Course Description: This introductory course serves as a foundational exploration of various art mediums, techniques, and concepts within drawing and painting. Students will develop fundamental skills, visual literacy, and an appreciation for art's role in personal expression and cultural context. Emphasis will be placed on experimentation, problem-solving, and building a strong understanding of the elements of art and principles of design.

Overarching Themes: Observation, Experimentation, Self-Expression, Visual Communication, Cultural Understanding.

Approximate Weeks: 36

Unit 1: Foundations of Visual Language (Drawing Focus) - (Approx. 9 Weeks)

Focus: Introduction to the elements of art (line, shape, form, value, texture, space, color) and principles of design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity). Developing observational drawing skills.

Key Concepts/Skills:

• Elements & Principles: Define, identify, and apply elements of art and principles of design.

• Line: Contour drawing (blind and modified), gesture drawing, expressive lines.

• Shape & Form: Understanding 2D vs. 3D, geometric vs. organic shapes, rendering basic forms (cubes, spheres, cylinders, cones).

• Value: Shading techniques (hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, blending), creating a full range of values.

• Space: Positive and negative space, overlapping, scale, basic linear perspective (1-point).

• Composition: Rule of Thirds, creating focal points.

• Media Exploration: Graphite pencil, charcoal, ink (pen and wash).

• Sketchbook Development: Daily practice, visual journaling, idea generation.

Sample Projects:

• Elements & Principles "Discovery" Scavenger Hunt / Visual Glossary

• Basic Still Life: Line and Value studies (geometric objects)

• Expressive Hand/Self-Portrait Drawings

• One-Point Perspective Room or Street Scene

CA VAPA Alignment (Conceptual):

• Creating (Cr): Cr1.1 (Generate ideas), Cr2.1 (Experiment with materials/techniques), Cr2.2 (Develop skills), Cr3.1 (Refine artistic work).

• Presenting (Pr): Pr4.1 (Select, analyze for presentation), Pr5.1 (Develop/refine for presentation).

• Responding (Re): Re7.1 (Perceive/analyze works), Re8.1 (Interpret meaning).

• Connecting (Cn): Cn10.1 (Relate personal experiences to art), Cn11.1 (Relate art to societal context).

Unit 2: Color Theory & Introduction to Painting (Approx. 9 Weeks)

Focus: Understanding color relationships, mixing techniques, and initial exploration of water-based paints.

Key Concepts/Skills:

• Color Theory: Color wheel, primary, secondary, tertiary colors.

• Color Harmonies: Complementary, analogous, monochromatic, warm/cool colors.

• Value in Color: Tints, shades, tones.

• Watercolor Techniques: Washes (flat, graded), wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, lifting, layering.

• Acrylic Painting Basics: Opaque vs. transparent, blending, impasto, layering.

• Still Life Painting: Applying color theory and observational skills to a painted still life.

Sample Projects:

• Color Wheel and Value Scale in Watercolor

• Monochromatic Painting (e.g., still life or landscape detail)

• Acrylic Still Life with complementary colors

• Abstract Color Study reflecting a mood or emotion

CA VAPA Alignment (Conceptual):

• Creating (Cr): Cr1.1, Cr2.1, Cr2.2, Cr3.1 (applying color theory to creative work).

• Presenting (Pr): Pr4.1, Pr5.1, Pr6.1 (conveying meaning through presentation).

• Responding (Re): Re7.1, Re8.1, Re9.1 (applying criteria to evaluate color use).

• Connecting (Cn): Cn10.1 (personal connection to color expression), Cn11.1 (cultural significance of color).

Unit 3: Exploring Diverse Drawing Mediums & Techniques (Approx. 9 Weeks)

Focus: Expanding drawing skills through the use of varied dry and wet drawing media, focusing on expressive potential and different approaches to representation.

Key Concepts/Skills:

• Charcoal & Conte Crayon: Expressive drawing, chiaroscuro, rendering texture and form.

• Pastels (Oil & Soft): Blending, layering, creating vibrant color fields, capturing light.

• Ink & Wash/Mixed Media Drawing: Combining drawing and painting elements, line quality, expressive mark-making.

• Figure/Proportion Basics: Introduction to basic human proportions (simplified gesture studies).

• Texture & Pattern: Observing and rendering various textures.

• Subject Matter: Landscapes, portraits (introduction to features), drapery studies.

Sample Projects:

• Charcoal Still Life: Emphasizing dramatic light and shadow

• Soft Pastel Landscape/Seascape: Exploring color blending and atmosphere

• Mixed Media Observational Drawing (e.g., a complex object or plant using ink, watercolor, and pencil)

• Gesture Drawings of the Human Form (from reference images)

CA VAPA Alignment (Conceptual):

• Creating (Cr): Cr1.1, Cr2.1, Cr2.2, Cr2.3 (incorporating digital if applicable), Cr3.1.

• Presenting (Pr): Pr4.1, Pr5.1, Pr6.1 (communicating through diverse drawing techniques).

• Responding (Re): Re7.1 (analyzing different drawing styles/media), Re8.1, Re9.1.

• Connecting (Cn): Cn10.1, Cn11.1 (historical examples of different drawing media).

Unit 4: Introduction to Artistic Expression & Concept (Painting Focus) - (Approx. 9 Weeks)

Focus: Moving beyond technical replication to using painting as a means of personal expression and communication of ideas. Introduction to various painting styles and approaches.

Key Concepts/Skills:

• Subjective Color: Using color to express emotion or idea rather than just represent reality.

• Compositional Strategies: Dynamic compositions, focal points, balance (asymmetrical/symmetrical).

• Narrative Painting: Telling a story or conveying a message through imagery.

• Symbolism & Metaphor: Incorporating symbolic elements into artwork.

• Stylistic Exploration: Brief introduction to abstract, cubist, impressionistic approaches to painting.

• Critique & Reflection: Developing skills in analyzing and evaluating artworks (their own and others').

• Portfolio Preparation: Selecting and documenting best works from the year.

Sample Projects:

• Personal Narrative Painting (Acrylic or mixed media, telling a story or representing a significant event/idea)

• Abstract Expression Painting (focus on emotion, color, and gesture)

• Dreamscape/Surrealist Painting (Acrylic, exploring imaginative compositions)

• Final Portfolio Selection and Reflection Statement

CA VAPA Alignment (Conceptual):

• Creating (Cr): Cr1.1 (generate innovative ideas), Cr2.1 (solve visual problems creatively), Cr2.2 (refine craftsmanship), Cr3.1 (complete meaningful work).

• Presenting (Pr): to be emphasized throughout unit Pr4.1, Pr5.1, Pr6.1 (conveying meaning, preparing for exhibition).

• Responding (Re): to be emphasized through critiques Re7.1, Re8.1, Re9.1 (formulating judgments, discussing intent).

• Connecting (Cn): Cn10.1 (synthesize knowledge), Cn11.1 (connect art to social/cultural contexts, careers).