Talented Visual Art

Class overview

Talented Visual Art is an advanced, specialized educational program designed for students from kindergarten through 12th grade who have been formally identified as possessing exceptional artistic ability. The curriculum goes beyond standard art classes to accelerate skills in drawing, painting, and three-dimensional sculpture while preparing students for professional artistic paths.

Course Syllabus: Talented Art (Grades 6–8)

Instructor Information

• Teacher: Cetin Ates

• Email: cates@ebrschools.org

• Room: 420

• Planning Period: A Days on 2nd period (8:51-10:25 AM) and

B days 4th period (12:48-2:25 PM)

• Course Website:  : Visit McKinley Middle Web site, click on Faculty, click on Cetin Ates, click on Class Website

• Google Classroom Links:

1st Period: https://classroom.google.com/c/ODU1NjU0OTA4OTAy?cjc=6mlk7pi6

3rd Period: https://classroom.google.com/c/ODU1NjU1ODgxNzIz?cjc=ux7kvi5m

4th Period: https://classroom.google.com/c/ODU1NjU1NzMzMjY5?cjc=fclwol3y

5th Period: https://classroom.google.com/c/ODU1NjU0OTc4MDE2?cjc=orisjhg7

6th Period: https://classroom.google.com/c/ODU1NjU0MjIyMTI4?cjc=wiydrlve

7th Period: https://classroom.google.com/c/ODU1NjU1OTY2ODE0?cjc=atwvpzse

 Course Objectives & Scope

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Master Technical Skills: Demonstrate advanced control over various media (e.g., drawing, painting, printmaking, 3D sculpture).

• Develop Conceptually: Use the Elements of Art and Principles of Design to convey personal voice, metaphors, and complex ideas.

• Analyze & Critique: Engage in formal peer critiques using professional art vocabulary and evaluate historical masterworks.

• Curate Portfolios: Select, refine, and document their best work for formal presentation and future high school art program applications.

Course Units & Focus Areas

·         Observational & Figurative Drawing: Advanced perspective, dynamic composition, contouring, and value study. (Targeted level: 6th graders)

·         Color Theory & Media Exploration: Color mixing, glazing, and textural application across watercolor, acrylics, and mixed media. (Targeted Level: 7th graders)

·         Sculpture & 3D Form: Spatial design using wire, paper-mache, clay, or found objects. (Targeted Level: 8th graders)

·         Conceptual Art & Personal Narrative: Storytelling through visual metaphors, symbolism, and thematic series. (Targeted Level: 8th graders)

·         Portfolio Preparation & Exhibition: Selection, matting, documentation, and presentation of final works. (Targeted Level: 8th graders)

 Required Daily Material

Please bring this item to the studio every class:

• Mixed-Media Sketchbook: Size 9x12 inches, minimum 80lb paper weight (used for classwork project sketches and weekly sketchbook assignments.)

• Rest of the other materials such as drawing, coloring and painting supplies etc. will be provided by the teacher during the school year.

 Supply fee: $40 per year or $20 per semester.

Grading Policy

Grades reflect the student's process, skill growth, and self-discipline. They are not based purely on innate talent.

• 50% Major Studio Projects: Graded using a comprehensive rubric assessing craftsmanship, concept, technique, and resolution.

• 25% Sketchbook Assignments & Critiques and Project Progress: Weekly warm-ups, thumbnail planning sketches, and written self/peer reflections.

• 15% Studio Habits: Safety compliance, collaborative clean-up participation, and focus during independent studio time.

Studio Expectations & Policies

1. The Golden Rule of the Studio

Respect the space, the tools, classmates, instructor, and the creators. Art-making requires vulnerability; constructive feedback is welcomed, but unkind commentary will not be tolerated.

2. Clean-Up Responsibilities

Studio maintenance is a community effort. The final 7 minutes of every class period are dedicated to washing brushes, sorting materials, and wiping down tables. Failure to clean up directly impacts your Studio Habits grade.

3. Late Work & Deadlines

Because art projects take significant time, deadlines are announced well in advance.

• Late projects drop 2% per day unless an extension is requested and granted prior to the due date.

Note: If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to utilize open studio times or take projects home to stay on track.

4. Sketchbook Homework

Students are expected to complete one sketchbook entry per week inside/outside of class. These prompts are designed to encourage creative risk-taking and observational practice.