Art

The Art Program at Warwick Valley High School is here to help students grow as a creative innovator, a critical thinker, and a lifelong learner. Through a variety of full-year and half-year courses, students will explore different materials and techniques to discover their own unique artistic style. Collaborative projects and class critiques will help them become an effective communicator, while exploring art history and global culture will help you grow as a global citizen. We challenge students to take creative risks, build perseverance, and learn from feedback, all of which help them become a resilient individual ready for the future as a lifelong learner.

Foundational CourseS

Warwick Valley High School offers three foundational courses that serve as entry points to the art program. Each path fulfills the New York State high school graduation requirement and sets students up for success in our advanced electives.

Studio Art: This course provides a broad introduction to many different types of art through hands-on projects. You will explore art history and express yourself while building a strong base for your creative growth.
Foundations (Honors): This course is for highly motivated students who are eager to take their skills to the next level. This honors-level class offers a more rigorous look at advanced drawing, painting, and mixed media while helping you develop your own personal style and themes.
Design for Drawing & Production (DDP): This course is perfect for students who love working with their hands to turn ideas into reality through drafting and 3D prototyping. As a Creative Innovator, you will build models using cardboard and styrofoam while using flexible thinking to develop new products.

STUDIO ART I (2711) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
No Prerequisite
Studio Art I ensures students are academically prepared by establishing a strong foundation in NYS learning standards. Students will learn to analyze information thoughtfully while mastering traditional practices such as value studies, perspective drawing, and painting techniques with acrylics and watercolor. Throughout the course, students will understand the foundational vocabulary of the elements and principles of design, which equips graduates with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in future creative endeavors to be strong creators, problem solvers, and expressive communicators in the arts.

STUDIO ART II (2712) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
Building upon previous techniques, Studio Art II challenges students to act as creative innovators. Students utilize imagination and flexible thinking to solve complex artistic problems, transitioning from two-dimensional concepts to three-dimensional forms. Students will master different techniques, including creating forms with pencil and pen, exploring various painting applications with acrylic and watercolor, and creating unique prints through printmaking. By studying various artists throughout history, students develop the global awareness and critical thinking skills needed to navigate the world with insight.

DESIGN FOR DRAWING & PRODUCTION (2736) (Revised 2026)

1 Credit
This course is perfect for students who love to build, create, and see their ideas come to life. In DDP, you will learn how to transform a flat sketch into a real-world object through the power of drafting and prototyping. As a creative innovator, you will use tools and techniques to construct detailed 3D designs using materials like cardboard and styrofoam, pushing the boundaries of your imagination to develop brand-new products and intricate 3D sculptures. By the end of the course, you will be reflective about your work, evaluating the precision of your models and seeing how your skills as a maker prepare you for the interconnected world of engineering, art, and design.

FOUNDATIONS IN ART ( 2710) (Revised 2026)

1 Credit
Prerequisite: MS Art Teacher recommendation
Foundations in Art is a full year honors level course for incoming freshmen or sophomores who have been recommended by their art teacher and have expressed a high interest in the arts to build upon their knowledge and enhance their foundation as creators. This course ensures students are academically prepared by establishing a strong foundation in the arts; it serves as a prerequisite for all other art courses and meets the graduation credit for art. Through various projects and a range of mediums, students will learn how to develop strong value studies, dynamic compositions, and color theory. Students will act as creative innovators, developing their skills to visually communicate and express their ideas effectively as artists.

ARCHITECTURE I (2747) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
In Architecture I you will dive into the world of building and design by learning the core principles of mechanical drawing and blueprint reading. As a critical thinker, you will master fundamental tools like T-squares, drafting boards, and scale measurements to solve real-world design problems. You will act as a creative innovator by using hands-on components to visualize how architectural concepts come to life. By practicing these skills, you will be reflective while evaluating the technical skills and precision needed for a career in architecture or construction.

ARCHITECTURE II – DESIGNING WITH COMPUTERS (2754) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
In Architecture II you will further explore architecture by using CAD and SketchUp to turn your hand-drawn scale drawings into dynamic 3D models. As a creative Innovator, you will further develop your problem-solving skills in layout design and explore landscape and land design techniques. You will become an effective communicator as you transform flat, one-dimensional blueprints into working models that clearly show your vision. By practicing these skills, you will be reflective while evaluating the technical skills and precision needed for a career in architecture or construction.

CERAMICS I (2745) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
In this course students will develop a strong foundation in hand-building and wheel work while valuing diverse perspectives as they create functional sculptures. Students will also analyze information thoughtfully by learning about various artists throughout history. By gaining inspiration from these historical figures, students act as creative innovators, utilizing imagination and curiosity to develop their own unique three dimensional works of art. To achieve this, students will learn to solve problems creatively through decorative techniques with glaze. Students may be interested in participating in the Empty Bowls Club employing civic knowledge and mindsets to contribute positively to our diverse society.

CERAMICS II (2746) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
This course builds upon the academic readiness established in Ceramics I, requiring students to act as reflective and future focused learners. Students will initiate and solve complex issues in ceramics using a variety of forming methods, including thrown forms, hollowware, and sculptural forms. As global citizens, Ceramics II students may take on more of a leadership role in the Empty Bowls Club. Through advanced slab and wheel work, students will continue to develop new ideas and products, demonstrating the ingenuity and flexible thinking required to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society.

COMPUTER ADVERTISING & GRAPHIC DESIGN (2731) (Revised 2026)

1/2 credit
Computer Advertising and Graphic Design students will dive into the world of visual communication by learning the essential principles of design and production. As a creative innovator, you will explore how to use symbols, typography, and illustration to send a powerful message. You will act as a critical thinker by mastering the basics of professional programs like Adobe Photoshop and InDesign to bring your layouts and images to life. This class helps you become an effective communicator as you learn how to capture attention and share ideas through modern media and advertising.

DRAWING & PAINTING I (2720) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
In Drawing and Painting I you will further explore watercolor, pen and ink, graphite, gouache, and acrylics through observational drawing and thematic illustrations. As a critical thinker, you will study a diverse range of contemporary artists, analyzing their unique styles and technical methods to inform your own creative process. By understanding the elements and principles of design, you will act as a creative innovator to build strong compositions and master proportion and scale. By participating in regular critiques, you become an effective communicator who develops the specific language needed to articulate your ideas clearly. By maintaining a sketchbook, you will engage in a reflective and future focused process, identifying areas for growth in your technical skills across various media.

DRAWING & PAINTING II (2721) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
Drawing and Painting II is an extension course that requires students to analyze information thoughtfully as they further build upon the skills and media mastered in Drawing and Painting I. Students will continue to refine their technical proficiency in watercolor, pen and ink, graphite, gouache, and acrylics to create dynamic, color-focused compositions. By continuing to examine the approach, style, and techniques of contemporary artists, students will develop a personal aesthetic by refining their art skills and artist voice. Through this advanced study, students will become strong communicators, creators, and prove to be lifelong learners dedicated to developing their craft. Students demonstrate they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in future creative endeavors and professional careers.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY I (2735) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
Digital Photography I empowers students to become creative innovators by learning how to use DSLR cameras to capture compelling images. Students build a strong foundation in camera operation, composition, lighting, and digital editing while exploring photography as a powerful form of visual storytelling. Through hands-on photo assignments, reflective journal writing, and Photoshop projects, students develop as critical thinkers by analyzing their creative choices and refining their work through feedback and revision. By sharing, discussing, and presenting their images, students grow as effective communicators who can clearly express ideas, emotions, and perspectives through digital media.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY II (27351) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
Digital Photography II challenges students to deepen their skills and push creative boundaries through advanced and experimental photography practices. While Digital Photography I is recommended, it is not required. Students act as creative innovators as they develop a personal photographic style and explore conceptual and experimental physical projects alongside digital work. Through continued photo assignments, journals, and Photoshop projects, students strengthen critical thinking skills by problem-solving, taking artistic risks, and responding thoughtfully to critique. Emphasis on visual storytelling and presentation helps students become effective communicators who use photography to convey meaning, engage audiences, and connect their work to real-world contexts.

FASHION DESIGN ( 2755) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
Dive into the world of style and garment construction in this comprehensive introduction to fashion. As a Creative Innovator, you will follow a step-by-step design process to illustrate fashion figures and create a complete, cohesive fashion line using both traditional and digital tools. For your final project, you will demonstrate your skills as a Critical Thinker by illustrating, constructing, and modeling a wearable dress made entirely out of newspaper, transforming an everyday material into a high-fashion statement.

SET CONSTRUCTION & WOODWORKING (2715) (Revised 2026)

1 Credit
Prerequisite: Grades 10-12
Using an engineering approach, students will learn how to draft an idea and collaborate with a team to create a structure or set piece that incorporates moving components to travel across the stage and interact with the actors. Students will master woodworking with machinery and carpentry tools to bring these designs to life. Students work in design teams to maintain supportive relationships and build collaborative environments. They will learn how to paint with contrast and texture specifically for stage lighting while applying critical thinking to stage scenery. By addressing complex requirements to contribute positively to school and community theatrical productions, students develop the skills necessary to be effective problem solvers and creators.

SCULPTURE I (2723) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
This course explores the intersection of traditional and non-traditional sculpture based disciplines. Students will evaluate evidence critically as they manipulate materials like clay, paper, cardboard, recycled objects, and wire. By learning artistic terminology and studying historic and contemporary movements, students become effective communicators who can articulate ideas clearly through three dimensional form while becoming strong problem solvers and creators. This course ensures students are academically prepared and equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success in future creative endeavors.

SCULPTURE II (2724) (Revised 2026)

1/2 Credit
Sculpture II is designed for students interested in exploring advanced techniques for creating three dimensional art. This course focuses on the future focused development of a unique personal style through diverse media, ranging from small scale to large works. Students will engage in self-reflection to identify strengths as they plan, develop, and execute their ideas into advanced finished pieces. By navigating complex processes and a range of technical productions, students further their growth as creative innovators and effective communicators, ensuring they are academically prepared to be strong problem solvers and creators equipped for professional success.

STUDIO IN PRINTMAKING (2730)

1/2 Credit
Studio in Printmaking is a course that teaches students the technical and real-world applications of screen printing, block printing, and mixed-media techniques. As creative innovators, students utilize imagination and curiosity to develop high-impact designs for apparel, posters, and products. Students act as critical thinkers by analyzing how art and design intersect with entrepreneurship and marketing to address complex challenges. This course empowers effective communicators to articulate ideas through typography and visual media while actively engaging with diverse audiences.

PORTFOLIO AND ART CAREERS (2749) (Revised 2026)

1 Credit
Prerequisites: must be a junior or senior; must have completed Foundations of Art or Studio Art, Drawing & Painting
This honors level course is for juniors and seniors who plan to pursue a career in the field of art. Priority will be given to students who need a portfolio for entrance into an art college or field of study. Students may take this course during both their junior and senior year to further refine their work. This culminating course is for the reflective and future focused student. Students will engage in self-reflection to identify strengths as they prepare their portfolio for college review and participate in the Hudson Valley Portfolio Review Day. By mastering professional presentation and curating their best works, students will become strong communicators and creators who prove to be lifelong learners dedicated to developing their craft. This course ensures students are ready to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the professional world.

YEARBOOK/PUBLICATIONS (2760) (Revised 2026)

1 Credit
Prerequisites: Must be a sophomore, junior, or senior
This is a computer-based course where students focus on the professional application of graphic design, layout construction, typography, and color palettes. Utilizing Adobe Photoshop and Josten’s Layout Pro, students act as a culturally responsive team, building respectful relationships to produce a product that represents the entire school community. They demonstrate responsible decision making and leadership while managing real world marketing and production deadlines. Through this collaborative process, students take pride in creating a final publication that captures the year's most important memories for the entire school community to enjoy.

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Art