Visual Arts Program Overview

Art is conscious, human expression in visual form. It has been, is and always will be the means by which each culture records, expresses, and interprets the world around it. Art, as a visual form of communication essential to the understanding of and participation in our increasingly creative approach to life, is a significant and valued human endeavor. Parallel to the philosophy of the South Orange County School of the Arts, we submit that art addresses the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs of our students. It promotes self-awareness, self-expression, and well being. Through the program, opportunities are presented to develop higher levels of thought and critical thinking skills. The program also offers unique and creative experiences which help to build student self-esteem. This aspect of study fosters the recognition and the appreciation of differences among individuals and cultures. Art encourages inquiry, discovery, and wonder. As it reflects and transmits its time and culture, art is a vital key to understanding the past and to realizing the future. Through such understanding and training, we believe that the students will be better prepared to appropriately enter into a career in art, an institution of higher learning, or simply to make a significant contribution to the world of art.

Course Descriptions

Ceramics 1A, 1B
This course stresses techniques in clay forming and decoration by means of handbuilding or the use of a potter's wheel. Emphasis is on design and decoration.

Advanced Ceramics
This advanced course provides the opportunity to further refine handbuilding and use of the potter's wheel.

Drawing and Painting 1A, 1B
The student explores elements of design manipulating a variety of materials and techniques Emphasis is placed on basic drawing and painting techniques.

Advanced Drawing and Painting
This course emphasizes the devleopment of a personal technique, concentrating on observation, imagination, experimentation, and principles of color and composition. The student continues experimenting, researching and developing a unique means of expression. Participation in school related projects or special independent projects is expected.

Photography 1A/1B
This program emphasizes the fundamentals of photography, cameras, exposure meters, films, papers, and enlarging. This class is recommended before entering any higher level photography classes, some exceptions will be made based on experience.

Photography Intermediate
This course serves as job entry training, presenting advanced instruction in photographic techniques currently used in the graphics field. Emphasis is placed on design, camera preparation, posterization, negative and positive solarization, tabletop shots, product shots, reticulation, making graphic arts negatives, line prints, photo montage, high contrast, lights for portraiture, distortion, computer graphics, color photography, and digital camera prints.

SOCSA Photography
This course emphasizes the fundamentals of photography, cameras, exposure, film developing, and print enlarging in a darkroom. Studio portraiture, portfolio developing, some work in color photography for more advanced students. Possible work in computer manipulation, video, and digital cameras.