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Instructor: Patricia L. Leeson
PAINTING and PAINTING A
Course Curriculum and Expectations
Painting(College Prep)9160
Painting(Accelerated)9161
Grades 10, 11, 1210 credits
Prerequisite: Drawing &Design I and Drawing & Design II
Mrs. Leeson’s Email:
Mrs. Leeson’s Website:
Nicolet High School Website:
Students will learn a variety of painting techniques using acrylic, watercolor and oil paints. The subject matter covered will include still life, portraiture, landscape and abstraction. Hardboard, canvas board, and stretched canvas will be used as surfaces upon which to paint, as well as other potential surfaces such as wood, glass, furniture, etc. Students will begin by learning painting basics and vocabulary. As they advance, students will view digital presentations and study art historical periods with each painting lesson. Studies in the history of modern art may include Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Fauvism & German Expressionism, Fantasy, Dada & Surrealism, American Regionalism, American Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art and Op Art and American Recent Trends.
Painting is considered a higher-level course and should be taken by motivated art students. This course provides a strong foundation for the Advanced Placement Drawing portfolio. In addition to paying a $35.00 lab fee, which covers the cost of some materials, students will be required to purchase canvas, brushes and a set of acrylic paints.
The Accelerated Level will involve assignments, which require additional reading, research and presentations in regard to techniques, artists and exhibitions. This additional work is designed to extend the student’s knowledge of art history, theory, criticism and aesthetics. Accelerated students are expected to consistently use higher level thinking skills to solve problems as well as higher level technical skills to execute the solutions. They are also expected to produce a greater quantity of work, which exhibits the use of more abstract concepts. Students will be required to keep a sketchbook and participate in a final exhibition. Recommended placement to the accelerated level will be based on an interview with the student, a review of his/her portfolio or previous achievement in art courses. (If this is not available, work from the first assignment in the course will be the determining factor.) Lab fees will be the same as the college prep level of the same class.
Main Course Objectives:
1.Students will improve the quality and expand the variety of their artwork in the media of painting.
2.Students will be prepared to make more informed career decisions.
3.Students will become more knowledgeable about historically and conceptually significant time periods of art through slide presentations and applicable text readings throughout the course.
4.Students will learn about artworks created by men and women of various ethnic groups through presentations of art, both past and present.
5.Students will learn to use community resources such as museums, historical societies, and architectural monuments in extending their knowledge of art history. (Sources will be tied directly into individual presentations, field trips and/or speakers.)
6.Students will improve their ability to discuss works of art in general, whether it is art history, heritage, their own work or the work of a classmate. Students will increase their critique/evaluation of work in progress and at completion with the instructor and with other students.
7.Students will engage in continuing self-evaluation of their work in order to better understand their own strengths and weaknesses and therefore to establish future goals. This includes the continuing development of their portfolio.
8.Students will improve work habits, sense of responsibility and seriousness toward the subject of art. This includes the responsibility of keeping a sketchbook for assignments outside of class and for leisure time drawing. It also includes willingness to view exhibitions, films or TV shows related to art and includes students participation in a final exhibit.
9. Students will begin to develop a sense of their own personality/self and how to express and communicate that self through their artwork.
-Social-
1. Students will be able to work in a cooperative and collaborative manner with other students.
2. Students will develop an appreciation of the work of others and a respect for the workspace of others.
3. Students will learn to maintain an efficient and organized studio.
4. Students will be able to work as team members on group project/s
5. Students will be able to demonstrate the personal traits of Patience, Perseverance, Resilience, Responsibility, Respect and Kindness as they are key to individual and group success in the classroom.
Point Values and Grade Equivalents
Grading in Mrs. Leeson’s classes is point based. That means that you should be most concerned with your overall point totals as opposed to grade equivalents or percentages. However, students want to see a grade equivalent, so I have included them here. Percentage equivalents are automatically printed as part of the grade program used here at Nicolet, but these do not reflect as accurate a picture of the student’s progress as the points total.
1 Day Activities2 Day Activities3 Day Activities
4 points = A8 points = A12 points= A+
3.5 points= B7.5 points = A-11.5 points= A
3 points = C7 points = B+11 points= A-
2.5= D6.5 points= B-10.5 points = B+
2 or lower = F6 points = C10 points = B-
5.5 points = D+9.5 points= C+
5 points= D-9 points= C
4.5 or lower = F8.5 points = C-
8 points= D
7.5 points= D-
1 Week Activities
20 points = A+17.5 points = B+15.5 points = C+13.5 points = D+
19 points = A17 points = B15 points = C13 points = D
18 points = A-16 points = B-14 points = C-12 points = D-
2 Week Activities
40 points possible
Take your score from the 20-point rubric and X2
3 Week Activities
60 points possible
Take your score from the 20-point rubric and X3
1 Quarter = (# of points per quarter and semester may vary based on calendar and length of time spent on assignments)
10 Weeks (9 weeks of class time + homework) x 20 points each week = 200 points
1 Semester = (# of points per quarter and semester may vary based on calendar and length of time spent on assignments)
College PrepQuarter 1 = 200 points possible Quarter 2 = 200 points possible
AcceleratedQuarter 1 = 250 points possible Quarter 2 = 250 points possible
HonorsQuarter 1 = 500 points possible Quarter 2 = 580 points possible
Points from each quarter are added together.
The total points of both quarters represent 6/7 and the final exam total points represent 1/7 of the final grade. Points for exams are calculated to represent approximately 1/7 of the final semester grade.
Grading Scale
Beginning this fall semester, all Nicolet faculty members will be using a common grading scale for all student work. My grading scale is point based, however the grade program does make a point to percentage conversion. The following are the lowest scores possible for each particular grade level:
A+ / A / A- / B+ / B / B- / C+ / C / C- / D+ / D / D- / F97 / 93 / 90 / 87 / 83 / 80 / 77 / 73 / 70 / 67 / 63 / 60 / 0
Letter Grades – (“+” and “-” are also attached when appropriate to further delineate student performance)
AExcellent
BAbove Average
CAverage
DBelow Average
FFailure
GEffort
HConditional
IIncomplete
PPass
The following pages include an example of a sample syllabus with point values. The instructor will make changes as appropriate to accommodate a particular class group’s needs and interests, calendar issues and changes in curriculum in order to stay current with cutting edge technology and/or techniques. Students are always notified of changes in curriculum plan and due dates.
PAINTING + PAINTING A
In your selection of this course at Nicolet High School, you have elected ONE of the many courses offered in the Art Department in which you are encouraged to express your creativity within the bounds of good craftsmanship and discipline. It is imperative that the following regulations, rules, and procedures be followed to allow everyone to work at their best and to allow the instructor adequate time with each student.
I.CLASS POLICIES
A.Course Content
The course goals, objectives and content are covered in the course curriculum. Copies of this document are included in this packet of information and will be discussed in class.
B. Fees and Required Materials
Painting supplies are expensive. A course fee payment is made during registration. It helps pay for some course materials provided the student (pencils, erasers, paper, charcoal, fixative, hardboard and canvas board (limited number), gesso, medium, varnish, etc.) and maintenance of tools & equipment. Some of these supplies, such as pencils, markers and erasers can last past the duration of the course. When the fee is paid, it is important to keep your receipt for your records. If you have not already paid this fee, please pay the fee immediately. Students who are delinquent in paying fees will have their grades withheld at grading periods. In addition to the course fee the student purchases canvas, brushes, and a set acrylic paints for use during the course. These materials are available to the student in class. Prices charged usually reflect the school's cost, tax-free and discounted. They are lower in most cases than what the student would pay if purchased retail.
The average cost for materials needed per semester is approximately $40 to $70. The cost varies dependant upon the number of paintings produced, their size, and the number of brushes and colors the student wishes to acquire. A good way to hold costs down (and work for a good grade) is by concentrating on careful craftsmanship rather than speed or quantity of paintings produced. Sets of paint may vary from a basic set of required colors to a larger set, which includes a larger variety of colors. Fewer tubes of color may be purchased and colors mixed in an effort to keep the cost of materials down as well. Students and parents should discuss all of these options and the student should purchase accordingly.
Each student has a "materials purchased" record kept by the teacher for the purchase of additional supplies. Bills can be paid at the end of each semester in the student office. Cash is not normally handled in class.
Required Materials
The following materials should be brought to class by the date on the parent/student signature form (last page of this document):
1.Sketchbook 9" x 12" (or larger) –spiral bound
2.Art box (fishing tackle box, or similar wood, plastic, or metal box for storage of pencils, pens, tools, tubes of paint, brushes, etc.)
3.Two small plastic jars with lids for storage of media to be mixed with your paint, rags and old shirt (smock) for keeping paint off clothing
4.Palette (piece of plate glass, cookie pan, enameled "butcher" tray - or artist’s palette which may be purchased in class)
5.Optional - 1 1/2 inch wide, three-ring loose-leaf binder for a copy of PaintingBook of Handouts to be kept at home. Each student will be provided with one that will be kept in the art classroom.
Numbered tool sets: Students are spared the expense of having to purchase some materials (art history books, Exacto knives, pastels, etc,) by having class sets provided. These “personal” sets are numbered and assigned to the student for their use during the class period. Each student assumes the responsibility for using his/her assigned set at the beginning of the period and returning it to the storage rack at end of the period. The sets are checked and maintained in good condition. If the student finds his book or set damaged or missing, this should be reported to the teacher immediately in order that the student not be held liable.
C.Attendance
Good attendance is important:
1. The teacher through presentations, explanations, and demonstrations presents most information. When the student is absent, this information is lost and cannot be regained easily because there is no textbook. The students will be given the course syllabus and most of the handouts, which are to be kept in a 2-inch wide, 3 ring binder that the student provides. This course involves class critiques and presentations, which rely on group involvement; therefore the overall success of these activities is dependent upon everyone’s involvement.
2. Many class assignments require direct observation of still life or controlled lighting conditions that exist in the classroom. Such assignments cannot be done satisfactorily from imagination at home.
D. Absence and Tardiness
The nature of this course, which depends almost entirely on studio hours, makes it mandatory that you attend every day. Each class hour missed due to absence (including excused absences and field trips) should be made up in the art room in order to regain the working time missed and maintain the quality of work produced. Students wishing to make up absences or wanting special help should come to the art room after school from 2:30 - 3:30. Teachers are normally available at this time for the purpose of helping students make up work.
It is the absentee's responsibility to arrange with the teacher for make up of missed assignments promptly. School policy allows one day of make up time for each day of excused absence. Students may not be allowed make up time for unexcused absence. Class participation points are also deducted for each day a student is unexcused.
3 Strike Procedure for Student Tardiness
1st Unexcused Tardy - Student will receive a verbal warning.
2nd Unexcused Tardy - Student will be asked to apologize to the teacher and to the members of class for the interruption to class instruction.
If the student refuses to apologize for inconveniencing the class, they will automatically be assigned the corrective action for Unexcused Tardy #3.
3rd Unexcused Tardy - Student will receive a 30-minute Detention with the teacher and will be expected to help with a classroom duty. It is expected that this detention be served by the end of the offending week.
4th Unexcused Tardy - Student will be referred to the administration and will be assigned a Nicolet Student Office Detention. This will also result in the loss of the student's exam exemption.
E.Grading
Grading will be based on attitude, effort, individual improvement, completion of work exhibiting good craftsmanship and design, completion of written assignments, test scores, attendance, record of tardiness and studio clean-up.
Assignments are graded/evaluated in the following 4 areas:
Idea/Composition – use of design elements and principles to create an aesthetically appealing arrangement
Craftsmanship – work demonstrates the use of tools and media to a refined degree
Effort – work exhibits daily class effort and an appropriate level of challenge chosen by the student
Understanding – work exhibits an understanding of the stated objectives of the assignment
All assigned work should be signed and dated in the lower right hand corner or another designated spot agreed upon by the artist and instructor. Each assignment must be signed and due-dated for the grade to be recorded.
Each assignment carries a point value in proportion to its importance or class time allotted. The quarter grade is based on the sum total of points for all assignments. Work not completed or not turned in may not receive points. Work turned in late loses credit over time.
Grading attempts to recognize improvement; because in art, skills are developed through practice. “Talent” is less important that hard work!
A good attitude is essential to being successful in this class and to achieving a passing grade. Any student who wishes to spend additional time in the studio to work may do so with the permission of the instructor. A sample quarter break down of the points to be earned is included in this packet. Students will be given this sheet at the beginning of each quarter so they may keep a record of their grades. Point values or assignments may vary slightly as the quarter progresses - students will be updated accordingly.
F.Special Activities
1. Teacher demonstrations, presentations, and possibly guest speakers and/or field trips will be scheduled. Students are expected to attend these sessions with enthusiasm and interest, as these are essential to a complete understanding of the field of painting.
2. Each year there are many contests, shows and opportunities to gain special recognition outside of school. Every student should aspire to achieve the quality of craftsmanship and originality, which would
qualify him or her to enter such competitions.
II.EXPECTATIONS
A.Seating
Students may be assigned seats for several reasons, from taking attendance to involvement in cooperative learning experiences. Everyone is expected to be in his or her seat at the beginning bell. Everyone will return to his or her seat after clean up before the dismissal bell rings.
B.Help
After materials are dispensed and when an assignment is in progress, the teacher circulates to check the work of individual students. As it sometimes takes time to help a student work through a problem, students waiting for help should be patient if the teacher can’t see them immediately. Students should cooperate with the person sitting next to them when questions arise. Students that were not seen during the class period, and who are eager for help, are encouraged to see the teacher after school or wait until the following day. Behaving in a rude or impatient manner is inappropriate behavior for the classroom or in any public situation; therefore, those students exhibiting this kind of behavior will be attended to last or not at all.
C.Effort
1. Consistent effort is expected and required. Non-productive students have a negative effect on overall class productivity. Any student who is not working during a class period will be reminded of the importance of utilizing class time as work time. If there is no effort by the student upon the third reminder, or if the student is chronically non-productive, the student will be given a productive cleaning assignment in the classroom or if they are non-compliant, asked to leave the room and report to the student office. Repeated referral to the student office may result in the student being dropped from the class.
Students are expected to:
1.Be in the room when the bell rings (the third and each additional unexcused tardiness results in a detention).
2.Be attentive during teacher presentations, and raise hand before speaking.