From simple sketches employing pencil or charcoal to understanding shading and perspective to painting increasingly more complicated subjects in water color, acrylics, or oils, students learn to express themselves creatively in each Studio Art course they take at Thacher.

As part of their Introduction to the Arts course, 9th graders spend seven weeks learning the fundamentals of drawing and painting and coming to understand the elements and principles of design. They are introduced to sighting, line and value, color theory, and one- and two-point perspective. They also gain skill in evaluating and discussing their own work and others’.

In Studio Art classes beyond the freshman year, the focus is on developing their drawing and painting skills further, using various media and, as their subjects, live models, still life and landscape. They enhance their use of the elements and principles of design, while developing their own ideas and creative expression and intent in a serial work produced over the semester.

AP Studio Art

AP Studio Art carries these concepts further still, as students create a portfolio—either Design or Drawing—and work in an even wider variety of media (drawing, painting, collage, photography). Along the way, the emphasis is on evolving personal artistic style.

Thacher art students have the chance to show their work most often in the Brody Art Gallery on campus, although they also enter local exhibits. AP Studio Art students who do not submit a portfolio for College Board review mount a show, as well as give a slide presentation to the community. In this way, inspiring student artwork surrounds us virtually all the time.

Photography

In the classroom and darkroom and out of it, students interested in getting behind a camera have many opportunities.

The year-long Photography I course introduces students to the basic skills of black-and-white photography, with special emphasis on the expressive and creative possibilities inherent in the medium. Beyond learning 35mm manual camera operation and theory, they master the critical darkroom procedures of developing and printing. As in other art classes, students also hone their critical eye so as to engage in informed discussion about their own pieces and others’ works. The course culminates in each student’s creation of a portfolio.

Photography II continues the lessons of Photography I, enhancing the exploration of photography as a medium of artistic expression and as a tool. Emphasis is on developing compositions and ideas through working in a series and with more conceptual projects. Self and peer critiques continue to be an important component, as students reflect on and fine-tune their work towards their final portfolio compilation.

Advanced photographers at Thacher occasionally pursue Independent Projects in the field, and several contribute their images to student and School publications such as the yearbook, the school newspaper, The Thacher News (our alumni magazine) and The Parents’ Post, as well as to Thacher’s website.