Art Department Faculty

Julie Nadeau Drawing I, Painting I

Ellyn Whitten-Smith Advanced Art, Ceramics, Drawing II, Printmaking, Sculpture, Early/Modern Art

Art Courses Available at Presque Isle High School

Advanced Art (½ credit)            
grades 11 & 12
Prerequisite:  a two semester sequence with 90s or better in each

Advanced Art is a program intended for the serious art student. Interested students must first present a portfolio and a written semester plan to the Art Department faculty, including their media choice, skill strengths and weaknesses to be addressed through their studies. After this initial approval applicants must complete a Directed Study Proposal available from the guidance department, to be reviewed by the instructor and approved by the principal, in that order. For those interested in pursuing art at the college level, portfolio development is encouraged. This course may be repeated for an additional half-credit if a 90 average is sustained and upon successful re-application.

Ceramics (½ credit)                 
grades 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Sculpture with a 90 or better

Pinch pots, coiled vessels and slab constructions introduce and reinforce proper clay handling techniques in preparation for wheel work and table setting editions (plate, bowl, cup). Students are expected to help run their own ceramics studio, preparing and reprocessing clay, as well as loading and unloading the kiln. Offered during the spring semester.

Drawing 1 (½ credit)   
grades 10 -12

This course is an introduction to the Elements and Principles of Art with emphasis on flatworks. Initial projects, including collage and the development of a color wheel, lay the foundations for black and white and color still-life drawings, reproduction by gridding, poster design, perspective and the annual playhouse design project in conjunction with PIRCTC Building Trades consumes most of the semester. If time permits portraiture will be introduced.

Drawing II (½ credit)     
grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Drawing I with a 90 or better

Students are encouraged to find their own visual voice through advanced techniques and more rigorous subject matter, including portraiture and gesture drawings in both black and white as well as colored media. Printmaking, offered as a semester course every other year, is also introduced at the end of Drawing II. Offered during the spring semester.

Painting I (½ credit)     
grades 10-12

This course covers the foundations of the Elements and Principles of Art with emphasis on painting. Color mixing exercises, still-life paintings, and a gridded class painting prepare students for more challenging painting problems in both acrylic and watercolor.

Printmaking (½ credit)
grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Drawing sequence with 90 or better

Students are introduced to the history of printmaking and will develop monoprints, woodblock, linoleum and multiple plate editions, as well as an image to contribute to a class portfolio. Reduction block printing and book arts may also be introduced if time permits. Although drawing is a major component in the course, printmaking, however rewarding, is quite different from the other media. Printmaking is a challenging technical and manually physically course. The ability to think steps through sequentially, yet work backwards from the desired end product, is critical. This course is offered on even numbered years.

Sculpture (½ credit)       
grades 10-12

This course is like your junk drawer - a bit of everything except clay. Media includes wire, found art as well as assemblages, papier mache and, should time permit, poured and carved plaster. Offered during the fall semester.

Early/Modern Art History (½ credit)    
grades 11-12

Art History is a two semester Western survey course spanning the earliest discoveries of the Lascaux Caves to the modern earthworks of Robert Smithson. Students are introduced to the different periods and styles of art through discussion, lecture, studio work and written assignments. This course is designed for students with an interest art who may lack the self-confidence or skills for a media class. This class is offered on even numbered years and must have a minimum of ten students to run.

 

For additional information on courses and graduation requirements, please refer to the PIHS Program of Studies handbook, available in PDF format.