Clovis West High School

Art

The Clovis West Art program, offers a variety of classes for students at all levels. The one-semester class provides a solid introductory background, and gives students the opportunity to learn such skills as drawing in linear perspective and to investigate basic color theory, as well as to create projects based on various schools of art. 

Our year long courses are composed of Art 1, Art 2, and Art 3.

• Art 1, with no prerequisite, provides high school students both a background for the beginning artist and challenges for those who have taken art courses in the past. Drawing, painting, and design projects reflect both the elements of art and principles of design, and students learn about the works of notable artists as a springboard for their own work. 
• Art 2 builds on the concepts learned in Art 1, with more challenging painting and drawing projects, and provides an opportunity for students to explore such media as acrylic paint, pen and ink, and scratchboard. Students may take Art 2 if they have received a “B” or better in Art 1 and/or permission of the instructor. 
• Art 3 is designed for the serious artist to stretch himself/herself in the visual arts, with an emphasis on acrylic painting on canvas. Art 3 students must have received a “B” or better in Art 2 and/or permission of the instructor.

Craig Campbell is the instructor for all Art courses.

As part of the visual arts department, the Photography 1 classes offered to Clovis West students expose students to the challenges of capturing art through light with the help of today’s modern technology.  

 Photography 2 is offered in order to explore this very challenging discipline even further.

 Students may take Photography 2 if they have received a “B” or better in Photography 1 and/or permission of the instructor.  

Students can expect a rigorous and exciting exploration into this unique medium.

Michaela Hough is the instructor for all Photo courses.

Ceramics 1:

Gives students a foundation in hand building and wheel throwing techniques and progress into alternative firings.  The projects change from year to year which can include, teapots, coil vases, totem poles, masks, and wheel thrown vessels.

Ceramics 2:

Students will work on artist intent and developing their artistic voice through the ceramic medium in addition to mastering skills.  After Ceramics 3, there is the opportunity for taking AP 3D Design.  

The prerequisite for Ceramics 2 and 3 is a “B” or better in the previous Ceramics course and/or permission of the instructor.  

Barbie Savage-Piasecki is the instructor for all Ceramics courses.