Art

Artwork that looks like a charcuterie board

Newman Smith High School’s Visual Art program provides students with an introduction to art making through a multimedia experience. Students will learn and apply the elements of art and principles of design to produce creative art projects that reflect their understanding of these concepts.

Pathways

Art 1 9-12th

This two semester course is structured as an introduction to Art. We will explore drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking. Students will create original artworks using a variety of materials, understand and apply the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, explore contemporary and historical art and artists, and develop skills to examine and critique artwork.

Painting 2, 3, 4 10-12th

Painting is a two semester visual art course where students will explore and experience a variety of painting techniques, media, and historical approaches to art. Painting is a problem-solving course dealing with form, color, line, and texture (figurative and abstract). Through the use of the world outside the classroom, models, drawings, photographs, and imagination, students interpret and express the painter’s world in a variety of materials including acrylic, oil, and tempera paint, watercolor, ink, paper and canvas as well as a variety of experimental media.

Prerequisite: Art 1

Drawing 2, 3, 4 10-12th

Drawing is a two semester course that provides an opportunity for students to expand on the drawing concepts introduced in Art 1. Emphasis is placed on experiences with design principles, drawing techniques and skills leading to the development of abilities that are necessary for advanced art courses. Students are given more in depth problems to solve creatively while becoming more adept through a broad exposure to various media.

Prerequisite: Art 1

Sculpture 10-12th

This two semester art course offers an opportunity for students to create three-dimensional art. Students will explore the element of form using a variety of materials such as cardboard, clay, plaster, wood, wire, and other media. Students will learn the methods and techniques to work with a variety of media. Students will be encouraged to explore individual styles while producing a diverse body of three-dimensional work.

Prerequisite: Art 1

Ceramics 10-12th

This is a two semester course that focuses on three-dimensional design while students develop both functional and non-functional ceramics out of clay. Students will explore the methods and techniques associated with ceramics including coil, slab, pinch, using an armature, molds, and throwing on the wheel. Students will also experience different firing methods by using an electric kiln and a raku kiln. Students will be encouraged to develop an assorted body of ceramics.

Prerequisite: Art 1

AP Studio Art Class

This course is offered to the art student with advanced art skills. It is the equivalent to a one-semester college course in art, and culminates in the Advanced Placement Examination which consists of submitting a portfolio of work. A well-presented portfolio and slides of student artwork are required for submission. Depending on the student's performance on this portfolio exam and on college acceptance policies, Advanced Placement college credit may be awarded. An additional College Board processing fee is required from applicants.

Prerequisite: Second Level Art Course

Student Organizations

Art Honor Society

The National Art Honor Society programs inspire and recognize students with an outstanding ability and keen interest in the visual arts. National Art Honor Society is a high school honor society for visual arts students in grades 9-12. The National Art Education Association began the NAHS program to inspire and recognize students who have shown an outstanding ability and interest in art. The program supports members in their efforts to attain the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community.

Art Club
Art Club participates in the same activities as the National Art Honor Society. The only difference is that Art Club members are not registered with the National Art Education Association, the parent organization of NAHS, as they don't yet meet the national standards set forth by the NAEA.

AWARDS

2025

53 Regional VASE Gold Medals
4 State VASE Silver Medals
One Junior received a $600 Scholarship from VASE
One Student Chosen for TVAC Art Gallery
20 Students Published in Blick’s Celebrating Art Magazine

2024

29 Regional VASE Gold Medals
3 State VASE Silver Medals
One Senior won a $500 scholarship from Titan Comics for their artwork
one of only 6 winning teams from the entire DFW area creating a walkable installation piece at Spark Dallas sponsored by MeowWolf Grapevine
4 Students Published in Blick’s Celebrating Art Magazine

In This Section

Pathways

Student Organizations

Art Honor Society

AWARDS

Teacher information