Open Studies Course Registration

Grades 9-12: In this course students will learn the rich history of india ink and how the versatile medium can be used to create intricate drawings of soft lines and organic forms. Students will understand how tonal variation can be achieved by different cross hatching, stippling and wash techniques. Subjects of work will include architectural structures, and natural objects.

Grades 9-12: Animators have told many stories through paper, clay, and pixelation. In this course, students will explore ways to tell their own stories and make their images come to life one frame at a time. Students are encouraged to bring their own devices to participate in this course. A phone or iPad with a working camera is preferred.

Grades 9-12: Artists and Designers have designated spaces to create and maintain an effective workplace. This course will cover everything from quality materials to good lighting, sketchbooks, work surfaces for 2D work and ways to stay organized. Students will not only learn how to start their studio but also dig into how to find inspiration to create, explore themes in their artwork and work on pieces that grow their portfolio and efficient ways to use technology in the studio.

Grades 9-12: This class is designed for the student who loves graphic novels and comics! In this course, students will delve into the fascinating world of character design, exploring not only the physical aspects but also delving into the rich realm of personalities, facial expressions, and living environments. Focused on figure drawing, individuality, and personality traits, students will develop the skills needed to accurately portray their characters' unique qualities. Students will learn to craft a visual narrative and how to design compelling characters that extend beyond the physical appearance.

Grades 9-12: This is an introductory level course for artists and designers and getting started with Photoshop, and Illustrator. In this course, students will learn the basics of color correction, retouching, and image manipulation. Young designers will also learn best practices for digital file formats. Using the principles of design, students will design their own logos, magazine layouts and text animations in order to build transferable skills when using Adobe. Access to the Adobe Creative Suite is included for the duration of this course.

Grades 9-12: This course is an introduction to visual metaphor, conceptual thinking practices, and visual storytelling in illustration (and design). Using composition, color, symbols, and other visual language tools, students will learn how to effectively and cleverly express a narrative and convey meaning articulately. Students will also consider, and learn to be thoughtful about, the cultural significance of visual language, and how it differs from one community to another. This class will use themed prompts to guide students from the concept and ideation process through to a final illustration. Using 2D media, students will combine imagination with critical thinking skills to produce illustrations that tell a creative story in single compositions. not on sequential art.

Grades 9-12: This course is designed to help students refine their skills in observational drawing using light, color and shadow. Students will draw from life, experimenting with charcoal, and soft pastel and learn how different values can create illusions of depth and form. By the end of the class students will have observational drawings that can be included in their portfolios.