Criteria for Grading Art

Art is not a subject that can easily be graded. Since art is a subjective topic, not everyone views the same work with the same opinion. To ensure a fair evaluation, effort and quality put into a work can be assessed fairly using the 6 C’s. Keeping these criteria in mind throughout the semester while you complete each project help you be successful.

  1. Craftsmanship- use of tools and mediums; technical skills; consistency
  2. Concepts- taught; followed directions
  3. Catch- the viewers eyes: creativity and originality
  4. Composition- center of interest, balance, space, movement
  5. Contrast- through use of color, value, texture, etc.
  6. Challenge- preparation, effort and perseverance

A (90-100)

  • The artwork was beautifully and patiently done; technical skills are generally excellent.
  • Demonstrates mastery of all the concept(s) taught
  • The student generated many ideas; tried unusual combinations or changes before choosing one; made connections to previous knowledge; mastery of problem-solving skills.
  • Composition is carefully planned; several sketches were made; effective arrangement.
  • Excellent contrast through elements and principles or media.
  • The project was continued until it was as complete as the student could make it; effort far beyond that required; took pride in going well beyond the basics. No class time was wasted or missed (if absent from class the student made up the time). All deadlines were met.

B ( 89-80)

  • With a little more effort the work could have been outstanding; technical skills are good.
  • Concepts taught are evident in work but could be developed more clearly.
  • The student tried a few ideas for selecting one; or based his or her work on someone else’s idea; made decisions after referring to one source; solved the problem in a logical way.
  • Composition is generally strong; showed an awareness of filling the space adequately.
  • Good contrast through elements and principles or media; could be developed more.
  • The student worked hard and completed the project, but with more effort it might have been outstanding. Student did not always utilize class time and/or missed a few classes and failed to make up the time. Artwork is 1 day late beyond deadline.

C ( 79-70)

  • Needs work on tools and materials; technical skills need to be more developed; a bit careless.
  • Concepts taught are minimally evident in work; student is minimally following guidelines of project.
  • The student tried one idea; lacks originality; artwork contains copied material or “symbols” in substitution for personal observation; student is not creating or modifying imagery used.
  • Composition is minimally developed; it is obvious the student did not clearly plan it out.
  • Fair contrast through elements and principles or media; only minimal parts of the artwork were developed with clear contrast.
  • More effort needed; adequate interpretation of the assignment; lacked finish; chose an easy project and did it indifferently; did not utilize class time and/or missed more than a few classes and failed to make up the time. Artwork is 2 days late beyond deadline.

D ( 69-66)

  • Little knowledge of tools or materials; technical skills weak; lack of pride in finished work
  • Weak understanding of the concept(s) taught; student did not follow the guidelines of the project.
  • The student completed the assignment; imagery is copied from another source; very little evidence of trying anything unusual.
  • Composition is weak and undeveloped; no evidence of planning.
  • Weak contrast through the elements and principles or media.
  • Minimum artistic decision-making and effort. Student failed to utilize class time effectively and/or missed many classes and failed to make up the time. Artwork is 3 days late beyond deadline.

F ( below 65)

  • Misuse of tools and materials; evidence of laziness or lack of understanding.
  • No evidence of concept(s) presented in class.
  • Poor solutions to problems/artwork is copied; no evidence of original thought.
  • No aspect of composition is represented; or the artwork was not completed.
  • No contrast.
  • Project incomplete, not turned in or over 4 days beyond deadline. Poor artistic decision-making/student put forth no effort. Most classes were missed and student failed to make up the time.

Each student will have the opportunity to talk to me about grades during the course. If you feel you have been critiqued unfairly, please address the subject with me, not your classmates. Grades are a private matter and you should never compare work or grades to anyone else's.

A word of encouragement: If you are doing your best to complete quality work and adhere to the grading criteria, you will do very well in this class. I do not grade on "the Bell Curve". Every member of your art class can receive an "A".

A word of warning: If you choose to "hang" in class and do nothing, it would be best for you to transfer to a different class. It isn't hard to grade nothing. "F"