This 15-week course is equivalent to a Visual Arts class at the middle school level. We will cover foundational techniques and no prior knowledge is necessary. Students should expect to work hard and have a blast making art and learning. 

Each week, we will meet for one 55-min live class. Students should expect about one to two hours of homework after each class. We will work through an integrated curriculum where students learn new art mediums (painting, drawing, weaving, etc) while also being introduced to art history, art vocabulary, and art criticism. Your student should leave the semester having made lots of beautiful artwork and having a clear vocabulary to explain the processes and artistic approaches. 

We will work through the following units: 

Unit 1: Color Theory & Painting 
Week 1- Class Introductions + Intro to Color Theory through Paint Mixing
Week 2- Color Schemes + Large Color Wheel Project

Unit 2: Drawing Portfolio
Week 3- Blind Contour Drawing + Watercolor 
Week 4- Value Drawing + Shading Techniques 
Week 5- Grid Enlargement + Large Self Portrait Intro
Week 6- Large Self Portraits Work Day + Critique 

Unit 3: Weaving (3 Weeks) 
Week 7- Intro to weaving + 2 Techniques
Week 8- Plan and Begin Wall Hanging 
Week 9- Complete Wall Hanging + Critique

Unit 4: Mixed Media Collage (3 Weeks) 
Week 10- Collage Techniques
Week 11- Plan Large Collage
Week 12- Work Day + Critique

Unit 5: Final Project (3 Weeks) 
Week 13- Review + Brainstorm Final Project
Week 14- Work Day + Progress Check 
Week 15- Critique + Celebration 

To start off each week, we will learn an Element of Art or Principle of Design. Next, we will learn to use a new art medium according to the units above. In each unit, the students will be introduced to a new art medium, practice with an introduction activity, and then create a final creative project. 

Students will interact with each other in class by participating in discussions, competing in games, and commenting on each other's work. Students will also submit final projects by posting photos in our OutSchool classroom. Each student will reflect on their own work by completing guided critique questions for each unit. Students are encouraged to comment on each other’s work to cheer their classmates on. 

I will provide feedback for final projects using a rubric. I can work closely with parents wanting suggested grades for classwork or projects on an individual basis. Please message me with any questions or suggestions to make sure this course fulfills your needs this semester.