Visual Arts I: Fall 2016

Ms. Andrea Cermanski

If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and
that voice will be silenced.--Vincent Van Gogh
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Visual Arts 1 is an introduction to the elements of art and design through drawing,
painting, and sculpture. Students explore creative ideas through assignments, and
learn about artistic movements and artists, critical thinking, problem solving, and
technical skills.
I.
Line
Project: Op Art Line Design
II.
Collage
Project: Torn Paper Collage
III.
Elements & Principles of Design
Assignment: Make an art piece displaying 1 element of art and 1 principle
of design.
IV.
The Brain and Art
Assignment: Drawing of Stravinsky Right side-up (pre-assessment)
V.
Negative Space
Assignment: Drawing of chair using viewfinder
Assignment: Upside down drawing of Stravinsky (post-assessment)
VI.
Line DrawingsContour DrawingsLINE, SPACEContrast(pencil,
marker)
Assignment: Contour drawing of shoe
VII. LineGesture DrawingsLINE, FORMUnity(charcoal)
Assignment: Gesture Figure Drawing
VIII. The Still LifeVALUE, FORMBalance, Figure/Ground Relationship
(pencil, charcoal)
Assignment: Value Scale
Project: Still-life Drawing
IX.
PortraitureVALUE, FORMProportion, Contrast (pastel, charcoal,
pencil, acrylic)
Project: Self-Portrait
Project: Portrait of Classmate
X.
Color & PaintingCOLOR, SPACEContrast, Balance, Rhythm (paint, oil
pastel)
Assignment: Color wheel
Project: Abstract Painting
Project: Abstract Object Painting
XI.
PrintmakingLINE, SHAPEUnity, Variety, Repetition (print ink)
Project: Collograph Print, Monotypes
XII. SculptureFORM, TEXTUREVariety, Unity, Balance (recycled material,
wood pieces, acrylic paint)
Project: Recycled Sculpture

XIII. Mixed Media/CollageSpace, Color, Shape (construction paper,

magazines, glue)
Project: Minimally Realistic Bird Mixed Media Pieces
XIV. PerspectiveSPACE, FORM--Unity, Harmony, Balance, Figure/Ground
Relationship (colored pencils)
Artists Explored: Giorgio DiChirico
Assignment: One and Two Point Perspective drawings
Project: Fantasy City
XV. Final Project
Assignment to be announced
REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR EACH CLASS
1. Sketchbook (no smaller than 11x9, no larger than 11x14) approx. 100
pages
2. Sturdy folder to keep class handouts
3. Kneaded rubber eraser & pink pearl eraser
4. Small pencil sharpener
5. Drawing pencils
6. Black sharpiesultra fine & fine
CLEAN-UP
Taking good care of art supplies is important. Supplies are expensive and
limited, so please treat them with respect.
The last 10 minutes of class time is reserved for cleanup. Clean up includes
cleaning tables, picking up trash from the floor, putting desks back in order,
cleaning and storing supplies in the proper place, etc. Students will not be
dismissed until the room is in order.
You will only be permitted to leave class in emergencies (sick, cant wait until
break to use bathroom, etc.).
FREE ART
When you finish with you are assigned project you will be required to work on
free art. You can use any material and do whatever you want. A free art
piece is due at the end of each month and is worth 100 points.
GRADING
Your grade will be a combination of:
Art Projects (grade based on your effort, craftsmanship, creativity, etc.)
Completion of Art assignments (such as sketches, value scales, color
wheels, etc.)
Class Participation (while viewing art images, critiques, clean up, etc.)
*I will follow the school policy on late work, so projects and homework must be
turned in on the due date for full credit.
NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED IN CLASS! Its too easy to ruin
someones art piece, so please eat and drink before or after class.

The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.
Pablo Picasso