Visual Art

Visual Art Teachers are passionate about working with young artists, challenging and supporting them as they develop their skills and expand their unique personal vision.

The Visual Art Department offers an intensive program with high expectations for all levels of students. Both process and product are essential to our teaching philosophy. Teachers expect a high level of engagement from students in all art classes. Assignments require students to explore different approaches, which encourage risk-taking and creative problem-solving. Students who wish to deepen their understanding of a particular subject or concept may explore independent study work.

Note: Some classes rotate from year to year.

3D Character Design

In this course, students will learn how to create 3D models and animate them. They will complete three projects: creating a 3D model based on a 2D image; designing an original 3D character; and integrating a 3D animation into live-action footage.
3D Printed Art

In this course students will learn basic computer aided design (CAD) software, explore the possibilities of 3D printing, and solve various challenges by designing solutions to those challenges. Challenges might relate to architecture, product design, wearable objects for the body, art objects, toys, and more. Fundamentals of design theory, and how design fits into our world will be included.
3D Printing and Design Solutions

In this course students will learn basic computer aided design (CAD) software, explore the possibilities of 3D printing, and solve various challenges by designing solutions to those challenges. Challenges might relate to architecture, product design, wearable objects for the body, art objects, toys, and more. Fundamentals of design theory, and how design fits into our world will be included.
Art, Empathy, and Community

In this course, students are invited to develop empathy through art, exploring the transformative ability of the creative process to build more compassionate and interconnected communities. Through a variety of projects, they will explore how empathy shapes our perceptions and actions, and how an empathetic and curious approach to art can foster deeper connections between people and create meaningful change in the world.

* This course awards credit towards the Social Justice graduation requirement
Artist Collective

An Artist Collective is defined as an “initiative that is the result of a group of artists working together, usually under their own management, towards shared aims.”

Students can sign up for the Artist Collective if they satisfy one of the following five criteria: 1) they are taking an art class that mod 2) they have permission to work on an independent study 3) they are creating a portfolio for college 4) they have permission to work on social justice related visual arts projects (Empty Bowls, Ping He/CSW film partnership, etc.) or 5) they are an art ambassador. The Art faculty managing the D block will collaborate to guide students’ artistic efforts, regularly checking in with each student and occasionally organizing group critiques for those in the Artist Collective.

(NOTE: Independent study students usually need to supply their own materials)
Clay, Fire, Water, and Emptiness

(12) This course was previously called “Raku." In this ceramics course, we will employ a firing process during which pieces are removed from the kiln while red hot, and then placed directly into materials, such as leaves or paper, to be reduced in an air‑free atmosphere. Finally, the pots are cooled instantly in cold water. This process produces some exciting glaze effects. Students have the opportunity to fire their own pieces. This course explores a non-western aesthetic and the concepts of emptiness and simplicity. It serve as an end-of-year reflective experience.

While this course employs a similar technique to “Raku,” we acknowledge this is an exploited term used by many people without a full understanding of the religious, spiritual, and political origins of Raku. The name has been updated accordingly.

*This course awards credit toward the social justice graduation requirement.
Digital Animation

In this course, students will explore a range of animation techniques across both analog and digital platforms, including long-exposure photography, digital scanning, and 3D tracking and compositing. Approaching animation as a concept, rather than a technique related to any specific technology, they will learn how to think across multiple art disciplines, incorporating a range of mediums into their projects.
Digital Collage

Digital Collage explores software-based collage possibilities while also incorporating analog drawing. In this class, students will expand their definition of drawing to include manipulating images using digital software, digital photography, and handmade imagery. This course examines the history of digital and analog collage.
Digital Photography 1

Students will create work and study in digital photography, engaging in both a technical and expressive exploration of the camera. Assignments will include creating work in response to their creative writing: short stories, poetry, and more.
Documentary Film

This course teaches students fundamental skills and concepts in documentary filmmaking. These include using video cameras and sound equipment, lighting subjects, conducting effective interviews, and identifying ethical issues involved in their work. Projects allow students to examine and explore issues important to them and their communities.

* This course awards credit towards the Social Justice graduation requirement
Documentary Photo & Photo Journalism

Students will explore photojournalists and the techniques and impacts of creating documentary photos.
Documentary Photo Project

In Documentary Photography, students explore the genre of documentary photography through presentations of historical and contemporary documentary photographers, class discussions and critiques and field trips. Students will work on a documentary project of their choosing centered around a social or personal issue.

*This course awards credit toward the social justice graduation requirement.
Drawing Fundamentals

This course explores various techniques, tools, and skills to help strengthen and grow skills for either a new or a more advanced drawer. Developing looking and seeing skills are tantamount in this course. The focus in on naturalistic and observational skills: tone, composition, proportion, siting, and more. Various traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored. We will become familiar with artists with drawing practices, to see the many ways drawing can be part of the artistic practice, and how it can sharpen important skills for everyone. A consistent sketchbook practice, and drawing outside of class time are expected.
Drawing: Abstraction & Process

In this class, students begin by exploring observation-based challenges and then gradually move away from rendering the world naturalistically to embrace issues of abstraction to varying degrees. This class includes an in-depth exploration of the principles of design and the construction of composition, as well as the processes of intuition, gesture, and mark-making, emphasizing personal self-expression to gain a richer understanding of their creative voice. The course ends with an introduction to nonobjective approaches to drawing.
Drawing: Advanced Drawing Studio

In this class, students create a suite of 10 to 20 drawings in which visual design, evolved process, and conceptual ideas are thoroughly developed. This class is designed for students to explore content and personal voice in their art. It is considered "advanced" because the opportunity to concentrate on personal interests and skills in a focused way tends to catapult a student to the net level in their creative evolution. Even though this is an advanced-level drawing course, students with any level of art experience can benefit from taking this class.
Drawing: Collage

Collage explores drawing through the cutting up of materials and rearranging them to form a composite whole. The course explores the history of collage while working with a wide variety of materials and processes to create two-dimensional artworks using found and handmade elements. Students exercise and balance mark-making with the activities of transforming found materials, image juxtaposition, creative risk-taking, “Listening to the picture,” “Seeing” potential in unexpected places, and “Reading” the work of art. The course explores collage strategies that include Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and more.
Drawing: Conceptual Strategies

In this class, students focus on idea-based and rule-based approaches to drawing. Students develop a wide range of strategies for visually and conceptually expressing ideas in drawing while learning about the history of conceptual art.
Drawing: Naturalism & Observation

In this foundational drawing class, students will focus on developing their observational/representational rendering skills (naturalism). The course is structured to train the eye to see and the hand to respond. This is a challenging course designed for both beginning and advanced students. The homework is significant.
Drawing: Otherness & Social Justice

In this class, students explore drawing using text as primary imagery. Students learn about design and text-based drawing strategies to explore human rights while developing a body of drawings addressing their study. The course is designed to provide students with opportunities to explore fundamental human rights and varying Western/non-Western viewpoints and perspectives through the exploration of art as a vehicle to promote and encourage social change. The course explores the history of political art, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, blending both critique and debate learning opportunities with studio art practices.

*This course awards credit toward the social justice graduation requirement.
Drawing: Self-Portrait

Students will be asked to explore the possibilities of self‑portrait, focusing on charcoal drawing as well as using a variety of other techniques and materials. All students are welcome to explore this challenging opportunity.
Environmental Photography

Students will create digital photography based on themes of environmental justice, focusing on landscape, architecture, and human actions.

* This course awards credit towards the Social Justice graduation requirement
Experimental Video

In this course, students will explore various alternatives to traditional narrative and documentary filmmaking, including non-continuity editing, video installation art, and methods for manipulating video file data. Using a variety of technology and software, they will create three projects designed to teach them these skills while helping them develop their own personal mode of filmmaking. In addition to learning experimental techniques, they will also examine the ideas and attitudes upon which the genre is based by watching and discussing numerous works by prominent experimental filmmakers.
Exploring World Cinema

This course begins with an exploration of major movements in World Cinema: German Expressionism, Neorealism, and the French New Wave. Students will then view contemporary films from Chile, Senegal, China and Iran among others. Through writing, class discussion and presentations, students will learn about the cinematic arts and begin to build greater cultural understanding.

* This course awards credit towards the Social Justice graduation requirement
Fashion and Textiles: Design Solutions in a Circular World

Design of the recent past is based on a linear model: start with unused resources, wear, return to the earth when we are done using it. But what if we looked at fashion and textiles in a mindful way, considering where they come from before we wear it, and where it’s going after we wear it? In this course we will create materials, wearable art, and more considering these questions, and using clothing design to examine and potentially solve problems. This course will be an experimental laboratory where we look at what clothing has been, and what it can be, and use those ideas to inform our designs and ways of making. This course may include natural dying, bioplastics, garment creation, electronics, and so much more. Experiments, hands- on work, and research are key to this course. There will be an opportunity for an international (Amsterdam) place-based learning project at the end of the module.

This course will include an off-campus learning opportunity in Amasterdam during the first week of Spring Break. It includes on-site industry (past and present) practices and, meeting with emerging thinkers on these topics. Only students who are interested and able to travel should request this course.

For any international travel, the school must vet participants. You may be asked for additional information after you express interest in the course.

There is a $3500 fee associated with the international trip to Amsterdam. Financial Aid is available for qualifying families.
Film & Story

In this course, students will learn the fundamental techniques of narrative filmmaking, include storyboarding, cinematography, micing, and continuity editing. Working independently and in crews, they will create three films designed to tell stories visually with DSLR cameras, high-quality microphones, lights, and Final Cut Pro software. Throughout the course, they will also watch and discuss films by numerous narrative filmmakers.
From Venus to Guerrilla Girls: Women Redefining Self Through Art

(Prerequisite: Art experience at CSW recommended)

(11/12) In this course students will become familiar with art made by women (women’s art history), the multitude of subject matters of women’s art, the systematic and political influences that affected women’s ability to make art and the subject matter of their art, and historical changes that allowed for an emergence of women’s art on a larger scale. Art projects will examine issues, materials, and art forms that relate to the women’s art movement and women’s art in general.

*This course awards credit toward the social justice graduation requirement.
Historical Processes in Black and White Photography

This photography course will combine early photo history and practice. We will begin with the camera obscura, work through to pinhole cameras, continue through the late 19th century and early 20th century in coating materials with various emulsions, expose light sensitive materials using ultraviolet light instead of an enlarger, and complete the mod exploring medium- and large-format photography, which produces extremely detailed negatives with fine grain.
Mindfulness Art

This course creates opportunities for students to create art from a mindful attitude. Mediation, working for nature, and creating works that have a calming effect on the artist and audience are all aspects of this course. Drawing and sculpture will both be part of the course curriculum. Artists of all levels are welcome.
Mixed Media Photo

(Previously titled Interdisciplinary Photo) Students will use photographs in combination with collage, assemblage, and hand-applied elements including drawing to create work that explores line, value, shape, texture, and space.
Narrative Ceramic Sculpture

This is a ceramic hand-building course. No previous experience is needed; all skill levels, from beginning to very advanced, are welcome.

* This course awards credit towards the Social Justice graduation requirement
Painting

In this class, students are introduced to the skills, techniques, and concepts basic to painting—color theory and color mixing, composition, paint application, and the depiction of space on a flat canvas. The course explores still-life painting and plein-air painting, including visits to Cat Rock.

Previous drawing experience is welcome but is not required.
Photo Books

In this course, students will explore the process of creating a photo book from conception to publication. They'll work on a long-term project of creating new work and refining their portfolios while practicing sequencing and editing techniques through weekly critiques. Students will identify themes and construction by researching existing photo books and photo book artists. Students will complete the course with a published photo book of their work.
Photography 1

This is an introductory course in black and white photography with instruction in camera technique, film exposure, development, and printmaking. This class provides students with a basic understanding of the photographic process. Weekly assignments encourage students to think about photography as a means of personal expression.

CSW provides all students with a camera and printing chemicals for the mod. Students must provide associated supplies: film ($9 per roll, approximately 5 rolls needed) and printing paper ($38 per packet, approximately 3 packets needed). The art department recommends BH Photo or online outlet of your choice as a source for materials. Expected costs range from $160-$175. Students on Financial Aid may qualify for support with these materials. Please reach out to the Financial Aid office with questions.
Photography 2

(Prerequisite: Photo 1 or permission of the instructor)

This course is for students who already have a basic understanding of the black and white photographic process. Students are asked to experiment with the compositional structuring of their photographs through a variety of visual assignments. These visual exercises challenge students to discover their personal strengths while developing individual styles and techniques. Additional emphasis is placed on refining printing techniques.

CSW provides all students with a camera and printing chemicals for the mod. Students must provide associated supplies: film ($9 per roll, approximately 5 rolls needed) and printing paper ($38 per packet, approximately 3 packets needed). The art department recommends BH Photo or online outlet of your choice as a source for materials. Expected costs range from $160-$175. Students on Financial Aid may qualify for support with these materials. Please reach out to the Financial Aid office with questions.
Photography 3

(Prerequisites: Photo 2)

Each student in this advanced class pursues a project of choice and produces a portfolio of photographs, which will work together with respect to a series, style, and point of view. Emphasis is placed on developing personal imagery and achieving excellence in printmaking techniques.
Pinhole Photography

Students will create their own pinhole cameras and explore the unique picture‑making possibilities of this most basic photographic apparatus. Students will experience the paradox of photography’s technical simplicity and expressive open‑endedness. Paper negatives are made in daylight and artificial light and these are then used to produce positive prints in the darkroom.
Portrait Photography

In this course, students will explore the possibilities of the photographic representation of the human face. Through slide presentations and discussions of historical and contemporary photographic portraiture, many different approaches to the subject are considered. The portrait as fact might include physical description or objective record. Dramatized, stylized portraits involve arranged lighting, costumes, and props. Other exercises may include distorted portraits or portraits of someone the photographer is curious about, but hesitant to approach. In addition to darkroom work and slide presentations, students will have time to shoot in the classroom with studio lighting.
Portraits & Identities

Students will explore ways of capturing people and identities through composition, content, and body language in digital photography.

* This course awards credit towards the Social Justice graduation requirement
Queer Art

(Course previously titled "Exploring LGBTQIA Identities Through Art" )This course gives students the chance to explore subjects and strategies used by LGBTQIA artists. There are no prerequisites. LGBTQIA-identifying students as well as allies are welcome. Digital animation, collage, and live-action video will be part of the course curriculum.

*This course awards credit toward the social justice graduation requirement.
Sculpture: Environmental Sculpture

The course provides an opportunity to work and think about art on a large scale. Students create scale models of potential larger works that might require months to actually construct. They work outdoors on projects using simple “green “ materials to create large pieces that are both objects and activate the space around them. Students are given a variety of prompts and requirements to address when creating their sculptures. For example, themes have been based on ideas about safety vs. danger and transitions. Students in the class are, sometimes for the first time, sawing and hauling logs, hefting rocks, digging holes and generally breaking a sweat to create their visions. This course will be offered every other year.
Sculpture: Introduction to Sculpture

In this course, students will explore various basic methods and materials related to creating sculptural artwork. Both traditional and non-traditional aspects of working in three dimensions will be investigated. Each module will begin with a series of exercises to familiarize the students with fundamental skills. This will be followed by longer projects that explore observational, conceptual, and abstractive methods. All projects ask students to consider the specific qualities, traditions, and meanings related to sculpture. This class is open to all.
Sculpture: Wearable Art

In this course, students make art that can be worn on the body. Students use traditional sewing materials but also work with non-traditional materials, with a strong focus on concepts and the transformation of materials. Some sewing experience is strongly recommended.
Sculpture: Wheelworking

Students focus on basic wheel throwing techniques, such as centering and throwing cylinders, bowls, and bottles. Assignments stress the functional qualities of the thrown form. By the end of the module, there may be some time to explore the personal expression one can achieve with wheel‑thrown forms.
Storytelling in Photo

Students will craft stories through digital imaging with the exploration of creating backgrounds and practicing the intentions of objects and placement.

This course was previously titled "Digital Storytelling." The course title has been updated to better reflect the course content. Students who completed the course under the previous name should not take this course.
The Art of Buildings

The Art of Buildings is an introductory architecture course for students to learn the basics of blueprints and foam-core scale model building. During the course, students will explore how buildings can be an aesthetic and practical expression of social and personal beliefs. The intersection of privilege, access, equity, and building construction are considered. Students will engage in regular collaborative group critiques and present an underrepresented architect of their choosing. This intellectual and hands-on course is open to all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced students who might work more independently to expand on the assignments.
Video Art: The Moving Image

Video art has been described as the “electronic canvas.” In this course, students will learn to use the moving image as an artwork unto itself. Students will be exposed to video art’s unique history, as well as the video art pioneers and contemporaries who have created work outside the traditions of the narrative and documentary. We will explore the technical aspects of video, including using the camera, the software, and the moving image in both traditional and experimental ways. Editing will be done using the digital process of Final Cut Pro, but students may also explore other methods of creating moving images. How, where, and when to present work will also be explored.
Vision Revision

The goal of this course is for students to refine and expand their own original visual art visions. For the first two weeks, students have the opportunity to offer their unique artistic response to a series of specific prompts. The prompts are designed to encourage students to create art about topics they may never have considered before. After the initial drafting process, they will develop, refine, recreate, revise, and expand their earlier works.

In the second half of the mod, students will again grapple with exclusively with new, unusual prompts in an attempt to break out of habitual or comfortable approaches to art-making. For the last two weeks, students again refine, edit, and revise their strongest work.

Students are expected to do 3-5 versions of the “same “ piece. Through courageously revisiting previous works with new eyes, they will develop their artistic voice.

There are daily homework expectations, research into inspiring artists, frequent in-class critiques, and opportunities for students to reflect on their process as young artists both verbally and in writing.
Visual Effects

In this course, students will learn a variety of advanced video editing techniques primarily in Adobe After Effects software, including chromakeying, masking, rotoscoping, and 3D tracking and compositing, culminating in a final project in which they create a dynamic, animated film using 3D models and third-party plug-ins. Throughout the course, they will also examine works by numerous contemporary artists who incorporate motion graphics into their work.

This course was previously titled "Intro to Special Effects," and covers the same content. Students who completed Intro to Special Effects should not take this class.
Wire Sculpture

In this course, students will explore line (through the material of wire) and how it can be used to define a surface, a form, and even an environment. We will learn basic wire manipulation techniques of attaching, weaving, and forming, as well as how to attain structure on various scales, how it works with light to create shadow, how adding a skin can transform a structure, and more.

Course Catalog

Visual Art

Department Faculty