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Art Fundamentals

Course Description

Students will learn the language of art and explore various techniques and media. Art skills will be developed through a variety of studio projects. Students will observe works of art from chosen time periods and movements.

Grade Level(s): 9th-12th grade

Related Priority Standards (State &/or National): Missouri Grade Level Expectations for Visual Arts

Essential Questions

  • How are the elements and principles of design chosen in an informed manner?
  • How does media choice aid in the success of an artwork?
  • Why do artists create the work that they do or historically did?
  • How should an artist present their artwork?
  • How should one respond to another person's artwork?

Enduring Understandings/Big Ideas

Students will understand that:

  • Form follows function: formal qualities and what form something takes is dependent on what it is supposed to do.
  • Media is a vehicle for expression: the base materials of art can be loaded with expressions (especially when done wisely).
  • Meaning, feeling, or narrative or not innate in artwork; they have to be wisely uploaded, and then driven into the artwork.
  • People create artwork in response to activities, events, and conventions surrounding them: all artists have reasons for what they do.
  • Meaning and quality of an artwork are subjective, but justifiable.

Course-Level Scope & Sequence (Units &/or Skills)

Unit 1: Drawing

The drawing unit focuses on rendering with various media for purposes, from sketching to fully conceptualized drawings.

Unit 2: Design

The Design unit focuses on the application and manipulation of the elements and principles of design.

Unit 3: Painting

The Painting unit investigates the applications of color theory and/or brush or palette knife marks to create desired outcomes.

Unit 4: Sculpture

The Sculpture unit focuses on creating three-dimensional works of art.

Unit 5: Art History

The Art History unit is ongoing and intended to be used as inspiration to media projects, as well as give an overall understanding of the context of artworks and historical periods.

Date Last Revised/Approved: 2009