Kennedy High School offers a wide range of visual arts courses, ranging from foundations of art to AP art history. Click here for the Visual Art Flow Chart.
Courses
Art 101
This class is the first art class you should take at Kennedy. You will experience many types of art in this class, including drawing, painting, digital art, 3D art, and clay.
Drawing 1
This drawing class has an emphasis on drawing from life and basic drawing skills with varied media.
Painting 1
In this introductory painting class, you will use watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. You will learn basic painting techniques and color theory.
Sculpture
In this class, you will explore 3D sculpture using various media, including paper, wire, clay, cardboard, and found objects.
Photography 1
In this introductory photography class, you will learn how to work with basic camera controls, such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.
Ceramics 1
In this introductory ceramics class, you will create hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery.
Drawing 2
This advanced drawing class helps you further develop your artistic voice.
Painting 2
In this advanced painting class, you will further develop your artistic voice.
Ceramics 2
In this advanced ceramics class, you will use advanced methods of building and glazing.
Photography 2
In this advanced photography class, you will make each photography project your own and take control of your schedule with field days.
Illustrator
In this graphic design class you will learn how to use Adobe Illustrator. This course is a dual-credit course at Kirkwood.
Digital Imaging
In this graphic design class, you will learn how to use Adobe Photoshop. This course is a dual-credit course at Kirkwood.
Digital Arts
This class is a beginning level to graphics and digital art. You will be able to explore multiple digital techniques like motion graphics, digital drawing, graphic design, and photo manipulation.
AP Art History
This AP course is a year-long course where you will look at and analyze works of art within their historical context. You will also examine major forms of artistic expression from the ancient world to the present from a variety of cultures.
All high school students may take this course. The course will prepare you for the AP exam in art history.
AP Studio Art 2D, Studio Art 3D, or Studio Art Drawing
This AP course is a year-long course where you will develop your AP portfolio to submit during AP exams. You will design your investigation (projects) for the semester.
Portfolio types include drawing, 2D design, and 3D design. This course may be taken during the junior or senior year. Prerequisites include Art 101 and three other art classes, or instructor approval.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | • Art 101 (must take 1st) • Ceramics 1, Digital Arts & Sculpture (good concurrent classes if you have room for more than one art class) | • Drawing 1, Ceramics 1, Sculpture • Painting 1, Digital Arts (best if you can take Drawing 1 first) |
| Sophomore | • Drawing 1, Ceramics 1, Sculpture, Painting 1 & Digital Arts (best if you can take drawing 1 first) • Photo 1, Digital Imaging (more advanced leveled classes) | • Drawing 2, Ceramics 2, Painting 2 • Photo 2, Illustrator (more advanced leveled classes) |
| Junior/Senior | • Drawing 1, Ceramics 1, Sculpture, Painting 1 & Digital Arts (best if you can take Drawing 1 first) • Photo 1, Digital Imaging (more advanced leveled classes) | • Drawing 2, Ceramics 2, Painting 2 • Photo 2, Illustrator (more advanced leveled classes) |
| Yearlong courses | • AP Art History (can be at any time) • AP Studio Art:2D, 3D, Drawing (can be repeated in different mediums-taken junior or senior year) |