The Visual Arts Program develops the student’s problem-solving skills and creative ability using a wide range of media. Students are introduced to as many facets of art as possible, while maintaining a regard for individual student’s aptitudes and interests.

The program is divided into a variety of units studied by all students:

Drawing
Using media such as pencil, coloured pencil and oil pastel, students do drawing exercises, still life drawings, life drawing from models, tonal studies, perspective studies and analytical drawings to study the elements and principles of design. Students keep a sketchbook of drawings used in the design of other art work.

Painting
Students learn about colour theory and apply this knowledge in their work. Portraiture, life studies (directly from life models), mixed media, still life and a study of the techniques of the masters allow students to explore their skills in colour. A variety of media, including tempera paint, watercolour, acrylics and pastels are used. As students enter the senior years, they begin to develop a personal style and learn how materials work with ideas to create the desired expressive qualities.

Photography
Using photograms and pinhole cameras and working with the traditional darkroom process, students begin their study of photography in Gr. 10. Building on these basics, students continue with a more in-depth study of photography in the senior years. Students will learn about the operations of the camera, developing film, controlling contrast and lighting, handling space and motion, creative image building, hand colouring, digital imaging and reworking images on the computer and the history of photography. A photography studio, darkroom and computer room are available to students.

Printmaking
Working with a variety of techniques such as lino printing, scraffito, etching, aquatinting and Chine Colle, students do intensive printmaking units in both Gr. 9 and 10. Starting from ideas drawn in their sketchbooks, students are taught the entire printmaking process from the creation of the plate to the final print. A special printmaking studio is available for student use.

Ceramics
Specialized courses in ceramics each year expose students to the techniques of working with clay. Beginning with coils and slabs, students create projects to demonstrate their handbuilding skills. Techniques are further refined as students also learn to work on the potter’s wheel and to create major personal installation and sculptural pieces. Students learn to create functional, abstracted and stylized pieces.

Art History
Students study the history of art through the ages and use this knowledge as the basis for certain projects and as inspiration for others. Students develop their ability to understand and discuss the various styles of art found in the major periods of art history.

Art Shows and Presentations
In the course of their art studies at Canterbury, Visual Arts students are given the opportunity to display their work in a variety of venues. The halls of Canterbury are an art gallery of murals designed and created by grade 12 students each year. The school lobby houses a large gallery with showcases and wall displays of student paintings, drawings, prints, photos, ceramics and sculptures.

Outside the school, Canterbury students have been very involved in creating art work for the greater Ottawa community. Murals in elementary schools, hospitals and hotels allow students to create art work designed for specific spaces. The creation of special posters for community fundraising events lets our students contribute something special. Students are also involved in school events like the musical in which they can put their talents to use designing and creating sets, props and costumes.