Mr. Brian Hill
Rm. 112
Patch High School
Instructor Bio
Originally from Indiana, I graduated from Indiana University with a double major: Studio Art and US
History. I also have BS and MS degrees in Education. I have been an art teacher for 23 years. My first
DoDDS assignment was Seoul American High School (1994-98) and from there I went to Kadena High
School (98-2009). This is my 6th year at Patch High School and I think we have a very strong arts program.
Welcome to Fundamentals!
Contact Information
I can be reached via email at: Brian.Hill@eu.dodea.edu
You can reach me by phone at : 430-1970
My planning Periods are: 0930-1100 on Black days and 0800-0925 on Gold days
Website: http://teachersites.schoolworld.com/webpages/BHill/
ARA301: Fundamentals of Art
Course Title: Fundamentals of Art
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CODE: ARA301
COURSE LENGTH: 18 or 36 weeks
Major Concepts/Content: The Fundamentals of Art course is designed as the basic entry course for the art
program. The course provides instruction in the use of the elements of line, Color texture, shape, and space
arrangement in works of art. Students learn how to compose a balanced, rhythmic, unified design through a
series of assignments that use a variety of two- and three-dimensional art media. Course emphasis is placed
on basic techniques of drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture that can be used throughout
life for communication, expression, and enjoyment.
Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities will provide experience with art materials, tools,
and equipment commonly used in art education programs. Using different media, students will produce
works of art that express a personal knowledge or attitude about an object, concept, or event; and works of
art that reflect individual skills, interests, and understandings. Students will learn to identify works of art by
evaluating the major style, culture, or historical period of the work. Visits to art galleries, studios, and
museums will be included when feasible.
Major Evaluative Techniques: Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the proper care and
use of tools, materials, and equipment used in art. Student projects will be evaluated on originality,
craftsmanship, effort, time utilization, and quality, taking into consideration the individual or students’
talent, experience, and/ or limitations. Both written and oral tests will be used to evaluate knowledge of
course content.
Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the fundamentals of art course, students should be able to:
1. Create Works of Art
 Apply the elements and principles of design to all forms of art production.
 Produce drawings, paintings, prints, and sculptures that reflect individual skills, styles, and
interests.
 Produce a work of art expressing a personal attitude with regard to an object, concept, or event.
 Identify tools and materials used in specific media.
 Demonstrate the ability to mix colors as needed.
 Demonstrate processes used in graphic design, product design, and environmental design.
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Demonstrate basic drawing skills.
Display ability with a wide variety of art forms.
Articulate basic knowledge about the visual arts that can be used throughout life for
communication, expression, and enjoyment.
Describe differences among visual forms of communication, movement/dance, speaking, and
writing.
Maintain a sketchbook/journal.
2. Demonstrate Aesthetic Perception
 Formulate reasons for stating that selected works of art have aesthetic merit.
 Articulate the beauty in structural characteristics of natural and man-made art forms.
 Appreciate beauty in unexpected places.
 Transfer the accidental happening to a visual arts experience.
3. Develop Knowledge of Art Heritage
 Identify works of art, and the style, culture, or historical period of the work.
 Demonstrate knowledge of an artist, art style, and art movement.
 Discuss the theme, topic, and subject of selected artworks.
 Communicate specific ways in which the visual arts have identified ideas/ideals throughout
history.
 Describe a variety of art careers.
4. Utilize Critical Judgment of the Visual Arts
 Evaluate visual expression through craftsmanship, composition, originality, and function.
 Appraise relationships between form and function in applied design.
 Distinguish between fine art and commercial art.
 Make discriminating selections when purchasing visual media and visual media products.
Materials
Students will need a 2B pencil and eraser every day.
Other recommended but not required supplies:
6B pencil
Size 6 flat paint brush
Pencil sharpener
Size 8 round paint brush
Blending Tortillons
Color Pencils
Grading Policy
Patch High School values the partnership of teachers and parents to promote the success of all students.
Towards that end, all teachers at Patch High School use the GradeSpeed program. GradeSpeed is an online
program that enables parents and students to check their grades on an ongoing basis. Using the program
allows student progress to be monitored between the traditional formal progress reports. Each teacher is
required to post at least one grade per week .
Evaluation of all assignments will be based on the following rubric:
A = Work is of extremely high quality
Shows clear evidence of thinking
Piece is inventive and imaginative
Piece has a successful composition
Artist demonstrates skill with chosen media
Artist displays confidence and will to take risks
B = Work is of high quality but shows some inconsistencies
Shows evidence of thinking
Mostly successful composition
Technique is strong in most areas
Artist is fairly confident and decisive
C = Work demonstrates success inconsistently
Some ideational development
Some technical competence
Sense of purpose/direction
D = Sense of effort but problems and ideas unresolved
More competent technically than conceptually or vice versa
Lacks sense of exploration
F = Little thought or awareness
Poor technique and composition
DoDEA Grading Scale:
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
50-59 = F
Assessment
All work will be evaluated via critique. Each assignment has a point value. Assignments will be weighted
based on the amount of time needed for completion. Although students will be involved in the critique
process, Mr. Hill assigns all grades.
The semester exam will count for 20% of the semester grade.
Homework/Late work
There will be homework assignments. Assignments are expected to be turned in on the due date. If
students miss school, it is their responsibility to get missed assignments and arrange due dates with Mr.
Hill. Late assignments will receive a 10 -point deduction per day late.
Participation
It is extremely important students attend class regularly.
GO PAWS and Cornell Notes
Students in Studio will utilize the graphic organizers and the problem solving techniques (problem?
assets?,work it out, solution) consistent with the Patch High School improvement plan. Students are
encouraged to use Cornell Notes.
Calendar
Below is a tentative schedule and is likely to change. Keep an eye on my website for changes.
Quarter 1
Week 1: Introduction to Fundamentals of Art
Week 2: “Who am I” Illustration
Week 3: Introduction to Line
Week 4: Line Design
Week 5: Line Sculpture
Week 6: Line Drawing
Week 7: Concept Illustration
Week 8: Introduction to Shape
Week 9: Quarter 1Portfolio Review
Quarter 2
Week 1: Shape Sculpture/Mobiles w/Calder
Week 2:
Week 3:
Week 4:
Week 5:
Week 6:
Week 7:
Week 8:
Week 9:
Shape Drawing
Concept Illustration
Intro to Form
Form design
Form sculpture/ Foam Carving
Form Drawing/Shading
Concept Illustration
Semester1Review
Quarter 3
Week 1: Intro to Photography
Week 2: Photography/Photoshop
Week 3: Graphic Design
Week 4: Drawing on the computer
Week5: Intro to Watercolor/ Winslow Homer
Week 6: Intro to Figure drawing
Week 7: Pencil figures
Week 8: Painting Figures
Week 9: Portfolio Review
Quarter 4
Week 1: Intro Murals/ Rivera & Benton
Week 2: Murals
Week 3: Murals
Week 4: Intro to Portraits
Week 5: Self Portraits
Week 6: Self Portraits
Week 7: Cartooning
Week 8: Concentration Portfolio Evaluation
Week 9: Semester 2 Review
If you have any questions or concerns about the course, please contact me via email address or call the
school at 430-1970.