The Visual Arts at ECS strives to engage our students in worship and understanding of our Creator God through materials, processes, expression and experiences. We seek to understand God more fully as we explore truth, beauty and goodness in visual form.

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HIGH SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS CLASSES OFFERED

 

Drawing and Design

Drawing and Design is the exploration of both drawing and the elements and principles of design. Students learn the building blocks of the visual world by experiencing, experimenting and creating works of art as well as the fundamentals of drawing in pencil and discovering other 2-D media like printmaking.

Course objective: For students to know God more fully through His creation, understanding of His design, and the application of His design and creativity of in their artwork.

Watercolor

Watercolor introduces students to the art of painting with watercolor as a unique and expressive medium. This two-dimensional course focuses on the techniques, processes, and procedures of watercolor painting. Students will explore a variety of papers and brushes, experimenting with the transparency and fluidity of this medium to create original works of art. While building on the elements and principles of design introduced in Drawing and Design, this stand-alone course is open to all High School students, providing an opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation for God’s creativity and design reflected in their artwork.

Acrylic

Acrylic is the introduction of painting with the media of acrylic paint. This 2-D course introduces the process and procedure of painting and material stewardship while developing skills and techniques.  Students will work vertically on canvas using easels, palettes and paint. While we will be building on the elements and principles of design covered in Drawing and Design, this class is a stand-alone course and can be taken by High School students.

Course Objective: To pursue excellence in the elements and principles of design specifically using Acrylic paint.

Art 3

Art 3 is a portfolio building course focused on painting, composition design, problem-solving, and visual narrative. Students will refine their technical skills, develop a personal artistic voice, and build a strong portfolio through independent and guided projects. Emphasis is placed on creative thinking, craftsmanship, and conceptual development. Prerequisites: (Grades 10-12) Must have received A's in 2 semester art courses and teacher recommendation.

AP Art/3-D Design

3-D Design involves purposeful decision-making about using the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. In the 3-D Design Portfolio, students are asked to demonstrate their understanding of design principles as they relate to the integration of depth and space, volume and surface. The principles of design (unity/variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale, figure/ground relationship) can be articulated through the visual elements (mass, volume, color/light, form, plane, line, texture). For this portfolio, students are asked to demonstrate mastery of 3-D design through any three-dimensional approach. This portfolio is intended to address sculptural and ceramic issues. 3Students must have received an A in Ceramics 1, 2 and have a teacher recommendation to be considered.

Introduction to Ceramics

Ceramics 1 introduces students to the fundamentals of three-dimensional design through the medium of clay. This course explores the building blocks of ceramic art, including handbuilding techniques, wheel throwing, and glazing. Students will gain an understanding of the unique properties of clay, the drying process, and kiln firing. Throughout the course, students will develop an appreciation for God’s design and creativity as they gain a deeper understanding of the biblical metaphor of the potter and the clay.

Ceramics 2 - Advanced Techniques in Ceramic Art

Ceramics 2 builds upon the foundational skills developed in Ceramics 1, offering students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and mastery of ceramic techniques. This semester-long course focuses on advanced vessel throwing, intricate glazing methods, and creative exploration of three-dimensional forms. Students will continue creating hand built and wheel thrown pottery, pursuing more complex art forms over practical forms in ceramics.

Digital Photography

This class is an introduction to Digital Photography and will focus on the beginning principles of composition as well as basic camera functions and techniques, which will be taught through a variety of projects and classwork. Students will also learn basic editing commands and procedures using the Adobe Photoshop software. This software will be taught using Macbooks and iMacs in the classroom.

Course Objective:  To help students view their everyday surroundings in new ways, to look further than what is evident at first glance, and to become more aware of the world around them and God’s presence in it, while learning artistic composition and interpretation through photography.

Dual Enrollment Art History

DE Art History introduces students to the foundational movements, artists, and artworks that have shaped the visual culture.  Students will explore major works of painting, sculpture, and architecture within their historical and cultural contexts. This course emphasizes visual analysis, critical thinking, and the development of a visual vocabulary. Through discussions and research, students will reflect on how art communicates ideas, beliefs, and values across time. Dual Enrollment is a college course taught by our faculty on our campus. Students' grades will be recorded and receive the appropriate college credit. 

Yearbook

Yearbook is a dynamic course that combines the elements of graphic design, photography, and storytelling to create the annual school yearbook. Students will learn the fundamentals of layout design, typography, photo composition, and editing as they work collaboratively to document and celebrate the school year. Through hands-on projects, students will develop technical skills in digital tools and software while exploring the creative process of crafting a visually compelling and meaningful publication. This course provides a unique opportunity to reflect God’s design and creativity by capturing the moments, stories, and memories that showcase His work in our school community.

Dual Enrollment Art History

Middle School Art

Because we are the image-bearers of the Creator God, middle school art classes strive to encourage students to discover their talents and abilities. We desire for our students to be able to know God more fully through the study of His creation, understanding of His design and application of them in their artwork. Through the study of the basic elements of art and principles of design utilizing a variety of  mediums, students build a foundation to be prepared to pursue mastery in the High School arts. Students are encouraged to give their best effort and to enjoy the result as a gift of praise back to their Creator.

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Lower School Art

All senior kindergarten - third grade students explore a range of art media, subject matter, artists, and ideas. Art teacher Anne Smith seeks to expose students to different art-making processes such as painting, drawing, sculpting, printmaking, collage, and multi-media type projects.

In kindergarten and first grade, artists focus on tasks that build fine motor skills. Second and third graders learn a lot about different cultures and art around the world.