Art speaks to all of us regardless of our race, culture or life experiences. It conveys knowledge that we cannot gain through other studies and helps us make connections that use the whole brain rather than one dominant domain. Art is a safe place to explore open-ended questions about what it means to be human and why something is considered to be aesthetically beautiful or valuable. Art can also be a form of worship, and some philosophers have considered the arts to be a key link in the complex relationship between what we believe and how we behave. If art is a universal language that synthesizes understanding and action, then that language is best learned by simultaneously studying and doing art. The heart of this foundational art course is studying the elements and principles of design by practicing the processes and techniques of creating art. The course will explore a variety of art media across multiple art themes. Through the creative process, students of all talent levels will explore beauty, develop fine motor skills, use critical thinking and enhance intuition and creativity. Teacher demonstrations and individual feedback will help students hone their skills. Students should expect their artwork to be discussed anonymously and respectfully in class as part of the group learning process. This course is suitable for a range of talent and experience levels for both Art and non-Art majors. It is highly recommended and serves as a prerequisite for students who want to take advanced art courses in TPS.
Note: Art 1 – Drawing 1 and Art 1 – 2D Design are the core courses that should be taken by every student desiring to pursue further studies in the visual arts.