Art I Foundations of Studio Art

long reach high school visual arts

Art is not a handicraft; it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced. - Leo Tolstoy

Welcome to Art I
In this class, you will be introduced to the materials and methods of making art. Learning the visual arts can be
compared to learning a language, like French or Japanesefirst you learn words, then you write sentences,
then you are able to have a conversation, and you might eventually write a poem or novel in that language. A
master of language thinks and dreams in that language and speaks it fluently. Art is not merely talent: like
French or Japanese, the language of art can be learned; and, just as with French or Japanese, learning the
language of art takes study, concentration, and practice. Here, you will learn the basic methods, materials, and
visual vocabulary necessary to the making and understanding of visual art. By the end of the term you will be
amazed by how well you are able to speak and understand the language of ART!
Throughout the year, I will guide you through a number of art problems for which your solutions will be in the
form of drawings, paintings, mixed media, and sculptures. To inspire and direct you through the process of
making these artworks, we will look at examples from the fine and applied arts, from both the past and present.
As well, you will discover and experience the methods that artists use to create art: the initial research, the
sketches, the preliminary studies, the experimentation with media, the final, refined work, and the critique or
reflection on that work.

Materials
Must be brought to class every day:
Your agenda book
# 2 Pencils
Erasers
Spiral bound sketchbook You will be given ONE sketchbook. It is a necessary component of this art
class and will serve as a way to complete warm ups, brainstorm, plan, and gather information that
pertains to your experiences in class each day. If you loose this sketchbook you will be responsible
for replacing it.
Also recommended:
Ultra Fine Sharpie (pen, not marker)
A pair of knee-high socks (new or gently used, will be announced prior to unit)
Supplies will be needed for class participation by __________________________.

Course Overview
Art I: Foundations of Studio Art is the prerequisite course for the comprehensive high school art program and
fulfills the one credit Fine Arts graduation requirement. Studio problems are designed to build creative and
critical thinking skills through practice in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, crafts, and other art
disciplines. As students gain knowledge of ways artists find and interpret ideas, they develop an understanding
and appreciation of the role of the artist in a culturally diverse world.

Course Syllabus
Developmentally Appropriate Entry Level Skills Art I: Foundations of Studio Art:
Follow sequential processes using various media (drawing, painting, printmaking, crafts, sculpture) to
(complete art strategies) solve art problems.

 Recognize and discuss qualities of the elements of art and principles of design in making aesthetic
judgments about works of art.
Distinguish relationships among styles and apply approaches used in cultural exemplars and by
master artists.
Work in groups to generate, develop and apply ideas in making an artwork.
Select and use tools appropriately.
Course Goal for RESPONDING: To demonstrate a competent understanding of the use of aesthetic criteria to
analyze cultural exemplars, master artists, and their work to determine societal influences and their context.
COURSE OBJECTIVES for Responding:
1. Select and apply ideas from art history and production in evaluating ones own artwork.
2. Identify processes, themes, ideas, and issues common to the visual art and other forms of human
expression.
3. Compare and explain how works of art from various societies and cultures communicate feelings,
ideas, and universal themes.
4. Utilize art concepts and vocabulary in the discussion and analysis of works of art.
5. Identify and use various philosophies of aesthetics (perceptual, formal, and expressive) to compare
works of art in the forming of critical judgments.
6. Demonstrate the ability to apply various critical models to works of art.
7. Identify various career paths that utilize visual arts skills and behaviors
Course Goal for EXPRESSING: Develop an ability to demonstrate the effective use of composition and
design through various conceptual and technical approaches that can be maintained in cumulative portfolio.
COURSE OBJECTIVES for Expressing:
1. Demonstrate the use of sketchbook/journal for recording solutions to problems.
2. Apply a variety of creative problem solving techniques in the solving of art problems.
3. Demonstrate accurate depiction of observed subject matter.
4. Use experimentation, narrative conventions, observation, imagination, and memory to invent personal
interpretations of subject matter.
5. Apply formal qualities and compositional devices to organize personal solutions and communicate
ideas in response to visual art problems.
6. Demonstrate the ability to create specific effects in a composition through the selective use and
application of materials and techniques.
7. Analyze masterworks/cultural exemplars, and apply ways the formal qualities of art influence content
and compositional formats.
8. Select and use a variety of tools, materials, process, and techniques safely to solve specific visual
problems in the making of works of art
ART DISCIPLINE OBJECTIVES:
Drawing: Represent form and space using a variety of technical approaches, including gesture,
contour, linear shading, tone, and value while working from imagination, observation, memory, verbal
to visual, and experimentation.
Painting: Utilize and apply color theory and specific painting techniques in an effective composition
that demonstrates meaning, mood or personal imagery. Develop paintings influenced by formal
qualities found in master artists paintings.
Printmaking: Apply specific printmaking processes to develop personal imagery that is influenced by
master artists/cultural exemplars.
Crafts: Develop a decorative or functional objective influenced by master artists/cultural exemplars
that utilize technical processes and design principles.
Sculpture: Apply master artists concepts, design, and techniques in a personal interpretation using
three-dimensional form through penetrating, relief, and in the round approaches to sculpture.

Culminating Artistic Behaviors Art I: Foundations of Studio Art:

Recognize the difference between philosophies of art: formal, expressive, and perceptual in making
critical judgments.
Develop a working knowledge of various cultural exemplars, the context in which master artists
worked and influences upon them.
Employ appropriate health and safety precautions.
Apply various conceptual and technical approaches to media.
Effectively design and compose space.
Maintain a cumulative portfolio and sketchbook/journal of class work and related experiences.

Studio Policies
Respect others, the studio or other work site, the materials, the artwork and yourself.
Class Routine
When the late bell rings you are expected to be in your seat and to cease all conversation. If you
arrive early and wish to begin working on your project right away, that is fine - as long as you are in
your seat when the bell rings.
There will be a warm-up on the board along with the days objectives. You are expected to start the
warm-up as soon as the late bell rings without prompting from me while I take attendance. You will
usually have about 5 minutes to work on the warm-up unless otherwise stated. We will review the
warm-up together afterwards.
The next portion of the class is dedicated to instructions and demonstrations. The bulk of the class
period is dedicated to studio time to give students the most time to complete work in class. It is
imperative that all conversation cease while instruction and demonstrations are given.
Once instruction and demonstrations have finished, the class will move onto studio time where
students apply what has been learned to their current project. Sometimes studio work will suspend
briefly so that I can demonstrate a process to the entire class, lead a discussion, initiate a critique, or
make an important point. Again it is important that conversation stop during these times to ensure all
students can hear these points and benefit from them.
The final five minutes (give or take) is set aside for cleanup and reflection on what we have
accomplished as well as what is in store for our next class. Do not wait by the door until the bell
rings, you are expected to be in your seats from bell to bell.
For some people, a little conversation helps them make art; for others, quiet, focused thought is best. In this
class, talking while you work is okay- so long as your conversation is not adversely affecting your work or the
work of those around you. Appropriate class volume is decided by the teacher, excessive volume is disruptive
and will mandate consequences.
Students will NOT TALK during morning announcements or other school-wide announcements.
Students are also not permitted in the art storage room(s), B114, or other classrooms without a
teacher.
Students may leave their seat only to get supplies and clean up, not to socialize.
All school rules are in effect in my classroom. I expect you to be respectful in your use of
language, behavior (including being in the room before the tardy bell AND having your cell phone off
and put away), treatment of others, and treatment of art materials. I will extent the utmost respect to
you and will ask for it in return. I will communicate with your parents/guardians, coaches, and
administrators is you are showing disrespect.
Studio Maintenance
LEAVE YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT IN A CONDITION EQUAL OR BETTER TO THE CONDITION YOU
FOUND IT IN. The art studio will be left in excellent condition at the end of every classtools and materials will
be properly stored, works-in-progress will be put away, the tables and stools will be cleared of all debris.
Materials that may have fallen on the floor during studio work periods will be picked up and stored properly.
Proper condition of your table is your responsibility.

Assessment and Grading

Grading and assessments will take various forms. Since this is a foundations (introductory) course, it is not
expected that every student will become a master right away. You will be graded on all parts of your process,
with the greatest number of points allowed to how well your final product meets the criteria of the assignment.
You will be graded on only your own performance and progress on your individual effort, growth, and
improvement- NOT how your finished work compares to the rest of the class. At the completion of each
unit, you will asses your own progress through written refection before submitting the work for a grade.
Students will be assessed by participating in small-group and class critiques, as well as completing a selfassessment based on the criteria clearly stated when the assignment is given out. The criteria is based upon
the following categories:
IDEA DEVELOPMENT - Critical thinking and brainstorming of the concepts and problems (essential
questions) posed in the unit.
DESIGN - The use of the Principles of Design to create an elegant visual answer to the essential questions
post in the unit.
PERSONAL CHOICES - The unique exploration of the essential question specifically encouraging the use of
the students personal experiences and perspectives.
CRAFTSMANSHIP - Addresses the neatness of presentation and physical care of work.
STUDIO SKILLS - Handling/use of materials and equipment in a way that helps effectively communicate the
students solution to problems posed in the unit.
The grading scale is as follows:
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
E = 0 - 59
NOTE THAT INCOMPLETE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED; ONLY FINISHED WORK WILL RECEIVE A
GRADE.

Quarterly Grade Break-Down

55%
30%
15%

Classwork/Studio Time : This category contains your final prints and corresponding rubrics for each
unit.
Sketchbook/Binder : This category contains all brainstorming, worksheets, and other small
assessments done in each unit.
Homework/Quizzes : This category contains any homework or quizzes given along with all Click
assignments.

Late and Missed Work Policy

Assignment deadlines are set at the discretion of the instructor when the assignment is given. It is the students
responsibility to make up any missed work due to absences, and to collect daily objectives, handouts, and
notes. Students are also responsible for scheduling appointments with the teacher to discuss make-up work. If
the student is absent on the day an assignment is due, the assignment should be handed in the following
grade. Late work from unexcused absences or otherwise will not be given full credit.
Classwork/Studio Time work will be deducted one letter grade (or 10%) for each day it is late.
Sketchbook/Binder work will lose 50% after one day and receive no credit on the second.
Homework will not be accepted late (unless you have an excused absence).
Students in Miss Borleis classes may work after school on Tuesdays or Thursdays unless otherwise noted.

There is NO EXTRA CREDIT - Do your work the first time!

Academic Integrity
Each student is responsible for upholding and maintaining academic integrity. If there is a question in reference
to a students academic integrity, they will be referred to their administrator by way of a disciplinary referral,

given due process, and receive the appropriate consequences based on Long Reach High Schools Academic
Honor Code. Any violation of academic integrity will impact a students eligibility for credit in this course.

Denial of Credit
According to county-wide policy, students are not to miss more than 5% of any credited classes for the entire
school year. Missing a studio class can put a student in a difficult position for making up work. All students
should be responsible for making up missed assignments of their own accord. Since this course is only offered
during 4th period, that means you can only miss 5 days before you are in danger of not receiving credit.
Reminder that if you are late to class 3 times that counts as 1 absence.

Behavior Policy
Code of Conduct - All students are expected to abide by the Long Reach Honor Code at all times and will be
held accountable for any violations of the Honor Code. Failure to do so will result in an intervention or referral
depending on the frequency or severity of the offense.
Sequence for Minor Incidents:
1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: Contact home and teacher consequence.
3rd Offense: Contact home and discipline referral.
Students will be asked to initial a form after each offense to note that each step in the sequence has been
taken and to give students knowledge of what is happening.
Incidents not considered minor will result in an automatic contact home and discipline referral.

Late Policy
Due to past years, a new late policy has been put in place. Students will be asked to fill out a form after each
tardy. The sequence is as follows:
1st Offense: Teacher/Student Conference
2nd Offense: Teacher/Student Conference and Parent Contact
3rd Offense: Teacher Detention & Parent Contact
4th Offense: Teacher Detention & Parent Contact
5th Offense: Administrative Referral & Parent Contact
Cut Policy - If a student cuts class, he/she will be referred to administration on the first offense and receive a
phone call home and discipline referral as well.

Electronics Policy
While we are a BYOD (bring your own device) school, all cell phones are expected to be off and away
during class hours unless otherwise instructed. In this course, you may very well be asked to use your
cameras, interact through applications such as Instagram, or find photographs for reference. During these
specific times you may use your phone. However playing on your phone, texting, and other activities are
strictly prohibited and will result in either contact home or possible removal from class. This goes for all other
electronic devices too. (Sorry, no listening to music in class!)

Food and Beverages

Due to the expensive equipment and chemistry housed in our room, no food or drink is allowed except for a
bottle of water. (Yes, this means during lunch as well!)

Long Reach High School Visual Arts Department Syllabus Contract

This syllabus is a contract. It can be found through both Canvas and the class website provided during class.
By signing below, you and your parents/guardians are acknowledging that you have read the entire course
syllabus AND will abide by and support all of its stated policies.

student name (please print)

student signature

I have reviewed the expectations for this course with the student in my care.

parent/guardian name (please print)

parent/guardian signature

phone number (home)

parent/guardian email address

phone number (work or cell)

student email address

Publication Notice
Some of the work we will be undertaking this year will be used for building/updating a school-based
visual arts website. For this purpose, I, the teacher will photograph some of your artwork, students
working in class, and taking some quotes from reflective statements. Students will also their
documented work for a digital portfolio.
Please ask your parents/guardians to sign below giving permission for your artwork to be reproduced for/in the
school based website and art education publications. (I can publish and post only student work for which
parent/guardian permission has been granted.) Permission is not required and will in no way affect the
assessment and grading of student work throughout the year.
I grant permission for the Long Reach Fine Arts Department to document my child, their artwork, and reflective
statements for publication in school-based websites and art education journals.

x
parent/guardian signature

date