High+School+Independent+Art


 * __Independent Art: Syllabus__

As an Independent Art student, you are responsible for choosing your own projects, and creating your own deadlines. The list of art projects is to give you an idea of what materials are available. You can create your own projects based on your own ideas, but it is your job to let your teacher know.

** __**Individual Project Ideas**__

__**[|1 Point Perspective]**__ : Create a hallway with lockers: Make them a colorful world using markers, crayons, or colored pencils.

__**[|2 Point Perspective]**__ : Create a cityscape using 2 point perspective. __**[|Gesture Drawing Study:]**__ Draw 10 quick sketches of a model. __**Still Life:**__ Draw with pencil using shades and contrast **(see podcast under Art 1)** __**[|Watercolor] :**__ Choose a subject and paint using watercolor. __**[|Charcoal] :**__ Draw simple shapes using the charcoal techniques shown. __**[|Pointillism] :**__ Love Seurat? Try to paint an image using the pointillism method. __**[|Grid Drawing]**__ : Pick a subject and draw it using the proportion drawing method.

__**Painting:**__ Use your grid drawing and transfer it onto a canvas. Paint.

__**[|Batiking]**__ : Create a cool design and use the batik method to create it on white cloth, wax and dye.

__**Self Portrait:**__ Paint yourself using a mirror! Sketch, draw on your canvas, and work on skin tones and shapes of facial features. __**Musical Art:**__ Choose your favorite song. Think about a way to represent it using a collage technique of construction paper and many shapes. __**Collage:**__ Choose a subject or idea you know nothing about! Look through magazines, print out some pictures from the internet, use words and ideas about this subject. __**[|Papermaking]**__ : Create colorful sheets of homemade paper! __**[|Oil Pastel Animals]** **:**__ Choose one animal. Sketch, draw, and use oils pastels incorporating blending techniques. **__[|Tye Dye] :__ Different techniques for Tye Dye, create a very cool shirt using the methods dicussed.**
 * __Design your sketchbook.__ The student will be required to design a cover that represents you as an artist. You can use different mediums such as magazines, pencils, markers, different types of paper, glitter, etc. Make sure your name is on the inside cover.
 * __1 Point Perspective__ . The students will get background on the idea of a one point perspective, and see examples of works of art. The student will create a city/ town scene using their knowledge of 1 perspective. Materials: pencil/colored pencils.
 * __Clay Box:__ The students will be creating a slab box out of clay with a twist... they are not allowed to make a square/ rectangle shaped box! The student will have to be creative and think of other shapes! The box will need to have a lid. After being fired in the kiln, the students will need to create an interesting design using glaze.
 * __Musical Art.__ Students will talk about their favorite types of music. The students will receive background on art and music as they are shown in great works of art. The students will create their favorite music by using different types of paper and any other materials suited for this project. If appropriate, students will be allowed to play their song as they are presenting their project for group critique. Materials: Tissue paper, construction paper, etc.
 * __Black and White Contrast with subject.__ The class will discuss contrast and repetition. The students will be asked to choose a subject, such as a person, animal, object, etc. The students will draw their subject with few details, and trace with a black marker. The students will then hash their drawings with many lines, and use the checkerboard pattern technique to give their picture a black and white contrast. Materials: Pencils, sharpies, black paint, white-out.
 * __Paper Mache masks (**see mask presentation, 7th grade art**)__. The students will receive historical information about masks in many cultures, and how they represent their rituals and daily activity. The students will be creating a mask that represents a ritual (birthday, family reunion, holiday, etc.) that happens in their own family/town. The mask must have at least one paragraph attached to the back to explain the mask. Students will present as a group critique. Materials: Tag board, paper Mache, acrylic paint.
 * __Paper Mache Pop Art (**See Ms. Shaw for video presentation**)__ : Create a giant work of Pop Art with the understanding of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichenstein: Think about Junk Food, research your choice, and create a large version out of paper mache and paint.
 * Still life with pencil: Students will practice values and shades. The students will be drawing their still life with pencil. Materials: pencil.
 * Landscape with oil pastels: The student will be given knowledge of the idea of surrealism, with background of Escher, Dali, and Magritte. The students will be asked to use these techniques of surrealism and create a fantasy landscape using pencil and oil pastels. Materials: Pencil, oil pastels.
 * Collage Art: The students will put together a collage representing something important in their lives. The students can use magazines, pictures, drawings, and other found objects. Materials: Magazines, etc. Presentation and group critique.
 * Photo Extension: The students will learn brief background about black and white photography. The students will choose a photo out of a magazine, cut it and extend at least 60% of the photo. The students will try and match these shades and values as closely as they can.
 * Paper Mache sculpture: The students will receive background on contemporary art sculpture. The students will be creating a free form paper Mache sculpture using wire, paper mache, and acrylic paint.
 * Choice painting: The students will go over the color wheel and the idea of tints and shades in colors. The students will be able to pick any subject and create a choice painting. The students may use pictures, magazines, etc. Materials: Acrylic paint, canvas board.
 * Linoleum prints (**See other syllabus for presentation**): The students will learn about bas relief carving, and the understanding of how the positive and negative effect can occur in carving and making prints. The student will receive a 4 by 6 piece of linoleum. The students will think of an interesting design or subject and use carving tools to create it in their linoleum. The student will be required to print their linoleum print on at least 3 different surfaces. The students will be encouraged to be creative and to not use the same old paper! Materials: Linoleum, carving tools, acrylic paint, multi-surfaces for printing.
 * Clay food replica: (**see Art 1 section for presentation**) The topic of realism and pop art in sculpture will be covered. The students will talk about modeling their favorite types of foods in clay. The students will be asked to create their favorite meal in clay. Acrylic paint will be used after firing. These will be presented in group critique. Materials: Clay, clay tools, acrylic paint.
 * [|Tessellations] : The students will discuss how a tessellation is a geometrical art form. The students will see some great tessellation work done by Escher. The students will be asked to create a pattern that is not a common geometrical shape. It has to repeat and not overlap. The students can finish these with black marker and colored pencils or markers.
 * Self portrait collage: (**see Art 2 section for presentation**) Create yourself using magazines, newspapers, etc. Think about skin tones, features, and also pictures that say something about your personality (Class evaluation).


 * Charcoal still life: Draw the still life using charcoal and white chalk. You will be working on your values and shading, while learning to control a difficult medium.


 * [|Drywall carving] : Create a relief carving using drywall. Think of a surreal idea and carve it into your drywall. Remember that surrealism is dreamlike, and it can be stretched, fantasy, etc. Paint the drywall using the idea of surrealistic colors (partner evaluation).


 * Choice drawing: Choose a subject and draw it anyway you would like using proper shading and values. Pick one area of interest, and using a razor, cut it out and put colored paper behind it.


 * [|Papermaking] : Using a molding by pressing or casting by pressing, and create your own paper sculpture. Paint and mount onto a background or frame (Class evaluation).


 * [|Mobiles:] Kinetic sculpture: Think about 4-6 shapes or images that are related. Recreate them out of found materials. Paint, color, or create them in your own personal way. Hang them in a mobile style using balance and rhythm.

__**Clay Creations:**__ ( **see 3D Art section for presentation**) Create your own creature. This creature can be fantasy, cartoon-like, or a possibility of being real (Duck-Billed Platypus, Jackalope). Build this creature from clay. This creature must be 3 Dimensional, and at least 6 inches in height. Acrylic paint will finalize these projects (self evaluation). Creativity is a must!!!
 * Ceramics: Build a vessel that has meaning in your life using slab, coil, pinch, pressing, etc. You must have a story behind your pot before you build it (class evaluation)!
 * [|Mosaics:] Break tiles, glaze or paint tiles. Think of a cool design or idea that you would like to create using the tiles. Review the power point presentation and take ideas into account. Place tiles on contact paper or background depending on materials available, use quick rite concrete or grout.
 * Photo extension: Choice: Use a black and white or color picture and extend it. The black and white has to be abstract!
 * __Design your logo__. The student will be required to design a personal logo that represents you as an artist. The student will take in the history and elements of design, as well as some basic knowledge of commercial advertising. There will be a group critique along with this project. The students may use a variety of materials in order to make their logos aesthetically pleasing. Materials, paper, markers, paint, India ink, etc.
 * __Architecture: (**see design section for presentation**)__ The students will take their logos and think of a type of business/store that they would like their logo to represent. The students will explore several types of businesses with their logos and mottos. The students will make a blueprint of their building, and build a model out of cardboard and other materials available. Group critique.
 * __Design a new magazine cover__: Students will bring in their favorite magazine (if appropriate). The students will discuss the aesthetic value of good cover art in a well known magazine. The students will redesign a cover using a variety of other magazines, drawings, and materials available.
 * __Graphic Design__: Students will discuss collage techniques and review several by student and famous artists. The student will design a graphic collage composed of ideas based on their personalities and creative world. The student will use new programs from the mac for templates. The main elements will be balance, rhythm, and unity.
 * __World Graphic Collage:__ Using the knowledge of the new mac programs, students will create a collage that has something to do with a world issue. The students have many aspects to choose from, and it will be the students job to express this/ these issues in a creative way.
 * __Design a music group__: The students will walk through different elements of creating their own rock band, such as a name, posters, t-shirt design, CD cover, etc. using different computer programs available. The student will choose at least 2 promotional items for their rock band.
 * __Fashion design using non fabric materials__: The students will discuss the latest fashion and what are the trends of the past. The students will look at contemporary fashion and see many examples of different materials used. The student will design an article of clothing, but will have to create it in non fabric materials. The students can brainstorm different types of materials to use.
 * __Interior Design__: The students will research and learn about the elements that go into interior design, including the elements, materials, cost, etc. Choose a room from any building, whether it is a house, a business, a restaurant, etc. The student will redesign this room using their creative eye, making it more enjoyable, exciting, and a better place to be. Try and use some place that people may know, and it will be good to use a before and after aspect approach. This can be a 3 dimensional model, a drawing, painting, etc.

__**Ceramics:**__ Build a vessel that has meaning in your life using slab, coil, pinch, pressing, etc. You must have a story behind your pot before you build it (class evaluation)!

__**Wire sculpture**__:( **see 3D Art section for presentation**) Using all wire, create a subject such as an animal, object, or person. This subject must be recognizable!

__**Action Figure**__: Create a person using movement out of wire, paper mache, and paint. This person must show some sort of recognizable movement (self evaluation)!

__**Recycled Sculpture:**__ Recreate a functional piece of furniture out of recyclable objects! Materials will be cans, cardboard boxes, milk jugs, glass jars. Ms. Shaw will bring in materials, or feel free to bring your own! __**Junk sculpture:**__ Go hunting for treasure! Find left over junk out of the garage, janitor’s closet, or anywhere! Build some sort of contemporary sculpture that has a new creative twist on this old junk! __**Duct Tape Attire:**__ Using your creative nature, create some sort of functional object out of Duct Tape. This can be clothing, an item that you would carry with you, or something that is used on a daily basis. This item needs to be completely made out of duct tape and scrap objects! No using the same object and putting duct tape over it (class evaluation)! __**Papermaking**__: Using a molding by pressing or casting by pressing, and create your own paper sculpture. Paint and mount onto a background or base, paint, and present (Class evaluation).
 * Creative color wheel**: Use all the colors with tints and shades.


 * Silk screen painting**: Mandalas: History and presentation about Mandalas and silk screening. Create your own radiating Mandala and paint silk screen style.


 * Found Object painting**: Bring ANY object from home and creatively paint it. Choose an interesting style


 * Shape painting with one color**: Shades and Tints. Realism


 * Air brush stencil**: Bring in a T shirt to airbrush your symbol: Limited Colors are available, so deal with it!!!!


 * Still life painting**: Vase with flowers: Choose a style: Expressionism, Impressionism, Abstract, or Realism. Paint in that style.


 * Self Portrait**: Paint yourself! Pay attention to skin tones and facial features. Mirrors are needed! Realism


 * Watercolor landscape** (Save for May): Outside. Since we have limited choice of landscapes, we will all paint what we see.


 * Ceiling Tile Painting**: Try something original and different! This material is not the easiest to paint, so try and not get frustrated… use a simple idea and go with that.


 * Brick Painting**: Create your mark on Sigourney High School. Must ONLY take up one brick!


 * Choice Oil Painting:** Oils will be introduced, and students will have a small surface to practice using this difficult medium. Subject will be students’ choice!


 * Action painting**: Be Jackson Pollack for a day: Presentation about Pollack and his work. See clips from the movie. Cups with holes in it, not splatter, but drip. Create an emotion behind the painting

Pop Art: Bring in a 4 by 6 picture of a person, famous or not. Photocopy the image at least 4 times. Glue your images down onto a stronger white paper, and finally a thick piece of cardboard or wood. In an Andy Warhol style (see presentation), create your images with different colors of paint, putting emphasis on lines and bright colors.

Clay Project Ideas:

Bowl Planter Animal Shaped Planter Animal Figurine Aquarium Decorations Bank Mug Vase Wind Chimes Wall pocket Letter holder Mini teapot Candle Holder Small Box Relief Sculpture Coasters Tiles Plaque Jewelry Toothbrush Holder Box