Williamsville Central School District

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High School Art Course Descriptions

Studio in Art

Studio in Art is designed to provide a foundation for advanced courses. Emphasis is placed on understanding the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as a basis for composition. Students will explore a variety of artists, art processes and materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking, two & three-dimensional design, and digital art. Student artwork will reflect aesthetics & cultural and historical contexts. Willingness to get involved in the creative process is a more important requirement than the student’s talent or previous experience.
PREREQUISITE: none

Studio in Photography & Media Arts

In this art course, students will learn how to use a 35mm film camera, digital camera, as well as the basics of Adobe Photoshop. Students have the opportunity to develop their own black and white film, and enlarge their own photographs. Topics include: basic and experimental darkroom techniques, digital manipulation and how to incorporate traditional art media. Students will also study significant photographers in history. All of the camera techniques learned in this course can be applied to the most advanced digital cameras. Cameras are available for student use. 
PREREQUISITE: none

Advanced Studio in Photography

This course is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to learn advanced techniques in photography. Students will build upon skills learned in the introductory photography course. Topics may include: documentary photography (photojournalism), studio photography (portrait lighting techniques), how to build strong compositions, operation of a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera, and advanced Photoshop techniques. Students are encouraged to develop their own personal vision and style. Students have the opportunity to submit work to competitions throughout the year. PREREQUISITE: Studio in Photography & Media Arts

Studio in Drawing & Painting

A second year course that provides an opportunity for students to expand on the drawing and painting concepts introduced in Studio in Art. Emphasis is placed on experiences with design principles, drawing techniques and painting skills leading to the development of abilities that are necessary for advanced art courses. Students are given more in depth problems to solve creatively while becoming more adept through a broad exposure to various media. 
Prerequisite: Studio in Art

Advanced Studio in Drawing & Painting

An upper level course designed for the student who wishes to further develop skills and techniques that were introduced in previous drawing and painting courses. This is a desirable course for any student wishing to develop a portfolio for college. It is expected for any student intending to enroll in Advanced Placement Art to successfully complete this course. Students will be continually encouraged to expand their creative ideas as well as their technical potential. The course will approach drawing and painting utilizing various techniques and materials. Advanced Studies Course - SUNY College Credit available through ECC.
PREREQUISITE Studio in Art, Studio in Drawing and Painting

Studio in Sculpture & Ceramics

This upper-level art course offers an opportunity for students who wish to create three-dimensional art.  Students will explore the element of form using a variety of materials such as clay, plaster, wood, and metals. Students will also learn the methods of working with clay such as coiling, slab building, and throwing on the wheel. Final products will be displayed around the school and community. Students are encouraged to explore individual styles while producing a diverse body of three-dimensional work. Advanced Studies Course - SUNY College Credit available through ECC.
PREREQUISITE : Studio in Art

Graphic Design

This course introduces students to the principles of graphic design and visual communication. Emphasis will be placed on the design-process using methods, strategies, and techniques to create original student artwork. Students will apply their knowledge of the elements and principles of design in order to strengthen their ability to visually communicate ideas. We will explore a range of design techniques using various art materials and software programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will analyze, critique artworks and learn about the origins of graphic design in the history of art. Students will be exposed to a variety of disciplines within the Graphic Design field, which include but are not limited to logo design, poster design, typography, packaging design, and illustration. Advanced Studies Course - SUNY College Credit available through ECC.
PREREQUISITE: Studio In Art or Studio in Photography & Media Arts

Exploring Art

This unique visual arts course will enable students the opportunity to participate in collaborative interdisciplinary art experiences that include hands on art making, media arts investigations, group discussion of contemporary artists, engaging in the creation of public art installations, and the chance to curate art gallery shows. Students will make connections to other disciplines and current events, while gaining experience with visual problem solving and project-based inquiry. This course is open to all students, no prerequisite required.

SUPA: ANG 101 Introduction to the Art and Craft of Animation

Introduction to the Art and Craft of Animation is an introductory course for students interested in exploring animation history and practice, with a strong emphasis on practice. Animation, as a discipline, has historically had a vast number of modalities, techniques and styles. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to some important animation techniques and modalities and to build a foundation for further coursework or personal exploration of this diverse and dynamic artistic medium.

Students will explore and practice modalities of animation traditionally practiced by independent filmmakers like drawn, cut paper, stop motion, pixelation, as well as modalities practiced in the animation production industry like character design, concept art, and animatics production. Students will also learn the basics of animation post-production, including editing, sound, color correction, and preparing short animated films for delivery via YouTube, Vimeo, and other streaming services where their work can be viewed by the public.

Prior experience in drawing and/or film/video production is beneficial but not required.

Art Portfolio


In this course, advanced students will focus on portfolio development as they continue to develop skills in producing high quality works of art. Emphasis is placed on creating more complex visual statements. A wide range of materials and processes will be further explored, and students will have the opportunity to focus on a chosen subject or medium. The course is intended for advanced students creating a portfolio, but not taking the AP exam.
PREREQUISITE: Junior/Senior level course - consultation with and permission of instructor, based on coursework student has completed and future plans.

AP Art and Design (2-D, 3-D, Drawing)

This course is offered to the advanced art student in the senior year.  It is the equivalent to a one-semester college course in art, and culminates in the Advanced Placement Examination. Depending on student's performance on this exam and on college's  policies, advance placement college credit may be received.  An additional College Board processing fee is required from applicants.  A well-presented portfolio and slides of student work are required for submission.
PREREQUISITE: Studio in Art, Studio in Drawing & Painting and one other basic or advanced art course relating to the student's interests and talents.