Fine Arts

The Steamboat Springs High School Art Department offers students opportunities to explore creativity, develop technical skills, and express themselves through a variety of artistic media. Whether students are just beginning their artistic journey or preparing for advanced portfolio work, our courses foster creativity, critical thinking, and visual communication. Students can pursue a diploma with an emphasis in Visual Arts, Instrumental Music, Performing Arts, or Vocal Music to meet graduation requirements for Fine Arts credit.

Courses Offered

Drawing
An introductory course that builds foundational skills in line, shape, shading, and perspective while exploring creative problem-solving and visual communication.

Painting
Focuses on watercolor and acrylic techniques, color theory, and composition. Students develop technical skills and personal artistic expression.

Studio Art
For students who have taken Drawing or Painting. Emphasizes independent creative projects, personal style development, and participation in class critiques and art shows.

Ceramics I
Introduces hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Students learn about the clay process from forming to glazing while expressing ideas through 3D design.

Ceramics II
An advanced ceramics course that explores complex techniques, Raku firing, and artistic expression through three-dimensional form.

Intro to Film Photography
Hands-on introduction to black-and-white photography using traditional 35mm film and darkroom printing.

Digital Photography
Covers the technical and creative aspects of digital photography, including camera settings, lighting, and editing in Adobe Photoshop.

Digital Photography II
Builds on the foundational course with advanced editing, portfolio development, and creative projects focused on professional techniques.

AP Studio Art (Weighted)
A college-level course for serious art students focusing on a year-long portfolio that demonstrates creativity, technical proficiency, and conceptual depth.

AP Photography (Weighted)
An advanced, year-long digital photography course where students develop an AP portfolio for the College Board and exhibit their work publicly.