Pop art, art in which commonplace objects (such as comic strips, soup cans, road signs, and hamburgers) were used as subject matter and were often physically incorporated into the work.

High School Painting Class Rubric: Creative Color Wheel Animal Painting

This rubric will be used to evaluate your creative color wheel painting based on an animal of your choice. Your grade will be determined by your effective use of color wheel principles, appropriate proportions of the animal in relation to the canvas, the quality of your value work, and the integration of Zentangle-style line designs. Below is a detailed breakdown of the criteria.

1. Color Wheel Usage (25 Points)

This assignment requires the application of a creative color wheel to represent an animal. The painting should utilize a harmonious range of colors based on the color wheel principles, including primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.

• Excellent (22-25 points): The color wheel is used creatively and effectively. A wide range of colors from the wheel is incorporated in a harmonious and balanced way, demonstrating understanding of color theory (complementary, analogous, triadic, etc.). The colors are thoughtfully applied to the animal and background, creating a dynamic and cohesive piece.

• Good (18-21 points): Good use of color wheel principles, but some areas may feel underdeveloped or unbalanced. Most colors are chosen well, though the composition could benefit from more variety or contrast.

• Satisfactory (13-17 points): Limited use of color wheel principles. The painting may rely heavily on one color family (e.g., warm or cool tones) or the colors may not be effectively harmonized.

• Needs Improvement (0-12 points): Little to no use of the color wheel. The painting may lack color variety or show poor understanding of color relationships, making the piece appear flat or disconnected.

2. Space & Proportion of the Animal (25 Points)

The animal should be appropriately sized and proportioned in relation to the canvas. Consideration should be given to the placement of the animal and how it fits within the composition.

• Excellent (22-25 points): The animal is well-proportioned and placed thoughtfully on the canvas, making effective use of the space. The animal’s size is balanced with the overall composition, and the proportions are accurate or intentionally stylized to fit the concept.

• Good (18-21 points): The animal is generally well-proportioned, though some areas may feel awkward in relation to the canvas. Proportions may be slightly exaggerated or inconsistent but do not detract from the overall work.

• Satisfactory (13-17 points): The proportions of the animal are somewhat distorted or inconsistent, affecting the composition. The placement of the animal may feel crowded or poorly balanced on the canvas.

• Needs Improvement (0-12 points): The animal is poorly proportioned or misfit on the canvas. It may appear overly small, large, or awkwardly placed, leading to a disjointed composition.

3. Value Work (Light and Dark) (20 Points)

The use of value (light and dark) is essential for creating depth, volume, and dimension in the painting. Proper shading and value contrast will help bring the animal to life.

• Excellent (18-20 points): A strong range of values is used to create depth, dimension, and form in the animal. The highlights, mid-tones, and shadows are well-executed, adding richness and contrast to the composition.

• Good (14-17 points): A moderate range of values is present, though some areas may lack sufficient contrast or depth. The value work adds some dimension but could be more refined in areas.

• Satisfactory (10-13 points): Value usage is minimal or inconsistent, resulting in a flatter appearance. The painting may lack depth, and some areas may be too light or dark.

• Needs Improvement (0-9 points): Value work is poorly executed or missing. The animal and background lack contrast and dimension, making the painting appear flat.

4. Zentangle Line Designs (20 Points)

Zentangle is a method of creating intricate, repetitive patterns. Your painting should incorporate Zentangle-style lines within the animal or the background to enhance the design and texture.

• Excellent (18-20 points): The Zentangle designs are creatively and skillfully integrated into the painting. The patterns are detailed, well-executed, and add texture and interest to the composition without overwhelming the animal or the overall balance.

• Good (14-17 points): Zentangle patterns are present but may be less detailed or integrated inconsistently into the painting. The designs generally enhance the composition, but some areas could benefit from more complexity or balance.

• Satisfactory (10-13 points): Zentangle patterns are used sparingly or are overly simplistic. They may not contribute significantly to the composition, or they may be applied too uniformly without much variation.

• Needs Improvement (0-9 points): Minimal or no use of Zentangle designs. The patterning may be poorly executed, distracting, or not integrated well into the overall composition.

5. Effort, Presentation, and Neatness (10 Points)

The final presentation of the artwork, including neatness, attention to detail, and overall effort, is an important part of the evaluation.

• Excellent (9-10 points): The painting is presented with care, demonstrating high levels of effort and attention to detail. There are no visible mistakes or smudges, and the composition is polished and refined.

• Good (7-8 points): The painting shows good effort but may have small imperfections, such as minor smudges or slightly unfinished areas. Overall, it is a well-presented piece.

• Satisfactory (5-6 points): The painting appears incomplete or has noticeable imperfections. Some areas may be messy or lacking in refinement.

• Needs Improvement (0-4 points): The painting is poorly presented with visible mistakes, smudges, or lack of care in execution. The composition may appear rushed or unfinished.

Final Score Breakdown:

• Color Wheel Usage: ___ / 25

• Space & Proportion of Animal: ___ / 25

• Value Work: ___ / 20

• Zentangle Line Designs: ___ / 20

• Effort, Presentation, and Neatness: ___ / 10

Total Points: ___ / 100

Notes for Students:

• Color Wheel: Remember to incorporate a variety of colors from the color wheel, and don’t just focus on one part (e.g., only primary colors). Consider how complementary or analogous colors might work together to emphasize different parts of the animal.

• Zentangle: Be creative! Use Zentangle designs to add texture and interest to the animal’s fur, scales, or feathers, or even in the background. The patterns should feel integrated, not added as an afterthought.

• Proportions: Keep in mind that the size of your animal should suit the canvas—don’t overcrowd the composition or leave too much empty space. Ensure the animal’s proportions are realistic or intentionally stylized to suit the concept of your piece.