VISUAL

ARTS
CURRICULUM AND
GUIDELINES 2023/2024
This handbook serves as an overview of courses, standards, and guidelines set by Idyllwild Arts Academy’s Visual Arts
Department. Course offerings subject to enrollment and availability.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY 3
DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS 3
COURSES REQUIRED FOR ARTS CERTIFICATE 4
INTRODUCTORY Elective Courses 4
ADVANCED Elective Courses 4
INTERDEPARTMENTAL Elective Courses 4
VISUAL ARTS COURSE SEQUENCE 5
IAA VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT COURSE COMPLETION CHECKLIST 6

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 7
The Visual Arts Department at Idyllwild Arts offers a wide range of courses that promote an experiential
approach while developing a sensitivity and familiarity with materials and methods. Students are given both
formal and conceptual training to expand their visual literacy. All students are required to become involved
with a critical and analytical investigation into the meanings and ideas that are integral to the practice
of contemporary artmaking. Our Visual Arts program supports this process by cultivating the relationship
between art and life.
The studio acts as a place where the confluence of ideas and methods is provided to help each student
develop their own personal vision. All courses supplement studio practice with historical, cultural, and
philosophical antecedents from various periods to provide a background for the different approaches.
Personal attention from a professional faculty of teaching artists guides students to gain greater confidence
in their work and ideas.
The overall approach of the department is intended to get students to think critically and creatively beyond
the walls of the studio. Ultimately this promotes student portfolio development that is commensurate with the
requirements of undergraduate studio art programs.

DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS
The Visual Arts Department offers a wide range of courses, which help build student technique, creativity,
and engagement with the world. Under the guidance of dedicated teaching artists, students learn how
traditional and contemporary methods, materials, and ideas shape their artmaking. From Art Fundamentals
through Senior Seminar, their training leaves them profoundly qualified and confident for both college and
the world at large.
The general curriculum is also supplemented with visiting artists’ shows, lectures, and masterclasses. Issues
relevant to contemporary art practice are promoted and further developed via discussion, critiques,
readings, written work, presentations, student exhibitions, and field trips.
All Visual Arts students are required to take Practicum and Drawing each year of enrollment. Fridays consist
of mandatory Open Studio where all students have time to work in a studio of their choice for the entire
afternoon. This supervised studio time will allow students to work on individual projects and interact with
different faculty members. Juniors participate in the annual junior group show and Junior Seminar course.
Seniors take a year of Senior Seminar and exhibit their work in the end-of-year capstone Senior Shows.

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COURSES REQUIRED FOR ARTS CERTIFICATE
• Art Fundamentals (1st or 2nd year)
• Art History (2nd, 3rd, or 4th year)
• Digital Art & Design (1st or 2nd year)
• Drawing (Required up to Drawing III-IV)
• Junior Seminar (3rd year)
• Photography I (1st or 2nd year)
• Practicum (Required each year; non-graded pass/fail course)
• Senior Seminar (4th year and Post-Graduate)
• 2D Electives (Number of courses depends on year of entry)
• 3D Electives (Number of courses depends on year of entry)
• Advanced Electives (see below)

INTRODUCTORY Elective Courses

• Ceramics I (Prerequisites: Art Fundamentals)
• Creative Technology (Prerequisites: Digital Art & Design, formerly called “Graphics I”)
• Painting I (Prerequisites: Drawing I)
• Printmaking I (Prerequisites: Drawing I, Art Fundamentals)
• Sculpture I (Prerequisites: Art Fundamentals)

ADVANCED Elective Courses

• Anatomy for the Artist (Prerequisites: Drawing III-IV)
• Animation (Prerequisites: Digital Art & Design, formerly called “Graphics I”)
• Ceramics II-IV (Prerequisites: Ceramics I, Art Fundamentals)
• Metalsmithing (Prerequisites: Art Fundamentals)
• Painting II, III-IV (Prerequisites: Drawing I, Painting I)
• Printmaking II-IV (Prerequisites: Printmaking I)
• Photography II-IV (Prerequisites: Photography I)
• Sculpture II-IV (Prerequisites: Sculpture I)
• Yearbook (Prerequisites: Digital Art & Design, formerly called “Graphics I”)

INTERDEPARTMENTAL Elective Courses

Enrollment upon request; approval from both Department Chairs is required.
• Cinematography I (in tandem with the Film & Digital Media Department)
• Fashion Construction (in tandem with the InterArts Department)
• Fashion Photography (in tandem with the InterArts Department)
• Interdisciplinary Minds (in tandem with the InterArts Department)
• Drafting I (in tandem with the Dramatic Arts Department)

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VISUAL ARTS COURSE SEQUENCE
To receive a Visual Arts certificate a student must take the following courses:

9th Grade: FOUNDATION 10th Grade: EXPLORATION

O Art Fundamentals O Art History OR other required course
O Drawing I O Drawing II
O Photography I O Elective
O Digital Art & Design I O Art Fundamentals (if not taken during
OR Ceramics I 1st year) OR Elective
OR Sculpture I

11th Grade: CONCENTRATION* 12th Grade: CAPSTONE*

O Junior Seminar (meets weekly) O Senior Seminar
O Art History (if not taken in 2nd year) O Drawing III-IV OR Elective
OR Elective O Advanced Elective
O Drawing III-IV O Elective
O Elective O Elective
O Elective

*Students joining the program in 11th or 12th grade will enter the course sequence as appropriate based on portfolio review and
technical assessment.

All Visual Arts students will also be enrolled in Practicum and Open Studios each year
Practicum: Six (6) hours in support of and in service to the department per semester
Open Studios: Open Studio is held every Friday from 2:15-5:00 pm following Department Meetings. This is
mandatory designated time to complete practicum hours, participate in scheduled masterclasses, or to work
in any Visual Arts Department studio

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IAA VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT COURSE
COMPLETION CHECKLIST

Student Name:

YEAR I - FOUNDATIONS: 9TH GRADE

O Art Fundamentals
O Drawing I
O Introductory Level Course
O Introductory Level Course
O Practicum
O Open Studios

YEAR II - EXPLORATION: 10TH GRADE

O Drawing II
O Art History
O Art Fundamentals (if not taken 1st year) OR Elective
O Elective
O Practicum
O Open Studios

YEAR III - CONCENTRATION: 11TH GRADE

O Drawing III-IV
O Junior Seminar
O Art History (if not taken 2nd year) OR Elective
O Elective
O Elective
O Practicum
O Open Studios

YEAR IV - CAPSTONE: 12TH GRADE

O Senior Seminar
O Advanced Elective
O Elective
O Elective
O Practicum
O Open Studios

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Courses are subject to change based on enrollment and availability. Course descriptions may be modified or changed to fit
instructional needs.

ANATOMY FOR THE ARTIST

Prerequisites: Drawing III-IV
This course is an in-depth exploration of human anatomy and the facial muscles of expression for the
purpose of representation. Students will learn to identify the skeletal and muscular structure beneath the
skin and then enhance their observational drawings with their study of anatomy. This class will cover the
language of anatomy through lectures and demonstrations. Using traditional media, students will perform
specific exercises and assignments geared towards developing and enhancing their ability to draw from
observation.

ANIMATION
Prerequisites: Digital Art & Design I (Formerly Graphics I)
This is an advanced-level course that requires Digital Art & Design as a prerequisite. The class focuses on
drawing for animation using Adobe Animate and developing the basic filmmaking skills required to make an
animated film using Adobe Premiere / Final Cut Pro. The course will feature presentations and lectures on
the history and principles of animation with breakdowns of notable animated sequences. It will also include
demonstrations of frame-by-frame, digital cut-out, and rotoscope animation techniques as well as of video
editing, compositing, and color correction.

ART FUNDAMENTALS
Prerequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to the Elements of Art and Principles of Design for 9th and 10th grade
students. The Elements (line, shape, form, color, value, texture, space) and Principles (balance, unity, variety,
emphasis, pattern, contrast, proportion/scale, rhythm) are known as the practical components that create
a visually-engaging work of art in any medium. In this year-long course, we explore various methods,
materials, and techniques in artmaking. We also learn about significant artists and movements through
history and develop the vocabulary to think about and discuss art with each other through critique and self-
reflection. This course aligns vocabulary and techniques that students are exposed to in other Visual Arts
classes at Idyllwild Arts and beyond.

ART HISTORY
Prerequisites: None
This course is a survey of and introduction to Western Art History covering the ancient, classical, medieval,
renaissance, and modern eras. Students will use the text The Art Book to supplement lectures, research
projects, discussion groups, and artistic projects. 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. Students will be asked to view and analyze artworks, discussing how and why the art of a specific
time reflects that era while examining their influence on future artists and movements.

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CERAMICS I
Prerequisites: None
Ceramics I is an introductory course that presents the fundamentals of wheel-thrown and hand-built
techniques and processes. Students will create three-dimensional forms with an emphasis on ideas and
concepts. Assignments will provide a backbone for exploration in slab construction, coil building, pinching,
and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Students will problem-solve and use creative solutions with the material
and technical knowledge gained through this course. Students will also develop an understanding of the
properties of clay, basic glaze chemistry, firing processes, and general studio upkeep. Demonstrations of
hand building, wheel throwing, glazing, and firing will be given. Slide lectures, videos, and readings will
be provided to give students a broader context of contemporary ceramics. Students will also develop a
vocabulary to aid them in discussing their work through the lenses of the principles and elements of design.

CERAMICS II-IV
Prerequisites: Ceramics I
Ceramics II is a studio course designed to investigate ceramic materials, processes, and techniques. This
intermediate/advanced ceramic course will focus not only on continuing to develop techniques previously
learned but also to continue developing conceptual ideas within the work. The assignments are designed to
be flexible to accommodate each student’s personal voice. Through group critiques, students are expected
to develop visual language and critical thinking. Students will also gain basic knowledge of kiln firing
through class participation by loading/unloading their own work. Demonstrations of hand building, wheel
throwing, glazing, and firing will be given. Slide lectures, videos, and readings will be provided to give
students a broader context of contemporary ceramics. Students will also develop a vocabulary to aid them
in discussing their work through the lenses of the principles and elements of design.

DIGITAL ART & DESIGN I (Formerly Graphics I)

Prerequisites: None
In this introductory-level course, students will learn how to design using Adobe Photoshop software, how
to digitally paint using a tablet, and how to use different brushes, downloaded brushes, and brushes that
students create themselves. Students also learn art and layout fundamentals, including basic skills in digital
photography, scanning, typography, resolution. In the process, they will learn why we critique and how to
critique, as well as practice understanding and managing project deadlines. This course sets the technical
groundwork for future Visual Arts classes.

DIGITAL ART & DESIGN II-IV

Prerequisites: Digital Art & Design I (Formerly Graphics I)
Students will expand on Photoshop skills; in addition, the basics of Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator
may be covered. These software programs will be used to experiment with commercial work and concept-
driven work. Technical requirements in professional design and print will be covered. Students will work
individually and in teams on projects in traditional graphic design, digital art, mixed media, and conceptual
design that vary year to year.

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CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
Prerequisites: Digital Art & Design I or Instructor Approval
Creative Technology sets a course to investigate the relationship between technology and art. Course
participants will partake in a series of learning exercises, produce 2-3 projects, and participate in class
discussions and critiques. Learning exercises will revolve around computer design software such as the
Adobe Creative Suite and 3D modeling software like TinkerCAD. In the Creative Tech Studio, we have
3D printers, CNC routers, and a Laser Engraver for bringing our designs to life. Participants will develop
individual project proposals tailored to their interests.

DRAWING I
Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on the development of drawing skills based on art elements and concepts. 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 will work on a variety of exercises and assignments designed
to enhance this process. This involves working from still-life and models. 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, and pastel.

DRAWING II
Prerequisites: Drawing I or upon department approval
Drawing I focuses on the development of drawing skills through observation and open-ended projects.
Students work in a variety of media, such as graphite, charcoal, and ink, with opportunities to use pastel and
colored pencil. This class focuses on concept-based visual problems, using brainstorming and research as
well as drawing from observation (including the figure).

DRAWING III-IV
Prerequisites: Drawing I and Drawing II or upon department approval
Advanced students who are technically proficient and have taken Drawing I and II will focus on pushing their
work conceptually with a strong focus on the process and approach. Students will work in a variety of media
and subjects such as conté, graphite, charcoal, pastel, and ink. They will continue to practice honing their
observational skills by drawing from life. The majority of class time will be spent working on assignments,
drawing from the model, and facilitating their daily handouts/sketchbook. The students will both read and
write criticism of their work and that of their fellow classmates in order to expand their visual vocabulary and
the ability to discuss art in a critical, constructive fashion.

JUNIOR SEMINAR
Prerequisites: Restricted to Visual Arts juniors
In this seminar course, students learn and expand upon professional practices such as: compiling,
documenting, and creating a portfolio of their work; critiquing and learning to have meaningful discussions
about art; creating and editing a proposal; and applying to grants and scholarships. Students also work
closely with faculty to develop their portfolios and ideas for their Senior Shows. This course prepares
students and gives them the tools and resources to enter their senior year.
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METALSMITHING / JEWELRY DESIGN
Prerequisites: Open only to seniors and juniors (or upon instructor approval)
This advanced-level course is an introduction to concepts and basic techniques of metalsmithing and
jewelry design including soldering, sawing, cold connections, forming, and bezel setting. Students will use
a variety of materials such as copper, brass, resin, and stones. The use of more precious metals, such as
silver, is optional. Students will use metalsmithing to develop a creative direction and make a unified body
of work throughout the year. Demonstrations, critiques, lectures, discussions, and individual projects will help
emphasize metalsmithing’s concepts and properties.

PAINTING I
Prerequisites: Drawing I
In this class, students learn the technical skills required for painting. Acrylic mediums are introduced and
elements of color theory and composition are emphasized. Students work from life to develop skills in
painting light, shadow, and three-dimensional forms. Students will work on paper and board, and will learn
to stretch canvas. Class critiques are used as one method of evaluating performance and progress.

PAINTING II
Prerequisites: Painting I, Drawing I
In Painting II, students continue to build their fundamental understanding of light, shade, form, value,
color, and composition. Students will hone basic techniques through class demonstrations, with emphasis
on the proper usage of brushes, paint, palette, and color mixing. Assignments range from Still-Life and
Self-Portraiture to Landscape and Abstraction/Cubism. All students will participate in regular critiques
emphasizing the ability to criticize constructively, think critically, execute technical skills, and explore
modern themes and concepts in art.

PAINTING III-IV
Prerequisites: Painting II
Advanced students complete various projects throughout the semester to promote personal and creative
growth and to help enhance portfolio development. These projects emphasize process and conceptual/
philosophical ideas. Students also participate in group critiques of work and discussions of short readings
and/or exhibitions. Occasional presentations and shows will expand upon contemporary issues in painting.
Various mixed media approaches are introduced to expand the visual vocabulary of each student.

PHOTOGRAPHY I
Prerequisites: None
The first semester course covers the foundations of the analog black-and-white photographic process.
Students will use 35mm cameras in manual mode, learning principles of exposure such as aperture, shutter
speed, and ISO. Students will expose film, develop it by hand, and use the negatives to make traditional
gelatin silver prints in the wet darkroom. Second semester, the course covers basic concepts and the
practice of digital photography, including understanding and use of the camera, lenses, and other basic
photographic equipment. The course will address aesthetic principles as they relate to composition, space,
exposure, light, and color. Technological requirements of digital formats will be addressed, such as formats
and resolution. Basic digital manipulations of images will be taught in preparation for creating a photo
portfolio of images.
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PHOTOGRAPHY II-IV
Prerequisites: Photography I
Digital Photography Advanced is designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical
experience of art photography. Students will be introduced to new photographers, artists (especially digital
artists), and more sophisticated techniques; these will serve as points of departure for students to create work
that reflects their individual spirit and vision. Students will also explore the darkroom more in depth and study
photographic and digital media with the camera and computer. They will be able to develop a body of work
that reflects a range of problem-solving and ideation as they develop versatility with techniques in order to
best demonstrate their abilities. Students will research and keep art journals as well as have class critiques,
individual critiques, and artistic dialogues that will inspire them as they create. Work is expected to be of
high quality in thought, process, and product.

PRACTICUM
Note: Required for all Visual Arts students each year
Students are required to complete six (6) hours of service to the department each semester. Opportunities for
hours will be provided during Open Studio sessions by VA faculty.

PRINTMAKING I
Prerequisites: Drawing I, Art Fundamentals
This intermediate-level course is an introduction to the techniques, history, and concepts of printmaking
through relief and intaglio processes such as linoleum cut, woodcut, drypoint, and etching. This course
focuses on printing ink on paper and will allow students to learn a wide range of technical and conceptual
tools. Demonstrations, lectures, critiques, discussions, historical overviews, and individual projects will help
emphasize printmaking’s concepts and properties as well as the use of multiples.

PRINTMAKING II-IV
Prerequisites: Printmaking I
This advanced-level course expands on the techniques and concepts learned in Printmaking I. This course
primarily focuses on printing ink on paper and will allow students to develop a wide range of technical and
conceptual tools. Demonstrations, critiques, and discussions will emphasize printmaking’s natural properties
of layered image making, creating multiples, and collaboration. Students will expand on relief and intaglio
techniques learned in Printmaking I and will have the opportunity to learn advanced techniques such as
screen printing, plate lithography, solar plate, aquatint, and monotype.

SCULPTURE I
Prerequisites: Art Fundamentals
In introductory sculpture, students develop three-dimensional skills and concepts. Students are expected to
engage with and learn techniques relating to woodshop, metal shop, and mold making/casting processes.
This course will aid participants in establishing a sculptural practice. Students will develop concepts and
investigate their projects’ art-historical and cultural relevance. This course is not limited to specific materials
and may require an investigation into new materials, techniques, and concepts.

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SCULPTURE II-IV
Prerequisites: Sculpture I
In intermediate/advanced sculpture, students continue to develop skills and concepts introduced in
prerequisite sculpture courses. Students are expected to have an intermediate-level of experience working
with woodshop, metal shop, and mold making/casting processes. Intermediate/advanced sculpture will
require participants to engage their practice with a heightened sense of investigation and initiative. Students
are expected to have an intermediate-level of experience developing concepts with an understanding of
their projects’ art-historical and cultural relevance. This course is not material-specific and may require an
investigation into new materials, techniques, and concepts.

SENIOR SEMINAR
Prerequisites: Restricted to enrolled Visual Arts Department seniors
Senior Seminar is required of all seniors at Idyllwild Arts. In this capstone course, students develop artistic
professional practices, create and develop a portfolio of their work, and propose and execute work to
be exhibited in their Senior Show. Students engage in practices of creating and editing their Senior Show
proposal, creating the proposed piece(s), and writing and developing an artist statement. Based on their
proposals, students are assigned Senior Show dates and groups. The second semester is devoted to the
collaboration of show groups, and the execution, installation, critique, and defense of Senior Shows. At
the completion of their Senior Show, students are required to present a defense of their work and a written
reflection or piece. This course guides students to develop the tools and skills to go into the art world and/or
academia. A Senior Show is required of all Visual Arts seniors.

YEARBOOK
Prerequisites: Digital Art & Design I
Students will use their training from Digital Art & Design I/Beginning Computer Graphics to design and build
a professionally-printed and bound yearbook. Adobe InDesign will be introduced. They will train further in
page layout, composition, and photography. In addition, they will understand all technical language and
requirements needed to print the yearbook successfully. There will be a heavy emphasis on organization and
deadline management.

Please note that portions of this document are subject to changes and/or additions deemed necessary; the Visual Arts Department
reserves the right to adjust its curriculum and expectations as deemed appropriate. It is expected that every student will do
their best to use good judgment and will conduct themselves with a positive attitude, be polite, and develop a strong sense of
professionalism through their time at Idyllwild Arts Academy.

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