Work with some professional grade art materials help the student in producing high quality works as his skills increase. An example might be that the student is assigned to produce a work or body of work which involves the theme of the relationship between man and nature. The student would begin by focusing his ideas or concepts. This would be done by sketching possibilities, writing down ideas, looking at various responses to this theme by artists throughout time in a variety of art disciplines. This could range from the Impressionists work in nature observing changing light, to the Hudson River School painters, to environmental artists such as Christo who have forced us to see the landscape differently.
Students learn about visual thinking processes through regular sketchbook assignments.
The sketchbook serves as a visual and verbal journal, in which students record their experiences, observations, responses to readings, and other information which they may draw upon in developing their own approach to art making as a means of personal expression. Students also put their work on exhibition in the school library or display cases and are responsible for written statements about their work which accompany these exhibits. Historical and Cultural Heritage Within the study of any art form, students must learn and understand the significance of specific artists, movements, technological developments and cultural influences affecting our perception of that art form. The teaching of these areas must be woven within the studio and art criticism framework to create a balance that provides the student with a rich foundation of knowledge to use in the making, analysis and appreciation of art. In Studio Art students learn about the relationship of art to humanity through various readings, lectures and magazine reviews.