Pleasure Ridge Park High School Visual Art
School of Study and Drawing and Painting Program
Welcome
The PRP Visual Art Program provides students who are interested in pursuing art in high school with a four year path to develop both technically and creatively. Our goals are to provide students with a mix of creative and technical experiences, to develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and to introduce a wide array of media and working styles. Art history and criticism are also important components to the program.
Students may choose a four year sequential, comprehensive School of Study or they may choose to participate in the elective Drawing and Painting Program.
Course Overviews
Visual Art School of Study
Art 1
Art 2
Art 3
Art 4
Advanced Placement Studio Art
Drawing and Painting Program
Introduction to Art
Drawing and Painting 1, A and B
Drawing and Painting 2, A and B
Art 1
Course Description
9th grade – Application and/or Instructor Approval
Art 1 is a two trimester class that covers a variety of two and three dimensional art experiences, emphasizing technical and expressive skills as well as the language of art. While the students may come with prior art experience, this class is important to building a strong high school level foundation. It is the pathway class to second, third and fourth year classes in the Visual Art School of Study Major Program.
Our units primarily focus on art making, but also include discussions, reflections and critiques, written assignments, and introductions to important artists and works of historical significance. Central to the curriculum is an in-depth exploration of the elements of art and the principles of design, the fundamental concepts used to understand the visual arts.
Art 2
Course Description
10th grade – Prerequisite: Completion of Art 1 with a B
Art 2 is a two trimester class in which the art major is involved in challenging studio problems in design, drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and textiles. Also, art history and art criticism are components related to the full development of the talent and interest of the student.
Art 3
Course Description
11th grade – Prerequisite: Completion of Art 2 with a B
Art 3 is a two trimester course in which the art major works on teacher-planned and individually selected projects to develop fine art and craft. Experiences in art history, cultural heritage, analysis of form, and aesthetics - which complement the studio experience – are integral parts of the course. The student is expected to keep a portfolio of artwork that reflects developing skills.
Art 4
Course Description
12th grade – Prerequisite: Completion of Art 3 with a B
Art 4 is a two trimester advanced course in which the art major works on teacher-planned and individually selected projects to develop fine art and craft. Experiences in art history, cultural heritage, analysis of form, and aesthetics – which complement the studio experience – are integral parts of the course. The student is expected to complete a portfolio of artwork that reflects refined skills and post-high school direction.
Advanced Placement Studio Art Drawing
Course Description
Instructor Approval Required
AP Art is a three trimester class which emphasizes the quality of student work, the student’s concentration on a particular visual interest and the student’s need for breadth of experiences in the formal, technical and expressive means of the artist. Student portfolios are required for completion and could be submitted to the College Board for college credit. (optional)
Introduction to Art
Course Description
9-12th grade - No Prerequisite
Introduction to Art is the initial art class for the student taking art as an elective. The course is a one trimester class. The student will work with the elements of art and the principles of design. The student will receive instruction in basic drawing, basic design, and basic painting. Art history and art criticism will also be components of the class. This is not an appropriate elective for the art major.
Drawing and Painting 1, A and B
Course Description
9-12th grade – Prerequisite: Introduction to Art
This is a two trimester class. The drawing curriculum provides experiences in line, value and space using a variety of medium, subject and technique. The painting portion gives the student an opportunity to solve color and painting problems in tempera, watercolor, and mixed media techniques. Part a is drawing and part b is painting.
Drawing and Painting 2, A and B
Course Description
Course Description
10-12th grade - Prerequisite: Completion of Drawing and Painting 1
This is a 2 trimester class offering one trimester of drawing and one trimester of painting. This course continues study in drawing techniques, providing experiences in line, value and space using a variety of medium and subject. The painting portion provides students opportunities to solve color and painting problems in tempera, watercolor, mixed media, acrylic and oil painting techniques. Part a is drawing and part b is painting.
