e-mail: bynoel@holliston.k12.ma.us
Course Description
Grades 9 – 12 Term Block Credits: ½
This is an introductory studio based art course aimed at developing
creativity, cultivating the imagination and enabling self-expression. Because
drawing is an essential tool for the expression of most visual art forms, the
student will explore observation skills (learning to see), basic techniques
(learning to employ art media such as pencil, charcoal and ink etc.), and
composition (learning to arrange two-dimensional objects on a drawing
surface). Class projects will include figure drawing and still-life
arrangements. The elements and principles of art will be the guiding force as
the student acquires technical knowledge of various artistic disciplines, and
an understanding of the place art affects our daily lives. Additionally,
students will explore design fundamentals, imaginative experiments, painting,
mixed-media and color theory.
Class format: Classes will entail making art projects, reading art related
materials, as well as participating in class discussions and critiques.
Big Ideas
Ø Understanding and employing the Elements and Principles of Art heightens
the impact of artistic expression
Ø Knowledge of media, materials, and techniques empowers the artist to make
choices and express ideas
Ø There are many ways to reach an artistic solution
Ø Art doesn’t just happen: It involves a creative process from the idea to
execution
Essential Questions
· How does Observation enhance the art making experience?
Drawing from observation requires an ability to perceive how objects relate
to one another in space. Through a series of exercises, we will train our
eyes to search for proportion, perspective, and value. Our goal will be to
develop an intuitive visual “ruler” inside our brains as well as to enhance
the head-to-hand interchange.
· How is Art a Language?
Every drawing speaks. Our objective is to find out what it takes to hold an
intelligent conversation within a drawing and how to provoke a dialogue with
the viewer. We will explore the endless variety of line, value and marks, as
well as analyze the formal content of our drawings. Rhythm, weight, and
tension are crucial vehicles of communication in drawing, because they define
the composition of the piece. We will experiment with different uses of space
and learn about the role of balance (or imbalance) in drawing.
· How is Personal Expression in Art developed?
While it takes some brain-work to create a strong drawing, the real source of
power is the heart. In this class we will try to employ subconscious, organic
mechanisms in the process, while we use our emotions as inspiration. Through
abstract drawing, we will search for the inexplicable intrinsic content from
within. It will be a quest for one’s individual style, and a discovery of
one’s own marks and energy on paper. Emotions and spontaneity play an
important role in representational drawing as well. Still-life’s and figure
studies can be potent manifestations of subconscious and personal substance.A
mature drawing operates within a consistent zone. Realism, Expressionism,
Minimalism, or any other direction of choice, reveals an artist’s
personality, interests and goals. It is important to study the work of other
artist’s because it helps us define our individual interests and artistic
goals. In class you will be encouraged to borrow and/or transform ideas of
others.
· What is the Creative Process?
An essential aspect of creativity is to never stop searching and evolving. In
order to do so, one must be able to focus on the process of art making as
opposed to the end result (the finished piece). This requires the artist’s
willingness to experiment, take risks, and bring his or her drawing beyond
the “safe” zone. Many times such efforts lead to “ruining” one’s piece, as we
re-think and re-do our drawings. However, it is very important to let go of
our ambitions and “destroy” a few drawings in order to learn from our
mistakes. Arriving at different stages of the drawing enables the artist to
explore new strategies and eliminate the banal, unnecessary elements. An
intelligent drawing always shows traces of the challenging path the artist
took.
· How does Critical Thinking come into play when making Art?
It is very important to step back from our work and look at it critically and
objectively. Learning about other people’s perspective on your work is a
valid experience. We will be exchanging ideas and points of view in class
discussions and critiques.
· How much Labor is needed to create a successful Art Piece?
The process of drawing involves hard work and a lot of patience. Through
hours of practice one can achieve not only the skill, but also inner freedom
and confidence. Hard work opens doors to creativity.
· How is Confidence achieved in the Art making process?
Everybody has the ability to draw, but not everyone has the confidence to
search for the talent within themselves. The most crucial part of learning to
draw is being able to eliminate the fear of the blank white page.
Students Will:
•Demonstrate knowledge of the ELEMENTS OF DESIGN – Line, Shape, Color,
Texture, Value, Space, & Form – and use these elements to create visually
aesthetic projects.
•Demonstrate skills related to pencil, pen, ink, charcoal, and chalk
techniques by creating visually aesthetic compositions based on the elements
of design
•Demonstrate a variety of drawing styles successfully: Contour, Value
Studies, Stippling, Rendering, and Linear Perspective (1pt – 2pt – 3pt)
•Demonstrate a variety of drawing styles successfully: Contour, Value
Studies, Stippling, Rendering, and Linear Perspective (1pt – 2pt – 3pt).
•Demonstrate a basic knowledge of Figure Drawing
•Demonstrate a working knowledge of Color Theory through a series of
aesthetically pleasing paintings and exercises.
•Evaluate own and peers’ work relative to the Elements of Design.
•Demonstrate successfully the use of transparent watercolor and opaque
tempera/acrylic
•Create visually aesthetic projects based on the Elements and Principles of
Design with an emphasis on Color and Value.
Important Things To Know!
What you need…
- Folder / with pockets to hold hand-outs
- Sketchbook /at least 8”X10” with blank white pages (no lines!)
- Portfolio (provided)
Grading:
40% Class Work
Ø Completed Assignments
Ø Analysis of art products employing rubrics based on technical skill, uses
of media, personal style and creativity, completion of work, and overall
aesthetic quality
20% Class Participation
Ø Daily class work
Ø Critiques
Ø Discussions
Ø Conduct & Effort
20% Homework
Ø Any and all assignments pertinent to class
Ø Homework is due each Friday in your sketchbooks. (graphite or ink)
20% Final Exam
Ø Written Final
Ø Portfolio Review
Students will be expected to work independently on projects beyond class time.
Class format: This is studio class in which the student explores various
methods and materials used in artmaking. Specifically, classes will consist
of creating art projects; attending lectures; reading art-related material as
well as participating in class critiques.
Homework: DUE EVERY FRIDAY
Sketchbook -
You will be required to keep a Sketchbook. This will be used for homework,
thumbnail sketches, free work, scraps (magazine cutouts), photographs,
writings etc. that inspire you. Sketchbooks will be checked every Friday for
content, and you will receive a homework grade for it. Assignments for your
sketchbook will be explained and written on the board each Monday.
Reviews -
You will be required to write reviews regarding exhibitions displayed in
STUDIO370 (our very own school art gallery)
Extra help policy - Extra help will be available as needed. Arrangements
should be made with the teacher for after school help, and students are
always welcome to come during DSB. Students who would like to come during
DSB, must get a pass prior to that day from me and show it to your regular
DSB teacher first.
Attendance Policy - You are required to attend class every day and poor
attendance will be reflected in your grade. Students who have 6 unexcused
absences in a Term course will lose credit for that course. This is in the
Student Handbook and not up to the Teacher's discretion.
Make-up work Policy - Students are expected to make up any classwork or
homework missed due to excused absences within a reasonable time (two to four
days) except in the case of an extended absence, for which special
arrangements must be made with the instructor. Work that is not made up will
be given a zero grade.
Portfolios - As part of the class, each student will be given a portfolio
that must be returned at the end of the term and kept in the classroom.
Students will be charged if the portfolio is not returned or damaged.
·All materials, subject matter and themes generated by students must be
school appropriate, including homework.
Intro. to Studio Art Syllabus
Week 1
Performance Criteria and classroom expectations
Shield
Elements of Art overview
HW: Descriptive paragraph
Week 2 Line Drawings
Line, composition
HW: Sketches: Contour drawings of Household objects, 200 lines
Week 3 Contour & Gesture Line Drawings
Art room objects
HW: Composition drawings
Week 4 Form & Shape
Sculpture project
HW: Positive & Negative Drawing
Week 5 Value & Color
Still Life with Oil Pastels
HW: Corner of a room using “sighting”
Week 6 Perspective/Color
Landscape
HW: Modeling techniques of round and rectangles
Week 7 Figure & Portrait
Digital imagery
HW: Enlarges drawings of everyday shapes
Week 8 Space
Matisse collage & paintings
HW: Work on term projects
DUE Term Project – presentations
Week 9 Collage
HW: Study for final
Week 10
Final Exam, Portfolio Review, Clean up
Internet Research Term Project
FYI – “it has been predicted that the Internet and whatever it evolves into
will be the primary means of accessing information for much of the population
over the next 10 years.”
Place your initials next to the artist that you will be using in your project
on the sheet tacked up behind the class door. Read the list in this packet to
see which artist you would like to research. One artist per student.
This final includes a sample/prototype internet site you will create on your
artist using PowerPoint and hand-in a printed copy in color (preferred) or
black and white. Your target audience consists of other high school students.
Also you must list your internet & book sources.
The website must include total of 10 pages:
1. Home page – 1 page
2. Biographical page – 1 page
3. Analysis of two pieces of artwork by the artist – compare & contrast
essay. Show the two works on one page then the analysis on the other – 2 pages
4. At least 4 pages that include other artwork by the artist – 4 pages
5. A resources page that lists sites you used to find information and
also at least two sites that are related to the artist – 1 page
6. An interactive feature i.e. quiz etc. – 1 page
1. Home page - Create a prototype or sample of a website for your artist
based on their artistic style. The home page is similar to the introduction
to the website. Think about your artist and make it inviting.
2. Biographical page - Research your artist on the internet (or book).
Include the following biographical information in your website.
a. Name of artist
b. Place of birth
c. Influences in his/her life – family, travel, culture etc.
d. Where did artist live most of their life?
e. What was their life like in general-wealthy, poor etc.?
f. What other jobs did they have?
g. What was the subject matter of most of their artwork?
h. What medium, or technique (i.e. painting, drawing, printmaking,
photography) did they use? Explain the process.
3. Compare & Contrast Analysis page - Analyze two pieces of art by the
artist you have chosen and write in your own words what you think about it.
Include sample of each artwork you have chosen to write about. This
description should be at least 500 words. Your essay should include: a
description of the work (what is the subject matter, medium, style), an
interpretation of what the artist created and your own opinion of the artwork.
4. Sample artwork pages – include artwork by the artist. Make it look
interesting to the viewer.
5. Resources/bibliography page – On this page list other internet sites
used to collect information also at least two other sites on
artist. Also,
include answers to the questions below:
What artist is the site created for?
Who created the site?
What content is available?
Why was this site created or what is its purpose?
Is your site a worthwhile research tool for art students?
Why or why not?
Explain how your site is “user-friendly”?
6. Interactive feature page – Include a creative page that includes an
interactive feature i.e. quiz or some way to get the viewer to interact.
Discussion board? Does not have to actually work, but bonus points if it does!
Think about how your sample site looks as a composition and using color for
emphasis. Consider what the main emphasis on the home page should be for
example the artist’s name or photo or a piece of work?
REMEMBER:
Include the website addresses for each site you use for information.
Look at other sites to see what works visually.
You will hand in a print out of your presentation. Color is preferred but
black and white prints will be accepted.
List of Artists for Research Project
Select an artist and write your initials on back of door in classroom.
One artist per student.
Magdalena Abakanowicz
Ansel Adams
Josef Albers
Romare Bearden
John Biggers
George Braque
Alexander Calder
Mary Cassatt
Paul Cezanne
Marc Chagall
Chuck Close
Salvador Dali
Edgar Degas
Willem de Kooning
Aaron Douglas
Albrecht Durer
Thomas Eakins
M.C. Escher
Richard Estes
Helen Frankenthaler
Vincent Van Gogh
Alberto Giacometti
Juan Gris
Wassily Kandinsky
Paul Klee
Shiro Kuramata
Leonardo da Vinci
Roy Lichtenstein
Maya Ying Lin
Rene Magritte
Henri Matisse
Michelangelo
Juan Miro
Piet Mondrian
Claude Monet
Henry Moore
Louise Nevelson
Georgia O’Keeffe
Claes Oldenburg
Pablo Picasso
Man Ray
Diego Rivera
George Seurat
Andy Warhol
Frank Stella
Kathe Kollwitz