Grade 8 Art

Course Description

8th grade art includes instruction in a variety of basic fine arts mediums. In each unit, students will learn the skills necessary to create self-directed projects. Students will envision and plan their projects, explore materials and techniques, develop skills through instructor-led activities, and engage in the creative process while persisting to complete their artwork. They will express their ideas and messages through their work, reflect on their process, and respond by writing artist statements. Students will present their work through a cumulative portfolio. Critique skills will be practiced daily as students examine a variety of contemporary artists' works and engage in discussions with peers using prompts and questions. Additionally, students will gain inspiration from working artists. Throughout the course, students will learn how to engage in a creation process that is both structured and meaningful, while also being tailored to their individual ideas and choices about their artwork.

Course Big Ideas

The elements are the building blocks of visual art while the principles are strategies artists can use to organize the elements within their work to communicate visually.
Artists utilize the elements and principles of art to create aesthetically pleasing artwork.
Artists plan and envision their final project in order to direct creation.
Artists develop skills through exploration and practice.
Artists create work that is significant to their own life and important messages.
Artists engage and persist with their artwork to solve problems and reach the intended end product.
Artists express themselves through their artwork that shares their ideas, messages, and stories.
Artists reflect and respond to their work through artist statements.
Artists evaluate their own and other artists’ work through critique.
Artists gain inspiration and knowledge from historical and contemporary artists.
Artists curate and present their work with high quality images using an artist portfolio.

Course Essential Questions

How can artists utilize the elements and principles of art within their work?
How can we utilize the elements and principles of art to discuss and evaluate artwork?
What role does persistence play in revising, refining, and developing work?
How do artists grow and develop drawing skills?
What tools do artists utilize to create their artwork and communicate their message?
How do artists work?
How do artists and designers determine whether a particular direction in their work is effective?
How do artists and designers learn from trial and error?
What are the rules and limitations artists must follow when utilizing clay?
Why is understanding vocabulary important when utilizing art materials and tools?
Why is it important for artists to envision and plan out their final artwork?
Why is it important for artists to practice skills?
How can you learn from trial and error?
How do artists engage and persist as they try to create their work?
How do artists utilize color theory within their artwork?
What are the rules and limitations artists must follow when utilizing glaze?
How can artists create visually pleasing and functional pieces?
Why is it important to understand the application of artist materials?
What is curation?
How does presentation and curation affect the perception of an artwork?
What are portfolios?
Why are portfolios important?
What are the components of a successful critique?
How do artist statements help both the artist and the viewer?
How can decisions about art materials and techniques affect the overall message of the artwork?
How do life experiences influence the way you relate to art?
How do images influence our views of the world?

Course Competencies

Envision and plan artworks through writing and sketching ideas.
Explore art materials by testing and experimentation.
Develop artistic skills by engaging in practice of skills and techniques.
Express personal ideas, stories, and messages within artwork using visual strategies.
Create artworks based on personal choice and unique vision.
Engage and persist in creation to problem solve and to achieve the desired product.
Reflect and respond to artwork by writing artist statements and engaging in peer critique.
Curate and present artwork by creating a digital portfolio and sharing with peers.
Utilize the elements and principles of art to make decisions about their artwork.
Critique and evaluate artwork based on rubrics and personal opinions.
Synthesize materials and artmaking techniques in order to reach the envisioned project.

Course Assessments

Observation - Formative Skills Tests
Observation - Formative Critique Activities
Rubric - Summative Projects
Rubric - Summative Artist Statements
Rubric - Cumulative Portfolio Project

Students will understand that the elements are the building blocks of visual art, while the principles are strategies artists use to organize the elements within their work to communicate visually.
Students will understand that artists utilize the elements and principles of art to create aesthetically pleasing artwork.
Students will understand that the Elements and Principles provide vocabulary and a framework for discussing artwork.

What are the Elements of art?
What does each Element look like?
How do artists utilize the Elements of Art in their work?
How can we use the Elements to describe pieces of art?
What are the Principles of art?
What does each Principle look like?
How do artists utilize the Principles of Art in their work?
How can we use the Principles to describe pieces of art?

9.1.8.A Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
9.1.8.C Identify and use comprehensive vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
9.3.8.A Know and use the critical process of the examination of works in the arts and humanities.
9.4.8.B Compare and contrast informed individual opinions about the meaning of works in the arts to others.
9.4.8.D Describe to what purpose philosophical ideas generated by artists can be conveyed through works in the arts and humanities.

National Core Art Standards:

VA:Cr2.1.8a Demonstrate willingness to experiment, innovate, and take risks to pursue ideas, forms, and meanings that emerge in the process of artmaking or designing.
VA:Cr1.1.8a Document early stages of the creative process visually and/or verbally in traditional or new media.

Know

Students will know drawing and composition strategies.
Students will know how to communicate a message visually.
Students will know the difference between illustration and realism.
Students will know how to create value in artwork.
Students will know how to create implied texture in their work.
Students will know how to select and utilize a reference image in their art.

Understanding/Key Learning

Students will understand that artists communicate ideas visually in different styles and techniques.
Students will understand that the elements are the building blocks of visual art, while the principles are strategies artists use to organize the elements within their work to communicate visually.
Students will understand that artists utilize the elements and principles of art to create aesthetically pleasing artwork.
Students will understand that artists develop skills through practice, critique, reflection, and refining their work.
Students will understand that artists utilize planning and development strategies when envisioning their artwork.
Students will understand that artists document their work with high-quality images.

Do

Students will critique the work of inspirational artists.
Students will practice sketching objects.
Students will practice creating value in their artwork.
Students will practice creating implied/visual texture in their drawings.
Students will create an illustrative drawing that conveys a message.
Students will create a realistic drawing based on a reference image.
Students will take high-quality images to document their work.

Unit Essential Questions

Lesson Essential Questions

How do artists communicate messages through visual work?
How does drawing style contribute to a message?
How can we make good composition choices?
How do our material choices affect our outcome?
How do we select a good reference photo?
What makes a drawing look realistic?
How can we make our drawing look three dimensional?
How can we create implied/visual texture?

VA:Cr2.1.8a Demonstrate willingness to experiment, innovate, and take risks to pursue ideas, forms, and meanings that emerge in the process of artmaking or designing.
VA:Cr3.1.8a Apply relevant criteria to examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for a work of art or design in progress.

PA Art and Humanities Standards:

9.1.8.A Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
9.1.8.C Identify and use comprehensive vocabulary within each of the arts forms.

Know

Understanding/Key Learning

Students will understand that art materials must meet specific standards when creating artwork.
Students will understand that artists communicate ideas visually in different styles and techniques.
Students will understand that the elements are the building blocks of visual art, while the principles are strategies artists use to organize the elements within their work to communicate visually.
Students will understand that artists utilize planning and development strategies when envisioning their artwork.
Students will understand that artists document their work with high-quality images.
Students will understand that artists view, discuss, and critique artwork to gain insight and inspiration.
Students will understand that artists synthesize and combine techniques to create a piece of work.
Students will understand that artists utilize specific techniques and adhere to standards when creating structurally sound 3D work.
Students will understand that artists utilize proper terminology and vocabulary while working with materials.

Do

Students will be able to create visual notes on ceramics vocabulary.
Students will be able to create miniature slab, coil, and pinch projects to practice techniques.
Students will be able to envision and plan a larger, unique ceramics project.
Students will be able to create their final ceramics project by synthesizing handbuilding techniques.
Students will be able to critique and discuss the work of inspirational artists.

9.1.8.A Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
9.1.8.C Identify and use comprehensive vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
9.3.8.A Know and use the critical process of the examination of works in the arts and humanities.

National Core Arts Standards:

VA:Cr1.1.8a Document early stages of the creative process visually and/or verbally in traditional or new media.
VA:Cr2.1.8a Demonstrate willingness to experiment, innovate, and take risks to pursue ideas, forms, and meanings that emerge in the process of artmaking or designing.
VA:Cr3.1.8a Apply relevant criteria to examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for a work of art or design in progress.

Know

Students will know how to envision and plan an artwork.
Students will know Color Theory vocabulary.
Students will know watercolor painting techniques.
Students will know acrylic painting techniques.
Students will know how to mix secondary and tertiary colors.
Students will know color mixing strategies.
Students will know compositional strategies.
Students will know the differences between the background, middleground, and foreground.
Students will know how to apply criteria to their artwork.
Students will know how to experiment with new supplies and gain insight to make decisions while creating artwork.

Understanding/Key Learning

Students will understand that artists communicate ideas visually in different styles and techniques.
Students will understand that the elements are the building blocks of visual art, while the principles are strategies artists use to organize the elements within their work to communicate visually.
Students will understand that artists utilize planning and development strategies when envisioning their artwork.
Students will understand that artists develop and utilize criteria to guide successful artmaking.
Students will understand that artists experiment and test out new materials to make informed decisions about their artwork.
Students will understand that artists document their work with high-quality images.
Students will understand that artists utilize proper terminology and vocabulary while working with materials.
Students will understand that artists view, discuss, and critique artwork to gain insight and inspiration.
Students will understand that color theory is a set of guides and strategies artists can use to mix and select colors for their artworks.
Students will understand that color theory is a guide for using color to evoke emotion and meaning within an artwork.
Students will understand that value is created within paintings by utilizing tints and shades.

Do

Students will envision and plan a larger piece of artwork by considering a message or life experience to communicate.
Students will practice creating a color wheel through color mixing.
Students will practice utilizing tints and shades to create value in their artwork.
Students will experiment with watercolor and acrylic painting techniques.
Students will apply color theory to their painting to evoke the desired message, experience, or emotion.
Students will create an artwork using chosen painting techniques and color theory to communicate an experience, message, or emotion.

9.1.8.A Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.
9.1.8.C Identify and use comprehensive vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
9.3.8.A Know and use the critical process of the examination of works in the arts and humanities.
9.4.8.D Describe to what purpose philosophical ideas generated by artists can be conveyed through works in the arts and humanities.

National Core Arts Standards:

VA:Cr1.1.8a Document early stages of the creative process visually and/or verbally in traditional or new media.
VA:Cn11.1.8a Distinguish different ways art is used to represent, establish, reinforce, and reflect group identity.

Know

Students will know the vocabulary associated with ceramics.
Students will know the parameters and limitations of their materials.
Students will know how to envision and plan an artwork using sketching and writing.
Students will know how to apply criteria to their artwork.
Students will know the proper procedures and timelines for using glaze.
Students will know how to visually represent the basic components of identity.
Students will know how to utilize the elements and principles to create aesthetically pleasing glazing.

Understanding/Key Learning

Students will understand that artists communicate ideas visually in different styles and techniques.
Students will understand that the elements are the building blocks of visual art, while the principles are strategies artists use to organize the elements within their work to communicate visually.
Students will understand that artists utilize planning and development strategies when envisioning their artwork.
Students will understand that artists document their work with high-quality images.
Students will understand that artists view, discuss, and critique artwork to gain insight and inspiration.
Students will understand that glaze is utilized by ceramic artists to create decorative effects as well as functional use for ceramics projects.
Students will understand that artists communicate their identity through their artwork by using a variety of strategies.
Students will understand that art materials have specific standards that must be met when creating.
Students will understand that artists utilize proper terminology and vocabulary while working with materials.

Do

Students will envision and plan glazing designs for their ceramic projects.
Students will design and apply decorative and functional glaze to their ceramic project.
Students will apply proper glazing techniques to achieve desired effects in their ceramic artwork.
Students will analyze and critique the glazing process to improve their technique and understanding of its effects.
Students will create functional and aesthetically pleasing glazing that aligns with their project’s goals.

9.1.8.C Identify and use comprehensive vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
9.3.8.A Know and use the critical process of the examination of works in the arts and humanities.
9.4.8.B Compare and contrast informed individual opinions about the meaning of works in the arts to others.
9.4.8.D Describe to what purpose philosophical ideas generated by artists can be conveyed through works in the arts and humanities.

National Core Arts Standards:

VA:Cr2.3.8a Select, organize, and design images and words to make visually clear and compelling presentations.
VA:Cr3.1.8a Apply relevant criteria to examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for a work of art or design in progress.
VA:Pr4.1.8a Develop and apply criteria for evaluating a collection of artwork for presentation.
VA:Re9.1.8a Create a convincing and logical argument to support an evaluation of art.

Know

Students will know the vocabulary associated with their artwork and artistic process.
Students will know how to create a Google Slides presentation to showcase their work.
Students will know how to organize the elements of their portfolio.
Students will know how to compare and evaluate their work using a rubric.
Students will know how to utilize the elements and principles of art to create an aesthetically pleasing design.
Students will know how to write an artist statement about their work.
Students will know how to present their work and engage in peer critique.
Students will know how to utilize criteria to analyze artwork.

Understanding/Key Learning

Students will understand that the elements are the building blocks of visual art, while the principles are strategies artists use to organize the elements within their work to communicate visually.
Students will understand that artists utilize planning and development strategies when envisioning their artwork.
Students will understand that artists document their work with high-quality images.
Students will understand that artists write artist statements about their work in order to reflect, evaluate, and communicate ideas about their artwork.
Students will understand that artist portfolios are carefully curated tools that artists use to share their work with clients, galleries, and peers.
Students will understand that artists communicate their identity through their artwork by using a variety of strategies.
Students will understand that artists engage in critique with peers and mentors to improve their artwork.
Students will understand that artists utilize proper terminology and vocabulary while working with materials.
Students will understand that artists utilize criteria while creating artwork in order to be successful.

Do

Students will create a Google Slides portfolio that includes curated artist statements and photos of their artwork.
Students will design their Google Slides portfolio using the elements and principles of art.
Students will write and compile artist statements for each piece of artwork.
Students will utilize rubrics and critique standards to evaluate and curate their work.

Unit Essential Questions

What is curation, and how does it involve selecting and arranging artwork to convey a specific theme or message?
How does the presentation and curation of artwork impact the way viewers perceive and interpret it?
What is a portfolio, and how does it represent an artist's work and growth over time?
Why are portfolios important, and how do they help artists present their work to others, such as galleries or potential clients?
What are the key components of a successful critique, and how do they contribute to the improvement of an artist's work?
How do artist statements help both the artist and the viewer understand the intention behind the artwork and its deeper meaning?

Lesson Essential Questions

How does the layout and design of a presentation influence the viewer's perception and understanding of the artwork being displayed?
How can an artist use a rubric to effectively evaluate their work and identify areas for improvement or refinement?
How does the organization of an artist statement alongside the artwork enhance the viewer's understanding and interpretation of the artist's intentions and message?