Art

Middle School Art is taught in 7th grade, trimesters one and three. Students are introduced to a wide variety of media, as they explore the elements of art: line, color, value, shape, texture, form, and space. They learn about the lives and work of many different artists, usually as they relate to projects they are working on. Students are encouraged to see the connections between art and other areas of the curriculum, such as Religion, History, Math, Science, and Communications, along with God’s world around them.

Students are required to keep a sketchbook for ideas, practice drawings, notes, and their weekly sketch assignments, which are designed to build confidence, skills, and creativity. These assignments are given each Monday and checked the following Monday. A test is given at the end of the first trimester, while the final project at the end of the year is an artist research paper, self-portrait in the artist’s style, and class presentation.

The students learn art appreciation through looking at works of great artists throughout history, giving them a glimpse into life and culture in various time periods and places. We also look at the work of modern-day and local artists, some within our own community. Students will see that art is a vital component of our lives and can enrich us in ways we never imagined! Through art, children learn valuable critical thinking skills, decision –making, creative solutions to problems, and ways to experiment, brainstorm, and communicate ideas.

The art curriculum focuses on teaching “the basics”, such as color theory, basic shapes, shading to create volume, perspective, proportion, elements of landscape, portraiture, and still life, and use of media. We look at realistic versus abstract art, and what inspires artists. Guidelines and demonstrations are given, along with individual help, but students are encouraged to be creative and develop their own unique style.

Projects may include:

Memory drawings - using our five senses to communicate our interpretations of a special place. We look at the works of American artists “Grandma” Moses and Norman Rockwell.

Sunflower drawings in oil pastel – Vincent van Gogh

Portfolios – tessellation design – M.C. Escher - geometric shape, pattern, repletion, rhythm, positive/negative space, geometric shape, color combinations