Sample Schedule

A general overview of courses currently offered:

Art History – Full year course – Successful completion is an Arts Certificate requirement.
Prerequisites - None
Fees - None
Art History is a general survey of Western art covering ancient, classical, medieval, renaissance and modern eras. Students are given the tools that enable them to look critically at art through the ages in order to better understand the historical and cultural context for each period. Art History is required for sophomores, juniors and seniors

Ceramics – Full year course
Prerequisites – Notebook/sketches and glaze results
Fees – None
This introduction to ceramics introduces students to fundamental methods of forming clay. The basic technique for handbuilding (pinch pot, slab construction, and coil construction) will be demonstrated. Special emphasis is placed on the development of basic technique for throwing pots on the potter’s wheel. Craftsmanship, creativity, and an appreciation for the elements that are inherent to well made functional pottery are emphasized in this class. Students will learn how to finish their pieces with various types of glaze and firing techniques. The terminology and definitions of materials and ceramic processes as well as ceramic art history will be presented. There will also be field trips to museums and ceramic shows.

Ceramics II-III – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
This intermediate course with an emphasis on throwing pots on the potter’s wheel will explore new and various techniques for wheel throwing that will allow the students to make larger and more complex pieces. Handbuilding techniques (the use of slabs and coils) will also be reviewed and students will be encouraged to incorporate them into their wheel thrown pieces. The students will also refine the techniques learned in the beginner’s class so that their results will be more consistent and aesthetically pleasing. Decorating with underglazes and more sophisticated glazing techniques will be introduced. The students will acquire a better understanding of the nature of clay, glazes, and ceramic processes and equipment.

Ceramics IV-V – Full year course
Prerequisites - None
Fees – None
This advanced course builds on and perfects the techniques learned in the previous two courses. The students will be expected to introduce motifs and conceptual elements to their work and develop groups of pieces that express these. The students will also be encouraged to integrate the skills learned in other art classes, such as drawing and painting, into their ceramic pieces. Both functional and sculptural works will be produced. A variety of slips, underglazes, and glazes using more sophisticated application techniques will be introduced. We will also learn about the many ways of firing ceramics and involve the students more closely in the process of firing their pieces. Ceramic art history and the definitions of techniques and materials will also be presented.

Computer Graphics - Full year course
Prerequisites - None
Fees - None
Beginning Computer Graphics students learn to work in the Macintosh Operating System environment. They learn the fundamentals of graphic design, composition basics, and the programming functions of Adobe Photoshop CS3. Using Photoshop as their design tool, they will go through a series of exercises and create designs based on the tools and fundamentals learned. These designs are both technical as well as conceptual.

Computer Graphics II-III - Full year course
Prerequisites - Beginning graphics or consent of the instructor
Fees - None
This intermediate course is designed for both the future graphic designer as well as the fine artist who wants to use the computer as another design medium. Through various design exercises and projects, students gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of graphic design and dive deeper into the vast array of Photoshop’s design capabilities. Some technical projects may include advertisement design or business brochures while other projects require less structure giving them the freedom to explore their own ideas about the world in which they live. Adobe Photoshop CS3 is the key software program with the possibility of introducing Adobe Illustrator CS3.

Computer Graphics IV-V – Full year course
Prerequisites - Completion of intermediate computer graphics or consent of the instructor
Fees - None
In this advanced Computer Graphics course students have the opportunity to work in design teams giving them the experience of what it may be like in a typical work place setting such as an advertising agency. Through several different projects, they learn the ins and outs of working with a client, meeting a client’s needs and deadlines, and learning the answers to such questions as, “what should I charge for my work?” Students have the chance to work on at least two real life professional opportunities: the advertising image for the school’s “Jazz in the Pines” summer fund raiser and the Idyllwild Arts T-shirt design competition. Students receive detailed technical training and also deepen their introspection through various conceptual projects. Students mainly work in Adobe Photoshop CS3; however some In-Design CS3, Illustrator CS3, web design and iMovie may also be taught.

Drawing – Full year course
Prerequisites - None
Fees - None
Beginning drawing introduces the student to basic drawing materials, techniques and skills. An emphasis is placed on developing the ability ‘to see’, to focus on the observation of three-dimensional forms and translate this to the two-dimensional picture plane. Students work on a variety of exercises and assignments designed to enhance this process. This involves working from still-life and the model. Basic approaches include mark-making, line quality, value, volume, toning, texture and the various methods that emphasize spatial qualities. Compositional strategies are also covered. Students explore the usage of drawing media such as charcoal, pencil, pen, brush/ink, pastel and color.

Drawing II-III – Full year course
Prerequisites - Beginning drawing or consent of the instructor
Fees - None
This intermediate course allows students access to a wide range of technical and conceptual tools that expand upon the foundations given in beginning drawing. There is further exploration via a series of drawings that explore the individual physical characteristics of various mediums. This will include mediums such as graphite, charcoal and pen to focus on the immediacy of mark-making and the potential of line quality. Much of this work will be done within the context of figure drawing to reinforce the student’s observational skills. Students are also introduced to the fundamentals of abstraction and projects that develop a conceptual language.

Drawing IV-V – Full year course
Prerequisites - Beginning and Intermediate drawing or consent of the instructor
Fees - None
Advanced drawing emphasizes portfolio development for college applications and is specifically focused on the human figure as a basis for exploring different mediums, mark-making, layering, texture, spatial description, fragmentation and abstraction. The second semester continues the work with the human form and integrating this with projects that are more conceptually based. The structural framework for the course is the sketchbook and critiques that serve to emphasize the process of art making and the development of a strong visual language.

Painting – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Beginning painting focuses on the introduction and exploration of various painting methods and materials. This includes an emphasis on color theory, value and composition. Work is done from still-life and the human figure to help students explore objective, observational, expressive and abstract methods. Students use basic painting materials such as acrylic, watercolor, colored pencils and oil pastels.

Painting II-III – Full year course
Prerequisites – Beginning painting
Fees - None
Intermediate painting further develops painting skills and methods. This coincides with working on developing content and concepts. Students also expand their knowledge of color theory, techniques that incorporate different mediums and tools that further develop observational and compositional skills. Students also learn how to make stretcher bars and explore painting on paper, canvas and wood using different mediums such as watercolor, acrylic, oil and collage. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of the important historical movements that have been part of art over the past century. Introduction of art movements and issues will be presented through videos, slides, projects, readings and discussion. Critical dialogue and analytical skills are developed via this process.

Painting IV-V – Full year course
Prerequisites - Beginning and intermediate painting
Fees - None
Advanced students complete various projects throughout the semester to promote personal and creative growth to help enhance portfolio development. These projects emphasize process and conceptual/philosophical ideas. Students also participate in group critiques of everybody’s work and discussions of short readings and/or exhibitions. Occasional slide presentations and videos are shown to expand upon contemporary issues in painting. Various mixed media approaches are introduced to expand the visual vocabulary of each student. The second semester focuses on developing work for both Junior and Senior Shows.

Photography – Full year course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Beginning photography focuses on the fundamentals of the medium, both technically and expressively. Composition, film development, darkroom printing techniques, and presentation are utilized in building an understanding of the medium. A combination of lecture, assignments, discussion, critique and extensive studio work enables students to thoroughly explore the medium.

Photography II-III – Full year course Prerequisites - Beginning photography Fees - None Intermediate photography utilizes the fundamental skills developed in beginning photography and allows for the students’ more individualized expression. The students’ exploration of conceptual or thematic involvement becomes more central to their work. A combination of lectures, assignments, discussions, critiques and extensive studio work is employed. Students also begin to research specific styles, artists, and ideas through books, articles and internet sources. Students also develop a cohesive portfolio of work to be reviewed by faculty and college representatives.

Photography IV-V – Full year course
Prerequisites - Beginning and intermediate photography
Fees - None
Advanced students explore combining photography with mixed media—painting, drawing, 3D and alternate processes in addition to their straight photography, as means of expanding their ideas and concepts. A combination of lecture, assignments, discussion, critiques and extensive studio work is employed. Students continue to research through books, articles, gallery visitations and internet sources and develop a cohesive portfolio of work to be reviewed by faculty and college representatives. They also build portfolios, concepts and themes to be used for theirSenior Show.

Sculpture – Full year course
Prerequisites - Junior or senior standing
Fees - None
In beginning sculpture students are introduced to materials and methods of working with three-dimensional forms. This course gives a historical overview of sculpture and covers various aspects of 3-dimensional works, such as the production of simple and complex forms, subtractive work, contextual considerations and found objects. Students are introduced to hand and power tools along with safe shop practices. Mediums and methods include plaster, clay, stone, metal, wood, casting techniques, wire forms and welding. Regular assessment promotes a solid theoretical and practical/technical understanding of the process of making sculptural forms.

Sculpture II-V – Full year course
Prerequisites - Beginning sculpture
Fees - None
Advanced sculpture further develops skills in spatial relationships, utilizing different materials, and safe shop practices. The application of these ideas is emphasized through collaborative work, site-specific installations, the understanding of the language of sculpture and documentation of process. Students are asked to investigate the work of a contemporary sculptor and also to participate in regular critiques. The first semester specifically addresses the technical aspects of the discipline and the development of a conceptual language. This provides the groundwork for second semester independent study projects.

Senior Seminar – One semester course
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Senior Seminar is required of all seniors at Idyllwild Arts. The class is divided into two parts: common sessions where all seniors participate under the direction of the college counselor and address such topics as college applications, essays and standardized testing; and breakout sessions which address department/discipline-specific needs such as audition preparation, audition travel, and portfolio development.

Senior Show – Second semester
Prerequisites - None
Fees - None
This class is devoted specifically towards students developing thematic ideas and work for their Senior Show, including the completion of artist statements. Students are also instructed how to display their work in the exhibition space in a manner that is both professional and aesthetically pleasing. Senior show is required of all Visual Art seniors.

Other Classes

Animation – One semester elective
Prerequisites – None
Fees – None
Animation will introduce students to the basic tools and technology of Adobe Flash. Adobe Flash software is the industry-leading authoring environment for creating 2D engaging interactive experiences. Students will enjoy learning the technology that will bring their illustrations to life. Individual ideas will be taken from concept to script and storyboard to design and then to final animation. If taking this course, it is important to be very comfortable with illustration techniques. Projects will require excessive amounts of drawing on the computer with the mouse or Wacon tablet. Photoshop skills are a plus but not a requirement for this course.

Digital Photography – One semester elective
Prerequisites - A semester of computer graphics and/or consent of the instructor
Fees - None
Digital Photography combines the usage of photography with Photoshop. Students will focus on manipulating digital photographs using both compositional and computer skills. An emphasis is placed on the placement and framing of the subject. The cultural and social ramifications of imagery used in photography are addressed in a critical and analytical manner. This includes issues of appropriation and other ‘postmodern’ ideas. The course is designed for students interested in using photography in a ‘painterly’ fashion to produce a body of work that focuses on thematic and conceptual ideas.

Fiber Arts – One semester elective
Prerequisites – Junior or senior standing or consent of the instructor
Fees - None
Fiber Arts is a semester studio course that explores basic techniques in fiber construction. The structure and design of woven and non-woven fiber forms will be investigated using traditional and non-traditional methods and materials. Alternative processes will be explored along with basic dyeing and printing techniques.

New Genres – Full year elective
Prerequisites - Junior and senior standing with a preference for basic computer skills and/or the consent of the instructor
Fees - None
New Genres focuses on the investigation of unique modes of communication between the artist and viewer and the creation of a physical experience. Students combine computer skills with the genres of audio, video and performance to produce artworks that defy traditional categorization. Students use programs such as Garageband and iMovie to produce short digital projects that emphasize both form and concept.

Screen Printing – Full year elective
Prerequisites – None
Fees - None
Screen Printing focuses on understanding color, design, and visual concepts on fabric. Students work through the processes of screen printing (paper stencil, screen filler, drawing fluid, and photo emulsion), and proceed to use this knowledge to create larger more conceptual works. This class works mainly with printing on fabric, and will include other methods, such as painting with pigment dyes, using fiber reactive dyes, stitching, carbon transfers, and alternative photographic processes, as they fit our projects.

Supplies
The department provides many of the basic materials such as clay, photo chemicals, paper, canvas, gesso, wood, steel, etc. Students are responsible for other essential materials such as brushes, camera, paint, pencils, photo paper, pottery tools, etc.

Sample Schedule

Morning: Academics
.	Monday	.	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	.	Saturday
8:00-8:45	French I	8:00-9:20	French I	Cls/West Civ	Hist/West Civ	.	8:00-8:45	.
8:50-9:35	.						8:50-9:35	.
9:40-10:25	Hist/West Civ	9:30-10:50	Resource	Geometry	Resource	Geometry	9:40-10:25	Resource
10:30-11:15	Cls/West Civ	10:55-11:35	.	.	.	.	10:30-11:15	.
11:20-12:05	.	11:40-1:00	Hist/West Civ	.	French I	Cls/West Civ	11:20-12:05	Geometry
12:10-12:55	.						12:10-12:55	.
Afternoon: Arts
2:00-3:00	Drawing		Painting	Drawing	Painting	Costume/ Fashion		.
3:00-3:30	Drawing		Painting	Drawing	Painting	Costume/ Fashion		.
3:30-4:00	.		.	.	.	Costume Workshop		.
4:00-4:30	.		.	.	.	Costume Workshop		.
4:30-5:00	.		Screen Printing	.	Screen Printing	Costume Workshop		.
5:00-5:30	Ceramics-Wheel		Screen Printing	Ceramics-Wheel	Screen Printing	Jazz Dance		.
5:30-6:30	Ceramics-Wheel		Screen Printing	Ceramics-Wheel	Screen Printing	Jazz Dance		.
.	.		Fashion History	.	Yoga	.		.
.	.		.	.	.	.		.
.	.		.	.	.	.		.