Course Description: Building upon the foundational skills developed in Drawing and Painting 1, this course delves deeper into advanced drawing and painting techniques, promoting mastery of media and fostering the development of a unique artistic voice. Students will engage in more complex projects, explore historical and contemporary art influences, and refine their critical thinking and portfolio development skills.

Prerequisite: Drawing and Painting 1 or instructor approval.

Overarching Themes: Mastery of Technique, Personal Voice, Conceptual Development, Art Historical Context, Portfolio Building.

Approximate Weeks: 36

Unit 1: Advanced Observational Drawing & Form (Approx. 9 Weeks)

Focus: Developing highly refined observational drawing skills, emphasizing accurate proportion, dynamic composition, and sophisticated rendering of form and texture in various dry media.

Key Concepts/Skills:

• Advanced Perspective: 2-point and 3-point perspective, atmospheric perspective, forced perspective.

• Figure Drawing: Anatomy basics (skeletal and muscular landmarks), dynamic poses, drapery studies on the figure, chiaroscuro in figure.

• Portraiture: Proportions of the head and face, capturing likeness and expression, light on form.

• Still Life - Complex Setups: Multiple objects, varied textures (glass, metal, fabric), complex lighting.

• Medium Mastery: Controlled use of charcoal, pastels, conté, graphite, mixed media for advanced effects.

• Art Historical Context: Master drawings (e.g., Renaissance, Baroque, Impressionist sketches).

Sample Projects:

• Large-scale Still Life: Complex arrangement with varied textures and light source (charcoal or conté)

• Self-Portrait or Portrait Study: Highly rendered, capturing likeness and form (pencil or pastel)

• Dynamic Figure Study: Emphasis on gesture, proportion, and form (from live model or advanced reference)

• Architectural Drawing: Interior or exterior using 2 or 3-point perspective

CA VAPA Alignment (Conceptual):

• Creating (Cr): Cr1.1 (generate innovative ideas based on observation), Cr2.1 (solve complex visual problems), Cr2.2 (prepare refined portfolio work), Cr3.1 (complete sophisticated artistic work).

• Presenting (Pr): Pr4.1, Pr5.1, Pr6.1 (presenting highly refined observational work).

• Responding (Re): Re7.1 (critically analyze master drawings), Re8.1 (interpret intent in complex works), Re9.1 (apply advanced criteria).

• Connecting (Cn): Cn10.1 (synthesize observational skills with art history), Cn11.1 (historical context of figure/portraiture).

Unit 2: Advanced Painting Techniques & Expression (Approx. 9 Weeks)

Focus: Deepening understanding of oil and/or acrylic painting, exploring a wider range of techniques, and developing expressive qualities.

Key Concepts/Skills:

• Oil Painting Introduction: Mediums (linseed oil, mineral spirits), layering, glazing, impasto, alla prima.

• Advanced Color Theory: Color temperature, color relationships in complex scenes, limited palettes.

• Brushwork: Expressive brushwork, varied marks, textural effects.

• Compositional Depth: Creating atmospheric perspective in paint, dynamic leading lines, complex focal points.

• Landscape Painting: Plein air (if possible) or studio-based, capturing light and atmosphere.

• Still Life - Advanced: Incorporating more reflective surfaces, complex drapery, unique lighting scenarios.

• Critique & Reflection: Peer and self-critique, written reflections on artistic choices and technical execution.

Sample Projects:

• Landscape Painting: Capturing a specific time of day or atmospheric condition (oil or acrylic)

• Still Life with Reflective Objects: Focus on rendering reflections and complex light (oil or acrylic)

• Alla Prima Portrait/Figurative Study (Oil or acrylic, focusing on quick capture of light and form)

• Master Study: Recreating a portion of a master painting to understand technique

CA VAPA Alignment (Conceptual):

• Creating (Cr): Cr1.1, Cr2.1, Cr2.2, Cr3.1 (mastering complex painting techniques).

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

• Responding (Re): Re7.1, Re8.1, Re9.1 (evaluating advanced painting techniques).

• Connecting (Cn): Cn10.1 (personal interpretation of painting styles), Cn11.1 (impact of painting on culture/history).

Unit 3: Concept-Driven Art & Personal Voice (Approx. 9 Weeks)

Focus: Moving beyond technical proficiency to develop a personal artistic voice, exploring conceptual ideas, and creating artworks that convey deeper meaning. Encouraging independent thought and artistic experimentation.

Key Concepts/Skills:

• Developing a Personal Voice: Identifying artistic interests, themes, and preferred styles/media.

• Conceptual Art: Art that expresses ideas, emotions, or social commentary.

• Series Development: Creating a cohesive body of work around a central theme or idea.

• Mixed Media Exploration: Combining various drawing and painting media in innovative ways.

• Symbolism & Allegory: Using visual elements to represent abstract ideas.

• Artist Statement: Articulating intentions and processes behind their artwork.

• Research: Investigating contemporary artists and art movements that align with their interests.

Sample Projects:

• Artist Statement & Research Project: Choose an artist whose work inspires them, research their concepts/techniques, and write an artist statement about their own artistic direction.

• Thematic Series (3-5 pieces): Explore a chosen theme (e.g., identity, social issue, environmental concern, personal narrative) through drawing and/or painting.

• Experimental Mixed Media Work: Push boundaries with materials and techniques to express a concept.

• Dream/Subconscious Exploration: Artwork exploring personal dreams, memories, or subconscious thoughts.

CA VAPA Alignment (Conceptual):

• Creating (Cr): Cr1.1 (independently generate complex ideas), Cr2.1 (solve unique visual problems), Cr2.2 (develop refined body of work), Cr3.1 (innovate and take risks).

• Presenting (Pr): Pr4.1, Pr5.1, Pr6.1 (curate and present a cohesive body of work, articulate intentions).

• Responding (Re): Re7.1 (critically analyze conceptual art), Re8.1 (interpret complex meaning), Re9.1 (defend artistic choices).

• Connecting (Cn): Cn10.1 (synthesize personal experiences and external knowledge), Cn11.1 (connect art to global and contemporary issues, explore career paths).

Unit 4: Portfolio Development & Exhibition (Approx. 9 Weeks)

Focus: Curating a strong portfolio of their best work, preparing it for presentation (physical and/or digital), and understanding the process of presenting art.

Key Concepts/Skills:

• Portfolio Curation: Selecting strongest pieces, ensuring variety and coherence.

• Documentation: High-quality photography of artwork, digital portfolio creation.

• Artist Statement Refinement: Polishing statements for clarity and impact.

• Critique & Presentation Skills: Articulating artistic rationale, receiving and applying feedback.

• Exhibition Principles: Basic display techniques, framing/matting (if applicable).

• Career Connections: Exploring post-secondary art programs, art careers, and opportunities.

• Final Exhibition/Critique: Presenting selected works for a comprehensive final assessment.

Sample Projects:

• Final Portfolio Submission: A curated collection of 10-15 best works from D&P 1 & 2.

• Digital Portfolio/Website: Create a simple online portfolio using platforms like Google Sites, Behance, or a personal website.

• Exhibition Design (Mini): Curate a small group exhibition within the classroom, including artist statements and proper labeling.

• Senior Art Show/Showcase Preparation: If applicable, prepare works for a larger school exhibition.

CA VAPA Alignment (Conceptual):

• Creating (Cr): Cr3.1 (complete work for presentation).

• Presenting (Pr): Pr4.1 (select for presentation), Pr5.1 (refine for presentation), Pr6.1 (convey meaning through presentation/exhibition). This unit strongly emphasizes the "Presenting" process.

• Responding (Re): Re9.1 (evaluate their own and peers' portfolios).

• Connecting (Cn): Cn10.1 (synthesize learning from both courses), Cn11.1 (connect to post-secondary pathways, careers, and the art world).

Implementing with AOEU FLEX:

Your AOEU FLEX membership will be invaluable for populating these units. Search their collections for:

• Lesson Plans: Look for lessons covering specific techniques (e.g., "charcoal value," "watercolor washes," "acrylic portrait," "2-point perspective").

• Artist Studies: Integrate their artist bios and historical context resources into each unit.

• Videos: Use student-facing videos for demonstrations and inspiration.

• Assessments: Adapt their rubrics and critique sheets for your projects.

• Collections: They often have pre-made collections around themes like "Drawing Fundamentals" or "Color Theory."