Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- What are students expected to learn in Intro. to Studio Art?
- What out of class assignments does each class have?
- How much out of class time are students expected to put toward classwork?
- What artistic talents are students expected to have when entering an art class
- Why do students need to learn how to draw realistically?
- How are students graded?
- Are there any opportunities for extra credit?
What are students expected to learn in Intro. to Studio Art?
Intro to Studio Art is a great class, because students are able to experience
all the areas our art program has to offer: traditional fine arts, crafts,
and photography. They spend 15 class periods with each teacher. During that
time it is hoped that they receive a rough overview of media, artists, and
techniques in each area.
What out of class assignments does each class have?
Each class has sketch assignments and journal assignments that must be done
on students' own time and not during class time. The only exception is
Ceramics, where sketches will be done during class. These assignments are
given with a week to complete them. Sketches and journals are due by the end
of the due date day. They will be accepted the following class period with a
5 point penalty for lateness.
How much out of class time are students expected to put toward classwork?
Depending on the speed of a student's work, he/she may need to come in during
study halls or after school to complete their work. Additionally homework
assignments should take 15 minutes to a half hour per assignment.
What artistic talents are students expected to have when entering an art class
Students are not expected to have fabulous talent. Instead, especially for
Mrs. Miller's classes, students are expected to have an open mind and be
willing to learn. The ability to draw realistically and use the necessary
media is part of the class's curriculum.
Why do students need to learn how to draw realistically?
Learning how to draw realistically is like learning how to see. As an artist,
it is essential to be able to see shapes, colors, lines, to distinguish
shadows from highlights, to distinguish brown from tan, and the like.
Learning realistic drawing techniques is the best foundation for any other
two-dimensional techniques.
How are students graded?
Students have a variety of opportunities to achieve a high grade. Journal
entries, sketchbook assignments, quizes, class discussions are all part of a
regular art class in additional to traditional studio projects. At the
beginning of a studio projects, students are given handouts describing the
process, techniques, and expectations to be covered. Students are to keep
these handouts in their binders. Objectives are also listed on the handout,
summarizing the above. Students are graded on those objectives. The grading
process includes written and oral self-critiques, as well as self and peer
grading. The completion of each step adds to a students grade.
Are there any opportunities for extra credit?
Any student who has any art class,not just mine, may attend the Eagle's Nest
Gallery openings and receive one point extra credit onto their quarter
average. Gallery openings generally occur about once a month during the
evening hours. The art teachers will remind students of this event, and there
will be a sign-in sheet at the gallery that evening. Students do not need to
stay for the entire opening.
Additional extra credit is generally offered in each class, with the
exception of Intro, due to the length of the class.
Specific class extra credit is as follows:
Ceramics--additional wheel thrown pieces that meet the criteria given for the
quarter.
How to Draw, Fashion Design, and Art Around Us--additional sketches at the
end of the quarter to replace sketches not turned in or as extra credit
Fashion Design--the addition of fabric samples onto any presentation board
