• OVERVIEW OF SUBJECT

     

    Visual Arts introduces students to the exciting world of artistic expression and creativity. Through hands-on activities and exploration of various art forms, students will develop their artistic skills, learn about famous artists and art movements, and gain a deeper understanding of the role of art in culture and society. This course encourages self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving through art-making.

     

    Course Objectives:

     

    Creative Expression: Encourage students to express themselves artistically through a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and more.

     

    Art History: Introduce students to the history of art, famous artists, and significant art movements to broaden their cultural awareness.

     

    Critical Thinking: Foster critical thinking skills by analyzing and interpreting artworks, discussing artistic choices, and evaluating their own and others' creations.

     

    Technique Development: Provide opportunities for skill development in various art techniques and materials, allowing students to experiment and refine their abilities.

     

    Visual Literacy: Develop visual literacy by exploring the elements and principles of art and design, helping students understand how art communicates ideas and emotions.

     

    Art Appreciation: Cultivate an appreciation for diverse forms of art and encourage students to recognize the value of art in their lives and society.

     

    *Field Trips: Field trips to museums, galleries, and art studios provide students with direct exposure to diverse art forms and techniques, enriching their understanding beyond traditional classroom settings. Interactive elements, such as workshops and guided tours, offer practical, hands-on learning experiences that complement their education. Additionally, these trips foster connections with local artists and cultural organizations, helping students appreciate the role of art within their community and beyond.

     

    *Art Club: Inspiring creativity and innovation by integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and literacy into our artistic explorations. We aim to foster a community where students can express themselves through diverse mediums, collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, and enhance their understanding of how art connects with the world around them. Through our activities, we strive to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep appreciation for the role of art in both technology and storytelling, empowering our members to become creative thinkers and lifelong learners.

     

    Course Topics:

     

    Introduction to Visual Arts

    Elements and Principles of Art

    Drawing and Sketching

    Painting Techniques

    Sculpture and 3D Art

    Art History and Famous Artists

    Exploring Different Art Movements

    Mixed Media and Collage

    Digital Art and Technology

    Art Critique and Analysis

    Portfolio Development

     

    Course Expectations:

    Students are expected to attend class regularly, complete projects and activities on time, participate actively in discussions and critiques and maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward their peers and the creative process.

     

    This Visual Arts course aims to inspire students to explore their artistic potential, appreciate the

    world of art, and develop skills that can be applied both in the art studio and in their broader

    education and life experiences.

     

    RESOURCE MATERIALS

     

    Books:

    "The Visual Arts: A History" by Hugh Honour and John Fleming

    "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards

    "The Elements of Art: The Line" by Valerie Colston

    "Art Is... (Bob Raczka's Art Adventures)" by Bob Raczka

    "The Story of Art" by E.H. Gombrich

    "Art for Kids: Drawing" by Kathryn Temple

    "The Art Book for Children" by Phaidon Press

    "The Art of Pixar: 25th Anniv.: The Complete Color Scripts and Select Art from 25 Years of Animation" by Amid Amidi

    "A World of Art" by Henry M. Sayre

    "Art in Story" by Amy Steedman

     

    Magazines:

    School Arts: This magazine is dedicated to art education and offers a wealth of lesson plans, articles, and ideas for art teachers.

     

    Art Education: Published by the National Art Education Association (NAEA), this magazine covers a wide range of topics in art education and is a valuable resource for teachers.

     

    Online Subscriptions:

    Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers a comprehensive section on art history, including videos and articles that can supplement classroom learning.

     

    Getty Museum's Virtual Library: The Getty Museum provides free access to numerous art-related publications and resources that can be accessed online.

     

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: This online resource offers a vast collection of articles and essays on art history, perfect for middle school students exploring various art movements and periods.

     

    Smithsonian Learning Lab: The Smithsonian provides a wide range of resources related to art, history, and culture. Their Learning Lab is a fantastic online platform for accessing educational materials.

     

    Google Arts & Culture: This website allows students to explore artworks and collections from around the world, offering virtual tours of famous museums and exhibitions.

     

    JSTOR: If your school has access, JSTOR provides academic articles on art history and related subjects.

     

    Art21: Art21 offers videos, artist profiles, and educational resources that can engage students in contemporary art practices and concepts.

     

    National Gallery of Art - NGA Kids: NGA Kids provides interactive art activities, videos, and lessons designed for younger audiences.

     

      

    GRADING & CRITERIA SCALE

     

    Carr Lane VPAMS Grading Scale                                          Grading Criteria:

    A         Excellent                      100 - 90                                      Classwork = 50%

    B         Good                             89 - 80                                       Homework = 10%

    C         Satisfactory                   79 - 70                                       Assessments = 25%

    D        Needs Improvement       69 - 60                                      Participation = 15%

    F         Unsatisfactory               Below 60                                 

     

     

     

    HOMEWORK POLICY: Homework is an important part of a student’s learning.  Since homework will be discussed and sometimes checked during the next class meeting, it is imperative that students set time aside to complete homework nightly.  If absent, it is the responsibility of the student to secure all missing assignments within 2 days and return to school within the time frame given by the teacher.

     

    LATE WORK POLICY: 

    Late work must be completed and turned in before the end of each grading period, to receive credit. 

     

    MISSED TEST / QUIZ: Missed tests and/or quizzes may be taken if graded items have not been distributed. If tests and/or quizzes have been distributed, the student must make arrangements with the teacher to make-up this work. The student must have an excused absence.

     

    SPECIFIC CURRICULUM ASSESSMENTS: Students will be assessed through a combination of projects, class participation, quizzes, and written reflections. Projects will allow students to demonstrate their creativity and technical skills, while class discussions and critiques will assess their understanding of art concepts and their ability to articulate their thoughts about artwork.