Visual Arts
The visual arts program is designed to lead the student to self-discovery and expression while providing an artistic community for dialogue, problem-solving and public display. The elements and principles of design are foundational in the development of a visual vocabulary and the understanding of visual organization. Sketch journals, oral and written critique, and visual arts vocabulary development are included in all studio courses.
The visual arts program offers a diverse selection of courses intended to best meet the needs and interests of students. Classes are subject to adequate enrollment of students and may not always be offered every semester or year. Each year field trips are planned exclusively for art students. In past years, students have enjoyed outings to major art institutions and galleries including MassMOCA, the Clark Museum, Museum of Fine Arts (Boston), The Wadsworth Athenaeum, and private artist studios.
Please click here for more information about our Lower School Visual Arts Program
Upper School Course Offerings
Journalism ( Yearbook)
Term: Full Year
Credits: 1
Grades: 10-12
Formerly Yearbook, this redesigned course will focus on information and its role in the new century. Online media has tremendously impacted the field of publishing, specifically in yearbook creation at The Master's School. In the Spring, students in grades 9 through 11 can apply for a "staff" (enrollment) position in this class. Students will go through an application process and must obtain teacher references. Students entering 10th grade will be pre-selected based on faculty recommendations. Staff will use a Lifetouch website to design pages, write (copy captions, and headlines), and select photos. All staff members are expected to aggressively take photos and will be trained in photography elements. Each student must use their own digital camera with a resolution of 6mp or higher. Much work can be done at home so Internet access is necessary. Great emphasis is placed on time management as deadlines are flexible in this field. This course will introduce students to other forms of journalism and their history: radio broadcasting; newspaper reporting; photojournalism and TV news reporting. These topics are supplemented with professional visitors and field trips. Spring projects include a research paper, original lay-out design, photography as art and a mock tv news video. Staff will be trained in selling advertisements and sent out in groups for two classes. Advertisement is the traditional way to support publication of a school's yearbook. Students involved in sports year round are advised to seriously consider whether they have time for this additional academic commitment.
Foundations in Two Dimensional Art
Term: Semester
Credit: .5
Grades: 9-12
Introductory techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and book making. Students will explore such design elements as shape, color, value, texture and line. Projects are diverse and focus on exploration of new materials and aesthetic development.
Drawing and Painting
Term: Semester
Credit: .5
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisite: Intro to 2 D Art
This course includes individualized instruction focusing on the principle elements of composition, light and shadow, and proportion both in and out of the studio. Through the examination of historical art movements, students develop proficiency in the manipulation of value, line, space, texture and perspective. This course also builds upon student understanding of mark-making, color mixing, composition, principles of design, and familiarity with the techniques and tools of varied painting disciplines. Students are directed in the development and expression of original concepts while further refining technique and individual style.
Color Theory
Term: I Semester
Credit: .5
Grades: 11and 12
Prerequisite: Drawing and painting I
Color Theory is a studio art course combining painting, sculpting and mixed media with the practical use of color. The first half of the semester students will practice techniques of basic color theory, learning to see, name, mix and express variations of color harmonies. Students will then apply this understanding to artwork created from a spectrum of materials and process.
Portfolio Development
Term: Full year
Credit: 1
Grades: 11 and 12
Teacher Recommendation Required
Prerequisites: Foundations, Drawing and Painting, Sculpture and Ceramics, or by special permission of Dept. Head. Acceptance into the Honors Visual Arts Program is contingent upon portfolio review by Department Head prior to class beginning.
The Honors visual arts course curriculum is based upon national AP standards. Students spend the first semester developing artwork representing a diverse breadth of media and techniques. The second semester is focused on the student's chosen artistic discipline of concentration. Portfolio development, artistic statements and narratives, group critiques, and public exhibition are integral components in this course. Honors level curriculum standards are designed for the serious art student. Students should expect to devote 3-4 extra hours per week, outside of scheduled class time, developing portfolio work. Students may be expected to pay for materials not normally provided by the visual arts department, depending on the student's area of concentration.
Painting and Poetry
Term: 1 Semester
Credit: .5
Grades: 11 and 12
Prerequisites: Drawing & Painting I-Creative Writing(or currently enrolled)
Painting and Poetry is a forum for creative thought and expression. This advanced-level course will challenge students to analyze, contemplate, and derive works of personal art based upon their poetry and the writing of others. Students may work from writings such as songs, journal passages, poetry, and Bible verses. Painting and Poetry borrows from the genre of ekphrastic poetry: a literary description of or commentary on a visual work of art. Students will explore various art-making processes and fundamental design principles in order to create full visual expressions.
