Intermediate Visual Arts 3-4

Ms. Graviss

interart@mgraviss.org website: mgraviss.org 510 526 9242 ex 433

Course Description

This is an intermediate course of study in the visual arts media of drawing, painting and mixed media construction. It is a combined studio course focused on the production of art works and world art history, building upon material covered in beginning visual arts instruction. Students will increase proficiency of expression in various media and apply understanding of historical themes and artistic movements through their own work.

Texts & Materials

o The Annotated Mona Lisa. Carol Strickland

o Themes and Foundations of Art. Katz, Lankford, Plank (reference only)

o 8 X 12 spiral or hard bound sketchbook

Big Ideas

o Artists do not work in a vacuum but within the context of their own cultural histories.

o Artists draw inspiration other artists of the past and present and build on techniques created through history.

o The art of various cultures and historical periods is a window into the world view of those cultures.

o Artists use a variety of media and techniques to give form to their artistic vision.

Core Tasks

1) Use of artistic media for projects including graphite pencil, clay, plaster, charcoal, colored pencils, chalk pastel, oil pastel, non-traditional drawing materials, ink, paint and mixed media. Evaluated for ARTISTIC EXPRESSION and TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT.

2) Completion of projects that align with the big ideas and art periods discussed in the book and in class. Evaluated for ARTISTIC EXPRESSION and TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT.

3) Writing assignments, quizzes, final exams which may stand alone or connected to a project. Evaluated for CONTENT KNOWLEDGE.

4) EVALUATION: self and peer written critiques.

5) PARTICIPATION: Making a daily positive contribution to the class whether voicing thoughts during discussions and critiques, helping others, cleaning and caring for supplies or simply working consistently on the assigned projects.

6) Independent practice and personal exploration in a sketchbook will be evaluated as SKILLS BUILDING.

Methods of Learning

• Student creation of original art
• teacher demonstration of materials and techniques
• clarification of project challenges and objectives by instructor
• introduction to artists and art theories
• written and oral self and peer evaluations
• assigned reading
• written assignments

Assessment and grading

All assignments and projects will be evaluated and recorded in one or more of the following categories:

25% ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

25% TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

20% CONTENT KNOWLEDGE

10% EVALUATION

10% PARTICIPATION

10% SKILLS BUILDING

Grading Rubric:

A A-	Proficient	Artist demonstrates mastery of skills and composition, challenges himself/herself, improves over time, creates original images, opens his/her mind and heart and participates every day.
B+ B B-	Competent	Artist demonstrates development of skills and composition, usually challenges himself/herself, improves over time, sometimes creates original images, and participates most days.
C+ C C-	Satisfactory	Artist may not be actively trying to develop skills and composition, sometimes challenges himself/herself, may not improve over time, copies images, participates inconsistently.
D+ D D-	Improvement needed	Artist does not develop skills or composition, does not challenge himself/herself or improves over time, does not complete projects. Often distracted or distracting.
F	No evidence	Underachievement. Inadequate and incomplete class works. Unmotivated. Distractive presence in class.