Course Syllabus

Studio Art

Course Syllabus 2024-25 

The Weston High School Studio Art course is designed for the highly motivated art student  willing to challenge him/herself to develop mastery in concept, composition and execution of their work. Students will investigate technical and conceptual issues in order to create a successful college level portfolio. A variety of concepts and approaches will be explored as well as the evolution and  growth of visual ideas. Students will participate in regular group and individual critiques through 

out the course to develop strong evaluation and vocabulary skills. 

Units of Instruction:

• Drawing: Light & Proportion
• Painting: Water Based Media
• Photography
• Painting: Exploration of Color
• Drawing: 
• Printmaking
• Collaborative Project

Ms. Nelson’s office hours: Mondays and Tuesdays 2:30-3:30 or by appointment. 

Course Objectives: 

Students will ... 

• Creatively, systematically and independently investigate formal and conceptual issues • Understand art as an ongoing process involving informed and critical decision making • Develop technical skills and familiarity with the functions of the visual elements and  design principles 
• Become independent, creative thinkers who will contribute to our culture through the  inventive and critical making of art  
• understand and practice artistic integrity 

Course Expectations: 

Students will ... 

• Be on time to class. Handbook policy will be adhered to completely. Three tardies will  result in a referral. 
• Participate fully in all class activities and assignments. Points will be deducted for poor use of  time, abuse of permission to leave class, deviance from actual class work, late assignments. • Take proper care of equipment and materials, clean up independently. 
• Show respectful behavior at all times, always treat others with respect, and display  diplomacy during class discussions and critiques. 

Course Requirements: 

• Sketchbook : (10%) The sketchbook is an integral part of the artist’s planning and exploration process. It is expected that all students will maintain a sketchbook throughout the course.  There will be biweekly sketchbook checks and/or specific assignments. The expected time commitment for the sketchbook is 30-60 minutes per week. 
• At Home Projects: (30%) These are at home assignments that are due about  every three to four weeks. These are expected to be finished, high quality works of art. In semester one, these projects should explore various media, techniques and concepts which will fulfill the variety requirement of the portfolio. In semester two, these projects will investigate a  particular artistic concern in depth, fulfilling the depth section of the portfolio. 
• In Class Activities: (30%) We will be exploring many facets of the artistic process in the  classroom through a variety of activities. These may include working from models/set ups, group  projects, critiques, video/internet studies of artists/movements/styles, small discussion groups, field  trips, reflective statements, etc. These activities are to be completed in class, as assigned.  
• Effort and Artistic Process: (20%) Students are expected to strive for high quality work at all  times; to turn work in on time as assigned and to fully participate in all class activities.
• Portfolio Development: (10%) Students will prepare a finished digital portfolio for assessment at the end of the year. Students will be required to take quality digital photographs and to  assemble a digital portfolio that meets established guidelines for College Art submission  and create a digital presentation of their work for class presentation. 

Artistic Integrity: 

Students may not use other artists’ work, published photographs or images (including those  from the internet) in their own work unless it has been substantially altered so as to create, develop and communicate the student’s own personal vision. It is unethical and violates copyright  law to duplicate a work (even if it is in a different media) produced by someone else. It is expected that students in this course will move beyond mere duplication (copying work) and produce  creative, sophisticated works that communicate their own personal ideas and emotions. 

Sketchbook Requirements: 

Students are required to maintain a sketchbook for this course. The contents of the sketchbook  are personal explorations that support the finished artworks created for the portfolio. Throughout the course, there will be assigned problems for the sketchbooks with specific objectives. In  addition, students will be expected to draw regularly in their sketchbooks. Sketchbook exploration can include, but is not limited to assigned work. 

Sketchbook Grading Scale: 

Sketchbooks will be graded by assignment. The point range will generally be 20 points. Specific  assignments in the sketchbook are to be finished works of art. Extra assigned pages do not need  to be. Students are expected to add more to their sketchbook than just the assignments - drawing regularly in your sketchbook is an important way to improve your skills!! Sketchbook due dates are in the Course Calendar. Late sketchbooks lose 2 pts per day.  

Class Critiques and Feedback: 

Students will participate in bi-weekly class critiques, individual critiques and instructional conversations throughout the course. Critiques allow students to analyze and discuss their work  and that of their peers in terms of execution, composition and utilization of art elements and  principles of design. It is expected that students will maintain a courteous and constructive  attitude during the critiques. 

The teacher will provide feedback to the students during the process of art making, in written  evaluations of their work and during periodic conferences. 

 • Any Questions? email kateokeefe@westonps.org