Art

At Marin Catholic, we are committed to nurturing the creative spirit of every student by providing a rich and expansive arts curriculum. Our 2D Art courses feature an exciting new integration including photography as a core component of every class. While no longer offered as a standalone course, photography will now be studied alongside drawing, painting, printmaking, and digital art. This integrated approach ensures all students have the opportunity to explore art within a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.

This update reflects our dedication to expanding the scope of artistic expression and equipping students with a diverse set of tools to develop and communicate their ideas. By fostering creativity, encouraging collaboration, and embracing innovation, we aim to create a dynamic learning environment where every student can discover the mediums that best express their unique vision. It’s an exciting time to be an artist at Marin Catholic! Below you will find a brief explanation of the goals and direction of each Art course:

ART I: Introduction to 2D Design

In this introductory course, students will embark on a creative survey of two-dimensional mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, digital art, and photography. Alongside hands-on practice, students will explore key movements in art history and study the work of influential artists to better understand how historical context shapes visual expression. This foundational course will provide students with a broad understanding of artistic techniques and processes, helping them develop the skills to communicate visually and explore their creative ideas across different platforms.

ART II: Intermediate 2D Design

Building on the skills developed in the first year, students in this course will focus on a specific material or medium. Whether it's refining drawing techniques, exploring advanced painting methods, or mastering digital tools, students will deepen their understanding and ability to work with the medium that resonates most with their creative voice. Along with technical development, students will study a variety of artists and art movements to inform their work, connecting their personal exploration to a wider historical and cultural context. This year emphasizes technical proficiency and personal exploration.

ART III: Advanced 2D Design

In the third year, students will shift focus to more thematic and conceptual work. They will engage with a central theme for each semester, interpreting it through their own chosen 2D medium and creative vision. Encouraged to develop their own artistic narrative, students will explore complex ideas, experiment with abstract and thought-provoking concepts, and refine their personal style. Throughout the year, they will tackle projects that challenge their creative thinking and push the boundaries of their artistic practice. The study of art history will continue, with a focus on contemporary artists and movements that reflect current trends and challenges in the art world. This year aims to help students synthesize historical knowledge with their evolving practice while working both independently and within the shared context of the theme.

AP ART: 2D Design

For students ready to take their work to a professional level, this advanced course offers a rigorous exploration of sustained investigation. Students will create a cohesive body of work, documenting their process, writing about their concepts, and developing a polished portfolio that reflects their artistic evolution. A key component of this course will be examining the work of both historical and contemporary artists, helping students understand how their artistic choices fit within a larger tradition of visual culture. This course prepares students for college-level art programs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to present their work confidently and professionally.