Visual Arts

Visual Arts is an introductory art course that provides for the study of the history and appreciation of art combined with studio exercises. This one credit course presents a core of visual and aesthetic activities essential to understanding the visual arts discipline. Students in this course will study the elements and principles of art and design, composition and various drawing and painting techniques.

Assessments will include written critiques, reports, presentations, tests and quizzes as well as art projects. A midterm and final exam are given in class. Participation in Fairfield Prep's art exhibitions is required. 

This is a freshmen elective.

Studio Art will provide students with the opportunity to continue developing their skills in the methods and techniques of drawing and painting in a studio environment, and to develop their original and creative expression in visual, plastic and graphic arts. The class structure will be student oriented including a process of “contract” assignments. The first semester will be devoted to the preparation of a portfolio; an emphasis will be given to particular drawing and painting skill, paralleling the investigation of the “Masters.”

Students will experiment with a variety of painting styles and techniques in their own work. In the second semester, students will explore the basics of graphic design and the computer software that is currently used in the field to produce ads, posters, business, brochures, cards and letterhead. Assessments will include formal critiques, PowerPoint presentations, quarterly reports and quizzes. Grades are based on timely completion of all assignments and are judged on an individual bases with consideration given to the variety of style and artistic ability.

Prerequisite: Freshmen Visual Arts class/consent of the instructor.