Art I: Introduction & Exploration of Visual Ideas, Media, & Techniques

Ms. Gretel Watts–Hewitt-Trussville High School

All school procedures and policies from the Hewitt-Trussville High School student handbook and Trussville City Schools will be followed. Accommodations for students with Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) or Personalized Education Plans (PEP’s or 504’s) or English as a Second Language (ESL Plan) will be followed. Conferences may be scheduled upon request.

My e-mail: School phone number: 205-228-4113

HTHS Website:

Monday, Tuesday, Friday / Wednesday / Thursday
Zero Period / N/A / 7:30-8:05 / 7:30-8:05 / 7:30-8:05
1st Period / Art I / 8:15-9:04 / 8:15-9:40
2nd Period / Art I / 9:09-9:55 / 8:15-9:40
3rd Period / Art I / 10:00-10:46 / 9:45-11:10
4th Period / Prep / 10:51-11:37 / Prep
Husky Hour / Freshmen / 11:42-12:42 / 11:15-12:15 / 11:15-12:15
5th Period / Photography / 12:47-1:33 / 12:20-1:45
6th Period / Photography / 1:38-2:24 / 1:50-3:15 / 12:20-1:45
7th Period / Photography / 2:29-3:15
Professional Development / 2:00-3:15

Source of Objectives to be covered

Art in Focus, and The Alabama Course of Study for Visual Arts

Class Description

Art I: Introduction & Exploration of Visual Ideas, Media, & Techniques is a year-long course that introduces students to a variety of media. Students will explore beginning art techniques and approaches as ways of communicating their ideas. Students will explore a broad range of approaches to art through sketching and formal drawing techniques. Students will learn to draw from both observation and imagination. Students will study/practice traditional, experimental, and contemporary styles in the drawing discipline and work with different drawing media. Development of technical skills and vocabulary will include all the elements and principles of art; formalism, realism, and abstraction; aesthetics and color theory. Projects will include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and mixed media, with emphasis on critical thinking, craftsmanship, and presentation of artwork. Students are also required to keep a personal sketchbook and study specific artists, cultures, and art historical movements. Creativity, craftsmanship, personal effort, critical thinking, sketchbooks, participation, classwork, quizzes, tests, and monthly homework assignments are all included in the grading process. in order to succeed in this class, students must meet the required criteria given for all the assignments, be prepared to question and critique their own work as well as the work of other artists and approach each art process with an open mind and a positive attitude.

Class Format

The class format will be varied and may include the following: Vocabulary, lecture-note-taking, demonstrations, videos, short-term, and extended studio projects, art history, art criticism and aesthetics, possible oral reports on artists and character education, out-of-class assignments, quizzes, class participation, group work, & exhibition of your work.

Grades

Grades will be based on your performance in the above-mentioned activities, but specifically studio projects, participation, critiques, sketchbook work, gallery reports, research, art criticism, presentations, tests, daily classwork, and written reflections. Studioprojects are graded according to rubrics that include areas of assessment such as: effort, demonstrated knowledge of concept, classroom working habits, composition, craftsmanship, and use of media. Late assignments will be marked down 10% for every day they are late.

One need not be an excellent artist or possess great drawing skills to make an acceptable grade in this class. Motivation, effort, creativity, use of time, problem-solving skills and paying attention to and following directions are of the greatest importance in doing well in Art I.

Your grade will be composed of the following:

Studio Projects - 200pts each / Weekly Sketchbook Drawings - 20pts each
Tests - 100pts each / Art Criticism reflections, Worksheets, homework, & class work – 10-40pts each
Mini projects - 50pts each / Daily Studio Habits & Participation - Usually out of 10 points – assessed either by work turned in or observed behavior. Examples: 10 – focused on task at hand, prepared, productive & effective Studio Habits. 7 – Unexcused Tardy, overly socializing, not fully prepared, some work completed though studio time not effectively utilized. 5 or lower – Present though little actual work completed, not following class procedure, unprepared with crucial elements, not cleaning up, reminders to stay on task, disruptive
Bellringers - 5pts each

Art Supplies (no later than Monday, September 5, 2016):

Recommended Visual Arts Supply List:

Graphite pencil set (7H-7B)Reflects the most light

Charcoal pencil Set (B-4B)Reflects little to no light

Carbon Pencil Set (B-4B)Reflects less light than graphite, normally used adjacent charcoal

Compressed Charcoal Set (HB-4B)Used in blending graphite or carbon

Pen Eraser- Removes unwanted value in small areas

Kneaded Eraser- Used in a blotting motion to remove charcoal

Typing Eraser- Sharpened to a point and used for ultra-fine detail work

Blending Stump Set- Blends pencil medium and charcoal together

Felt Pad-Blends charcoal to add texture

Chamois- Blends pencil mediums with charcoal for soft, even textures

Sanding Block- Re-sharpen a point without sharpening the wood of a pencil.

Compass- Making perfect circles

Workable Fixative- Spray onto charcoal to prevent damage or smudges

Small Paint brush- Blends charcoal in detailed areas

Small Pencil organizer-holds drawing supplies neatly and in one location. This does not need to be a specific type.

NOTE: Frequently many of these items are found together in drawing sets

Required Visual Arts Supply List:

9"x12" Spiral (side) bound Sketchbook

Two Pocket Folder

1box of wooden Number 2 Pencils

1hand held pencil sharpener for colored pencils

1set of Mechanical pencils

1set of blue or black ballpoint pens

Optional Supplies:

We go through a ton of paper towels in this class. I offer bonus points to students who bring in hand sanitizer, liquid hand soap, tissues, and Clorox wipes. As we get further into learning about different art media, our projects make more of a mess. In addition, because we work so frequently in groups, germs and colds pass quickly in our collaborative environment. We appreciate any donations to keep our class healthy!!

Idea File

I recommend students use the last few pages of their sketchbook for personal drawings and collecting images that interest you. I call this your idea file and consists of pictures from magazines or other sources. Subject matter should consist of real objects such as shoes, nature, furniture, etc., animals, landscapes, architecture, and real photos. You should also collect close-ups and full shots of a variety of people. If you like the design layout of a piece, choose it. Do not choose only things that you like, but things that make you curious. Choose pictures without writing on them if possible. We will continuously add to this file throughout the term. It will be a necessary part of the brainstorming process to help generate ideas for projects.

Class Procedures

A goal of art class is to encourage critical thinking, creativity, independence, and responsibility.Since the demands upon students are very high, it is important that all students exhibit commitment and a respectful behavior which contributes to an orderly atmosphere.Students need an environment that is safe and positive for learning.To provide and maintain that environment, there must be an absence of distraction, friction, and disturbances, which interfere with the effective functioning of the student. We will follow the following class rules, expectations and procedures to maintain this environment.

Class Rules / Class Expectations
Students must be Responsible / Be on time for class with appropriate materials, some are required daily. Students are responsible for making up all missed or lost assignments. Be responsible for their own work and portfolio
Students must be Respectful / LISTEN when the teacher is speaking and follow the directions the first time they are given. Students will not interfere with another student’s right to learn
Students must be Resourceful / Stay on task, we do not have time to waste in class and you will not be able to turn your work in late for full credit. Phones may be used in the classroom when Ms. Watts says you may use them as a resource. If they are used inappropriately, you personally, or the entire class may lose phone privileges.
Students must be Safe / Clean up all materials, work area and classroom and return to your seats before Ms. Watts dismisses you at the end of the class period. Be in your seat quietly working on the assigned daily bellringer/drawing when the tardy bell rings or you will be counted as tardy.Only bottled water is allowed in class.

Before/Beginning of Class

a. As soon as you enter the room you should look on the board for the bellringer, and answer in your folder and turn in. Begin working quietly on your current assignment.

b. Depending on whether we are starting on a new assignment or progressing with a long-term assignment, you should get out work in progress and start collecting needed supplies without disrupting fellow students. Class assignment supplies will be on the supply table.

Bathroom/Office Breaks

a. School policy states that students should not leave the classroom to use the bathroom unless it is an emergency. You may use the restroom before the tardy bell rings.

b. Students must receive permission to use a pass and leave, take the pass, return in less than five minutes, return the pass to Ms. Watts.

c. If passes out of class become a problem, we will begin using a limited pass system. You will receive 6 hall passes from class each semester. Use them wisely! Unused passes can be exchanged for bonus points at the end of each semester.

End of class/clean-up

a. Unless otherwise instructed, clean-up should begin automatically 5 minutes before the dismissal bell.

b. It is your responsibility to check in any supplies used, and to put work away, and to clean up your area, including washing/sanitizing your table daily. We will follow a rotating cleaning schedule to maintain all areas of the studio as per state standards.

c. Never line up at the door! Students are to remain standing behind their seats until the Ms. Watts dismisses you.

Syllabus/Internet Publishing agreement is due back no later than Friday, September 2nd2016

return page 4: Signed Syllabus and Internet Publishing Form

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I have read this syllabus, understand it, and agree to abide by the terms stated in it.

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Parent/Guardian SignatureDateParent preferred email

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Student SignatureDateStudent NameClass Period

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Internet Publishing Permission Form

An example of your son/daughter’s school work produced for class and/or his/her picture may be selected for inclusion on our school’s web page and will, on your approval, be published on the Internet*. Although this information may be published on the internet, your child will still own the copyright to the item(s) that he/she produced.

Information published on our web page(s) about students that might reasonably be expected published by the local media (recognition, awards, competition results; etc.) may include last names. All other student listings (club memberships, sample work., etc.) shall consist of first names and initials only.

I hereby give permission for the work/photo of my child, published on the school web page.

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Parent/Guardian SignatureDate

* Student work published on our school's website site can be accessed by any audience.