
Harrells Christian Academy
Painting
Course Syllabus
Credit Hours: 0.5
Grade Levels: 10-12
Prerequisite: Foundations of Art
Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the world of painting. With the use of acrylic paint, students will explore varying ideas in the history of artistic painting. In this course students will learn the basics of painting by:
- Exploring varying sizes of canvases.
- Learning the importance of drawing before painting.
- Researching the history of painting.
- Discovering different techniques used.
Textbook: Class Handouts
Instructor: Meredith H. Horne
mhorne@harrellsca.org
Mary Susan Cowan Johnson Auditorium – Second Floor
Lower School Computer Lab
(910) 385-7439 Main
(910) 532-4575 School
Materials: $30 for canvases, paints, and brushes.
Old, washable cup
Smock or Apron
1 Roll of Paper Towels
Graphite Pencil and Eraser
I. Major Objectives:
Over the duration of this course students will develop an enhanced level of
comprehension in the following fundamental areas of computer arts:
- Proper use of language and constructive criticism in art critiques
- Comprehension of the techniques used to complete a finished composition.
- Employing the Elements of Art and Principles of Design to create interesting pieces.
- Introduction into the world of paintingas a vocation and avocation.
Major performance expectations include the following:
- The student will be able to give oral and written critiques of their own artwork and their peers’ work using correct terminology.
- The student will problem-solve during new projects by employing information acquired in previous lessons.
- The student will actively seek out new information in the art world, including, but not limited to (1) New York Times Articles, (2) Art Magazines, and (3) Local work.
- The student will acquire information through class lectures, class discussions, written assignments, reading assignments, and take-home practices.
- The student will demonstrate his/her knowledge, understanding, and application of course topics through class participation with the instructor and other students, timely completion of classroom assignments and projects, and formal testing and evaluation procedures.
As instructional methodology, the teacher will:
- Show the historical significance and utilitarianism of visual arts;
- Include examples of concepts, terms, and generalizations presented in discussion; and
- Encourage students to write well and think logically and independently.
II. Course Requirement and Grading
- Daily Class Requirements 10% of Grade
- Attendance.
- Participation in class discussions and critiques.
- Completing homework assignments on time.
- Reading assigned articles, books, and papers.
- Studio upkeep and cleanup.
- Sketchbook assignment
- Project Requirements 50% of Grade
- Correct use of materials.
- Understanding concepts introduced.
- Utilization of concepts introduced.
- Pristine final presentation.
- Written Requirements 15% of Grade
- Formal writing assignments (typed)
- Informal writing practices
- Correct use of assigned citation style
- Exams 25% of Grade
III. Classroom Policies and Procedures
The following policies have been established so that we can have a productive
and enjoyable year.
- Attendance. Time is a crucial element in an instructional art environment.
When a student misses a day of class, they have missed time in which progress can be made on their project. Absences will happen. If a student is aware of an upcoming day that they will not be present they should contact the instructor to arrange for any work that may be missed. When you are absent it is your responsibility to obtain any discussion notes, assignments, papers, etc., from a classmate or the teacher. Students may arrange to stay after school to make up for missed time on art projects with permission from the instructor. Attendance also includes showing up to class on time, prepared to learn with required materials. This includes both excused and unexcused absences, whether school-related or not.
- Participation A crucial element in the art world is the willingness to talk about
the art being produced and viewed. Group critiques will be a
large part of our learning process this term. Not only will critiques
teach students how to use their vocabulary in a formal setting,
they will also help students improve their own work by obtaining
feedback from their peers and the instructor. It is imperative that
all students participate actively in group discussions.
Active participation in class includes:
- Asking intelligent questions and giving intelligent insight.
- Respectfully giving and receiving constructive criticism.
- Taking notes.
- Staying organized.
3. Homework Out of class assignments are necessary to further the learning
process. Students are expected to have assignments ready by
their due date. All assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class on the scheduled due date. Any assignments turned in late will be automatically dropped one letter grade (i.e. an A+ becomes an A and an A becomes an A-).
Reading. Assigned reading will usually be discussed in class the next day. It is imperative that students read assigned materials in order to participate actively. Reading will also give students ideas for their own artwork in future situations.
Writing. Part of the artistic process in the ability to write about the work viewed. This includes both formal and informal assignments. Students will be expected to use correct terminology and proper formatting.
Sketchbook. Each student’s sketchbook is provided as a vehicle for keeping ideas, terms, and inspirations in one location. Students should keep their sketchbook with them at all times, especially in class. They should actively take down notes and sketches during class discussions. Students should work out ideas for projects in sketchbooks sometimes with fifty or more sketches for one project. There will be three progress checks on the sketchbooks throughout the term. Students should show active self-motivation in completion of sketches.
4. Logistics
The following organizational items are important:
- All written assignments must be typewritten or computer generated. If this is a problem, discussion with the teacher is required immediately.
- The following heading must be submitted on a cover sheet for all typed work unless otherwise noted:
- Title of Assignment
- Student Name – First and last
- Course Name
- Teacher’s Name
- Date (Day Month, Year)
- On typed work of more than one page, student’s last name and page numbers should be included in the bottom right hand corner of the extra pages unless otherwise noted.
5. Conduct The art room is full of many tools and gadgets that aid us in our
quest to create. However many of the tools we will use this term
can be dangerous if not used correctly. It is vital that classroom
behavior be at its best. The following are basic rules for everyday
conduct in the art room:
- Be respectful of others.
- Clean up after yourself. This includes cleaning up paint spills, papers, thoroughly washing out brushes, and returning ALL supplies to their CORRECT location.
- Do NOT play with or use supplies until directed.
- Listen to and follow directions carefully and closely.
- Horseplay will not be tolerated.
- Lying, Stealing, Cheating, and Plagiarism are absolutely forbidden.
Basic life rules that apply in the classroom:
- Show concern and passion for your fellow student. This includes, but is not limited to, refraining from the use of any ethnic, religious, or gender slurs.
- Give respect. Get respect. Others will not respect you if you do not respect them.
- Do not talk or interrupt while someone else is talking.
- There is no such thing as a dumb question!
Other Expectations:
- Bring sketchbook and other supplies to class everyday.
- Ask for permission before leaving the room during class.
- Feel free to bring a closable-top bottle of water if desired,
- YOU MUST CLEAN UP YOUR OWN AREA!!! I am not your maid.
6. Tentative List of Projects The following includes a list of planned projects
and subject matter to be discussed in a scheduled order. This list is subject to change due to time limitations and student comprehension.
IV. Engrade.com
In an effort to provide a more open access for parents to my classroom and students’ progress I have created an account on the website http://www.engrade.com. This web-based program allows several things:
- Teacher access to grades, reports, and calendar from any internet location.
- Student access to assignment due dates and files for additional study help.
- Parent access to grades, absences, tardies, and citizenship (conduct comments) posted by the teacher.
Each student will be given an access code at the beginning of the year and will use that code to create an account. When creating the account, students/parents are able to choose their own username and password, eliminating the threat of fellow students accessing your reports. Reports will also show missing work and cumulative grades. The overall purpose of this program is to allow parents to keep a track on their student’s progress in the classroom.
My personal website can be found at:
http://www.engrade.com/mhhorne
V. Tentative Schedule of Work
**subject to change due to rate of progress by the class**
August 18-22 Introductions and Syllabus
Signed Syllabus, Engrade.com, and Conduct Contract (**Due 08.20.08)
Elements of Art and Principles of Design
25-29 Color Theory
Test on EOA, POD, and Color Theory
September 2-5 Project #1: Fruit Painting (6” x 6”)
Research for Paper #1: My Favorite Famous Painter
8-12 Work on Project #1
Project #1 Due 09.19.08
- Project #2: Self Portrait (11 x 14)
Paper #1: Favorite Painter Due 09.26.08
October 29-03 Work on Project #2
6-10 Work on project #2
Research for Paper #2: If I were a painting…
Project #2 due 10.17.08
- Project #3: Abstract Landscape (11” x 14”)
- Finish Project #3
Paper #2: If I were a painting Due 10.31.08
November 3-7 Project #3 Due 11.04.08
Project #4: Triptych (3- 6” x 6”)
10-14 Work on Project #4
Project #4 Due 11.26.08
- Final Project: “Your Choice” (18” x 24”)
Research Paper #3: A day in the life of a Paintbrush
December 1-5 Work on Final Project
- Work on Final Project
- Finish work on Final Project
Paper #3 Due: Exam Day
Final Project Due: Exam Day
Information found in this Description is subject to change with due notice.