Visual Arts Courses

VISUAL ARTS PATHWAYS*
 
Image of Art course pathways for class of 2021 and beyond
Del Mar High School offers the following Visual Arts courses*.  Visual and Performing Arts A-G graduation requirements and UC/CSU credits are noted as VAPA.
 
Art I - Drawing and Painting
Grade 9-12; A-G Requirement - VAPA; UC/CSU Designation - VAPA (f), Elective (g)
This is a drawing and painting class that explores the basic elements and principles of design, color theory, art history, and cross-cultural art studies. Emphasis is placed on creative expression, craftsmanship, art vocabulary, and critiques. A materials donation may be requested.
 
Art II - Drawing and Painting
Grade 10-12; A-G Requirement - VAPA; UC/CSU Designation - VAPA (f), Elective (g)

This course continues the study and practice of drawing and painting and further applies the principles of design. Some new mediums are introduced. Projects require greater scope and depth than those in Art 1. Students are engaged in art discussions and critiques, artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, aesthetic valuing, connecting and applying information, and career exploration. A materials donation may be requested.

Prerequisite: Art I - Drawing and Painting

 
Art III - Drawing and Painting
Grade 11-12; A-G Requirement - VAPA; UC/CSU Designation - VAPA (f), Elective (g)

This course extends the study, application and utilization of the elements and principles of art. Students incorporate advanced color theory, various modes of design, and comprehensive art critiques. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a working portfolio, and developing artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, aesthetic valuing, connecting and applying information, and career exploration. Participating in community art events and investigating careers is also included. A materials donation may be requested.

Prerequisite: Art II - Drawing and Painting

 
Art IV - Drawing and Painting
Grade 11-12; A-G Requirement - VAPA; UC/CSU Designation - VAPA (f), Elective (g)

In this course, students focus on an in-depth exploration of a number of mediums.  Students work individually in a studio atmosphere, with frequent student/teacher consultation, critiques, and demonstrations and portfolio preparation.  Emphasis is placed on creating artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, aesthetic valuing, connecting and applying information, and career exploration.  A materials donation may be requested.

 

Prerequisite:  Art III - Drawing and Painting 

 

3D Design I - Ceramics and Sculpture
Grade 9-12; A-G Requirement - VAPA; UC/CSU Designation - VAPA (f), Elective (g)
This course explores ceramics, sculpture, and other contemporary media. The students will build a portfolio of artwork, learn appropriate art vocabulary, learn historical/cultural information, make critical assessments, and connect art to their own life. A materials donation may be requested.
 
3D Design II - Ceramics and Sculpture
Grade 10-12; A-G Requirement - VAPA; UC/CSU Designation - VAPA (f), Elective (g)
This course continues design techniques and the use of media learned in Three Dimensional Design I. New media are introduced at this level, and a higher level of creativity and skill is expected. The students build a portfolio of artwork, learn appropriate art vocabulary, learn historical/ cultural information, make critical assessments, and connect art to life. A materials donation may be requested.
 
Prerequisite: 3D Design I
 
3D Design III - Ceramics and Sculpture
Grade 10-12; A-G Requirement - VAPA; UC/CSU Designation - VAPA (f), Elective (g)
This course continues design techniques and the use of media learned in Three Dimensional Design II. A higher level of creativity and skill is expected in the various media. The students build a portfolio of artwork, learn appropriate art vocabulary, learn historical/cultural information, make critical assessments, and connect art to life. A materials donation may be requested.
 
Prerequisite: 3D Design II
 
Digital Photography I
Grade 9-12; A-G Requirement - VAPA; UC/CSU Designation - VAPA (f)

The beginning digital photography course covers the concepts of traditional photography and how it translates to digital technologies. A photo editing program is used to create artful digital images. Students learn how to use computer hardware and software as tools in creating digital photographic art. The course includes the history of photography, the use of digital images in personal and commercial applications such as advertising and commercials. Students create and critique a portfolio. A materials donation may be requested.

 

Digital Photography II
Grade 10-12; A-G Requirement - VAPA; UC/CSU Designation - VAPA (f)

This is an advanced digital photography class that will continue the skills learned from Digital Photography 1. Students will learn how to shoot in RAW (image format or digital negative) and how to create HDR (high definition resolution) images. Professional Studio lighting and photography will continue where they will create a series of still-life and studio portraits building an advanced portfolio. Plus, students will continue to build upon their Photoshop skills; with each unit they will learn the cultural / historical background of the projects. The students will critique and create a portfolio of work, which will be presented at a final end of the year Art Show Retrospective. A materials donation may be requested.

 

Prerequisite: Digital Photography I

 

IB Art HL +
Grade 11-12; A-G Requirement - Applied Arts; UC/CSU Designation - VAPA (f)

This is a two-year course that challenges a student’s cultural awareness, analytical problem-solving, creative thinking and application, while expanding and building upon their technical skills. The students will be exploring and comparing different artists from various cultural backgrounds and time periods through comparative studies creating 13-20 screens.

They will also explore 3 different medias and various practices experimenting, creating and reflecting upon their work through a process portfolio creating 13-25 screens. 8-11 works that demonstrate a thematic concentration will be displayed through their own curative practices which will require them to be selective through self-reflection, well written curatorial rationales, and awareness to how viewers will engage with their themed work. The course is designed to help foster a foundation for further studies at the college level or for those seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts.

+ UC/CSU Honors (Weighted) - Year 2

Prerequisite: One year of any visual art class (Art I, 3D I, or Digital Photo I.)  It is recommended that students enroll in an art class the year prior to enrolling in an IB Art class.

IB Art SL +
Grade 11-12; A-G Requirement - Applied Arts; UC/CSU Designation - VAPA (f)

This is a one-year class that challenges a student’s cultural awareness, analytical problem-solving, creative thinking and application, while expanding and building upon their technical skills. The students will be exploring and comparing different artists from various cultural backgrounds and time periods through comparative studies creating 10-15 screens. 

They will also explore 2 different medias and various practices experimenting, creating and reflecting upon their work through a process portfolio creating 9-18 screens. 4-7 works that demonstrate a thematic concentration will be displayed through their own curative practices which will require them to be selective through self-reflection, well written curatorial rationales, and awareness to how viewers will engage with their themed work. The course is designed to help foster a foundation for further studies at the college level or for those seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts.

+ UC/CSU Honors (Weighted)

Prerequisite: One year of any visual art class (Art I, 3D I, or Digital Photo I.)  It is recommended that students enroll in an art class the year prior to enrolling in an IB Art class.

 

 
* For more specific course details, please refer to the 2024-25 CUHSD Course Catalog. Should you require additional information, please speak with your teacher or your Guidance Counselor.
 
Interested in Visual Arts? View a sample of recent Del Mar Student artwork at the following website: https://sites.google.com/cuhsd.org/del-mar-visual-arts/home.
 
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