Foundations of Art Syllabus

FOUNDATIONS OF ART

CARA BEAN, Room 210

Email: cbean@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us

Course Description

Students in this course will learn the fundamental principles of creating 2-D visual arts. The course teaches basic drawing and design principles, which are used throughout all LHS visual art classes. Students will begin the year with assignments that focus on completing specified objectives and are later given projects that allow for greater creative freedom. For all assignments, students will be expected to put forth their best effort and to hone their creative skills.

Course Objectives

• To gain a basic understanding of 2-D art concepts and practices
• To develop a vocabulary of visual art terminology
• To learn the basic design elements and principles related to making quality artwork
• To acquire and hone basic visual arts technical skills
• To learn how to effectively evaluate one’s own work, as well as to intelligently critique the work done by others

Section 1 Concepts : Symmetry/ Asymmetry, Negative Shape, Composition, Craftsmanship, Critique


Section 2 Concepts: Drawing Skills, Illusion of Space and Perspective, Gesture and Contour, Still Life Composition, Observation and Proportion, Shading

Section 3 Concepts: Color Theory, Complements and Neutrals, Warms and Cool Tones, Tint and Shade


Section 4 Concepts: Technology / Adobe Photoshop, Personal Expression, Using the Grid

Supplies:

Students are required to have a sketchbook, which they will use to complete their bi-monthly sketchbook assignments. The sketchbooks should be spiral bound and approximately 9”X12”. One set of drawing pencils and an eraser will be given to each student. Students who lose these materials will have to buy their own.

BASIS OF TERM GRADES

There will be a number of projects assigned throughout the semester.

Each project will be graded with a rubric and basic grading criteria will include:

1. Effort

2. Attempt to utilize new knowledge

3. Willingness to re-work/modify/improve piece

4. Product craftsmanship/attention to detail

5. Overall success of the finished product.

In-class projects will be worth 70% of your semester grade.

Students will also be assigned eight sketchbook assignments for homework during the semester. Sketchbook assignments should each take approximately one hour to complete and are worth 30% of your semester grade. Students will also have the opportunity earn extra credit points by completing additional assignments.

At the end of the semester, students will be given a final exam. The final will be worth 10% of your semester (final) grade.

MS. BEAN’S CLASSROOM RULES!!

1.)  No disrespect to teacher or fellow students.  Use appropriate language.  Be nice.

2.)  Clean up after yourself and alert the teacher if there is a spill or equipment malfunction.   Be honest.

3.)  Do not eat food in the art classroom.  Keep food away from art supplies and materials. Water is OK, but RECYCLE empty bottles. 

Do not put containers that still have liquid in the recycling bin.  (Gross!)

4.)  Technological distractions are not allowed and will be confiscated. 

5.)  Alert the teacher if you need to leave the room during class.  (Bathroom breaks, etc.)

Make eye contact with the teacher when you notify her that you are leaving.

6.)  Here is an attendance scenario.  You are more than two minutes late and you…

A.)        Have a pass and hand it to the teacher (good job)

B.)       Quietly enter the room with no pass and then sign the LATE BOOK.  (The late book is a record that you are not absent and will save you from getting a detention for skipping class.)

C.)       Realize it is the second time you are late to class.  YOU GET A DETENTION WITH THE TEACHER!  Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7.)  Refrain from lining up at the door at the end of class.