Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School
VISUAL ART FOUNDATIONS
Course Syllabus
Teacher: Mrs. Keller
Contact: Michele.keller@wwrsd.org
Course Description
This art course serves as a prerequisite for all subsequent advanced art courses offered. Course content revolves around the
elements of art & design, creative problem solving and art history. Students are exposed to a variety of media in two and threedimensional areas of study. Basic drawing, which serves to strengthen students’ perceptual and cognitive skills, will be the
foundation upon which all further areas of study will be supported.
Course Goals and Objectives
 Creation – the development, cultivation and growth of students individual creative expression through exposure to
and experimentation with many and varied techniques.
 Aesthetics – the development of students’ visual, tactile and kinesthetic senses aimed at increasing his perception of
and receptivity to the world around them.
 Critique – the development of an understanding and awareness of themselves as they interact with their environment
and attempts to relate to it through some mode of individual (and group) creative expression.
 Elements and Principals of the Arts – the development of their manipulative skills as needed in the creation of any
artwork, as well as an understanding of basic equipment, materials, technique and processes therein involved.
 World Cultures, History and Society – the development of his awareness and appreciation of the contribution of Fine
Arts and Applied Arts of both past and present with emphasis placed on the role the Arts play on high school, college
and professional levels.
 Careers and Opportunities – the development of students’ awareness of the opportunities afford one in the creation
of Art, as both an act of possible employment, professional career and/or personal satisfaction.
Grading Policy
Projects/In Class Assignments …………………………… 60%
Homework ……………………………………………….. 20%
Participation ……………………………………………… 20%
In Class Assignments/Projects: 60%
Student focus on daily assignment
Completion of assignment (on time)
Quality of work
Sketchbook and documentation
Final presentation
Test/quizzes
Participation: 20%
Preparation for class
Attendance/Lateness
Work habits
Participation in group discussion and critiques
Respect for peers, teacher, classroom environment and
equipment
Clean up
Homework Assignments: 20%
Homework
Sketchbook Assignments (on time)
Research Projects
All students are required to keep a sketchbook/journal
throughout the entire year. Sketchbook will be collected and
reviewed. Students use their sketchbooks for in class
assignments and homework that will be assigned.
Curriculum Content
All units will encompass the Elements and Principles of Design
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Color Theory
o Color Wheel
o Color Mixing
o Color Schemes
o Color Symbolism
Drawing
o Value Development
o Observational Drawing
o Drawing Techniques
o Mediums: Pencil, Pen & Ink, Charcoal, Pastels, Marker, etc
Painting
o Techniques
o Observational Painting
o Tools and materials
Three Dimensional Design
o Assemblage
o Found Object
o Additive/Subtractive Techniques
Ceramics
o Hand Building Techniques
o Additive/Subtractive Techniques
o Glazing
Graphic Design
o Typography
o Composition
o Visual Communication
Digital Photography
o Camera Functions
o Composition
Art Synectics
o Analogies
o Images and Transformations
o Developing Creativity
Materials Needed
Students will need the following in this course:
 8.5" x 11" Sketchbook
 Drawing Pencils: HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, Ebony
 2 Black Sharpies (Ultra Fine Point and Fine Point)
 Prismacolor Kneaded Eraser/Multi-Pack
 (Optional) Ziploc bag or pencil case to hold supplies and portfolio to store/travel with artwork