North Penn offers a plethora of creative art classes that can appeal to the sculptor, drawer, painter and photographer in all of us. These classes can create a nice break in the day or be challenging enough for those who would like to pursue art as a career. Unlike the monotony that can accompany required classes, art focuses on individual expression and creativity. Students should take advantage of the great programs in the round J pod. Classes include:
Majors
Art I: This class focuses on two- dimensional drawing, painting, and collages as an introduction to art. Students will be introduced to the elements of design, still-life, self-portraits, figure drawing, print making, and various other techniques. Students start to prepare their portfolios for college. Also, principles of art criticism are taught and there is a required art criticism paper. This paper counts as a graduation project!
Art II: A sequel to Art I, this class is more advanced and in depth. For example, students will create a larger self-portrait. The art criticism paper can be used as a graduation project as well!
Portfolio Prep.: Students must apply for this class and have at least a “B” in either Art I or II, and submit a portfolio of work to be reviewed by the art department. A teacher recommendation is also required, yet students should not be discouraged. This class is very beneficial for students to develop a beautiful portfolio.
AP Studio Art: Students who receive a “B” or higher in an art major and have both a written application and art teacher recommendation are eligible to take this class. The artwork must be reviewed. Students can demonstrate a mastery of their skills. There are three sections of the class. Breadth includes 12 pieces demonstrating skill, technique, and composition. Second, is concentration pertains to the student’s own interests. They can choose their own personal theme to use in their artwork. There are also 12 concentration pieces. The best pieces are chosen from the total of twenty four projects, which is quality. Students can earn college credit.
2-D Design: Bringing the old and the new together, this course offers drawing with a focus on the traditional arts while design is a fresh take on modern digital graphics and photography.
Sculpture: Moving away from the two dimension art of the previous classes, sculpture is all about 3-D. Students can explore many different mediums to work with such as wood, clay, and wire to name a few.
Photography I: Say cheese! In this class students can learn how to capture amazing pictures utilizing the principles of design. They can develop techniques as well as computer skills while learning about historic and contemporary photography. A point and shoot digital camera is required.
Photography II: Building on Photography I, this class is more advanced and requires an SLR or film camera. Students are encouraged to take risks and explore the medium. This class offers a graduation project!
AP Art History: Students can earn a college credit while learning the diversity and rich cultural context of architecture, sculpting, painting, and many other types of media. This course encourages critical thinking and understanding.
Electronic Art and Graphic Design: With the use of Photoshop, Coral, Flash, and Illustrator on the computers students can create amazing works of art. A graduation project is available!
Electronic Art and Graphic Design II: This class has more advanced techniques and projects than the first level. Students take risks in design and explore the medium. A graduation project is offered!
Minors:
Ceramics I: Students will make different creations using pinch-pot, slab, coil, and other techniques.
Ceramics II: One of the many advantages of this course is that students can make projects using the potter’s wheel.
Ceramics III: Students will work with teachers to make individual projects.
Design and Illustration: Drawing, color theory, and techniques will be studied and applied to dry and wet media using graphic design and illustration.