American School of Valencia
Art Philosophy

Nature of the Subject:
Artistic learning requires a high level of brain activity that is both intellectual and emotional. For the students to communicate visually they must locate themselves within a cultural context, from which to discover and develop appropriate techniques. Through the visual arts people acquire understandings, which are unique in human development. Study of the visual arts allows the student to discover ways in which to interpret and comment critically on the human condition. Furthermore, the inspiration engendered by artistic activity can become a driving force in other studies through out life.

Engagement in the arts promotes a sense of identity and makes a unique contribution to the development of each student. Through the study of visuals arts students develop a critical and intensely personal view of themselves in relation to the world.
(IBO VISUAL ARTS GUIDE, FEBRUARY 2000)

Course Description:
This course is a combination of the four components of art education: production, criticism, history, and aesthetics. Students will use creative problem solving and critical thinking to complete projects. Projects are designed toward developing self-awareness, self-motivation, self-expression, and self-esteem. This course introduces the elements of art, the principles of design, and the relationship of the visual arts to daily living. It is designed to explore fundamental art processes, teach basic art skills and survey historical art concepts while providing a foundation for the student who wishes to pursue art in-depth.

Purpose:
1. To provide a sequential, cumulative program of art concepts and skills.
2. To provide students the opportunity to engage in higher levels of thinking.
3. To expose students to a variety of art processes which include different media i.e. Drawing utilizing pencil, pen, colored pencil, charcoal, chalk, pastel, and ink. Painting utilizing oil, acrylic, tempera, egg tempera, and water color. Printmaking utilizing wood, etching, plaster block, and linoleum. Sculpture utilizing clay, metal, wire, paper mache, wood, plaster, cardboard, plastic and found objects.
4. To promote interdisciplinary art experiences, which help students, integrate ideas, concepts and processes.

5. To promote understanding of the different cultures in society.


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