth
investigation of the elements of art. This includes the development of personal subject matter and content.
Experimental drawing techniques are encouraged and explored in this class.
Fibers/Textiles
Using both traditional and non-traditional fibers, fabric, textiles and other related materials, students will
experiment with a variety of techniques as are applicable to exploring their personal subject matter and
content. (While this could include wearable art, if it is pertinent to an individual student’s investigations, this
is not a fashion design class.)
Figure Drawing & Painting
This is a course devoted to the issues of figure drawing and painting. Students will be exposed to the long
history of life drawing and painting through images, books and discussions, and they will strengthen their
drawing and painting skills with the use of professional models.
Painting
This class involves a sophisticated exploration of painting through a variety of media and an in-depth
investigation of the elements of art. This includes the development of personal subject matter and content.
Experimental painting techniques are encouraged and explored in this class. Depending on the needs and
desires of students in the class, alternative media (watercolor, guache, encaustic) may be explored.
Performance and Installation
The objective of this class is to allow students to explore some experimental means of expression that would
normally be considered outside the bounds of traditional mediums. This could include (but is not limited to)
Performance, Installation, Earthworks, Soundworks, Multi-Media, or Non-Traditional Mediums. Students also
learn how to professionally write and submit project proposals for both in-school exhibitions and out-ofschool competitions.
Printmaking
Students continue the investigation of printmaking techniques. Intaglio, silkscreen, paper lithography and
related photographic techniques are introduced at this time. Conceptual skills will be encouraged by flexible
assignments leading to individualized solutions.
Social Practice
Sound
Sculpture, Ceramic
The study of basic ceramic techniques is expanded in this class. Students are encouraged to create complex,
possibly larger scale work using clay and combining materials when appropriate. Advanced students’
assignments will be self-generated and deal with their own issues and concepts.
Sculpture, General
This is an advanced course for exploring various sculptural techniques and methods. Students will learn safety
procedures and technical skills for working with a variety of materials. This knowledge will be applied to
solve sculptural assignments. Advanced students’ assignments will be self-generated and deal with their own
issues and concepts.
Sculpture, Process
An investigation of technical sculptural processes such as flexible mold making and plaster and polymer
casting methods is the basis of this course. Advanced students, working individually with the instructor, apply
these methods to their own personal art vocabulary.
Sculpture, Special Topics
This class is open for the specific investigation of a topic not usually covered in other sculpture classes, but
for which there is an interest on the part of faculty and students. It has included studies of mechanical motion
sculptures, inflatables, body-oriented sculpture and special group projects.
Sculpture, Welding
This is an introductory and an advanced course for exploring various techniques in the use of metal as a
sculptural material. Students will learn safety procedures and technical skills for both gas and arc welding
methods. This knowledge will be applied to solve sculptural assignments. Advanced students’ assignments will
be self-generated and deal with their own issues and concepts.
Video (Alternative Moving Images)
This class covers camera technique and editing with the emphasis on the visual and creative ideas that can
be explored through the medium of video. The class consists of technical information, exercises in using the
equipment, group and individual projects (both shooting and editing), critiques of student work and viewing
of independent video.
Visual Communications
This class approaches the commercial aspects of visual communications from a creative, idea-generating
perspective rather than a technical point of view. The course covers typography, layout and page design,
and illustration through a wide range of problem solving projects, including logos, T-shirts, letterheads,
posters, simple animations & computer graphics.