Studio Art (After School)
Class Description
This is a one-semester art survey course that introduces you to the study of visual art. The intent of this class is to give you an overview of modern and contemporary art, as well as expose you to the materials and techniques used by many artists in their work. Course content will consist of requirements outlined in the New York State standards for art education, as well as those areas decided upon by both the class and the teacher. Overall, projects will focus on helping you explore and understand aspects of the following questions surrounding art:
1) How is the creation of art directly related to my life and the world around me?
In order to help you understand how art is directly related to your life, projects will combine the creation of art with discussions of current events, history, politics, literature, science, popular culture and media literacy. Through these projects you will be given the opportunity to voice your opinions and viewpoints about the world around you.
2) What methods, techniques and technologies do artist use to make art?
In order to support you in your exploration of how art is produced, you will not only be exposed to traditional art making techniques and concepts, but you will also have the opportunity to learn about contemporary artistic practices and philosophies, as well as new technologies.
3) Who traditionally has created art, and are those creators different today?
Many art programs focus studying works that were created by classical and modern artists. While the contributions of these individuals are important to the world of art, this course will also introduce you to contemporary and commercial artists of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
4) How can I analyze, interpret and discuss works of art?
This course will help you develop observation and reflection skills in relation to art. It will provide you with visual arts vocabulary that may be used when discussing, discovering and interpreting art. The course will also help you understand many visual elements and principles artists employ in their works.
5) What is art anyways?
Finally, to help you expand your understanding of art, this class will expose you to art forms that are not traditionally recognized as such by many museums and galleries. In addition to looking at drawings, paintings, and sculptures, we will also look at examples of graphic design, photography, cartoons and comics, toy design, graffiti, performance art, installations, textiles, jewelry, and film. We will further examine career opportunities in each of these categories.
Outline of Units
Projects in this class will revolve around themes. Subjects such as urban environment/city life, individual and group identities, families, violence and war, consumption, humor, personal narratives, and beauty may be explored in this class. Each of these themes will incorporate some of the following art disciplines:
• Drawing- pencil, charcoal, oil pastel and chalk pastel.
• Painting- watercolor and acrylic paints.
• Sculpture- wire sculpture, carving and plaster casting.
• Printmaking- potato printing, linoleum prints and silk screening.
• Collage- paper, recycled material and mixed media collages.
• Two-Dimensional Applied Design- logo design, typography and page design.
• Media Technology- computer generated images
Assessment Methods
Grades will be based upon a diverse range of criteria listed below. Percentages may vary slightly for each marking period:
Projects- 50-65%
Project grades are based upon fulfilling project requirements, work habits in class, technical ability, and creativity. You will also be graded on the amount of effort put into projects and homework. All assignments must be completed to the fullest of your ability. Hurried work will not be accepted, and will have to be redone in order to receive credit. Work must also be turned in on time. 10 points will be deducted from your final project grade for every day late. Projects submitted more than a week late will not be accepted.
Homework - 25-35%
Completing homework is essential for this class. 10 points will be deducted from your homework grade for every day late. Homework submitted more than a week late will not be accepted. Points will also be deducted from your project grades for each missing assignment.
Attendance and Participation-15-35%
You must be here and on time each day. Every unexcused absence and lateness will result in a lowering of your final grade. I will also make phone calls and send progress reports to your parents/guardians. Participation is also essential for this class. You must participate in class discussions, critiques, group and individual work. You are expected work hard and to stay on task each and everyday.
Course Requirements
There are several things that are required for this class. These items are not negotiable.
• Art Notebook- Each student is required to have either a separate art notebook, or an art section within their binders. I will be giving you LOTS of handout that I will have you refer to throughout the semester. These materials must be on hand at all times.
• Required Art Materials- You are required to purchase the the following items: #2 pencils, erasers and a sketchbook. You are required to come to class with these items every day. These materials are necessary to have in order to receive participation credit for the day.
• Portfolio- All students are required to keep a portfolio of projects. This portfolio will be used when determining your final grade. An in-class storage space will be provided. Students may not go into portfolios that are not their own.
• Accept the good along with the bad- Art is a challenging subject. At times you will love your work, then at other times you will want to throw it away. DO NOT do this. Stick it out. Keep working on your project. These types of highs and lows are natural parts of the creative process. Everybody feels this way, even the most accomplished artists. Wait out the negative feelings and frustrations for they will eventually melt away and reveal the good stuff.