Since 1997 Mr. Andrew Lark has been teaching visual arts and photography. He has been combining great technique and the elements of principle and design in his classes for 21 years. 

In his basic Visual Arts 1 classes he teaches the proper way to draw, create shapes, and shade. These skills will help the students become accustomed to the basic principles of art work. In his Photography 1 class he teaches the elements of principle and design along with the kink of cameras and how to work that camera. 

“Curriculum is just your core,” said Mr. Lark on August 29. 

Much of his curriculum for Photography I is taught from a book called The Negative and The Camera written by Ansel Adams. His art program requires a $40 deposit for the supplies needed in Visual Arts. This includes paper, pencils, white chalk, and charcoal pencils. 

In Photography 1 students pay a $60 art fee to use the technology and computer to look at their work. They also buy their own camera. 

He suggests using Cannon brand cameras because it’s “User friendly.” The class can buy a camera from Amazon, Panorama and B&H. 

“This core will let a kid have some foundation on light, tone, and value,” said Mr. Lark about the base of his curriculum. He said that a good photo has balance and harmony and without the elements of principle and design students will fail. 

Mattie Phelps is a junior photography student. “He pushes us to be better,” Phelps said when asked how Mr. Lark’s curriculum has helped her photography skills. 

Destiny Young, a senior photography student, said her skills have progressed since the beginning of the semester. “My photos were ok, but he made them better…I actually know how to move the camera now,” Young said.  

Phelps started noticing more lighting details when she sees photos and artwork since starting Mr. Lark’s class. 

Lark’s main goal is “to look for those are willing to learn.” He looks for those with “a passion and a purpose.” His curriculum is set up in a manner to teach students how to truly live up to their potential as an artist.  

Lark encourages his students to go beyond what is required. “Look at the national standards and go beyond…to be the true lifelong learner.”  

He truly wants his students to grow as artists and as people. If any artists are looking to grow skills, they should look into Mr. Lark’s Visual Arts program.