BEGINNING ART SYLLABUS

Mrs. Cheney
Room E-1
760-244-9898 Ext
(Please call during 1st period or after school)
Kelli.Cheney@hesperiausd.org
This is an introductory course. The students are not expected to have any previous
knowledge or skill in the visual arts; however, s/he is expected to be motivated and
willing to learn. The students will produce artworks focused on drawing and painting.
They will also learn how to be visually literate by learning about art history, aesthetics,
critiquing, and careers related to the visual arts.
OBJECTIVES:
Based on the California Standards for the Visual Arts.
1. To develop perceptual skills and visual arts vocabulary.
2. To gain proficiency in art processes, materials, and tools.
3. To effectively communicate and express through original works of art.
4. To solve visual arts problems through the use of elements of art.
Visual Art Content Standards (State Standards):
5.1.0 ARTISTIC PERCEPTION
2.0 CREATIVE EXPRESSION
6. Processing, Analyzing, and Responding to Creating, Performing, and Participating in
Sensory
Information
Through
the the Visual Arts
Language and Skills Unique to the Visual Students apply artistic processes and
Arts
skills, using a variety of media to
7. Students perceive and respond to works communicate meaning and intent in
of art, objects in nature, events, and the original works of art.
environment.
They
also
use
the
vocabulary of the visual arts to express
their observations.
8.
3.0
HISTORICAL
AND
CULTURAL 4.0 AESTHETIC VALUING
CONTEXT
Responding to, Analyzing, and Making
Understanding
the
Historical Judgments About Works in the Visual Arts
Contributions and Cultural Dimensions of Students analyze, assess, and derive
the Visual Arts
meaning from works of art, including their
Students
analyze
the
role
and own, according to the elements of art, the
development of the visual arts in past and principles of design, and aesthetic
present cultures throughout the world, qualities.
noting human diversity as it relates to the
visual arts and artists.
5.0 CONNECTIONS, RELATIONSHIPS, APPLICATIONS
Connecting and Applying What Is Learned in the Visual Arts to Other Art Forms and
Subject Areas/Careers
CONSEQUENCES FOR BREAKING RULES:
CLASS
RULES:
1. Verbal warning
Be 1. 2. One on one talk/seat change if necessary
respectful
2.
3.
Loss
of
daily
points
and
work the
3.
4.
Phone
call
home
entire
period.
4. 5. Referral to the office
*A referral may be given on the first offence if the
behavior is extreme

RESTROOM USE:

Is limited to necessity. You must ask for permission, sign out and take the pass when you leave.
If you do not return the pass or misuse this privilege, your restroom privileges may be revoked.

GRADING POLICY:

Students will be graded on the following:

Craftsmanship
Neatness
Ability to follow instruction
Effort and
motivation
Use of class time
Proper use
of materials
Quality of work
Following
project rubric

GENERAL PROJECTS:

Throughout course of the year:

Elements/Principles of design Photorealism
Abstract expressionism
Color
wheel/color theory
1/2point perspective
Color
scheme painting
Impressionism
Surrealism
Still life drawing
Figure
drawing

The finished product must reflect an understanding of the art concepts and techniques
learned. There will also be various critiques at the end of projects in order for students
to analyze their own work; as well as each others work.
All missing work is marked as a zero.

GRADES:

100% - 90% =
A

89% - 80% =
B

79% - 70% =
C

69% - 60% =
D

59% - 0% = F

Art projects and written work- Most of these assignments will be graded based on
four categories:
effort/improvement, understanding of concept, craftsmanship, and creativity.
Individual effort/improvement makes up about 50% of this grade. This is a participation
class. Students who have poor attendance WILL FAIL the class.
Tests- There will be a final at the end of each semester that will include all of the
vocabulary, history, and art techniques taught throughout the year.
Personal Belongings:
The students are responsible for their own belongings. They are welcome to use the
storage areas that I
provide but it is at their own risk. Also some of the art supplies that we use will stain if
the student gets it on their clothing. The school is not responsible for lost/stolen personal
supplies or damaged clothing.
Use of Student Artwork:
All student artwork will be used as examples within critiques. Also, select artworks will be
used as good
examples for current and future students. If a student notifies me that he or she does not
want the artwork shown, then it will not be used.
Students planning to be accepted into Art 2 next year:

There are three criteria to determine your acceptance

1.
2.
3.

You receive at least a B grade for each semester in Art 1

You have no behavior problems
You have the ability to work independently

Donations:
Donations are always welcome.
We can always use paper towels, magazines, old aprons, etc., and parent volunteers.
*As always and at the teachers discretion, this syllabus is subject to change