Visual Arts

In accordance with the CTECS Visual Arts program philosophy, this arts program is responsive to our learners in the CTECS schools. The program supports the CTECS mission, teaches visual literacy and 21st century skills. The courses offered below are designed to enable students to build upon foundation skills in visual arts before continuing to more in-depth study in the arts, as well as provide students access to visual arts classes at all grade levels.

Course selections are customized per location.

Courses that may be repeated for credit are indicated.

For more information about our programs please view CTECS Program of Studies.

Visual Arts Course Sequence

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Foundations of Art or Drawing PR-Foundations of Art or
PR-Drawing
2-D Design
3-D Design
Painting
Studio Art		 PR-Foundations of Art or
PR-Drawing
2-D Design
3-D Design
Painting
Studio Art
Trade Art
Advanced Art
(Requires prior instructor approval)		 PR-Foundations of Art or
PR-Drawing
2-D Design
3-D Design
Painting
Studio Art
Trade Art
Advanced Art
(Requires prior instructor approval)
Drawing I – UCONN

* PR indicates a prerequisite course
* Some courses may not be offered at every school

Visual Arts Course Descriptions

In this course, students will have an opportunity to create and respond to visual arts, focusing on drawing, design, color, painting and sculpture. This course will introduce students to a variety of techniques and mediums that they will apply while creating original artwork. A variety of design elements, such as line, space, form, color, value and texture, as well as a variety of design principles, including balance, unity, contrast, emphasis, movement, rhythm and pattern, will be studied. Students will have an opportunity to appreciate and interpret works of art in terms of history, aesthetics and culture. Students also will begin developing a portfolio of original artwork.

Prerequisite: Foundations of Art or Drawing

Advanced Art involves two-dimensional and three-dimensional works that encompass art history, art criticism, aesthetics and production and lead to the creation of portfolio-quality works.  This class may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: Foundations of Art or Drawing

The 2-Dimensional Design course focuses on the elements and principles of design as they are applied in 2-dimensional artwork. Various mediums including painting, drawing, collage, mixed media and digital media are used at the instructor’s discretion to teach these concepts. Students will demonstrate and understand basic composition and use of space within a 2-dimensional artwork. They will have the opportunity to explore design concepts in a historical and contemporary context, and to apply these concepts to everyday life. This class may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: Foundations of Art or Drawing

3-Dimensional Design – Sculpture is presented as a techniques and tools class. Students will become proficient using the methods and components of 3-Dimensional art. Students will not only develop their ability to express themselves in a visual form using a variety of media and techniques, but will also engage in written reflection of their own art and the artwork of others. This class may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: Foundations of Art or Drawing

This course focuses on a variety of painting techniques using various media such as watercolor, gouache, tempera, acrylics, pastels, ink wash, collage and mixed media. Color theory will be emphasized, along with composition, art history and art appreciation. Students will be able to make connections between their finished work and that of various artists and art movements in history. Sketchbooks are required for idea development and for both visual and verbal responses to artwork. This class may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: Foundations of Art or Drawing

Drawing is presented as a techniques and tools class. Students will demonstrate and understand basic drawing using visual measurement, shading, composition, perspective, drawing techniques, sustained drawings and written reflection. They have an opportunity to use various drawing media. This class may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: Foundations of Art or Drawing

Studio Art-Illustration is presented as an introductory techniques and tools class. Students will become proficient using methods and techniques of drawing, painting and design in creating works of illustrative art. Along with developing a portfolio of artwork, students will be refining their ability to engage in written reflection of their own art and the artwork of others. This class may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: Foundations of Art or Drawing

This college-level course provides a continuation of drawing skill development, emphasizes increased individual exploration of art mediums and encompasses the development of a focused body of work.  The course will focus on fundamental principles of drawing based on observation. Students will be responsible to complete weekly sketchbook assignments and participate in individual and class critiques. Students will work with a variety of professional media and explore innovative and traditional techniques. Students who enroll in the UCONN Early College Experience (ECE) program and successfully complete this course are eligible to earn three (3) UCONN college credits for the Drawing I course.

Trade Art

Prerequisite: Foundations of Art or Drawing

Trade Art is presented as a studio art class that addresses aspects of their trade. It is a course outlying the connections between the visual arts and the CTECS technologies. Students will make art media that enhances connections between aesthetics and their chosen trade. This class may be repeated for credit.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Darcy Fiano
Supervisor of Literacy and Humanities
Darcy.Fiano@cttech.org
860-807-2097