STUDIO ART
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
This is a comprehensive one-year foundation course for grades 9-12 that emphasizes studio work and contemporary art. It is the first-course requirement needed to complete the Fine Arts sequence and it also fulfills the New York State art requirement for graduation. Studio in Art is a prerequisite to Drawing and Painting, Global Crafts 1 and 2, Sculpture 1 and 3D Design, Graphic Design 1 and 2, 3D, Jewelry and Metals 1 and 2, and Photography 1 and 2.
This course provides students with a series of progressive art problems through which they will learn to understand the elements (line, space, shape and form, value, color, texture, pattern, and repetition) and the principles (rhythm, balance, emphasis, variety, and unity) of design basic to visual art. Art problems presented are designed to meet the requirements of the Learning Standards for the Visual Arts. The curriculum encompasses a variety of art media and techniques: drawing, painting, design, mixed media, printmaking, bookmaking, and sculpture. Art history is integrated into Studio Art projects so that students will gain a basic awareness of artists and art movements.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The major objectives of Studio in Art include the following:
-Students will be exposed to a wide variety of art media and the acquisition of a knowledge of art processes necessary to move on to more advanced techniques
-Students will attain a better understanding of the elements and principles of design.
-Students will broaden their art vocabulary and their understanding of aesthetics, while they come to appreciate the importance of art in contemporary life and in the cultural heritage of the world.
-Students will work to improve their drawing, painting, sculpting, and design skills.
COURSE EVALUATION
Students are graded on their skill, as well as on the effort they put into their work and their grasping of the concept(s) being taught. Personal growth, constructive use of class time, and careful execution of assigned work are the major criteria for grading. Rubrics outlining the requirements for a successful project are reviewed for each major assignment before final grading. There is a grace period of one week when work may be handed in late without penalty; afterward work is downgraded two points for each day that it is late. For homework, students are required to keep a sketchbook that is turned in once a month for evaluation.
GRADING
Projects 80%
Sketchbooks 10%
Studio Practice 10%
TEXTBOOKS
Although students do not receive individual textbooks, there is a vast array of reference materials in the classroom. Students are encouraged to use these reference materials for inspiration and reference. Scholastic Arts magazine is used periodically for study guides and accompanying activities to expose students to specific artists and art movements.
TEACHER AVAILABILITY
Students are free to use department classrooms during their blocks of free time, lunch, or after school.
Instructors are available each day for extra help after school until 3:00 PM and by appointment during mutually convenient times.
Parents may contact the instructor by phone or email, please see the Faculty page for current contact information.