The Visual Art class explores and applies the elements of art and principles of design through the development of 2 and 3 dimensional art works. The purpose of this course is to improve the student's artistic skills in using various art materials. The students will complete project-based assignments relating to contemporary, historical, social, economic, and cultural issues. This course work meets the 5 content strands of the Visual Art State Standards. 

Course Outline

 Students will learn various art terminologies and how to apply it to their work. Students will be expected to employ these terms on written assignments and in classroom discussions. They will utilize problem-solving skills to determine spatial and design problems and to gain proficiency in recognizing and applying the principles of design as they create, plan, execute and discuss their 2 and 3-dimensional art works. Students will become familiar with different artists, gender, cultural background, time periods and artistic styles. Each assignment will be presented by the students in class, critiqued, documented (for the students portfolio) and displayed at various venues. 

Students are required to maintain a sketchbook/journal for in-class assignments, notes, and homework. The sketchbook is intended for personal exploration, thoughts, and ideas for their projects and other observational sketches. Students must also use and identify the elements of art and principles of design on each completed project. Written assignments are regularly assigned to the students through note taking (during lectures and demonstrations), brainstorming (for project ideas), student self-evaluations, and other unit specific assignments. 

7th Grade Semester Art Course may include:

Unit 1: Elements of Art

          -vocabulary and assignments to exemplify each art element

Unit 2: Drawing Techniques: Grid (copies of masterworks)

Unit 3: Principles of Design

           - vocabulary and assignments to exemplify each design of principle

Unit 4: Drawing Techniques: Contour, Blind, Contour and Gesture Drawing

Unit 5: Drawing Techniques: One Point Perspective

Unit 6: Lights and Shadows

          - use of various art mediums (charcoal and chalk) 

          - representational art (still life) 

Unit 7: Introduction to Sculptural Methods (paper mache, found objects, etc.)

Unit 8: Introduction to Color Theory

           - various painting techniques ( watercolor) 

8th Grade Course Semester may include: 

Unit 1: Elements of Art 

           - vocabulary and assignments to exemplify each art element 

Unit 2: Drawing Techniques: Grid (various art mediums) 

Unit 3: Principles of Design

          - vocabulary and assignments to exemplify each design principle 

Unit 4: Drawing Techniques: Two Point Perspective 

Unit 5: Lights and Shadows

          - use of various art mediums 

Unit 6: Color Theory 

           - color wheel

          - tints and shades, monochromatic, complementary colors, analogous colors

Unit 7: Introduction to Sculptural Methods 

          - Additive sculpture (clay) 

          - Subtractive sculpture (plaster)