Visual Arts

The visual arts program fosters the creativity and aesthetic awareness of all students by offering a wide range of two- and three-dimensional media from beginning through advanced levels. Students are encouraged to develop advanced skills and personal expression in areas of their choice. Through discussion, critiques, and journaling, students acquire a vocabulary that enables them to reflect on their own work in the context of art— past and present. In May, the department displays a selection of students’ best works in the annual Art Show—where the entire Trevor community celebrates the students’ artistic accomplishments.

Classes meet four times per ten-day cycle and may be supplemented by additional independent studio sessions. Emphasis is placed on originality and long-term commitment to art. During independent studio time, students may continue to work on their projects or participate in other art room activities. Students with more expertise pursue artwork of greater complexity, while sharing their knowledge with less experienced peers. Student-to-student mentoring opportunities are highly valued. Community service is also available, in the form of teaching assistantships or other arts-related services.

Those students interested in pursuing art in college are guided in the preparation of a quality portfolio and are encouraged to concentrate in more than one medium within the choices offered in the visual arts curriculum.

Introduction to Ceramics

This course introduces students to hand-building techniques that include pinch, coil, and slab building, as well as an introduction to the potter’s wheel. The curriculum begins with an exploration of surface texture and glazes. As students learn technical skills, they also explore aspects of the creative process, including idea development, problem solving, and self-expression. Students have opportunities to create both sculptural and functional pieces. Studying both past and present artists, students learn to research work that is relevant to their specific projects.
Intermediate Ceramics

Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics or the instructor’s permission.

This course builds upon skills and concepts learned in the introductory course. In addition to refining techniques in hand-building and on the potter’s wheel, students continue to explore how to be expressive with clay and glazes. They have opportunities to create both sculptural and functional pieces. Intermediate students work to develop increasing independence technically and artistically. Students research work and techniques that are relevant to their specific projects, studying both past and present artists.
Concentration on the Potter’s Wheel

Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission, based on abilities to center clay, open, and pull even and thin walls.

In this course, students develop wheel-throwing skills, with the goal of making functional pottery. This class specifically covers making bowls, cups, vases, and plates. While pottery is made on the wheel, alteration and surface development is done both on and off the wheel. Emphasis is on creative experimentation and the creation of unique pottery.
Advanced Ceramics

Prerequisite: Intermediate Ceramics or the instructor’s permission.

This class is for students who have developed independent skills and want to continue pursuing ceramics at a higher level. Advanced ceramics offers two directions of study. It is for students who have taken Concentration on the Potter’s Wheel and want to continue wheel throwing, as well as those who have taken Intermediate Ceramics and would like to concentrate on hand-building. Emphasis is placed on the development of each student’s individual artistic voice as they employ advanced techniques and concepts to create original work. Students are expected to take on greater artistic and technical challenges. With the instructor’s special permission, seniors with multiple years of experience can propose an independent inquiry.
Digital Art

Open to Grades 9–12, at all skill levels.

Digital Art introduces Upper School students to a range of advanced digital tools with the aim of expanding creative expression, enhancing technical skills, and beginning portfolio development. We start the course learning photographic manipulation techniques, using Photoshop and Pixlr on iMacs. Next, we explore digital painting and typography with the iPad applications Procreate and Graphic. Last, we cover digital animation, beginning with line and then integrating photographic and digitally painted content. By the end of this course, each student creates a unique portfolio of digital art that reflects their personal vision.
Digital Art II

Open to students grades 10-12 who have taken Digital Art I in Upper School.

In this course, students will expand on ideas from Digital Art I and increase their ability to manipulate images by delving deeper into Adobe Photoshop and learning how to use its timeline feature to create motion graphics. We will work with animation techniques, such as rotoscoping and stop motion, to create digitally enhanced animations on iPads. The course will culminate in students producing an online portfolio consisting of at least ten pieces and a personal artist's statement.
Drawing into Printmaking

This course is a prerequisite to Intermediate Painting and Drawing and/or Experiments in Mixed Media.

This course explores the tools of drawing as they relate to printmaking. Part of the course is dedicated to developing and/or improving upon existing drawing skills, which are used to develop prints. A variety of printmaking processes are covered, such as block printing, drypoint etching, stencils, and several different approaches to monoprints.
Introduction to Painting and Drawing

This course is an introduction to drawing and painting. Through hands-on lessons, students come to an understanding of the basic formal elements and materials in both media, while developing a vocabulary to speak about them. They learn to make and see images and to represent information to engage the viewer. Students explore how to use proportion, scale, line, mark making, perspective, point of view, space, depth, volume, texture, and color as they utilize different materials and concepts to communicate their ideas visually. A sketchbook is required. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of New York City’s tremendous art resources, including individual and group field trips to museums and/or galleries.
Intermediate Painting and Drawing

Prerequisite: Introduction to Painting and Drawing or the instructor’s permission.

This course is a more in-depth exploration of drawing and painting for students who have prior experience in painting and drawing at the Upper School level. Through hands-on lessons, students come to a deeper understanding of the formal elements and materials in both media, while continuing to develop a vocabulary to speak about them. They learn to make and see images and to represent information to engage the viewer. Students explore how to use proportion, scale, line, mark making, perspective, point of view, space, depth, volume, texture, and color as they utilize different materials and concepts to communicate their ideas visually. A sketchbook is required. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of New York City’s tremendous art resources, including individual and group field trips to museums and/or galleries.
Advanced Painting and Drawing

Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission required.

This class is conducted at an advanced level, engaging students in the production and critical analysis of works of art that are an iteration of a larger idea. We focus on the individual voice via observational, perceptual, and conceptual work. Students are encouraged to experiment with materials, ideas, and processes. They also have an opportunity to work from the figure. In addition to straight observational work, students are required to develop a series of at least six pieces based on a theme or concept. Students who are compiling a portfolio for college admission should also register for the Portfolio Seminar course.
Portfolio Seminar

This first-semester seminar is required for any senior intending to submit a portfolio as part of their college application. (This applies whether the student has taken a class in the Upper School Visual Arts department or not.)
Experiments in Mixed Media

Prerequisite: Introduction to Painting and Drawing or Drawing into Printmaking or the instructor’s permission.

Building on the foundation established in Introduction to Painting and Drawing, we leap into inquiries and explorations in mixed media. We explore a series of structured experiments, in which students ask questions based on their conceptual and material interests. Throughout the course, demonstrations provide a wide variety of mixed media for student exploration. This course is appropriate for students looking to push their ideas and work to a new level, through experiment, play, failure, and diligence; it is a self-directed class for students driven to explore.
Photography: Grades 9–10

This course offers students a complete overview of photography. Through hands-on experience, students learn about the interrelationship between ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. In the photo studio, students learn how to capture light, create successful compositions, and produce quality prints. During critiques, students learn how to discuss photographs and identify how to make technical changes to create additional meaning. The curriculum includes alternative photographic processes and independent projects to expand students’ definition of a photograph and increase their personal connection to their artwork. There is no prerequisite for this course; creative challenges and projects are tailored to each student’s skill level.
Intermediate Photography: Grades 11–12

This course offers students an advanced overview of photography. Through hands-on experience, students learn the interrelationship between ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. In the photo studio, students learn how to capture light, create successful compositions, and produce quality prints. During critiques, students learn how to discuss photographs and identify how to make technical changes to create additional meaning. The curriculum includes alternative photographic processes and independent projects to expand students’ definition of a photograph and increase their personal connection to their artwork. There is no prerequisite for this course, but creative challenges and projects will be tailored to each student’s skill level.
Introduction to Stained Glass

In this course, students develop a basic knowledge of glass history, manufacture, and preservation as they gain competency working with the materials, media, and techniques used in the copper foil method. Students learn about the nature of glass. They learn about the nuances of designing and cutting and are taught how to adapt their proposed project to the limitations that the medium imposes. Skills include pattern making, glass cutting, foiling, tinning, and soldering. Students are encouraged to make thoughtful decisions about color harmony, proportion, and the effects of light. At least one piece of original art is completed during the year. Each project represents a challenge that is reasonable for the student’s level of expertise. Thought, originality, and skillful technique are valued. Safety is stressed throughout, as are the conservation of materials and a willingness to assist others in maintaining the studio. Assigned readings and videos supplement the studio experience and broaden students’ knowledge of the history and technology of glass. Museum and studio visits provide additional insight into the processes related to this art form.
Intermediate Stained Glass

Prerequisite: Introduction to Stained Glass or the instructor’s permission.

In this course, students work at a more advanced level. They increase their knowledge of glass history, manufacture, and preservation, and design new pieces that keep them progressing and searching for greater technical and aesthetic challenges. At least one piece of original art is completed during the year. Thought, originality, and skillful technique are valued. Safety is stressed throughout, as are the conservation of materials and a willingness to assist others in maintaining the studio. Assigned readings and videos supplement the studio experience and broaden students’ knowledge of the history and technology of glass. Museum and studio visits provide additional insight into the processes related to this art form.
Mosaics

Prerequisite: Middle School Mosaics or the instructor’s permission.

In this course, students discover how different cultures throughout history used ceramics, glass, and stone to create patterns and images that tell stories and convey meaning. Through personal projects, they learn how different tessera materials and shapes can create specific visual effects. Students gain competency in design, layout, cutting, and the use of proper adhesives and substrates while practicing traditional and contemporary techniques. They make thoughtful decisions about color harmony, texture, rhythm, and pattern. Each project represents a challenge that is reasonable for the student’s level of expertise. Thought, originality, and skillful technique are valued. Safety is stressed throughout, as are the conservation of materials and a willingness to assist others in maintaining the studio. Advanced students can design new pieces that keep them moving ahead and searching for greater technical challenges. Readings, videos, and visits to museums and contemporary installation sites throughout the city provide additional enrichment and a broader understanding of this art form. Students keep a process book, which is a comprehensive record of their artistic journey. Over the course of the year, students gain confidence and independence while honing their aesthetic sensibility.
Video Arts I

Movies are a magical space where people can go to dream, and to experience a different, more intense, more exciting, or better reality than that of their daily lives. Students take an experiential journey through the visual media that feed into the motion picture, exploring elements of composition, light and shadow, shot size, pacing, and editing. Movies are an audiovisual medium, so the use of sound is also covered. This class introduces the use of dialogue, sound landscapes, sound effects, and music.
Video Arts II

Prerequisite: Video Arts I or the instructor’s permission.

Building on the experiential journey undertaken in Video Arts l, this course delves into more advanced visual storytelling skills. Topics include shot size, lens choice, coverage (shooting different shots with editing in mind), editing (continuity vs. jump cut), and dialogue. We also begin to explore specific ways that the camera can be used to reflect a character’s inner life.
Advanced Video Production Workshop

Prerequisite: Video Arts I and II and Film Adaptation or the instructor’s permission.

This fast-paced course explores a range of techniques in visual storytelling and screenwriting. Along with regular exercises, the workshop facilitates students’ production of an extended major project. The class is suited to both advanced video students and those who are new to video but have a strong background in another art and a desire to work seriously. We emphasize the planning and preparation of movies, which require time outside of class to shoot; students are expected to shoot on location and access resources (actors, props, etc.) outside the class.
Film Adaptation: From Story to Screen

Prerequisite: For Grades 11 and 12 or the instructor’s permission.

This project-based course explores the various ways that visual art is adapted from oral storytelling and written text. We focus primarily on motion pictures, but also consider other related visual storytelling media (including collage, graphic novels, and photo essays). Through examination of existing adaptations, students engage in understanding different media’s strengths and challenges. Students create multiple projects that culminate in the production of an original movie adaptation.
Narrative Moviemaking

Prerequisite: Video Arts I and II, plus Film Adaptation or the instructor’s permission.

This project-based course draws on the art of acting to enhance the power of filmmaking. Building on the most basic elements of a movie, students become versed in the ways that the camera can reflect a character’s inner life. Students learn specific visual skills (including camera placement and movement, lens choice, and shot size) that reflect complementary skills used by actors (including knowledge of prior circumstances, objectives, and relationships). If the schedule permits, students complete a collaborative project with acting students from the Advanced Drama class. Student filmmakers then draw on their work with actors to craft longer screenplays and further enhance their shot design and editing abilities.