Good Morning!

I am an artist and educator from Dallas, Texas, currently living in Zurich Switzerland. Here I share with you some favourite moments from my experience in the classroom that I hope you may find interesting and useful! Please browse the pages below at the right at for a sampling of teacher created units, student work and assessments.

Advanced Placement Art Syllabus and Assessments for Drawing Portfolio

AP Studio Art: Drawing                  
Course Description:
(2 semesters, 1 credit Fine Art)
The AP Studio Art course is designed for students who are highly motivated in the desire to create and explore.  Students who enroll in this course should be interested in developing and refining technical skills as well as pushing the boundaries of conceptual ideas, complex thoughts, and creative solutions.The goal of this course is for students to build a portfolio that shows mastery of skills and evidence of exploring a central theme or idea through artistic means. Students will consider different media, formats and concepts to create work that investigates the three central elements of the AP College Board Portfolio:  Quality, Concentration, and Breadth. The body of work submitted for the portfolio asks for 24 pieces and can include art created prior to and outside of the AP Studio Art Course.  Students will experience a variety of opportunities to create artwork that demonstrates the best of their abilities to master formal, technical and expressive means of creation. Students will also engage in discussions and research of relevant topics to allow for a deeper understanding of art.
Additional goals for this course include:
To foster a growing and meaningful understanding and appreciation for the creative process:      Thinking => Carefully Observing=> Planning => Doing => Revising=> Doing again
To develop versatility and depth in art making
To recognize the importance and ethical implications of creating original work and what it means to plagiarize in the field of art.
To consider multiple perspectives when creating and responding to art
To develop and nurture student ability and accomplishments, by building confidence with meaningful feedback and critique (from instructors, peers, and outside artist professionals)
Portfolio development is an ongoing process and each piece should be considered an opportunity for creative problem solving. Students are expected to make purposeful decisions that take into account the elements and principles of design, but also work toward conveying a clear and unified message about what you (the artist) want to say
While the majority of class time is dedicated to the creation of original art work, the class will also explore artwork by artists from a variety of periods in history, and from different parts of the world. We will discuss different art movements and ‘isms’ as well as current art happenings both locally and internationally.  Students will have the opportunity to go on field trips to local art destination and hear from artists and professionals in the community.
Course Approach:
Daily learning activities will include building technical skills in a variety of media and approach, readings, instructor presentations, guided prompts, conceptual development, and self-reflections and are subject to change according to individual’s needs. Formative assessments take place throughout both semesters in the form of self-evaluations, discussions with the instructor, critiques from guest artists, and peer reviews. Summative assessments take place at the end of each quarter in the form of a portfolio progress report. 
 Resources Students and Teacher:
Stewart, Mary. Launching The Imagination. McGraw-Hill Humanities,  2011.
Smagula, Howard J. Creative Drawing. Brown&Benchmark, 1993.
Chipp, Herschel B. Theories of Modern Art. University of California Press, 1968.
Foster, Krauss, Bois and Buchloh, Benjamin J. Art Since 1900 Vol.I and II. Thames & Hudson,  2004.
The New Museum’s  G:Class; Global Classroom : http://www.gclass.org/
Public Broadcasting Service’s Art21: http://www.pbs.org/

Sources for AP Student and Teacher Reference:
AP Studio Art Poster. New York: The College Board, 2012.

Classroom Policies and Procedures:
RESPECT: Students are expected to respect the classroom, the course, each other, and the instructor. Failure to do so will result in a warning, followed by an infraction if the offense is repeated.  If disrespect continues student will be subject to Class II or III infractions and a parent/teacher conference.
Repsect for the classroom means using supplies responsibly, and not being wasteful or careless. Students are expected to keep their work area, sinks and supplies clean, neat, and organized.
Respect for the course means taking assignments seriously, and actively and genuinely participating and contributing to discussions and critiques. Signing up for this course implies a genuine interest in art, and a commitment to giving the best effort possible.
Respect for each other means fostering an environment where students feel comfortable to share opinions and ideas. Please be respectful of ideas and opinions that are different from yours, and offer criticism in an honest and constructive manner.
Respect for the instructor means listening attentively when she addresses the group, and recognizing that the instructor’s role is to guide and support the student through the process of portfolio development.
SUPPLIES AND STORAGE: Each student will have a designated work area and a supply cart. Students are responsible for maintaining care of brushes, palettes, and containers of mediums/spirits. Supplies should not be left out at the end of class, and all work in progress should be stowed safely in designated areas. Students should have a sturdy portfolio for storage of drawings, a folder for rubrics and other handouts, and a sketchbook.
TECHNOLOGY: Each student is expected to use technology responsibly while in the classroom. Laptops should remain closed and stowed until instructed otherwise. Laptops may only be used for research, editing, planning, reflecting, and/or to aid in the creation of original art work.  Cell phones should not be visible at any time during class.
ETHICAL PRACTICES: Each artwork produced for this portfolio is assumed to be originally conceived and created by the student claiming ownership. If you copy ideas or images from photographs, designs or artwork that you do not own or did not create you may be committing plagiarism. Plagiarism is considered a serious violation of the honor code, which states: “all members of the school community are called to serve one another through dedication to honesty in themselves and others”.  Using someone else’s work and calling it your own is dishonest and is subject to review by the honor council. If there is enough evidence to prove that an artwork or statement has been plagiarized the student will receive a zero on the assignment, be asked to apologize to the teacher and receive a class II infraction (if it is a first time offense). If the violation is a second offense, in addition to the above, the student will receive a five percent drop in the final average for the class. If the violation is a third offense the student may be asked to withdraw from school.
“According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to "plagiarize" means
  • to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own
  • to use (another's production) without crediting the source
  • to commit literary theft
  • to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.
In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and lying about it afterward.
But can words and ideas really be stolen?
According to U.S. law, the answer is yes. The expression of original ideas is considered intellectual property, and is protected by copyright laws, just like original inventions. Almost all forms of expression fall under copyright protection as long as they are recorded in some way (such as a book or a computer file).” (http://www.plagiarism.org/plag_article_what_is_plagiarism.html)







Assessment and Grading:

Sketchbook Assignments (20%)
            The following concepts will be assessed for sketchbook assignments:
-Creative problem solving
-Expression of personal artistic voice and originality
-Craftsmanship
Written and Verbal Responses(20%)
Throughout the year students will document and reflect about their work by writing and rewriting artist statements, setting and assessing goals, participating in group critiques (peer evaluation), and responding to spontaneous prompts. Students will make observations, pose questions, and muse intelligently using appropriate art and design vocabulary.
Breadth Exploration Assignments and Portfolio Progress(40%)
Portfolio progress will be assessed on critique days. Assessment is focused on evidence of mastery in concept, composition and execution.  Students will do a self-evaluation and written reflection of their work on each critique day. At the beginning of the next class after critique days, students will receive a written evaluation and portfolio progress grade from the instructor.
Presentation(20%)
Students will lead a presentation on a topic related to their concentration for the class. Students will be assessed on depth of investigation, consideration of multiple perspectives, original conclusions, engagement and authenticity.






Course Sequence Overview and Structure:
Summer Assignment:
 You will be given a book to “alter” into your own personal sketchbook/art piece. Draw, paint, cut, stitch, paste, and/or write to transform as many pages as you can. You can explore ideas for your concentration, or you can just create whatever comes into your mind. Perhaps you could be inspired by or begin with what is already there on the page. Your goal is transform at least 20 pages for your first sketchbook grade of the year.  Whoever completes or transforms the most pages will receive a special prize at the beginning of the year. Working a little bit every day is an excellent habit to keep your ideas fresh, and your creativity active. Just like working out or training for a sport, the longer you fall out of practice, the harder it is to get back to competition level! So the more you train your artistic practice with focused and thoughtful attention, the better your art will become!
·       For a page to count as “complete”, you must use the entire page
·       Experiment with composition and media
·       Let YOUR artistic voice shine through!
·       Do NOT copy images from the internet!
Here are some ideas:
·       Draw all of your friends in a way that reflects their individuality.
·       Use the rectangle format of the page as a frame and draw the view from every window in your house.
·       Do multiple continuous contour drawings of the same object that overlap. Then fill in some of the spaces with invented patterns.  Fill the space. Check out Sarah Walker, http://sarahwalker.org
·       Do 10 self-portraits in completely different styles
·       Draw Outer Space
·       Illustrate your summer soundtrack
·       Write a haiku, or a poem, then illustrate it
·       Use a really really big brush, or even a rag for thick, bold, expressive lines.
·       Fingerpaint
·       Collage
·       Burn some holes
·       Create shapes and contours with torn edges
·       Use only geometric shapes
·       Interpret one word that’s already on the page in different ways, or let one phrase of text inspire the composition
·       Draw what you SEE
·       Journal an ongoing definition of what YOU think about art. Your art and art in general. What is its purpose? What do you want to accomplish with it? What purpose does it serve in your life? How is it part of your day? What is your most favorite art work or museum in the world? Why do you like it so much?


Fall Semester:
[Weeks 1-9]    Focus on Breadth:
The rationale for these assignments is to allow for an opportunity to create new work for the Breadth section of the AP Portfolio. These prompts are intended to challenge the student to find a creative solution using observational skills, non-objective forms, and linear perspective, while experimenting with different techniques and exploring specific conceptual themes. In the time allotted students may choose to focus on one piece or create a small series for each conceptual unit.
                                    Units of Exploration (conceptual):
Week 1-3:                               Nature/Environment
Artist Resources: Sandy Skoglund, KaiKai-KiKi Workshop, Wolf Kahn, Georgia O’Keefe, Chinese Brush Painting
Week 4-6:                               Identity
Artist Resources: Alice Neel, Jean Paul Basquiat/Andy Warhol, Wagnechi Mutu, Kehinde Wiley, Marlene Dumas, Cindy Sherman
Week 7-9:                               Spirituality
Artist Resources: El Greco, DaVinci, Matthias Grunewald, Ebbo Gospels, Michelangelo, Marc Chagall, Shahzia Sikander
For each unit of conceptual exploration, students will choose one option from section A and one option from section B to create an original artwork with potential to be used in the Breadth section of the AP Portfolio.  Each combination of options must be different (to allow for versatility and variety), and will be due at the end of the three week period for a group critique and a portfolio progress grade. Although there are a few guiding parameters students are encouraged to find creative solutions within these units.
A.    Units of Exploration (form and subject):
§  Linear Perspective
§  Abstract Expression
§  Organic Still Life

B.     Units of Exploration (medium and surface)
§  Ink and Watercolor and/or prismacolor on paper
§  Oil and/or acrylic on canvas
§  Oil or acrylic or marker on Found object/surface
§  Charcoal, ink or acrylic on newspaper collage
§  Use of a non-tool or medium (example: fork or mustard)
§  Graphite and mineral spirits/medium on gessoed panel

                       

[Weeks 10-16]            Focus On Concentration (Part One):
Students will assess how many pieces are needed to fulfill requirements for the AP Portfolio, and will set personal deadlines with the instructor that align with critique days noted in the class calendar, The intention is that the work in the AP Portfolio submission represents  the best of the student’s artistic ability. Depending on what is needed students may decide to approach asmaller number of pieces that require more time, or alarger number of pieces that require less time. Emphasis will be on ongoing individual development of a concentration, with focused attention on process and materials.
Students will have the opportunity to sign up for time slots on critique days. There will be time for four students each day, all students must sign up or take what is left on the days of critiques.
Students will receive a portfolio progress grade on the day of her critique, (see appropriate assessment rubric) as well as a verbal response grade for active participation.
Students will begin piecing together rough drafts of artist statements, detailing what, why, and how they will explore the concentration.
During these weeks students will also begin work on a presentation for the group. The presentation should be related to the student’s concentration in some way, and is intended to help further the exploration process.  Based on individual needs the instructor will help the student choose a topic that is appropriate. The presentation will involve research and critical analysis of a specific area of interest in the art world.  The purpose of this presentation is for students to discover something new and interesting, to further their understanding, and to share this discovery with others, that the instructor and other class members might gain a new perspective.
Spring Semester:
[Weeks 1-10]     Focus on Concentration (Part Two):
Students will be expected to give individual presentations in the third week of the semester.
At this point students will have a confident and clear vision of their concentration and what they hope to achieve in the coming weeks. Work in the classroom will be dedicated to exploring the concentration in a more focused manner, allowing for an ongoing dialogue with the instructor. Students will also spend time working on and revising an artist statement.
[Weeks 11-16]   Focus on Refining and Finishing Portfolio Submissions:
Students will continue work on concentration or breadth pieces as necessary. Students will carefully document all work completed so far and refine digital portfolios. Students will prepare and hang a senior exhibition and take care to see all is ready for AP Portfolio submission.

Outside Work:
Because this is an advanced level course, students are expected to dedicate at least 2 and up to 5 or more hours a week outside of class to this course.
Sketchbook Assignments: Students will have a sketchbook challenge every two weeks, and will be checked for a grade at the end of the two weeks.
Contests and Opportunities: Throughout the year, we will have many contest opportunities, students are encouraged to enter as many as possible.
Art Reviews: Students are expected to visit at least one gallery or museum on their own each semester and write an art review about the show as a whole, or about an individual work.
In the News: Students will have the opportunity to lead classroom discussions about art related topics in the news.
Presentation Research: Research for individual presentations will primarily take place outside of class time.
Open Studios Lab: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the classroom and instructor will be available for extra work time and individual progress reviews from 3:45-4:45. The classroom and instructor will also be available before school starting at 7:45am unless otherwise noted.
Individual Progress Reviews: Students are invited to sign up for additional individual critiques during tutorial period on Wednesdays.
Semester I Plan (16 weeks)                                          Class meets every other school day
Breadth
Daily Happenings
Assessment
Homework
Week 1-3
August 22-Sept 16
1.Unit of Exploration: Nature/Environment
Artist Resources presented
Begin Planning

Time for individual work  and discussion

Finished Work Due 9/15
9/14: Finished work due with Reflection and Self Evaluation
Group Critique and Discussion

9/16: Continue with Group Critique and Discussion
8/22: Summer Sketchbook Due
Week 4-6
Sept. 19-Oct 7
2. Unit of Exploration:
Identity
Artist Resources presented
Begin Planning
Time for individual work  and discussion
Finished Work Due 10/5

10/5: Finished work due with Reflection and Self Evaluation
Group Critique and Discussion

10/7: Continue with Group Critique and Discussion

9/30: 1st Sketchbook Challenge Due
Week 7-9
Oct. 10-Oct 27
3. Unit of Exploration
Spirituality
Artist Resources presented
Begin Planning
Time for individual work  and discussion
Finished Work Due 10/25

Sign up for individual discussion times, Topics: Process and Concentration
10/25:Finished work due with Reflection and Self Evaluation
Group Critique and Discussion

10/27: Continue with Group Critique and Discussion

10/14: 2nd Sketchbook Challenge Due
Week 10
Oct 31
Goal Setting

Concentration Proposals

Individual development of concentrations



Individual Discussions about Process and Concentration

11/4: 3rd Sketchbook Challenge Due
Week 11-13
Nov.7-Nov.22
Ongoing individual development of concentrations
11/7: Concentration Proposals Due
11/7: Personal Goals Outline Due

Ongoing Individual Discussions with instructor, choose  presentation topic
11/7: 4th Sketchbook Challenge Due
Week 12-16
Nov.28- Dec 15
Ongoing individual development of concentrations
12/12: GROUP CRITIQUE
Concentration Work Due with Self Reflection and Rubric
12/14: GROUP CRITIQUE cont’d.

12/10: Presentation Topic Proposals Due

12/10: Art Reviews Due



Semester II Plan

Week 1-3
Jan 4-Jan 20
Ongoing Individual development of concentrations
1/18: Presentations I
1/20: Presentations II

1/13: 5th Sketchbook Challenge Due

Week 4-6
Jan 23-Feb 10
Ongoing Individual development of concentrations
2/2: GROUP CRITIQUE
Concentration Work Due with Self Reflection and Rubric
2/4: GROUP CRITIQUE cont’d
2/10: 6th Sketchbook Challenge Due
Week 7-10
Feb 13-March 2
Ongoing Individual development of concentrations
Individual Discussions and Critique
2/24: 6th Sketchbook Challenge Due
Week 11
March 5-9
Ongoing Individual development of concentrations
3/7:GROUPCRITIQUE
Concentration Work Due with Self Reflection and Rubric
3/9: GROUP CRITIQUE cont’d
3/9: 7th Sketchbook Challenge Due
Week 12 -16
March 19-April 5
Ongoing Individual Development

Photo Shoot and Documentation Workshops
Individual Discussions
And Critique
4/5: GROUP CRITIQUE Concentration Work Due with Self Reflection and Rubric
4/7: GROUP CRITIQUE cont’d
3/30: 8th Sketchbook Challenge Due
Week 17-20
April 10-May11
Finishing Touches

Fine Arts Festival Display and Reception

Portfolio Materials Assembled and Delivered

Artist CD complete with images from portfolio submission and artist statement turned in for a grade
5/2: FINAL GROUP CRITIQUE Concentration Work Due with Self Reflection and Rubric
Digital Portfolios


5/4: Artist Statement Due
4/13: Last Sketchbook Challenge Due



Breadth Exploration Assignment Reflection and Rubric
Name:
Exploration Unit (circle one):      Nature/Environment          Identity               Spirituality
Form/Subject Explored (circle one):        Linear Perspective             Abstract Expression          Organic Still Life
Medium and Surface Explored (circle all that apply):
Ink, Watercolor and/or Colored Pencil on Paper
Oil or Acrylic on Canvas
Oil, Acrylic, or alternative on Found Object Surface
Charcoal or alternative on newspaper collage
Use of non-drawing tool or medium :______________________________________
Graphite and/charcoal and mineral spirits on gessoed panel
Title:
Concept/Subject Matter: How would you describe your concept for this assignment? How did you choose your subject matter? How did you make it your own? Is this a creative solution to the prompt?
  • The concept for the work is expected

  • The concept for the work shows a moderate level of creative exploration

  • The work shows a strong sense of  creative exploration

  • The work shows a dynamic and unique response to the prompt, risk taking, and personal artistic voice




Composition , Use of Elements and Principles:
How did you use the elements and principles of design? Which were most important for communicating your concept?


























  • The technical applications show little relevance to the prompt and concept

  • The technical applications of support the prompt and the concept


  • The technical applications strongly support the concept and the prompt

  • The technical applications strongly support the concept and prompt in a way that is creative and dynamic and shows mastery.








AP Drawing Concentration Reflection and Rubric
Name:
Concentration Drawing # _____
Dimensions: _________________________________
Medium: ____________________________________
Title: _______________________________________
Conceptual Development:


Existing or Evolving Idea=>





Planning/Experimentation
What will you do to prepare for this piece? =>


References/Works Consulted =>


List the Design Elements you feel are most important in this work
=>


List the Design Principles you feel are most important in this work
=>


How do they work together towards conveying your message?
=>








Concept Expression
1.Committed Investigation of an Idea
The work shows little investigation of an idea
The work shows clear investigation of an idea
The work shows a strong investigation of an idea
The work shows excellent and passionate investigation of an idea
2. Progression and Transformation
The work shows little or no growth from previous artwork
The work shows clear growth from previous artwork
The work shows little clear and considerable growth from previous artwork
The work shows excellent growth from previous artwork
3. Artistic Voice
The work lets a little artistic voice shine through
The work shows a clear artistic voice
The work has a strong sense of artistic voice
The shows a powerful artistic voice
Composition and Formal Decisions
1.Composition
The composition has a moderate relationship to the idea and is visually weak
The composition has a clear and good relationship to the idea and makes good use of space
The composition is visually engaging and shows a strong relationship to the idea
The composition is dynamic and shows an excellent and thoughtful relationship to the idea
2. Color
The color plan shows little relationship to the idea
The color plan shows a clear relationship to the idea
The color plan shows a strong relationship to the idea
The color plan shows a dynamic and evocative relationship to the idea
3. Value
The value has a moderate relationship to the idea
The value has a clear relationship to the idea
The value has a strong relationship to the idea
The value shows a dynamic relationship to the idea

Execution
1.Media Choice and Mark Making
The media and mark making show little relationship to the idea
The media and mark making show clear relationship to the idea
The media and mark making show a strong  relationship to the idea
The media and mark making show an excellent and masterful relationship to the idea
2. Subject Matter
The subject matter has a moderate or expected relationship to the idea
The subject matter has a clear and interesting relationship to the idea
The subject matter has a strong and interesting relationship to the idea
The subject matter has an innovative and interesting relationship to the idea
Share any additional comments about your process and how effective you feel the work is at conveying your message:


















Sources Consulted:
AP Studio Art Poster. New York: The College Board, 2012.


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