Visual Arts

AP Studio Art: 2-D Design [MH04172] – Year A/B

1 Credit.  This is a college level portfolio course designed for students that are committed to developing mastery in art concepts, design, and technical practice.  Emphasis will be placed on developing a visual voice that is both innovative and unique to each individual.  Students will be asked to explore visual culture, art history, and self-introspection as they build a portfolio reflective of a variety of concepts as well as a concentration.  Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting 2; minimum 3.5 GPA.

AP Studio Art: 3-D Design [MH04173] – Year A/B

1 Credit.  This is a college level course in which students further explore and execute 3-dimensional works of art.  The 3-D Design portfolio has a basic, three-section structure, which requires the student to show a fundamental competence and range of understanding in visual concerns (and methods).  The portfolio asks the student to demonstrate a depth of investigation and process of discovery through the Concentration section (Section II).  In the Breadth section (Section III), the student is asked to demonstrate a serious grounding in visual principles and material techniques.  The Quality section (Section I) permits the student to select the works that best exhibit a synthesis of form, technique, and content.  A complete portfolio of 13 works of art to be submitted via digital photos at the end of the school year to the College Board.  Prerequisite: Ceramics I, Ceramics II; junior or senior standing.  Note: Course last offered during School Year 2018-2019. 

Art History & Criticism [MH04153] – Year A/B

1 Credit.  This is a college level introductory course to the history of art which focuses on foundational concepts, critical examination of various art styles/movements, and understanding of aesthetic principles of art.  In this course, students will examine and critically analyze major forms of art works from the Paleolithic era to Modern Art from a variety of cultures.  While visual analysis is a fundamental tool of the art historian, art history emphasizes understanding how and why works of art function in context, considering such issues as patronage, gender, and the functions and effects of works of art. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.  May count towards Visual Arts endorsement.

Ceramics & Sculpture I [MH04138] – Semester Daily                     

1 Credit.  This course introduces foundational studio skills in designing three-dimensional art works, including ceramics (fired clay).  Various three-dimensional media processes will be introduced using art styles that are realistic in representation to interpretive abstractions.  Art appreciation, history and theory will be woven into 3D projects that are integrative, inspire creativity, and develop problem solving skills.  Prerequisite: Design 1.  May count towards Visual Arts endorsement.  Preference will be given to Visual Arts endorsement students.

Ceramics & Sculpture II [MH04152] – Year A/B

1 Credit.  Students in this class will explore ceramics and sculpture in depth, by creating more complex and challenging pieces of work.  Students will have the opportunity to visit local art galleries and to meet guest artists to enhance their understanding of current ceramics and sculpture practices and ideas.  Students will create a series of projects which will culminate in a portfolio of work at the end of the course.  Art appreciation, history and theory is woven into art projects that are integrative, inspire creativity and require problem solving skills.   Prerequisite: Ceramics & Sculpture I; junior or senior standing.  May count towards Visual Arts endorsement.

Design I [MH04146] – Semester Daily

1 Credit.  This course introduces foundational art concepts and skills using the elements and principles of art.  Some concepts to be explored are: basic drawing and painting techniques, color theory and introduction to conceptual art.  Additional topics to be covered are: contour line drawing, tonal values, color mixing, symbols in art and 2D to 3D transformation.  Art appreciation, history and theory will be woven into art projects that are integrative, inspires creativity and develops problem solving skills.  This course is a prerequisite to all level one Visual Arts courses. 

Digital Photography I [MH04178] – Semester Daily

1 Credit.  This course familiarizes students with the basic skills needed to take digital images and enhance the images using Adobe Photoshop CS3.  Among major concepts to be explored are the Art Elements & Principles of Design, compositional techniques, and lighting.  Topics covered are Macro Photography, Lighting For Mood, Abstract Photography, Point-of-View, and Portraiture. Art appreciation and theory will be interwoven in order to develop photographs that represent the fine arts as well as commercial applications. Prerequisite: Design 1. Preference given to Visual Arts endorsement students.

Digital Photography II  [MH04180] – Year A/B

1 Credit.  This course serves to further develop the photographic skills learned in Digital Photography I.  Students will learn to develop an individualized artistic style that will culminate in a photographic portfolio focused on college entrance/professional work. Students may be required to attend outside photography workshops and participate in competitions.  Prerequisite:  Digital Photography I; junior or senior standing.  May count towards Visual Arts endorsement.

Drawing & Painting I [MH04176] – Semester Daily

1 Credit.  This course introduces basic two-dimensional skills in art such as drawing, painting and printmaking.  Creating art from observation will be the main focus in preparing students to develop their 2D skill in a variety of art styles.  Art appreciation, history and theory will be woven into art projects that are integrative, inspire creativity, and develop problem solving skills.  Prerequisite: Design 1.  Preference will be given to Visual Arts endorsement students.

Drawing & Painting II [MH04171] – Year A/B

1 Credit.  This course focuses on the further development of drawing and painting styles.  Students will explore established art techniques and will be encouraged to define their own individual artistic style.  The course will support the development of an art portfolio which may be used for college or scholarship application.  Prerequisite: Drawing & Painting I; junior or senior standing.  May count towards Visual Arts endorsement.

Hāna Noʻeau I [MH09637]Semester A/B

0.5 Credits.  This course surveys traditional visual art forms and their place in Hawaiian society. Students will be introduced to fundamental concepts, cultural content and creative skills concerning Hawaiian material culture, including: protocol, traditional practices, vocabulary/terms, techniques, and philosophies.  This knowledge encourages creative expression in traditional media.  KS Hawaiian Language and Culture Competencies of the “Developing” and “Advanced” Levels are addressed.  Prerequisites: Moʻomeheu Hawaiʻi – Hawaiian Culture and Hawaiian 1.

Hāna Noʻeau II [MH09670] – Semester A/B

0.5 Credits.  This course is a continued survey of traditional visual art & art appreciation and their place in Hawaiian society. Students will further explore fundamental concepts, cultural content and creative skills concerning Hawaiian material culture, including: protocol, traditional practices, vocabulary/terms, techniques, and philosophies. This knowledge further develops student creative expression in traditional media.  Papa Hana No‘eau II evolves into an art appreciation class where students will learn to make aesthetic judgments about traditional art works and to use these types of judgments in their own creative expressions.  This class is taught primarily in the Hawaiian Language.  KS Hawaiian Language and Culture Competencies of the “Developing” and “Advanced” Levels are addressed.  Prerequisite: Hāna No‘eau I and completion of Hawaiian 2.