Syllabus
Visual Arts 1
“Just as we are more than
our external selves, art works
are more than their surfaces.
They stand for and reflect realities
within and beyond themselves.”
Anderson & Milbrandt
Where: Animo Venice Charter High School
Instructor: Ms.Lowe
Email: stephanie.lowe@animo.org
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday
Blog: www.loweva1112.blogspot.com
Telephone: (310)392-8751ext.1004
Course Information
Visual Arts 1 at Animo Venice High School fulfills the University of California art requirement. Students will be instructed in the materials and skills necessary to explore their personal stories through art. We will draw, paint, sculpt and use mixed media in our attempts to describe life and pursue art for life’s sake. This is your chance to tell your story, the story of your generation, history,
culture, and interests through art.
Students will learn how people have used art to describe their lives, culture and current events for centuries and how the ideals of this search have changed over time. We will explore the work of others with an aesthetic, historical and critical eye. We’ll look at a ton of art and we’ll create a ton of art.
Course Goals
The primary goal of the course will be to foster:
1. Successful theme inquiry.
2. Dialog and cooperative exploration.
3. A critical look at art and visual culture.
4. Historical and contextual research.
5. Development of skills in making art.
6. Honest, personal, and thoughtful creative
expression.
7. Critical reflection on personal meanings understood
through the study of art.
Projects
1st Semester Black and White:
HandScapes. Hand drawing composition
2D design project with shape placement.
Perspective drawing with appropriate Chiaroscurro technique.
Figure illustration for English 10 project.
Semester 2 Color:
Color Imaginary space/ Aerial Perspective in Paint.
Careers in Art Research Project.
Ode on a LA Urn.
Abstract Painting.
Artist Bio Paper.
Written Projects
In our study of art and artist, students are expected to write/create several short papers which will include added imagery from teacher prompts. In addition inclusive of every unit are a written critique of historical art work and an artist statement of purpose and reflection on the unit’s work. ALL WRITTEN WORK WILL BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL WITH WORK CUT AND PASTED INTO EMAIL. ABSOLUTELY NO ATTACHED DOCUMENTS WILL BE GRADED.
Materials
All students will be provided with paint, paper, scissors, rulers, photocopying and other supplies necessary for creating.
Students will be required to provide:
1-inch 3-ring binder or pronged folder for handouts
A sketchbook. (Purchased in class for $10) I have found a really superior one that takes watercolor and has one hundred more pages for 2 dollars more.
Class Rules and Expectations
Students will be expected to follow the Safe and Civil rules of Animo Venice High School:
1. Students must be seated with all materials before the tardy bell rings.
2. Students will use appropriate and respectful language at all times. No
vulgar, derogatory or gang terms allowed in class.
3. No food, gum or drinks in classroom except water.
4. Students must follow all school rules such as keeping their shirts tucked-in,
not using electronic devices or cell phones in class.
5. Students must clean up their workspace at the end of class.
6. Students must not waste materials.
Consequences for disregarding classroom rules:
No warnings will be given. If you do not follow any of these rules you, will receive the appropriate consequences as detailed in the AVCHS Safe and Civil Discipline Matrix.
In addition in the art studio students will be expected to:
• Respect each other and each other’s work. Critique will ALWAYS be respectful and thoughtful. We will foster each other’s creativity not squash it! Students are NEVER to touch or interfere with each other’s work! EVER!
• Ready to work! Students are expected to come to class ready to work, incubate, and create art when the bell rings.
• Prepared! Have your materials in good order.
• Complete! Assignments in a timely fashion.
• Clean up! Students will leave it like they found it. A clean studio is a creative studio!
• Fun! Students will be expected to explore, play, and learn daily!
Homework
All projects will be completed with ample class time given.
However, you will be expected to complete weekly sketchbook assignments each week. Sketching is an essential tool for artists and as such is an essential “habit” for successful art students.
Make up work
Student will have ample opportunity to re-design and re-work projects for grade. Missing work will have to be completed within one week of deadline. Students will lose 10 points a week for late work.
Grading
100%-90% A Exceeds proficiency
89%-80% B Meets proficiency
79%-70% C Nearly meets proficiency
69%-60% D Below proficiency
69% and below F Far below proficiency
Assignments and grading
Sketchbook 25 pts
Essays 45 pts
Vocabulary quizzes 5 pts
Binder check/class work 25 pts
Projects 100pts
______________________________________________
200pts
Unit projects will be turned in as a packet that includes the art work (50points), A Critique of famous art (25points) and an artist personal statement of intention and reflection (25points.) Student will be expected to understand and use the vocabulary of visual arts in all writing.
Syllabus Adaptability
This syllabus may be adapted throughout the year to reflect the needs and desires of the artists. This is a living class with a living syllabus.
Place the above syllabus in your binder.
___________________________________________________
Return this sheet signed to your instructor.
Visual Art Syllabus
Parent/Student Contract
By signing this form, I acknowledge that I have read, understood and agree with everything in this syllabus.
Student Name: Period:
Student Signature:
Parent/Guardian Name:
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Date:
Return with lab fee to instructor by Monday, August 30, 2010
Special Note to Parents
Please be advised that in our study of Visual Arts we will be researching and looking at art over the centuries and in that context some of these images will include nudity such as Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam that is painted on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. By signing this syllabus you are indicating your permission for your child to view these artworks. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the school and I will be happy to speak with you.
Thank you,
Ms. Lowe