Visual Arts

Art 7, 8, 9

The series of general art courses, Art 7-8-9-10–20–30, is a unified, sequential program with common goals that span the entire secondary program and focus on three major components of visual learning: Drawings or delineations; Compositions or structures; and Encounters with Art. This sequence of courses has a significant studio component. The overall objective of this sequence of courses is an introductory program where students establish the groundwork for the development of personal artistic skill.

1. Drawings

   Ways in which visual information and discoveries are recorded
   Drawings encompasses the recording, investigating, communicating, evaluating and articulating aspects of making images.

2. Compositions

   Ways in which images are designed to create meaning
   Compositions deals with the organizations, components and relationships involved in the creation of images.

3. Encounters with Art

   How we meet and respond to history, social contexts and cultures through visual imagery
   Encounters involves looking at images and artifacts: the sources of images (finding ideas for making art), transformations through time (learning about the art of other times and changing imagery), and the impact of images (learning to understand and appreciate the purposes and effects of art).

Art 10 (5 credits)

Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites. Experience in a junior high visual arts program or an interest in visual arts is an asset.

This course explores creativity and problem solving while developing personal visual expression. Students learn basic design concepts and apply them to a wide variety of materials.

Drawings

Ways in which visual information and discoveries are recorded
Students will:

• Combine description, expression, and cognition in the drawing process
• Develop and refine drawing skills and personal styles
• Investigate different forms of visual expression
• Use the vocabulary and techniques of art criticism to analyze their own work

Compositions

Ways in which images are designed to create meaning
Students will:

• Extend their knowledge of the elements and principles of design through practice in two‑ and three‑dimensional compositions
• Solve teacher‑directed problems involving unity and emphasis
• Solve spatial problems related to movement and direction
• Use art criticism vocabulary to analyze and reflect on their own work
• Experiment with various representational formats
• Develop awareness of the emotional impact of visual art
   

Encounters with Art

How we meet and respond to history, social contexts, and cultures through visual imagery
Students will:

• Investigate the process of abstracting form from a source
• Compare image content from different historical periods
• Explore the relationship between function and form in artistic works

Art 20 (5 credits)

Prerequisite: Art 10

This course builds on the skills developed in Art 10. Emphasis is placed on art history, art criticism, vocabulary development, and artistic problem solving. Students explore a wide range of techniques and media while building their portfolios.

Art 20 (3 credits)

Prerequisite: Art 10

This course is a continuation of Art 10 with a focus on art history, criticism, vocabulary, and creative problem solving. Students explore a variety of techniques and media to support portfolio development.

Drawings

Ways in which visual information and discoveries are recorded
Students will:

• Draw with increased confidence and control, strengthening head‑to‑hand skills
• Develop and refine drawing skills and styles
• Explore a personal range of visual expressions
• Use art criticism vocabulary and techniques to interpret and evaluate their own work and the work of others
   

Compositions

Ways in which images are designed to create meaning
Students will:

• Use non‑traditional approaches to create two‑ and three‑dimensional compositions
• Solve teacher‑ and student‑developed design problems by varying dominant design elements
• Use art criticism vocabulary and techniques to interpret and evaluate their own work and the work of others
• Demonstrate control over the components of composition

Encounters with Art

How we meet and respond to history, social contexts, and cultures through visual imagery
Students will:

• Recognize that while image sources are universal, artistic expression is influenced by medium, time, and culture
• Investigate the impact of technology on artistic intention and production
• Develop a range of visual skills for understanding different art forms

Art 30 / Art 35

Prerequisite: Art 20

These courses extend the learning from Art 20. Students focus on advanced artistic problem solving, art history, art criticism, and vocabulary development. A wide range of techniques and media are explored as students build a comprehensive portfolio that reflects personal style.

Drawings

Ways in which visual information and discoveries are recorded
Students will:

• Achieve and demonstrate a personal artistic style
• Further develop and refine drawing skills and techniques
• Exhibit personal style through in‑depth studies
• Use art criticism vocabulary and techniques to analyze and evaluate their work in relation to professional artists
   

Compositions

Ways in which images are designed to create meaning
Students will:

• Use personal experiences as sources for image making
• Develop and solve complex design problems
• Analyze and evaluate their work in relation to professional artists
• Build a portfolio that represents their personal artistic style
   

Encounters with Art

How we meet and respond to history, social contexts, and cultures through visual imagery
Students will:

• Research selected artists and art periods to understand environmental and cultural influences
• Analyze the factors that shape individual artworks and artistic movements
• Question and reflect on image sources that are personally relevant within contemporary culture

• We host Two Art Exhibitions per year at Louis St. Laurent School
• ECSD Art Walk exhibition: over 250 student entries from across Edmonton Catholic Schools
• SMASH Tournament art design
• Green and Gold Tournament art design
• Graduation art design
• ETS public art commission